EP1501108B1 - Multidirectional switch - Google Patents

Abstract

The electrical multi-way switch has at least two switching devices (26,26',32, 32',36), each with a cap (32) of elastic material deformable by pressure in a corresponding actuation direction (B1,B2) so as to change a switch state and an actuating element (16) movable between first and second switch settings with which a switch cap can be deformed to change the switch state of the corresponding switch by moving the actuating element to the first or second switch setting.

Description

The present invention relates to a multi-way switch according to the preamble of claim 1 (see US-A-4,918,264).

Multi-way switches, in particular in the form of two- or Vierwegeschaltern are basically known. By moving a movable in several directions of movement actuator of such a multi-way switch different, connected to the multi-way switch circuits can be closed or opened.

Such multi-way switches can be used, for example, to control the movement of components of a device which can be moved by an electric drive, in particular in two opposite directions. The actuator can be moved in two, the opposite directions corresponding switching positions, so that the drive then moves the components in the corresponding directions. In a rest position, the electric drive can be switched off, so that no movement of the drive or the components takes place.

Such multi-way switches can be used, for example, in motor vehicle construction. Especially in this case, it is desirable that a user can perceive a pleasant tactile feeling upon operation of the multi-way switch. He should get the feeling that the shifting is precise. Preferably, the tactile feel on actuation should still not be significantly affected by the tactile sensation differ in the operation of other used in the motor vehicle key switch.

Due to their function, multi-way switches can have a relatively complicated construction with many different parts, which may be complicated to handle, and which entails a corresponding manufacturing outlay.

EP-A-1 202 311 discloses a slide switch comprising a housing member, a sliding member movable in a plane moving range, conductive members formed between the housing member and the sliding member, and an elastic member for holding the sliding member in a neutral position in which the conducting elements do not conduct. The elastic member is a one-piece unit including holding portions engaging with the slide member and protrusions extending from the holding portions along the planar movement portion to an inner wall of the case member. The conductive elements have contacts arranged on the inner wall of the housing element and conductors arranged on the retaining sections of the elastic element. The conductors of the elastic member may be brought into contact with the contacts of the housing member by an external force by which the sliding member is movable from the neutral position against a tension of the elastic member. The conductors of the elastic element can be separated from the contacts by the bias of the elastic element when the external force is no longer present.

In DE-A-100 00 598 an electrical switch is described, which comprises a displaceably mounted in a housing actuating element, which acts on switching cams associated with terminal contacts in connection with switching contacts acted upon. Between each switching cam and the associated switching contact an end fixed to the housing actuator is arranged, the free end of which acts on the switching contact, wherein the actuator carries a cam corresponding to an associated switching cam.

The present invention has for its object to provide a multi-way switch that is easy to install.

The object is achieved by a multi-way switch with the features of claim 1.

The electric multi-way switch according to the invention comprises at least two switching devices, each having a cap made of an elastic material which is deformable by pressure in a corresponding, predetermined actuating direction, so that a switching state of the respective switching device is changed, and between at least a first and a second Switching position movable actuating element, by means of which by movement in the first and second switching position, the cap of a first or second of the switching means for changing the switching state of the corresponding switching device is deformable.

The switching means of the electrical multi-way switch can each occupy two switching states in which their terminals are either electrically connected to each other or isolated from each other, such that circuits connected to the terminals are respectively closed or open. The switching states are also referred to below as closed or open.

The switching devices are characterized in that they each have the cap of an elastic material, by the deformation of the switching state is changeable. The material used for the caps is preferably an elastomeric material, for example an elastomer or a thermoplastic elastomer.

This cap is deformed to change the switching state by pressure on the cap in the actuating direction, which may be selected depending on the shape of the cap and / or for example the position and / or shape of contacts of the switching devices, so that for actuating the respective Switching device is a force to overcome, which may depend on the shape and / or the material of the cap and / or the actuating direction. In particular, while the cap can be pressed. Upon movement of the actuating element out of the corresponding switching position, the corresponding cap then essentially assumes its original shape due to the restoring forces. Preferably, the switching state of the corresponding switching device is simultaneously changed back to the original state. In this case, furthermore, the movement of the actuating element out of the switching position can be effected solely by the restoring forces.

The cap can for this purpose have any suitable shape and does not need to be in particular in directions transverse to the actuating direction necessarily be completely closed, but may optionally have breakthroughs.

By appropriate choice of the shape of the cap and the material of the cap, in particular the elastic properties of the material, the force curve during the deformation of the cap can be set very variable.

The deformation of the caps takes place by means of the one actuating element which can be moved back and forth in at least two directions of movement between at least the first and the second switching positions. If more than two switching positions are provided, it is movable in a corresponding number of directions of movement or combinations of directions of movement along which the actuating element can be moved in succession. The deformation of the caps does not necessarily need to be done directly by the actuator. In order to enable a particularly space-saving, compact construction of the multi-way switch according to the invention, the actuating directions for at least two caps differ from each other.

