CN114582654A

CN114582654A - Multiple switch

Info

Publication number: CN114582654A
Application number: CN202111419883.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·B·罗哈斯阿达梅斯; A·里克雷布尔; S·普拉嘉米罗; C·巴提斯特玛雅斯; F·X·瓦兹库兹维拉
Original assignee: Simon SA
Current assignee: Simon SA
Priority date: 2020-12-01
Filing date: 2021-11-26
Publication date: 2022-06-03
Also published as: EP4009344C0; BR102021024066A2; EP4009344A1; MX2021014621A; EP4009344B1; ES2965317T3; PL4009344T3

Abstract

The invention relates to a multiple switch (D) comprising a base (B) and a key (T) which is hinged at both ends with respect to the base (B) such that the key (T) can be rotated about a first axis (Γ 1) or about a second axis (Γ 2) in a rest position or displaced in a Z-direction (Z) and which comprises a first end microswitch (MS1) and a central Microswitch (MSC), wherein an activation angle (α 1-act) of the first end microswitch (MS1) is greater than a first activation angle (α 1C-act) of the central Microswitch (MSC) so as to define at least three time intervals depending on the angle of rotation of the key (T) about the first axis (Γ 1): a time interval in which neither the first end micro-switch (MS1) nor the central micro-switch (MSC) is activated, a time interval in which only the central micro-switch (MSC) is activated, and a time interval in which both the first end micro-switch (MS1) and the central micro-switch (MSC) are activated.

Description

Multiple switch

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a multi-switch (multi-switch), and more particularly, to a multi-switch including at least three micro-switches.

Background

Multiple switches are known which are designed to control the opening/closing of an electrical load and its intensity level.

In this type of device, the highest reliability and ergonomics are sought, that is to say the device performs the user's wishes in the most comfortable way for the user.

One way to implement multiple switches is by using microswitches, which are miniaturized, very short-stroke switches. These microswitches are activated by a relatively large key intended to be pressed by the user, provided with a suitable extension for pressing the microswitch, possibly with the interposition of an intermediate force-transmitting tab (tab). In addition to transmitting forces, these tabs also serve as elements for pushing the keys towards the rest position.

The advantage of this arrangement is that the microswitch can be activated with a minimum of pressing strokes, since these strokes are distances in the order of one millimetre. For this reason, they are very ergonomic solutions, since the user only has to exert a slight pressure on the keys.

These solutions typically use one key for each switch and therefore are not uncertain to the user. However, it is intended to simplify the design by making one key activate two switches.

However, the known devices based on this solution have the drawback that certain areas of the keys present uncertainties with respect to the microswitch they will activate.

Therefore, there is a need for a solution that allows multiple switches to be implemented with a single key (which activates two or more microswitches) with minimal uncertainty for the user, that is, those areas of the device that do not respond properly to the user's press, or in other words, there is excellent correspondence between the pressed area and the activated function, whether on or off, or increasing or decreasing intensity.

Disclosure of Invention

In order to overcome the drawbacks mentioned and to achieve the objects mentioned above, the invention proposes a multiple switch comprising a base and a key hinged at both ends with respect to the base by means of a first axis and a second axis parallel to the first axis, each axis comprising a unidirectional (unidirectional) connection, so that the key can:

in a rest position in which the keys abut on the unidirectional connections of each axis;

-rotating around the first axis when a first region of the key close to the second axis is pressed, such that the key loses contact with the second axis;

-rotating around the second axis when a second region of the key close to the first axis is pressed, so that the key loses contact with the first axis;

-is displaced in a Z-direction perpendicular to a plane containing the first axis and the second axis when a central zone located between the first zone and the second zone is pressed;

-a first end microswitch located on the base below the first zone and comprising an actuation point (actuation point), the key comprising a first end point for directly or indirectly pressing the actuation point of the first microswitch;

