EP1436821B1 - Multiple way switch assembly and switch module - Google Patents

Abstract

A multiple position switch assembly includes two or more switch modules. The switch modules are each suited as an individual switch module for use in a two-way switch assembly. Two switch modules of like kind but complementary to one another may be combined with one another such that the two combined switch modules form a four-way switch assembly. Each switch module includes control elements pivotally or movably connected to a base. Each of the control elements is associated with a switching element. In the four-way switch assembly, the control elements are arranged in an antiparallel arrangement and each can be alternately actuated by a common actuator. Upon being actuated, the control elements pivot or move to actuate the corresponding switching element. The actuator is movable along four actuating directions oriented in a cross-shaped manner with regard to one another.

Description

The present invention relates to a switch module, preferably for use in a multi-way switch arrangement, as well as a multi-way switch arrangement, which contains at least two of the switch modules according to the invention.

In many fields of application, in particular in motor vehicle construction, multi-way switch arrangements with a multifunctional, for example cap-shaped control element are used for actuating movable components, which is movable in a plurality of actuating directions. Preferably, to facilitate the operation of each direction of movement of the component associated with a sense actuation direction of the control element.

Such switch arrangements are either in the form of two-way switch arrangements with two opposite actuating directions of the control element, for example, for the up and down movement of a window, or in the form of four-way switch arrangements with cross-shaped aligned, respectively pairwise opposite actuation directions, for example for the XY Adjustment of a mirror or for the alignment of a vehicle seat, used.

From DE 198 44 335 C1, a multi-way switch arrangement with a main body associated Domschaltmatte has become known. The switching elements of Domschaltmatte by a common, with the actuator connected over several axes tiltably mounted control element influenced in their adjustment.

Furthermore, EP 0 632 475 A1 has disclosed a multi-way switch arrangement in which four plunger-like actuating elements, which are arranged concentrically and slidably held in a base body, can be adjusted by a common actuating element which can be moved by a centrally arranged, tiltably mounted operating element. The control elements act on switching elements of the base body associated Domschaltmatte.

Furthermore, DE 195 17 538 A1 discloses a multipath switch arrangement designed as a four-way toggle switch. In this prior art switch assembly four lever-like, pivotally mounted in a base body, cooperating with the switching elements of a Domschaltmatte control elements are driven by a common actuator, which is actuated by a multi-axis tiltable mounted control.

A disadvantage of these known switch arrangements is the use of a comparatively large number of partially complicated to manufacture items, which must be specially tailored to the particular application and which are relatively expensive to assemble.

In addition, in all the above-mentioned embodiments of a multi-way switch assembly has the problem that the structure is not modular and thus the space is always matched to the maximum, determined by the functionality switch design.

In addition, US Pat. No. 5,719,361 discloses a switch module having a dome switch mat arranged in a base body, wherein two dome switch mats are assigned to the main body in opposite directions movable control elements are present, which are alternately controllable by a movable in opposite directions control. Such a switching module is not readily supplemented by an at least almost identical switching module in order to realize a four-way switch arrangement.

Finally, EP 1 063 664 A1 and EP 1 126 483 A1 disclose switching components of which the subject matter of claims 1 and 5 differs in that the switching component has only two control elements. The problem with such a switching module is the quite complex, always oriented to the maximum functionality of the same structure.

Object of the present invention is to provide a simple-to-manufacture switch module, which is advantageously used as a prefabricated module in a multi-way switch assembly.

This object is achieved in each case by the features specified in claim 1 and in claim 5.

The multipath switch arrangement described below contains at least two switch modules constructed according to the invention, which can each be actuated by an actuating element that can be moved in opposite directions. Taken individually, the switch modules each form a two-way module for a two-way switch arrangement. On the other hand, the switch blocks are also designed so that the combination of two similar, preferably complementary to each other designed switch blocks forms a four-way assembly for a four-way switch assembly, which by a common actuator is operable, which is preferably movable in four crosswise aligned directions.

The switch modules each have at least two, preferably lever-shaped, control elements which are paired in pairs by the common actuating element and which are arranged in an antiparallel arrangement (see, for example, FIG. The actuator is adjustable in opposite directions, the directions enclosing an angle (preferably 90 °) with the longitudinal extension of the control levers. An associated control element (for example a control button or a button) is coupled to the actuating element; Preferably, the operating element is rigidly connected to the actuating element.