The actuating element can be moved in particular from a rest position into the switching positions, wherein in the rest position the switching devices occupy a predetermined switching state. In particular, then none of the switching devices can be in a conductive state. In the switching positions, the switching state of only one of the switching devices is then changed in each case.

In particular, a precise deformation of the caps in the respective actuation direction can be achieved by appropriate guidance of the actuating element, so that a user can be actuated upon actuation of the Multi-way switch always perceives a substantially same switching feeling and sure a corresponding switching operation is triggered.

Furthermore, a complicated or complicated construction of the electrical multi-way switch, in particular the use of individual metallic spring elements, can be avoided.

In addition, the multi-way switch according to the invention can be designed so that the tactile switching feeling equals that of push-buttons, which also have a cap made of elastic material, which electrically connect two contacts with each other when pressed or pressed. Such key switches can be realized in particular as a cathedral mat switch. When used, for example, in a motor vehicle, switches can be used so continuously, upon actuation of which a user can perceive an at least similar tactile shift feel.

Further developments and preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the description, the claims and the drawings.

In principle, the actuating element can be movable as desired, but preferably guided. For example, the actuating element can be designed as tilting rocker which can be tilted in two or four different directions and whose one end is designed to deform the caps of switching devices. However, it is preferred that the actuating element between the first and the second switching position is displaceable. Preferably, the actuating element is guided linearly displaceable along a guide direction. Such, designed as a slide switch Multi-way switch requires little space when installed in a motor vehicle, since the actuator does not need or only a little bit of a housing of the switch needs. The guide directions can preferably run parallel to a holding surface, which abuts when mounting the multi-way switch on a circuit board, so that mounting on the board is made possible with little space. Moreover, it is possible with linear guidance of the actuating element to arrange switching devices or their caps so that their actuation directions are parallel to the directions of movement of the actuating element between the two switching positions, so that a particularly precise deformation of the corresponding caps is possible.

In order to enable a particularly space-saving, compact construction of the multiway switch according to the invention, however, it is preferred that the actuating directions are aligned substantially parallel and opposite to each other. Particularly preferably, they are coaxial. The actuation directions can furthermore preferably run parallel to a holding surface which rests on a circuit board when the multi-way switch is mounted. In particular, in the case of a multi-way switch according to the invention designed as a slide switch, it is then preferred that the actuating directions extend substantially parallel to the directions of movement of the actuating element between the two switching positions. In this way, a particularly simple and in particular also immediate transmission of the movement of the actuating element on the caps done.

The two switching devices of the multi-way switch according to the invention need not necessarily be the same, but it is preferred to achieve a same tactile shift feel when moving the actuator in the first or second switching position that they are the same.

In order to be able to keep the structure of the multi-way switch according to the invention particularly simple, it is preferred that the actuating element has a deformation section which at least partially touches the cap at least during the deformation of at least one of the two caps. Coupling elements which transmit the movement of the actuating element to a portion of the cap are then unnecessary. In a multi-way switch with more than two switching devices, the caps of other switching devices need not necessarily be deformed directly by the actuator. In order to avoid a play of the actuating element, the deformation section is preferably in a rest position on both caps.

In order to be able to provide a user with tactile feedback for triggering a switching operation, it is preferred that the caps are designed in such a way that an initially increasing and, after overcoming a pressure point, constant or decreasing force is required to deform the cap in the respective actuating direction , The user perceives such a pressure point upon actuation of the actuating element, so that he can safely operate the multi-way switch according to the invention or a controllable device by means of this multi-way switch device. Through this tactile feedback results at the same time a pleasant shift feeling when operating the multi-way switch according to the invention. For this purpose, the caps are particularly preferably conically formed along at least part of their circumference. In this case, a symmetry or longitudinal axis of the conical section can in particular run essentially parallel to the respective actuation direction.

In principle, the multi-way switch according to the invention can comprise any desired switching devices. Thus, it is conceivable to use corresponding microswitches or spring switching contacts for the switching devices. However, it is preferred that the switching devices each have two mutually insulated contacts which are electrically connected to one another by means of a switch contact held in the cap by pressure on the cap in the respective actuating direction. The contacts of the switching devices can then in particular each have substantially orthogonal to the actuating directions oriented contact surfaces on which the respective switch contacts rest upon actuation and establish an electrical connection. Such a multi-way switch is very simple, with automatic training as a key switch results because a deformed cap due to their elasticity from their deformed state springs back to its initial state in which the contacts are then no longer electrically connected.

In order to achieve the most reliable contact with a low resistance, it is preferred that the switching contacts in the two caps have planar contact surfaces, which are aligned parallel to contacting surfaces of the contacts of the switching devices.