-a central microswitch located on the base below the central zone and comprising an actuation point, the key comprising a central end point for directly or indirectly pressing the actuation point of the central microswitch;

the following rotation angles of the keys can thus be defined with respect to the rest position:

-an activation angle α 1-act of the first end microswitch upon rotation of the key about the first axis, which corresponds to the first end point activating the actuation point of the first end microswitch;

-a central activation angle α 1C-act of the central microswitch upon rotation of the key about the first axis, corresponding to the central end point activating the actuation point of the central microswitch;

wherein the activation angle α 1-act of the first end microswitch is greater than the first activation angle α 1C-act of the central microswitch:

α1C-act<α1-act (I)

so as to define at least three time intervals depending on the rotation angle of the keys about the first axis:

-a time interval during which neither the first end micro-switch nor the central micro-switch is activated;

-a time interval in which only the central microswitch is activated;

-a time interval during which both the first end microswitch and the central microswitch are activated.

Unidirectional connections are understood in the context of the present invention as mechanical interactions of the positive type, that is to say surfaces which abut other surfaces, so that they can exert a mutual force only when they abut one another and thus are separated when a part of the unidirectional contact is required in the opposite direction to the support. This is the type of mechanical link that exists in floating buttons.

As regards the microswitches, they are understood to be constituted by a fixed part (in this case fixed to the base) and an activation button, called actuation point, since it is a very small button.

Thus, with the features of the present invention, a device consisting essentially of a single key and two microswitches can be precisely controlled. Furthermore, by programming the underlying electronics, a single microswitch combination of activation and deactivation can be established by means of the invention, that is, a single relationship is established between the depressed key area and the function that a multi-switch dimmer (dimmer) will perform.

In some embodiments, the multiple switch includes a second end microswitch located on the base below the second zone and including an actuation point, the key including a second end point for pressing the actuation point of the second end microswitch directly or indirectly so that the following rotation angles can be defined:

-an activation angle α 2-act of the second end microswitch upon rotation of the key about the second axis, which corresponds to a contact between the second end point and an actuation point of the second end microswitch;

-a second angle of activation α 2C-act of the central microswitch upon rotation of the key about the second axis, corresponding to the contact between the central end point and the actuation point of the central microswitch; wherein the second end microswitch activation angle α 2-act is greater than the second activation angle α 2C-act of the central microswitch:

α2C-act<α2-act (III)

so as to define at least three time intervals according to the rotation angle of the keys around the second axis:

-a time interval during which neither the second end micro-switch nor the central micro-switch is activated;

-a time interval in which only the central microswitch is activated;

-a time interval during which both the second end microswitch and the central microswitch are activated.

Therefore, the present invention can be extended to a key including three microswitches, and more functions can be precisely controlled.

In some embodiments, the one-way connection is formed by a downward extension of the key provided with a retaining protrusion, the dimmer comprising a wall secured to the base, the wall being provided with a retaining step for retaining the protrusion.

In some embodiments, the multiple switch includes one or more mechanical stops configured to limit the angle of rotation of the key and/or limit downward displacement of the key.

These stops are designed so that the microswitch is never operated in an overpressure condition and therefore its service life is extended.

In some embodiments, the multiple switch furthermore comprises a light intensity indicator, which in turn is formed by a light source in the base and a light guide embedded in the key, wherein optionally a light channel is present.

The first and central microswitches may be activated by a flexible tab connected directly or indirectly to the key, such that upon activation of the central microswitches by continued depression of the key, the flexible tab associated with the central microswitches begins to flex towards the key.

The aforementioned mechanical stop should be dimensioned to ensure that the flexible tab remains within its elastic working range (outside the zone in which it is plastically deformed with residual deformation, and significantly away from the breaking point).

The switch may be provided with a resilient element intended to press the key upwards for holding the switch in the rest position. For this purpose, tabs directly attached to the keys themselves or to a fixing element as disclosed below may be used.