At least one switching element, which may be contained in the switch module or also detached therefrom, may be attached to another part of the switch assembly containing the switch module.

The switching elements can be designed in various ways, for example in the form of elastic contact elements - corresponding to the elastic contact elements of a Domschaltmatte - which cooperate with associated, for example, applied to a printed circuit board counter contacts, as prefabricated microswitch, spring-switching contacts or as non-contact switching elements such as As photocells, Hall elements or the like (where necessary, an additional (elastic) element for generating the feel and / or necessary for the provision of force component is required).

The diverse applicability of the switch module is due to the special design and arrangement of the control elements and the body allows: in addition to the use as a switch block of a two-way switch assembly with opposite direction of actuation of the actuator is, as already mentioned, in combination with a second similar block also use in a four-way switch assembly with four crosswise arranged actuating directions of the actuator possible. For special applications, it is also possible to design the switch module so that a different orientation from the vertical orientation of the pairwise opposite actuating directions is realized.

The switch module is preferably produced by means of an injection molding technique from one or more, in particular two, different plastic materials.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control elements are connected as a pivoting lever via an axle connection with the base body.

In this embodiment of the articulated connection, it is furthermore favorable to produce actuation elements and base bodies with the multi-component injection molding technique in one and the same injection mold, wherein the actuation elements are virtually injected into bearing receivers formed on the base body. By a suitable selection of the plastic materials, in particular with regard to the relative shrinkage of the individual materials during curing, the integrally formed on the drive element axis remains in the associated bearing mount almost free of rotation rotatably. In addition, it is also possible to introduce further movable parts (in particular a lever-type actuating element) by means of the multi-component injection molding technique into the switch module. As a result, assembly work can be at least largely eliminated.

The switch module according to the invention, as well as a multi-way switch arrangement with two switch modules will be explained in more detail below with reference to schematically illustrated embodiments.

• Figur 1a einen ersten Schalterbaustein 1,
• Figur 1b einen zum ersten Schalterbaustein 1 komplementären, nahezu identischen zweiten Schalterbaustein 1',
• Figur 1c den ersten und den zweiten Schalterbaustein 1,1' zu einer Vierwege-Baugruppe B kombiniert,
• Figur 1d eine Aufsicht einer alternativen Ausführungsform eines Schalterbausteines (1,1') mit zwei schieberartigen Ansteuerelementen 1b,
• Figur 2 eine Vierwege-Schalteranordnung S mit einem darüberliegenden Betätigungselement 2 und mit Schaltelementen 3a, 3a',
• Figur 3 eine alternative Ausführungsform einer Vierwege-Schalteranordnung S mit zwei erfindungsgemäßen, komplementären Schalterbausteinen 1,1'. Figur 3a zeigt eine auseinandergezogene Darstellung, Figur 3b eine Darstellung der zusammengesetzten Vierwege-Schalteranordnung S.

Show it

• FIG. 1 a shows a first switch module 1,
• Figure 1b is a first switch block 1 complementary, almost identical second switch module 1 ',
• FIG. 1c combines the first and the second switch module 1, 1 ' into a four-way module B ,
• FIG. 1 d shows a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a switch module (1, 1 ') with two slide-type activation elements 1 b,
• 2 shows a four-way switch arrangement S with an overlying actuating element 2 and with switching elements 3a , 3a ',
• FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a four-way switch arrangement S with two complementary switch modules 1, 1 ' according to the invention . Figure 3a shows an exploded view, Figure 3b is an illustration of the composite four-way switch assembly S.

FIG. 1 shows a single switch module 1 . The one-piece base body 1a can be thoughtfully divided into three areas: a first and a second region I, II, which is respectively arranged directly at the respective drive element 1b and a connection region III of the main body 1a bridging these two regions .

The areas I, II located at the drive elements 1b receive articulated connections 1c and, preferably, receptacles 1d or fixing parts for the switching elements. The outer contour of the base body 1a preferably follows in these areas substantially the projection of the respective control element 1b on the base body 1a .

The articulated connection 1c is formed in the illustrated embodiment as an axle connection. On the base body 1a there are integrally formed bearing receptacles for the control elements 1b. An alternative embodiment of the articulated connection would be for example a film hinge. In such an embodiment, it is expedient to connect the drive elements 1b preferably in one piece with the main body 1a .