In order to allow a particularly simple production of a multi-way switch according to the invention, it is preferred that the caps are formed together in a one-piece cap member. The cap member may in particular be preformed so that the caps are at least approximately in the position to each other before assembling the multi-way switch according to the invention, they occupy in the composite multi-way switch. In particular, the cross section of the cap element may be formed in a plane parallel to the actuating directions substantially U-shaped.

The cap member may also be formed mat or strip-shaped. In particular, a dome mat made of an elastomer or a thermoplastic elastomer can be used as a cap member. In particular, in this case, it is preferable that the cap member is at least partially held in or on a receptacle by means of which the caps of the cap member are positioned and aligned relative to each other. The receptacle can in particular also be formed by sections of a housing of the multi-way switch. In this way, with a simple production of the cap member and the multi-way switch according to the invention nevertheless an accurate alignment of the caps to each other and to the actuator can be achieved. Complementary guiding and / or holding and / or positioning devices are particularly preferably provided on the cap element and the receptacle, by means of which the cap element can be held or secured in a defined position in the receptacle. The receptacle can have a substantially U-shaped cross-section, in particular in a plane parallel to the actuating directions of two switching devices with parallel actuating directions. One the thighs of the "U" connecting section can then serve as a holder for the multi-way switch, by means of which this can be mounted on a circuit board.

In order to further simplify the structure of the multi-way switch according to the invention, it is preferred that the contacts of at least one of the switching devices are attached to and / or in the receptacle. The contacts can be encapsulated in the formation of the recording as an injection molded part, in particular during their production. Preferably, however, the contacts are pressed or clamped in the receptacle, for which purpose corresponding channels and / or recesses may be provided.

Alternatively, it is preferred that the contacts of at least one of the switching devices are arranged on and / or in a carrier, which can be plugged onto a base body or by means of a housing of the multi-way switch. Contact pins of the contacts can simultaneously serve as a support for the carrier. The main body may in particular be the receptacle for the cap element. In this way, four-way switch can be easily made.

In order to protect the switching devices at least partially against mechanical effects and at the same time to allow actuation, it is preferred that the switching devices are at least partially disposed in a housing, that the actuating element engages through an opening in the housing and a pin or plate-shaped Deformation section for exerting pressure on the corresponding caps. Does the actuator a plate-shaped deformation portion, the plane of the Deformation section in a designed as a slide switch Mehrwegeschalter preferably parallel to a thrust direction. Preferably, the opening is shaped so that at least contributes to the leadership of the actuating element.

In order to enable the most precise possible actuation of the switching devices of a multi-way switch according to the invention, designed as a slide switch with a simple structure, it is preferred that the switching devices are at least partially disposed in a housing, and that the actuating element and the housing have cooperating guide means.

The guide devices can basically be designed as desired. However, it is preferred that the actuating element and the housing comprise guide grooves and guide strips as guide elements. In particular, these can block movement of the actuating element in two different directions running transversely to linear movement paths of the actuating element in a particularly simple manner. The parallel to the movement paths or extending guide grooves and / or strips can be formed in a linear training preferably at least in the region of both ends of the corresponding inner or outer side surfaces of the housing, that is in the region of the ends in the two directions of movement of the actuating element when moving in the switching positions , or be formed continuously. This allows a particularly good and stable guidance of the actuating element. In particular, as torques on the actuating element, which can occur when force is applied to the actuating element transverse to the directions of movement, of the guides or the associated housing are very well received. In addition, lower forces between touching surfaces of the guide elements, so that a thrust easier movement is possible.

Additionally or alternatively, it is preferred that the switching devices are at least partially disposed in a housing, and that the actuating element has a guide surface at least partially surrounding a cross section of the deformation portion, which is supported on one or more surface defining guide elements in or on the housing , The surface may be formed for example by a corresponding flat surface of the housing or a housing part or a tangential plane to ribs of the housing or a housing part. It is preferably oriented orthogonal to the deformation section and parallel to the parallel directions of movement of the actuating element or its thrust direction. Such a guided actuator can transfer particularly well to it applied torques on the housing.

Alternatively or additionally, it is preferred that the switching devices are at least partially disposed in a housing, and that the actuating element has a plate-shaped guide portion which is guided between two parallel to the directions of movement of the actuating element extending housing parts. This in turn results in a particularly good absorption of torques on the actuator.

Further, it is preferred that the switching means are at least partially disposed in a housing, and that the actuating element surrounds the housing at least partially. In particular, it is thus easy to achieve a linear guidance of the actuating element transversely to a longitudinal direction of a deformation section. The housing preferably has at least one guide rail around which the actuating element engages.

The actuating element can be movably connected to the housing in different ways. Thus, it is preferred that the actuating element is snapped onto a housing of the multi-way switch. Such a design facilitates the manufacture and / or assembly of the actuating element substantially.

Alternatively, it is preferred that the actuating element comprises at least two parts which are joined in a direction transverse to a movement path of the actuating element between the two switching positions. In particular, these can be connected to each other by a snap or locking connection. With simple production, a linear guidance of the actuating element, in particular on a housing, can be made possible in a simple manner.