In some embodiments, the multiple switch includes an intermediate plate between the key and the base, the intermediate plate including a flexible tab such that the flexible tab transmits pressure from the end point to the actuation point. These tabs also serve as elements for pushing the keys to the rest position.

Preferably, in this case, the tabs may be dimensioned so that they can perform a protective function for the microswitch, that is to say they are elastically deformed when they fully press the microswitch.

This feature makes it possible to economically and reliably have means for biasing the keys towards their rest positions. On the other hand, it provides flexibility with respect to the possible positions of the microswitch.

In some embodiments, the multiple switch comprises a cover configured to be directly pressed by a user and attached to the key, the cover preferably comprising a through hole for mounting the light guide.

By separating the aesthetic function and the touch function into separate pieces, the material of the various parts can be optimized.

In some embodiments, the key includes a plurality of ribs. By providing rigidity to the keys, predictability of multi-switch behavior is improved. As explained above, if a lighter touch is desired, suitable materials may be selected for the outer cover, but sufficient rigidity of the keys is always ensured, thereby maintaining the claimed angular range.

In the multiple switch of the present invention, the following distances may be defined:

-an end termination length (endstop length) being the distance between the first axis and the end of the key at the first zone;

-an end termination height, which is the maximum displacement of the key relative to the base at the end of the key at the first zone,

wherein the ratio end length/end height is greater than 1, preferably in the range between 10 and 27.

Preferably, the ratio end length/end height is 20 and/or the end height is between 1.2 and 4 mm.

In the multi-switch dimmer of the present invention, the following distances may be defined:

-a central microswitch displacement which is the maximum displacement of the key at the end points of the central zone when the key is rotated about the first axis, and

-a first end microswitch displacement which is the maximum displacement of the key at the first end point of the first zone upon rotation of the key about the first axis.

Preferably, the center microswitch displacement is between 0.3 and 1mm and the first end microswitch displacement is between 1.1 and 2 mm.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the end termination height is between 2.1 and 2.3 mm.

Preferably, the multi-switch includes a lower plate provided with electronic components and a lower cover.

Finally, in some embodiments, the multiple switches are dimmers.

Drawings

For a complete description and to provide a better understanding of the invention, a set of drawings is provided. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and illustrate embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but merely as exemplifications of how the invention may be carried out. The drawings include the following figures:

fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of three zones in a multi-switch according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the positions of three microswitches in a multiswitch.

Fig. 3 and 4 show perspective views through a longitudinal section of the multiple switch, which spans three zones and shows the keys, the inner parts and the base of the multiple switch.

Fig. 5 shows the same cross section as fig. 4 during compression of the key at its end.

Fig. 6 shows the same cross section as fig. 4 during further compression of the key.

Fig. 7 shows a cross-section of the multiswitch in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal section of fig. 3-6.

Fig. 8 shows an overall view of a multiple switch.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic diagram of different multiple switching parameters.

Fig. 10 shows a plan view of an intermediate plate provided with resilient tabs, the intermediate plate being spaced apart from the other components.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a key including a stiffener and a microswitch activator.

Fig. 12 shows an exploded view of a multiple switch according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

As shown in fig. 1, the multiple switch D includes a key having three regions: a1 and a2 at two opposite ends, and an AC at the center. The user facing surface of the multi-switch should provide a sensory indication that distinguishes the three zones. Preferably, the surface may include a tactile quality distinction between adjacent zones, which may also be visually marked. The multiple switch is configured to allow a user to control one or more electrical loads by pressing a key T in one of the three zones.

Each zone is associated with a respective lower layer microswitch MS1, MS2 and MSC.

For this purpose, as shown in fig. 3, the multiple switch D comprises a base B and a key T which is articulated at both ends with respect to the base B by means of a first axis Γ 1 and a second axis Γ 2 parallel to the first axis Γ 1.