In the illustrated embodiment, receptacles 1d are provided for switching elements, wherein the switching elements are designed as elastically movable contact elements. It may be provided that the switching elements are part of the switch module.

The connection of the areas I and II is made in the illustrated embodiment by two webs 1i , but it is alternatively also a plate-shaped connection conceivable.

The two control elements 1b of a (single) switch module 1 can be brought into operative connection in a two-way switch arrangement, for example with a T-shaped, pivotally mounted actuating element and form an assembly for a two-way switch arrangement. In Figure 1a, they are opposite to each other Actuation directions BR of the (not shown at this point) actuating or operating element indicated as a dashed double arrow.

The possibility of the switch device 1 including a second similar contact module 1 ', which is accommodated in the connecting region III in contact with the base body 1 a, to be combined is illustrated in Figure 1c.

FIG. 1b shows a second, almost identical switch module 1 ' . The opposite actuating directions BR 'of the (not shown at this point) actuating or operating element are indicated as a dashed double arrow.

Both switch modules 1, 1 ' are geometrically designed such that they have a point of symmetry P , with respect to which they are substantially point-symmetrical when viewed in a plan view of the respective base body.

The design of the switch modules 1,1 ' is designed so that the first switch module 1 combined with the twisted by about 90 °, the second switch module 1' forms a compact four-way assembly B for a four-way switch assembly. FIG. 1c shows the switch modules combined to form a four-way module (the associated actuating directions BR, BR 'of the actuating element which are arranged crosswise relative to one another are shown as dotted double arrows).

Preferably, the four-way assembly B thus formed is formed substantially square, wherein the four drive elements ( 1b, 1b ' ) are aligned along a predetermined direction of rotation.

The two switch components 1, 1 ' shown in FIGS . 1a, 1b differ only in the design of the respective base body 1a, 1a' in the respective connection region III. These are preferably designed complementary to each other in such a way that the combination of Switch modules 1.1 ' results in a planar assembly, wherein the control surfaces 1g, 1g' of the actuators 1b, 1b ' lie substantially in one plane and the base surfaces of the base body 1a, 1a' substantially in one (other) plane.

For this purpose, the base body 1a 'in the connection area III of the switch block 1' kept level, while the base body just '1a has in the connection area III of the switch block 1 an offset corresponding to the thickness of the main body 1a in the connection region III. For accurate combination of the two contact modules of the basic body are provided at the connecting webs 1i, 1a additionally formed Paßleisten 1k.

Incidentally, the above-described construction of the switch module 1 with lever-type control elements 1b by no means represents the only possible embodiment: a possible alternative embodiment of the switch module 1 is shown in elevation or side view in FIG. 1d . This embodiment uses as actuators 1b slide, which are arranged axially displaceably on a substantially plate-shaped base body 1a and aligned with their longitudinal extent parallel to each other, wherein the slide alternately act on with respect to the actuating direction horizontally arranged switching elements 3a . The switching elements 3a are realized in this embodiment by the contact elements of a Domschaltmatte and arranged perpendicularly upwardly angled projections 1l of the main body 1a . Visible is the movable (switching) contact 3d (in particular a contact pill), which is held by a, in particular made of silicone, cone-shaped, elastic hollow body 3e . By pressure (see arrows) on the switching contact, is brought with the same on the extensions 1l available (in the illustration but not visible) fixed contacts is in operative connection. The slider-like control elements 1b are (corresponding the previously described embodiment) by an actuatable in two opposite directions of actuation actuator 2 (not shown in Figure 1d), the actuating directions are again preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the slide. The actuating element can in particular be designed as a pivotable lever, wherein the pivot axis of the lever extends parallel to the longitudinal extent of the slide. The slides each have a drive surface 1g designed as a drive slope , the drive slopes of the respective slides being opposite one another. This allows the actuator, the slide - and thus the switching elements - by a vertically acting on the Ansteuerschrägen pressure alternately in the horizontal direction (ie parallel to the surface of the body) operate.

FIG. 2 shows a composite four-way switch arrangement S with switch modules 1, 1 ' according to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1a-c and with a possible embodiment of the actuating element 2 . The actuating element 2 is mounted pivotably in the manner of a gimbal on two mutually perpendicular axes.