In order to easily cover the opening in the housing, it is preferred that the actuating element has a wall oriented parallel to its directions of movement and to the surface of the housing in which the opening is formed, by means of which the opening in the housing in each Position of the actuating element between the two switching positions can be covered.

In order to achieve a particularly secure guidance of the actuating element, it is also preferred that guide elements, in particular guide rails and grooves, are formed on opposite sides of the housing, so that the actuating element between these guide elements is movable.

In order to be able to open or close at least four circuits, it is preferred that two pairs of switching devices are arranged such that their actuating directions extend in mutually deviating, preferably mutually substantially orthogonal directions, such that the actuating element can be moved back and forth between four switching positions, and that by movement of the actuating element in one of the switching positions, the cap of one of the switching means for changing the switching state of the corresponding switching device is deformable. In each case, the switching devices have a cap which can be deformed by pressure in a respective actuating direction to change the switching state and can be designed, in particular, according to one of the aforementioned embodiments. In particular, the actuating element can be moved from a rest position to one of the switching positions. If the switching devices or their actuating directions are arranged crosswise to one another, the four switching positions of the actuating element can likewise be arranged at the ends of a cross in a corresponding manner. Such a multi-way switch is particularly easy to use, since a clear distinction between the different switching paths is easily possible.

For switching circuits that are not to be closed simultaneously, it is preferred that the actuating element is guided so that it is simultaneously displaceable only in one of the switching positions.

In order to ensure a simple guidance of the actuating element in the two directions of thrust, it is preferred that a carriage is displaceably guided in a base body parallel to a first guide direction, and that the actuating element on or in the carriage parallel to a second deviating from the first guide direction is guided. In this way, a very stable leadership can be ensured with only a few simple, in particular in the injection molding process as a plastic part manufacturable components.

In order to achieve a particularly simple construction of the multi-way switch according to the invention, it is then preferred that the actuating element has a deformation section which rests against the respectively deformed cap during movement of the actuating element in two of the switching positions, and in that the carriage is displaceable by means of the actuating element and at least has a further deformation portion which is correspondingly movable by movement of the actuating element in two other switching positions, so that the cap of a corresponding circuit device is deformable. The actuator therefore directly deforms the caps of two of the switching devices while the caps of the two other switching devices are immediately deformed by the carriage.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Explosionsdarstellung eines Mehrwegeschalters nach einer ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung in Form eines Zweiwegeschalters,

Fig. 2

eine schematische, perspektivische Darstellung des Zweiwegeschalters in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Explosionsdarstellung eines Mehrwegeschalters nach einer zweiten bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung in Form eines Zweiwegeschalters,

Fig. 4

eine schematische, perspektivische Darstellung des Zweiwegeschalters in Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

eine schematische Explosionsdarstellung eines Mehrwegeschalters nach einer dritten bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung in Form eines Zweiwegeschalters,

Fig. 6

eine schematische, perspektivische Ansicht des Zweiwegeschalters in Fig. 5,

Fig. 7

eine schematische, perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung eines Mehrwegeschalters nach einer vierten bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung in Form eines Vierwegeschalters,

Fig. 8

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung des Vierwegeschalters in Fig. 7 bei einem Schnitt entlang einer Ebene A-A,

Fig. 9

eine schematische Seitenansicht des Vierwegeschalters in Fig. 8,

Fig. 10

eine schematische Draufsicht auf den Vierwegeschalter in Fig. 8,

Fig. 11

eine schematische Schnittansicht durch den Vierwegeschalter in Fig. 8 entlang einer durch die Gerade B-B angedeuteten Schnittebene, und

Fig. 12

eine schematische Schnittansicht des Vierwegeschalters in Fig. 8 entlang einer durch die Gerade C-C angedeuteten Ebene.

The invention will now be further explained by way of example with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

1 is a schematic exploded view of a multi-way switch according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of a two-way switch;

Fig. 2

1 is a schematic, perspective view of the two-way switch in FIG. 1,

Fig. 3

1 is a schematic exploded view of a multi-way switch according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of a two-way switch;

Fig. 4

a schematic, perspective view of the two-way switch in Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

1 is a schematic exploded view of a multi-way switch according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of a two-way switch;

Fig. 6

a schematic, perspective view of the two-way switch in Fig. 5,

Fig. 7

3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a multi-way switch according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of a four-way switch;

Fig. 8

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the four-way switch in FIG. 7 in a section along a plane AA, FIG.

Fig. 9

a schematic side view of the Vierwegeschalters in Fig. 8,

Fig. 10

a schematic plan view of the four-way switch in Fig. 8,

Fig. 11

a schematic sectional view through the Vierwegeschalter in Fig. 8 along a direction indicated by the straight line BB sectional plane, and

Fig. 12

a schematic sectional view of the Vierwegeschalters in Fig. 8 along a direction indicated by the straight line CC level.