Hinging is to be understood as the key T being rotationally movable relative thereto if the base B is considered as an absolute reference. That is, physically, the keys are not hinged to the base B, but are hinged with respect to the wall W to which the base B is solidly connected. In other words, the wall and the base have a fixed relative position, they may be constituted by separate parts that are joined, or they may even form part of a single moulded piece. Generally, these walls W form the outer envelope of the switch.

As mentioned above, the present invention relates to a key which can be considered floating and guided by several flexible elements (such as springs or flexible tabs) and several retaining protrusions to avoid its range of lateral and vertical movements which are of interest for the purpose of selective actuation (which is the subject of the present context).

To this end, as shown in fig. 3, each axis Γ 1; Γ 2 comprises a unidirectional (this concept is well known in mechanics and has been explained above)

connection

12,14,16,18, so that the key T can:

in a rest position in which the keys abut on the

unidirectional connections

12,14,16,18 of each axis Γ 1; Γ 2;

-rotating around the first axis Γ 1 when a first region a1 of the key T near the second axis Γ 2 is pressed, so that the key T loses contact with the second axis Γ 2;

-rotating around the second axis Γ 2 when a second region a2 of the key T close to the first axis Γ 1 is pressed, so that the key T loses contact with the first axis Γ 1;

-is displaced in the Z-direction Z perpendicular to a plane containing the first axis Γ 1 and the second axis Γ 2 when a central region AC located between the first region a1 and the second region a2 is pressed.

The multiple switch further includes:

a first end microswitch MS1 located on the base B below the first zone a1 and comprising an actuation point MP1, the key T comprising a first end point TP1 for pressing directly or indirectly the actuation point MP1 of the first microswitch MS 1;

a central microswitch MSC located on the base B below the central area AC and comprising an actuation point MPC, the key T comprising a central terminal point TPC for pressing directly or indirectly the actuation point MPC of the central microswitch MSC.

So defined, the following rotation angles of the keys can be defined with respect to the rest position:

the angle of activation α 1-act of the first end microswitch MS1 upon rotation of the key T about the first axis Γ 1, which corresponds to the actuation point MP1 at which the first end point TP1 activates the first end microswitch MS 1;

a first angle of activation α 1C-act of the central microswitch MSC when the key T is rotated about the first axis Γ 1, which corresponds to the central endpoint TPC activating the actuation point MPC of the central microswitch MSC.

The invention is characterized in that the activation angle α 1-act of the first end microswitch MS1 is greater than the first activation angle α 1C-act of the central microswitch MSC:

α1C-act<α1-act I

if this condition is satisfied, three time intervals are defined according to the rotation angle of the key T about the first axis Γ 1:

-time intervals in which neither the first end microswitch MS1 nor the central microswitch MSC is activated;

-a time interval in which only the central microswitch MSC is activated;

the time interval during which both the first end microswitch MS1 and the central microswitch MSC are activated.

Thus, an unambiguous relation is established between the angle of rotation of the K-key and the on-combination of the micro-switches, which may be associated with different actions, such as preferably intensity control of the light source.

The invention can be extended by a second end microswitch MS2 located on base B below the second zone a2 and also comprising an actuation point MP 2.

Then, in a similar manner to that for the first end microswitch, the key T comprises a second terminal point TP2 for directly or indirectly pressing the actuation point MP2 of the second end microswitch MS 2.

The following rotation angles can also be defined:

the angle of activation α 2-act of the second end microswitch MS2 upon rotation of the key T about the second axis Γ 2, which corresponds to the contact between the second end point TP2 and the actuation point MP2 of the second end microswitch MS 2;

a second angle of activation α 2C-act of the central microswitch MSC when the key T is rotated about the second axis Γ 2, which corresponds to the contact between the central terminal point TPC and the actuation point MPC of the central microswitch MSC; wherein the activation angle α 2-act of the second end microswitch MS2 is greater than the second activation angle α 2C-act of the central microswitch MSC:

α2C-act<α2-act III

thus, in turn, at least three time intervals are defined according to the rotation angle of the key T about the second axis Γ 2:

-time intervals in which neither the second end microswitch MS2 nor the central microswitch MSC are activated;

-a time interval in which only the central microswitch MSC is activated;

-the time interval during which both the second end microswitch MS2 and the central microswitch MSC are activated.