In the illustrated embodiment of the four-way switch arrangement S , each control element 1b, 1b 'is assigned a single switching element 3a, 3a' . There is the possibility that the switching elements 3a, 3a ' on the base body 1a, a' and / or on the respective control element 1b, b 'are positively or materially secured.

It is also possible in principle to construct a four-way switch arrangement with completely identical switch components. Are the switch blocks similar to those shown in Figure 1 and 2 shown and is for reasons of standardization of the switch blocks on the complementary Design of the intermediate area III is omitted, so the control surfaces 1g, 1g 'of the drive elements 1b, 1b' are no longer in a plane, but are offset in height according to the material thickness of the intermediate region III . In order to keep this offset of the control surfaces 1g, 1g ' as low as possible, the material thickness of the connecting portions III can be kept very thin and / or the connecting portion III are designed to be elastic, so that the control elements or the base surfaces of the body are at least approximately in one plane. Alternatively, the compensation of the offset by a corresponding structural adaptation of the actuating element 2 and / or the switching elements 3a, 3a 'are made.

FIG. 3 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a four-way switch arrangement S according to the invention, comprising two switch components 1, 1 ' designed to be complementary to one another. In the case of this four-way switch arrangement S , the two mutually complementary switch components 1, 1 ' differ in constructive details adapted to the overall structure of the switch arrangement; however, the basic structural design of the switch components is the same.

The switch modules 1, 1 ' in turn each have two activation elements 1b or 1b' arranged in antiparallel on the respective base body 1a or 1a ' and hingedly connected thereto. The articulated connections 1c, 1c ' are preferably again designed as axle connections, wherein the activation elements 1b, 1b' are advantageously - as already explained - injected by means of a multi-component injection molding technique (in the same tool) quasi into the respective base body 1a, 1a ' .

Furthermore, the pivotable about two axes aligned to each other axes actuating element 2 is shown. At the attached Guide pin 2c , an operating element (such as an operating cap) are attached.

The actuating element 2 consists in this case of two movably connected, inner and outer control parts 2a and 2b , which can also be injected into each other preferably by a multi-component injection molding technique. The actuator 2 itself is rotatably supported via a further axle connection in the switch module 1 , so that the guide pin 2c is gimballed. Also, this axle connection is preferably made in a multi-component injection molding, so that an assembly consisting of switch module 1 with the movable therein mounted actuator 2 is formed.

On the underside of the control parts 2a and 2c there are control cams 2d, 2d ' (in the representation 3a , however, only one of the four control cam is visible), wherein two on the inner control part 2a oppositely arranged control cam 2d with the drive surfaces 1g of the drive elements 1b and two on the outer control part 2b oppositely arranged control cam 2d ' with the control surfaces 1g' of the control elements 1b ' cooperate (see also Figure 3b). Furthermore, in Figure 3a an integrally formed on the base body 1a fixing member 1f is recognizable. The fastening element is designed, for example, as a sleeve, in which a self-tapping screw can be screwed, whereby the four-way switch assembly S is fixed, for example, to a substrate.

The base body 1a, 1a 'of the respective switch blocks 1,1' are in the connecting region III on the type of groove - shaped and spring principle in such a manner complementary to each other, that the Ansteuerflächen 1g, 1g 'of the drive elements 1b, 1b' substantially in a plane and the bases of the bodies substantially in one (other) plane lie. The "tongue and groove" -like designed fitting elements are provided in Figure 3a with the reference numeral 1e, 1e ' .

The control elements 1b, 1b ' associated switching elements 3a, 3a' are preferably designed as elastic, in a common elastic molded part (eg made of silicone) embedded contact elements (switching mat). Each contact element consists of an elastic, approximately conical region which contains an electrical contact, for example a carbon pill or a contact made of an elastic, conductive composite material. This elastically movable contact can be acted upon by the respective actuating element with pressure and thereby associated with - arranged, for example, on a (not shown here) printed circuit board - mating contacts in operative connection.

On the switching mat 3 latching means 3b are formed, which cooperate with associated counter-latching means (latching receptacles) 1h ' , so that the switch module 1' can be clipped onto the switching mat 3 at predetermined positions.

Furthermore, stop elements 1j, 1j ' for the actuators 1b, 1b' can be seen in FIG. 3b. The stop elements 1j, 1j ', to ensure that the one arranged on a base body 1a trigger element 1b, the respective other trigger element is pressed 1b (elastic) by the respective associated switching element 3a against the corresponding stop 1j upon actuation, whereby rattling of the respective shared trigger element 1b is prevented.