1 and 2, a multi-way switch according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of a two-way switch comprises a housing lower part 10, a cap member 12 accommodated in the housing lower part 10, an upper housing part 14 and an actuating element 16.

The lower housing part 10, which forms a housing of the Zweiwegeschalters together with the upper housing part 14, has on a base plate 18 symmetrically to a median plane formed end walls 20 and 20 ', which are aligned substantially orthogonal to the base plate 18, so that in a the surfaces of the end walls 20 and 20 'and the Base plate 18 orthogonal plane results in a substantially U-shaped cross-section of the housing base 10. The base plate 18 is designed for attachment to a circuit carrier.

On the end walls 20 and 20 'are on the outwardly facing surfaces to the free ends of the respective end walls 20 and 20' out inwardly inclined guide ribs 22 and 22 'are formed, which facilitate the sliding of the upper housing part 14 on the lower housing part 10 ,

Between the guide ribs 22 and 22 'locking lugs 24 and 24' are arranged, by means of which the upper housing part 14 by means of corresponding complementary locking elements with the lower housing part 10 is connectable.

On the mutually facing inner surfaces of the end walls 20 and 20 'each contact element pairs are arranged, each electrically insulated from each other, comprise substantially U-shaped flat planar contact elements, which are each connected to not visible in the figures connecting elements in the form of pins and of which in Fig. 1, only the contact elements 26 and 26 'are visible. The contact elements are shaped and arranged to interlock to form a very narrow, insulating, S-shaped gap.

Contact surfaces of the contact elements are aligned parallel to each other, wherein the normal are oriented parallel to a respective actuation direction B ₁ and B ₂ . The connection elements engage through the base plate 18 and protrude from this substantially orthogonal out, so that the two-way switch is simply mechanically and electrically connected by means of the base plate 18 with a circuit carrier.

The strip-shaped cap element 12 shown deformed in FIG. 1 is made of an elastomer and has, in an undeformed state, three sections 28, 28 'and 28 "arranged one behind the other. The end-side sections 28 and 28" have a shape and size. which corresponds to those of the end walls 20 and 20 'of the housing base 10, while the central portion 27' in shape and size substantially corresponds to the portion of the base plate 18 between the end walls 20 and 20 '.

The lower housing part 10 receives as a recording, the cap member 12, which is bent in a U-shape, so that the end-side sections 28 and 28 "are arranged parallel and mirror-symmetrical to each other.
The cap member 12 has to the sections 28 and 28 "over as U-shaped, circumferential edge lips 30 and 30 'formed positioning and holding elements which engage around the end walls 20 and 20' when the cap member 12 is bent in a U-shape and in the lower housing part 10 is used.

The substantially symmetrical sections 28 and 28 "have substantially the same caps 32 and 32 ', which have on a conical portion, of which in Fig. 1, only the conical portion 33 is visible, actuating portions 34 and 34' have. The actuating portions 34 and 34 'and the conical portions are formed so that upon depression of the actuating portions 34 and 34' in the operating direction B ₁ and B ₂ orthogonal to the Sections 28 and 28 "and an increasing force is required parallel to the symmetry or longitudinal axes of the conical sections for deformation of the caps 32 and 32 ', wherein after exceeding a pressure point, the force required for further deformation decreases ₁ and B _{2 of} the caps 32 and 32 'of the cap member 12 received in the housing lower part 10 are substantially coaxial with each other and aligned with each other in opposite directions.

In the actuating portions 34 and 34 'and within the caps 32 and 32' respectively switching contacts are arranged, of which in Fig. 1, only the switching contact 36 is partially visible. Contact surfaces of the switching contacts are each aligned substantially orthogonal to the symmetry or longitudinal axis of the conical sections and thus the actuation directions B ₁ and B ₂ and parallel to actuating surfaces of the actuating portions 34 and 34 '.

The contact element pairs with the respective caps and the switching contacts held therein each form at least partially switching devices in the sense of the invention, wherein the contact surfaces of the contact element pairs and the switching contact are aligned parallel to each other and orthogonal to the actuating directions.

The upper housing part 14 has two parallel housing side walls 38 and 38 ', four connected to the housing side walls end wall portions 39 and 39', two lateral, to the locking lugs 24 and 24 'complementary locking elements in the form of oppositely arranged locking tongues 40 and 40'. with detent openings 42 and 42 'and one with the housing side walls 38 and 38', the End wall sections 39 and 39 'and the locking tongues 40 and 40' connected lid portion 44th

The upper housing part 14 and the lower housing part 10 can be connected to one another by means of the complementary latching elements.

On the cover portion 44 parallel extending ribs 46 are formed on the outside thereof, which have a tangential surface which extends parallel to the surface of the base plate 18 when the upper housing part 14 is attached to the lower housing part 10.