There are many ways of achieving the one-way connection, but the one-way connection formed by the downward extension TD of the key T provided with the retaining

protrusions

14,16 which cooperate with the retaining steps 12,18 for the retaining

protrusions

14,16 is preferred. In other words, the link is in the form of an edge leg at two parallel edges of the key. The side legs limit outward displacement of the keys, but allow each edge or both edges of the keys to be pressed toward the base B. The key T is by default pushed away from the base B so that the interacting legs are in contact with each other in the rest position.

These retaining

protrusions

14,16 are embodied so as to be fixed to the wall W of the base B.

To protect the microswitch, the multiple switch D comprises (as shown in fig. 7) one or more

mechanical stops

20,22,24,26,30,32,34,36,38 configured to limit the angle of rotation of the key T and/or to limit the downward displacement Z of the key T.

An advantageous aspect of the multiple switch (as marked, for example, in fig. 3) is that it furthermore comprises an intensity indicator, which in turn is formed by a light source LED in the base B and a light guide G embedded in the key T, wherein optionally a light channel CL is present. The multiple switch further comprises a cover 3 configured to be directly pressed by a user and attached to the key T, the cover 3 preferably comprising a through hole 31 for housing the light guide G.

As also shown in fig. 3, the multiple switch D comprises an intermediate plate 4 between the keys T and the base B, the intermediate plate 4 comprising flexible tabs T1, T2, TC, such that the flexible tabs T1, T2, TC transmit pressure from the endpoints TP1, TP2, TPC to the actuation points MP1, MP2, MPC. The flexible tabs T1, T2, TC also serve as elements for pushing the keys towards the rest position.

An important aspect of the multiswitch from a mechanical point of view is that the key T comprises a plurality of strengthening ribs TR which provide stiffness to the key and thus precise control of the microswitch.

Now with respect to absolute dimensions, it is useful to define the following distances:

end termination length L _ end termination, which is the distance between the first axis Γ 1 and the end of the key T at the first region a 1;

end termination height H _ end termination, which is the maximum displacement of the key T relative to the base B at the end of the key T at the first zone a1,

in this regard, the inventors have found that the ratio of end termination length/end termination height Ltip termination/H tip termination in the range [10;27] provides good dynamic results, and preferably the ratio of end termination length/end termination height Ltip termination/H tip termination is 20 and/or the end termination height Htip termination is between 1.2 and 4 mm.

The following parameters may also be defined:

-a central microswitch displacement H _ on/off, which is the maximum displacement of the key T at the end point TPC of the central area AC when the key T is rotated about the first axis Γ 1, and

a first end microswitch displacement H _ switch, which is the maximum displacement of the key T at the first end point TP1 of the first zone a1 when the key T is rotated about the first axis Γ 1.

For these parameters, the following values are preferred:

-central microswitch displacement H _ on/off between 0.3 and 1.1mm, and

-first end microswitch displacement hjswitch between 1.1 and 2 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the end termination height H _ end terminates between 2.1 and 2.3 mm.

Finally, the multiple switch comprises a lower plate 5 provided with electronic components and a lower cover 6.

Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal section through the multiple switch D in the rest position. In this figure, it can be observed that if the key is moved (without rotation) downwards, the pairs of

legs

12,14 and 16,18 will lose contact with each other. By pressing a key in the central zone AC, the key is displaced downwards in the Z direction Z defined previously, then the central endpoint TPC starts to displace the central tab TC and thus presses the actuation point MPC of the central microswitch MSC. This results in turning on or off one or more electrical loads.

In a preferred embodiment, the multiple switches are dimmers for controlling the light source, so that activating the central microswitch has the effect of turning the lamp on or off.