Together with the inherent, mechanical properties of an elastic, a "click" generating contact element can by suitable choice of the leverage ratios of the control elements (eg position of the pressure points of the control cam 2d, d ' on the lever-like control elements 1b, 1b '), a particularly advantageous feel of the multipath switch arrangement according to the invention can be achieved.

Also advantageous in this four-way switch assembly is the space-saving utilization of the available space. In the center of the switch assembly S a usable space is generated. In the illustrated embodiment, an extension 2e of the guide pin 2c is guided through this space. The extension 2e can thus be performed in a (not shown here) preferably cross-shaped link guide, so that a movement of the actuating element only along predetermined slide tracks is possible.

The arrangement can also be configured so that the extension 2e is guided through the switching mat 3 or an associated printed circuit board (not shown), so that the space below the printed circuit board can be advantageously used (in Figure 3a , this is schematically an opening 3c shown in the switching mat 3 ).

It is also conceivable to associate the actuating element 2 with further (actuating) functions; for example, the extension 2e connected to the guide pin 2c can be mounted rotatably and / or axially movably in the control part 2a so that it carries out an additional rotary and / or tactile function can. For this purpose, an axially movably mounted extension 2e can be brought into operative connection with a tactile switching element (eg a microswitch) which is fastened to the inner control part 2a or to the printed circuit board. Accordingly, the rotational movement of a rotatably mounted extension 2e can be converted into a corresponding electrical signal by a rotary potentiometer fastened to the inner control part 2c . In addition, there is the possibility for the implementation of the rotational and / or tactile movement of the control element in a corresponding electrical signal non - contact signaling devices and - dectors (eg magnet and Hall elements) to use.

Furthermore, it is also possible to use the space for the reception of lighting elements advantageous, for example, for light-emitting diodes or the like.

As a result, the switching state of the switching elements 3a, 3a 'can be optically transmitted to the operating element via light guide elements (optical waveguides) located in the guide pins 2c and 2e for display purposes. It is also possible to form the inner control part 2a itself as a light-conducting element.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1,1 '

contact module

1a, 1a`

body

1b, 1b '

Ansteuerlemente

1c, 1c '

articulated connection

1d, 1d '

Recordings

1e, 1e '

Tongue and groove elements

1f

fastener

1g, 1g '

Ansteuerflächen

1h

Storage Recording

1h '

Counter-latching means

1i, 1i '

Stege

1j, 1j '

slings

1k

register strip

1l

vertically angled extension

2

actuator

2a

inner control part

2 B

outer control part

2c

spigot

2d, 2d '

control cam

2e

extension

3

Safety mat

3a, a '

switching elements

3b

latching means

3c

opening

3d

switching contact

3e

elastic hollow body

S

Four-way switch element

B

Four-way assembly

BR, BR '

opposite actuating directions of the actuating or operating element

P

point of symmetry

I

first area of the main body

II

second area of the body

III

third area of the body

Claims (40)