Furthermore, an opening 48 for the actuating element 16 is formed in the lid portion 44, which has an elongated parallel to the actuating directions B ₁ and B ₂ form.

At the edges between the cover portion 44 and the housing side walls 38 and 38 'are formed parallel to the actuation directions B ₁ and B ₂ over the entire length of the housing side walls 38 and 38' extending, laterally projecting guide rails 50 having a substantially triangular cross-section, wherein the surface facing away from the base plate 18 in the assembled state is inclined relative to the base plate 18 at an angle of approximately 45 °.

The actuating element 16 comprises an actuating pin 52 with a substantially square cross-section, a pin-shaped deformation portion 54 with the same cross-section as the actuating pin 52 and a guide plate 56 separating the actuating pin 52 from the deformation portion 54.

The deformation portion 54 and the opening 48 are formed so that the deformation portion 54 can engage through the opening 48 when the actuator 16 is mounted on the housing upper part 14. Furthermore, the deformation portion 54 is located with two corresponding surfaces on the actuating portions 34 and 34 ', so that they are deformable when operated without play.

The guide plate 56 is oriented substantially orthogonal to the direction of the deformation portion 54 and has lateral guide walls 58 and 58 ', respectively, which run parallel to the actuation directions B ₁ and B ₂ along a guide direction F. At the opposite inner sides of the guide walls 58 and 58 'strips are formed with a triangular cross-section, of which in Fig. 1, only the bar 60 is visible and form with the guide plate 56 guide grooves, of which in the figures, in turn, only the guide 62 is visible. While the guide plate 56 facing surfaces of the strips 60 are aligned substantially parallel to the guide plate 56, the other surfaces in an angle of the respective inclined surfaces of the guide rails 50 and 50 'corresponding angle inclined. The width and shape of the guide 62 is chosen so that the guide rails 50 and 50 'are performed in this without significant play. A guide surface of the guide plate 56 abuts against the tangent surface to the ribs 46. The actuating element 16 thus surrounds the housing formed from the lower housing part 10 and the upper housing part 14. In this way, the actuating element 16 is guided linearly displaceable in the guide direction F parallel to the actuation directions B ₁ and B ₂ .

The two-way switch is very easy to produce. First, the lower housing part 10, the upper housing part 14 and the actuating element 16 are produced as injection molded parts from a corresponding plastic. Furthermore, the cap member 12 is made of the elastomeric material, wherein, or after which the switch contacts 36 are mounted in the caps 32 and 32 '.

Furthermore, the pairs of contact elements 26 and 26 'are arranged on or in the end walls 20, 20'.

In a following step, the cap member 12 is bent into a U-shape and inserted into the housing lower part 10 between the end walls 20 and 20 'so that the sections 28 and 28 "on the end walls 20 and 20' lie flat, wherein the edge lips 30 and 30 'surround the end walls 20 and 20' and thus hold the cap element 12 in a stable position in the housing lower part 10. In this way, the symmetry or longitudinal axes of the caps 32 and 32 'and thus their actuation directions B ₁ and B ₂ are aligned coaxially and oppositely to each other, wherein the surfaces of the switch contacts 36 are oriented parallel to the surfaces of the pairs of contact elements 26 and 26 'and orthogonal to the actuation directions B ₁ and B ₂ .

Then, the upper housing part 14 is fitted onto the lower housing part 10 and latched by means of the latching tongues 40 and the latching lugs 24 and 24 ', the end wall sections 39 and 39' being guided on the guide ribs 22 and 22 '. The switching devices are now enclosed in the housing.

Finally, the actuating element 16 is guided with the deformation portion 54 through the opening 48 between the caps 32 and 32 'and snapped onto the formed from the lower housing part 10 and the upper housing part 14 housing. The strips 60 are locked on the guide walls 58 behind the guide rails 50 and 50 '.

The multi-way switch can now be connected to the base plate 18 with a circuit carrier, wherein the actuating directions B ₁ and B _{2 are} parallel to the base plate and thus the circuit carrier.

For actuation of the two-way switch can now the actuating pin 52 and thus the actuator 16 in one of the directions of actuation B ₁ or B ₂ from a rest position in which the caps are not deformed or about equally strong and the contact elements are not electrically connected by the switch contacts, on the caps 28 or 28 'to be pushed, wherein the guide plate 56 on the lid portion 54 and the ribs 46 and the guide grooves 62 engaging in the guide rails 50 and 50' are guided together so that the actuating pin 52 and thus the deformation section 44 is displaceable only on a straight line parallel to the actuation directions B ₁ and B ₂ between two switch positions. Torques which are optionally exerted on the actuating element 16 are transmitted well to the upper housing part 14 or the lower housing part 10 by means of the guide grooves and rails and the guide plate 56 sliding on the ribs 46.