Fig. 5 shows a longitudinal section of the dimmer D when a user presses the key T downwards in the left area causing the key T to tilt around the first axis. The first axis is formed by the pair of

legs

16, 18. In this figure the keys have actually reached the first activation angle α 1C-act of the central microswitch MSC but have not yet reached the activation angle α 1-act of the first microswitch MS 1. In embodiments where the multi-switch is a dimmer, the central microswitch is activated by pressing the first zone but not enough to reach the activation angle α 1-act of the first microswitch MS1, and thus the lamp is turned on or off as when the central zone is pressed.

Fig. 6 shows a longitudinal section of the multi-switch D when the user continues to press the key T downwards in the left area. Eventually, the tilt angle of the key T reaches the activation angle α 1-act of the first micro switch MS 1. In embodiments where the multi-switch is a dimmer, activation of the first micro-switch MS1 changes the intensity of the light, e.g., may increase the intensity.

In this document, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, such as "comprises" and the like, are not to be taken in an exclusive sense, that is, these terms are not to be construed as excluding the possibility that the described and defined content may include additional elements.

It is obvious that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but also encompasses any variant that may be considered by a person skilled in the art within the general scope of the invention, as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A multiple switch (D) comprising a base (B) and a key (T) hinged at both ends with respect to the base (B) by means of a first axis (Γ 1) and a second axis (Γ 2) parallel to the first axis (Γ 1), each axis (Γ 1; Γ 2) comprising a unidirectional connection (12,14,16,18) such that the key (T) is capable of:

-in a rest position, in which said key (T) abuts on said unidirectional connection (12,14,16,18) of each axis (Γ 1; Γ 2);

-rotate about the first axis (Γ 1) when a first region (a1) of the key (T) close to the second axis (Γ 2) is pressed, such that the key (T) loses contact with the second axis (Γ 2);

-rotate about the second axis (Γ 2) when a second region (a2) of the key (T) close to the first axis (Γ 1) is pressed, so that the key (T) loses contact with the first axis (Γ 1);

-is displaced in a Z-direction (Z) perpendicular to a plane containing the first axis (Γ 1) and the second axis (Γ 2) when a central region (AC) located between the first region (a1) and the second region (a2) is pressed;

it is characterized in that it comprises:

-a first end microswitch (MS1) located on the base (B) below the first zone (a1) and comprising an actuation point (MP1), the key (T) comprising a first end point (TP1) for pressing directly or indirectly the actuation point (MP1) of the first microswitch (MS 1);

-a central Microswitch (MSC) located on the base (B) below the central Area (AC) and comprising an actuation point (MPC), the key (T) comprising a central Terminal Point (TPC) for pressing directly or indirectly the actuation point (MPC) of the central Microswitch (MSC);

so that the following angles of rotation of the key (T) can be defined with respect to the rest position:

-an activation angle (α 1-act) of said first end microswitch (MS1) upon rotation of said key (T) about said first axis (Γ 1), corresponding to an actuation point (MP1) of said first end microswitch (MS1) activated by said first endpoint (TP 1);

-a first angle of activation (α 1C-act) of said central Microswitch (MSC) upon rotation of said key (T) about said first axis (Γ 1), corresponding to an actuation point (MPC) of said central Terminal Point (TPC) activating said central Microswitch (MSC);

wherein the first end microswitch (MS1) has an activation angle (α 1-act) which is greater than the first activation angle (α 1C-act) of the central Microswitch (MSC):

α1C-act<α1-act (I)

so as to define at least three time intervals according to the rotation angle of the key (T) about the first axis (Γ 1):

-a time interval in which neither the first end microswitch (MS1) nor the central Microswitch (MSC) is activated;

-a time interval in which only the central Microswitch (MSC) is activated;

-a time interval during which both the first end microswitch (MS1) and the central Microswitch (MSC) are activated.