1. Control tile (1, 1') with a base element (1a, 1a') and only two lever-like trigger elements (1b, 1b') moveably supported on the same that are assigned pair-wise to each other and can be moved in opposite directions by means of an actuating component (2) that can be relocated in opposing directions (BR), with at least one switching constituent (3a, 3a') assigned to each of the lever-like trigger elements (1b, 1b'), the switching constituents being alternately operable by the actuating component (2); in which the lever-like trigger elements (1b, 1b') are aligned anti-parallel and arranged adjacent to each other on the base element, and the opposing directions of actuation (BR) of the actuating component (2) encompass a prescribed angle together with the longitudinal extension of the lever-like trigger elements (1b, 1b'), and the trigger elements (1b, 1b') are connected to the base element (1a, 1a') by means of an axial connection.
2. Control tile (1, 1') in accordance with Claim 1, in which the prescribed angle equals 90°.
3. Control tile (1, 1') in accordance with Claim 1, in which the lever-like trigger elements (1b, 1b') are incorporated in the base element (1a, 1a') by means of a multi-component injection moulding technique in such a manner that the trigger elements (1b, 1b') are pivoted once the injection moulding material has hardened in the base element (1a, 1a').
4. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) comprising two control tiles (1, 1') in accordance with any of Claims 1 to 3, in which the switching constituents (3a, 3a') are the elastic contact elements (3a, 3a') of a keypad (3).
5. Control tile (1, 1') with a base element (1a, 1a') and only two trigger elements (1b, 1b') moveably supported on the same that are assigned pair-wise to each other and can be moved in opposite directions by means of an actuating component (2) that can be relocated in opposing directions (BR), with at least one switching constituent (3a, 3a') assigned to each of the lever-like trigger elements (1b, 1b'), the switching constituents being alternately operable by the actuating component (2); in this, the trigger elements (1b, 1b') are designed as axially displaceable sliders that are provided with triggering slopes (1g, 1g') and act on the switching constituents (3a, 3a') arranged in the axial direction of actuation, and the trigger elements (1b, 1b') are aligned anti-parallel on the base element (1a, 1a') and arranged adjacent to each other, and the opposing directions of actuation (BR) of the actuating component (2) encompass a prescribed angle together with the longitudinal extension of the slider-like trigger elements (1b, 1b').
6. Control tile (1, 1') in accordance with Claim 5, in which the prescribed angle equals 90°.
7. Control tile (1, 1') in accordance with Claim 5 or Claim 6, in which the slider-like trigger elements (1b, 1b') are incorporated in the base element (1a, 1a') by means of a multi-component injection moulding technique in such a manner that the trigger elements (1b, 1b') are axially displaceable once the injection moulding material has hardened on the base element (1a, 1a').
8. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) comprising two control tiles (1, 1') in accordance with Claims 5 to 7, in which the switching constituents (3a, 3a') are the elastic contact elements (3a, 3a') of a keypad (3).
9. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) comprising two control tiles (1, 1') in accordance with Claim 1 or Claim 5, each of which has a base element (1a, 1a'), and each of which features two trigger elements (1b, 1b') moveably connected to the respective base element (1a, 1a') and assigned to each other as a pair by means of an actuating component (2); in this, at least one switching constituent (3a, 3a') is assigned to each of the trigger elements (1b, 1b') and the base elements (1a, 1a') and the trigger elements (1b, 1b') are designed in such a manner that the two control tiles (1, 1') arranged in a nested fashion to each other and contacting part of the respective base element (1a, 1a') form a module (B), with each pair of trigger elements (1b, 1b') assigned to each other arranged in such a manner and being operable by the actuating component (2) in such a way that the respective opposing directions of actuation (BR) of the one pair (1b) are roughly perpendicular to the directions of actuation (BR) of the other pair (1b').
10. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with Claim 9, in which the two control tiles (1, 1') are at least almost identical.
11. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with Claim 9 or Claim 10, in which the base elements (1a, 1a') and the trigger elements (1b, 1b') of the control tiles (1, 1') are fashioned in such a way that the combination of the control tiles (1, 1') forms an essentially flat four-way module (B), with the triggering slopes (1g, 1g') of the trigger elements (1b, 1b') lying essentially on one level and/or the base areas of the base elements (1 a, 1a') lying essentially on another level.
12. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with Claim 11, in which the base elements (1a, 1a') of the control tiles (1, 1') in the connecting section are of a design complementary to each other in the fashion of a slot-and-key principle.
13. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 9 to 12, in which the trigger elements (1b, 1b') are of a lever-like design and are aligned anti-parallel and arranged in a pivoting fashion on the respective base elements (1a, 1a') by means of a hinged connection (1c, 1c'), in which the hinged connections are spaced on the one hand (1c, 1c') parallel and on the other hand perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the trigger elements (1b, 1b'), as a result of which an essentially rectangular free space is formed between the two trigger elements (1b, 1b') along the longitudinal extension of the trigger elements (1b, 1b') and bounded on both sides by the same, and the base element (1a, 1a') is made up of a first section (I) accommodating the hinged connection of the first trigger element (1b, 1b'), a second section (II) accommodating the hinged connection of the second trigger element (1b, 1 b'), and a connecting section (III) bridging over these sections and lying completely within the free space.
14. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 9 to 13, in which the base elements (1a, 1a') are designed in such a manner that the base elements of two control tiles (1, 1') only overlap in the connecting section (III) of the base elements (1a, 1a').
15. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 9 to 14, in which the base elements (1a, 1a') are designed in such a manner that the two control tiles (1, 1') form an essentially square four-way module (B), with each of the control tiles (1, 1') configured essentially centrically as regards a point of symmetry (P).
16. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 13 to 15, in which the first section (I) and/or the second section (II) of the respective base element (1a, 1a') accommodates the switching constituents (3a, 3a') assigned to the first and/or to the second trigger element (1b, 1b').
17. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 13 to 16, in which the outer contour of the first and the second section (I, II) basically follows the projection of the respective trigger elements (1b, 1b') on the base element (1a, 1a').
18. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 13 to 17, in which the base elements (1a, 1a') in the respective connecting section (III) are designed as connecting fins (1i, 1i').
19. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 13 to 18, in which the base elements (1a, 1a') are fashioned in the connecting section (III) with a fine material thickness.
20. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 9 to 19, in which the switching constituents (3a, 3a') are the elastic contact elements (3a, 3a') of a keypad (3).
21. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with Claim 20, in which the switching constituents (3a, 3a') are connected in a substance-to-substance or positive-fit fashion to the free ends of the trigger elements (1b, 1b') and/or to the base element (1a, 1a').
22. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 9 to 19, in which the switching constituents (3a, 3a') are micro-switches.
23. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 9 to 19, in which the switching constituents (3a, 3a') are switching springs.
24. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 9 to 23, in which the trigger elements (1b, 1b') are connected to the respective base element (1a, 1a') as one piece by means of a hinge-like joint.
25. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 9 to 23, in which the trigger elements (1b, 1b') are connected to the respective base element (1a, 1a') by means of a shaft.
26. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with Claim 25, in which the trigger elements (1b, 1b') are incorporated into the respective base element (1a, 1a') by means of a multi-component injecting moulding technique in such a way that the trigger elements (1b, 1b') are pivoted in the same once the injection moulding material has hardened.
27. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 9 to 26, in which limit stops (1j, 1j') assigned to the trigger elements (1b, 1b') arranged on the base element (1a, 1a') are provided which are arranged and fashioned in such a manner that, upon actuation of the one trigger element (1b, 1b'), the respective other trigger element (1b, 1b') is pressed by the relevant switching constituent (3a, 3a') against the limit stop (1j, 1j') assigned to it.
28. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 9 to 27, in which the actuating component (2) contains an inner control part (2a) which is moveably supported by two rotary shafts aligned perpendicular to each other in the manner of a cardan joint.
29. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 9 to 28, in which the inner control part (2a) is incorporated in an outer control part (2b) by means of a multi-component injection moulding technique in such a manner that the inner control part (2a) is supported in a rotational manner in the outer control part (2b) once the injection moulding material has hardened.
30. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 9 to 29, in which the actuating component (2) is rotationally supported in one of the control tiles (1, 1').
31. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with Claim 30, in which the actuating component (2) is incorporated in the control tile (1, 1') by means of a multi-component injection moulding technique in such a manner that the actuating component (2) is rotationally supported in the control tile (1, 1') once the injection moulding material has hardened.
32. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 20 to 31, in which catch elements (3b) are provided on the keypad which cooperate with assigned mating catch elements (1b') on one of the control tiles (1, 1').
33. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 9 to 32, in which an extension (2e) is provided on the inner control part (2a) which can be located in a free space between the trigger elements (1b, 1b').
34. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with Claim 33, in which the extension (2e) can be located in a gate-type guidance along specified gate paths aligned crosswise to each other.
35. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with Claim 34, in which the extension (2e) is supported axially and/or rotationally on the inner control part (2a) for the purpose of actuating a push-button and/or rotary function.
36. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with Claim 35, in which transducers are provided on the extension (2e) for the purpose of converting the axial and/or rotary movement into electrical and/or optical signals.
37. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 9 to 36, in which the multi-way switch arrangement (S) contains light sources, in particular light-emitting diodes.
38. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 9 to 37, in which light-guiding elements are provided on the inner control part (2a).
39. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with Claim 38, in which the inner control part (2a) is designed as a light guiding element.
40. Multi-way switch arrangement (S) in accordance with any of Claims 9 to 39, in which the actuating component (2) and the control tiles (1, 1') are generated in the same injection moulding die by means of a multi-component injection moulding technique, with the actuating component and the trigger elements being moveably supported in the switch arrangement (S) once the injection moulding material has hardened.

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