Upon movement of the actuating element 16 along one of the actuating directions into this switching position, the respective cap 32 or 32 'is deformed by the deformation section 54 of the actuating element 16 in the actuating direction B ₁ or B ₂ until the corresponding pressure point has been overcome and the switching contact is the contact element pairs 26 and 26 'short circuits, so that the switching device is brought from a non-conductive or open switching state in a conductive or closed switching state. The actuator 16 has then reached the appropriate switching position.

Upon release of the actuating pin 52, the actuating element 16 is then moved by the restoring force of the deformed caps 32 and 32 'back into the rest position, in which none of the caps 32 and 32' is deformed. The two-way switch goes from the conductive switching state again in the non-conductive switching state.

A multi-way switch according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of a two-way switch is shown in Figs. 3 and 4. This two-way switch differs from the two-way switch of the first embodiment in the configuration of the upper housing part and the operating member, so that the lower housing part 10 and the cap member 12 are unchanged from the first embodiment. For these components, therefore, the same statements apply as in the first embodiment and the same reference numerals are used for the same features.

The housing of the two-way switch now comprises, in addition to the lower housing part 10 and its base plate 18, an upper housing part 64 and a cover plate 66, which is snapped onto the upper housing part 64.

The upper housing part 64 includes, like the upper housing part 14 in the first embodiment, parallel to the coaxial and oppositely directed actuating directions B ₁ and B ₂ extending parallel housing side walls 68 and 68 ', adjoining end wall sections 70 and 70' and between the end wall portions 70 and 70 'the locking tongues 40 in the first embodiment corresponding to the locking lugs 24 and 24' complementary locking elements in the form of locking tongues 72 and 72 'with latching openings 74 and 74'. In an associated with the side walls 68 and 68, the end wall portions 70 and 70 'and the locking tongues 72 and 72' lid portion 76 having a flat surface an opening 78 is formed, which is parallel to the actuating directions B ₁ and B ₂ longer than in a direction across it.

In the edge region of the housing side walls 68 to the lid portion 76 recesses 80 are formed, which on a side facing away from the lid portion 78 locking openings, of which in Figs. 3 and 4, only the locking opening 82 is shown.

With the housing side walls 68 and 68 'in alignment guide rails 84 and 84' are formed on opposite sides of the lid portion 76 extending over approximately the length of the opening 78 parallel to the actuation directions B ₁ and B ₂ .

The cover plate 66 has a circumferential collar 86 on which parallel to the longitudinal sides of the actuation directions B ₁ and B ₂ extending latching hooks, of which in Fig. 3, only the latching hook 88 is visible, are arranged. The latching hooks are designed as latching elements that are complementary to the snap-in openings, so that the cover plate 66 can be plugged onto the housing upper part 68 and latched thereto. Furthermore, in the cover plate 66 as an opening 78 shaped and aligned with this opening 89 is provided.

The actuator 90 includes similar to the actuator 16 of the first embodiment, an actuating pin 92 and a deformation portion 94, each aligned parallel to each other and orthogonal to the actuation directions B ₁ and B ₂ and by a guide plate 96 whose normal parallel to the longitudinal direction of the actuating pin 92nd is aligned, are separated from each other. In this case, the guide plate 96 has a substantially square outline, wherein it can be guided substantially free of play between the guide strips 84 or 84 '. Furthermore, the cross sections of the deformation portion 94 and the actuating pin 92 are selected so that they are movable in the opening 78 and the opening 89 parallel to the actuation directions B ₁ and B ₂ in a guide direction F.

The assembly of the two-way switch is similar to that of the two-way switch of the first embodiment. First, the lower housing part 10, the upper housing part 64, the cover plate 66 and the actuating element 90 are produced by injection molding from a corresponding plastic. Then, the contact element pairs are attached to the lower housing part 10. Thereafter, the cap member 12 is U-shaped bent into the serving as a recording housing base 10 between the end walls 20 and 20 'used.

Then, the upper housing part 64 is placed on the lower housing part 10 and locked there, wherein the guide ribs 22 and 22 'of the housing lower part 10 here act exactly as in the first embodiment. The same applies to the locking lugs 24 and 24 'and the complementary locking tongues 72 and 72'.

Thereafter, the actuator 90 is inserted with the deformation portion 94 in the opening 78, after which the cover plate 66 is snapped onto the upper housing part 64, wherein the actuating pin 92 engages through the opening 89 in the cover plate 66. The lower housing part 10, the upper housing part 64 and the cover plate 66 form the housing of the two-way switch.

The actuating element 90 is now connected via a rest position, in which the caps are not deformed or approximately the same extent and the contact elements are not electrically connected to each other by the switch contacts between two switch positions parallel to the direction of actuation B ₁ and B ₂ extending guide direction F hin- and can be pushed, wherein the actuating directions B ₁ and B ₂ of the switching devices formed by the caps with the switching contacts and the contact element pairs extend coaxially and opposite to each other. The guidance of the actuating element 90 in the plane of the lid portion 94 is effected once by the fact that the guide plate 96 is arranged substantially free of play between the lateral guide rails 84 and 84 'and guided by them. Furthermore, the guide plate 96 is in the gap between the upper housing part 64 and its cover portion 96 and the cover plate 66 is performed substantially free of play, so that applied to the actuating element 90 torques can be securely transmitted to the upper housing part and the associated lower housing part 10.