2. The multiple switch (D) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a second end microswitch (MS2) located on the base (B) below the second zone (a2) and comprising an actuation point (MP2), the key (T) comprising a second end point (TP2) for pressing directly or indirectly the actuation point (MP2) of the second end microswitch (MS2), so as to be able to define the following rotation angles:

-an activation angle (α 2-act) of the second end microswitch (MS2) upon rotation of the key (T) about the second axis (Γ 2), corresponding to a contact between the second end point (TP2) and an actuation point (MP2) of the second end microswitch (MS 2);

-a second angle of activation (α 2C-act) of said central Microswitch (MSC) upon rotation of said key (T) about said second axis (Γ 2), corresponding to a contact between said central Terminal Point (TPC) and an actuation point (MPC) of said central Microswitch (MSC); wherein the second end microswitch (MS2) has an activation angle (α 2-act) which is greater than the second activation angle (α 2C-act) of the central Microswitch (MSC):

α2C-act<α2-act (III)

so as to define at least three time intervals according to the rotation angle of the key (T) about the second axis (Γ 2):

-a time interval in which neither the second end microswitch (MS2) nor the central Microswitch (MSC) is activated;

-a time interval in which only the central Microswitch (MSC) is activated;

-a time interval during which both the second end microswitch (MS2) and the central Microswitch (MSC) are activated.

3. Multiple switch (D) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the unidirectional connection is formed by a downward extension (TD) of the push-button (T) provided with a retaining projection (14,16), the multiple switch comprising a wall (W) secured to the base (B), said wall being provided with a retaining step (12,18) for the retaining projection (14, 16).

4. Multiple switch (D) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising one or more mechanical stops (20,22,24,26,30,32,34,36,38) configured to limit the rotation angle of the key (T) and/or to limit the downward displacement (Z) of the key (T).

5. The multiple switch (D) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein it furthermore comprises a light intensity indicator, which in turn is formed by a light source (LED) in the base (B) and a light guide (G) embedded in the key (T), wherein optionally a light Channel (CL) is present.

6. A multiple switch (D) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an intermediate plate (4) between the keys (T) and the base (B), the intermediate plate (4) comprising flexible tabs (T1, T2, TC), such that the flexible tabs (T1, T2, TC) transmit pressure from the end points (TP1, TP2, TPC) to the actuation points (MP1, MP2, MPC).

7. Multiple switch (D) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover (3) configured to be directly pressed by a user and attached to the key (T), the cover (3) preferably comprising a through hole (31) for mounting a light guide (G).

8. The multiple switch (D) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said push-button (T) comprises a plurality of reinforcement ribs (TR).

9. Multiple switch (D) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the following distances can be defined:

-an end termination length (L _ end termination), which is the distance between the first axis (Γ 1) and the end of the key (T) at the first region (a 1);

-an end termination height (H _ end termination) being the maximum displacement of the key (T) relative to the base (B) at the end of the key (T) at the first zone (A1),

wherein the ratio of L _ end termination/H _ end termination is in the range [10;27 ].

10. The multiple switch (D) according to claim 7, wherein the ratio L _ end/H _ end is 20 and/or the end termination height (H _ end) is between 1.2 and 4 mm.

11. Multiple switch (D) according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the following distances can be defined:

-a central microswitch displacement (H _ on/off), which is the maximum displacement of the key (T) at the end point (TPC) of the central Area (AC) when the key (T) is rotated about the first axis (Γ 1), and

-a first end microswitch displacement (H _ switch) being the maximum displacement of the key (T) at a first end point (TP1) of the first region (A1) upon rotation of the key (T) about the first axis (Γ 1),

wherein the center microswitch displacement (H _ ON/OFF) is between 0.34 and 1.04mm and the first end microswitch displacement (H _ ON) is between 1.17 and 1.91 mm.

12. The multiple switch (D) of claim 10, wherein the end termination height (H _ end) is between 2.13 and 2.27 mm.

13. Multiple switch (D) according to any of the previous claims, comprising a lower plate (5) provided with electronic components and a lower cover (6).