The actual switching state changes take place analogously to the first exemplary embodiment.

A multi-way switch according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of a two-way switch is shown schematically in Figs. 5 and 6. The two-way switch comprises a housing 98, a cap member 100 insertable into the housing 98, and an actuator 102 composed of an operating member 104 and two side members 106 and 106 '.

The housing 98 is designed as a cuboidal box open on one side and has pairs of guide strips 110 and 110 'on longitudinal side walls 108 and 108', which are respectively arranged near the ends of the longitudinal side walls 108 and 108 'and define a guide direction F.

The cap member 100 is formed substantially like the cap member 12, but does not have the U-shaped edge lips 30 and 30 'on. All other components of the cap member correspond to those of the cap member 12 in the first two embodiments, so that for these components, the embodiments in the first two embodiments apply accordingly and the same reference numerals are used in the figures.

The cap member 100 and the housing 98 are designed so that the cap member, when bent in a U-shape, is insertable into the housing 98 substantially free of play, so that on the one hand the sections 28 and 28 "on the parallel end walls 112 and 112 'of the housing 98, so that the actuating directions B ₁ and B ₂ , in which the caps 32 and 32' are deformed, coaxially and oppositely to each other and are oriented parallel to the guide direction F. Furthermore, the narrow side surfaces of the cap member 100 are on the longitudinal side walls 108 and 108 ', so that overall the cap member 100 is held substantially free of play in the housing 98 thus serving as a receptacle.

On the end walls 112 and 112 'of the housing are inside the pairs of contact elements in the first embodiments corresponding, not visible in the figures pairs of contact elements arranged, which are connected to connection elements in the bottom of the housing 98. The contact elements of a pair can be electrically connected to one another by movement of the switching contacts 36 arranged in the caps 32 or 32 'in the actuating directions B ₁ and B ₂ parallel to the guiding direction F and contacting by the switching contacts.

The housing 98 thus serves as a receptacle for the cap member 100 and surrounds the switching devices formed by the caps 32 and 32 'and the switching contacts arranged therein as well as the pairs of contact elements.

The actuating element 102 is constructed in three parts from the actuating part 104 and the two side parts 106 and 106 '.

The actuating part 104 comprises an actuating pin 114 and a deformation portion 116, each having the same, approximately square cross-section and a holding portion 118 which includes a plate 120 which is oriented substantially orthogonal to the actuating pin 114 and the pin-shaped deformation portion 116.

The holding portion 118 further comprises at each of the ends of the parallel to the guide direction F extending longitudinal sides of the plate 120, resiliently formed locking tongues 122 and 122 'with latching openings 124 and 124'.

The side parts 106 and 106 'can be plugged together to form a box-shaped cover and have side walls 126 or 126' running parallel to the guide direction F, end walls 128 or 128 'arranged orthogonally to them and 130 or 130' and cover plates 132 and 132 'respectively. on.

Parallel to the guide direction F are on the inner sides of the side walls 126 and 126 'in the guide direction F extending guide grooves formed in which the guide rails 110 and 110' are feasible and of which in the figures, only the guide groove 134 is visible.

On the side walls 126 of the side part 106 as latching tongues 122 or 122 'complementary locking elements locking lugs are arranged in pairs, of which only the locking lugs 136 on the side wall 126 are visible in the figures.

On the end walls 128 'and 130' of the side part 106 'are arranged as an extension second locking tongues 138 with second detent openings 140. As to the second locking tongues 138 complementary locking elements serve on the end walls 128 and 130 of the side part 106 arranged second locking lugs, of which in the figures, only the second locking lug 142 is visible.

In the cover plates 132 and 132 'U-shaped recesses 144 and 144' are formed, which together form an opening after mating of the side parts 106 and 106 ', which receives the deformation portion 116.

The housing 98 and the actuating element 102 or its parts can be designed as plastic injection-molded parts.

For the production of the two-way switch, the housing 98 is first provided with the pairs of contact elements, which are connected to corresponding terminals on the housing, which are not shown in the figures. Then, the cap member 100 is bent into a U-shape and inserted into the housing 98 serving as a receptacle, so that contact surfaces of the switch contacts 36 are aligned parallel to the respective contact surfaces of the contact element pairs 26 and 26 'and the actuation directions B ₁ and B _second for the switching means formed from the caps 32 and 32 ', the switching contacts and the pairs of contact elements formed therein coaxially and mutually opposite and parallel to the guide direction F are oriented. Then the side parts 106 and 106 'are pushed transversely to the guide direction F on the housing 98, so that the guide strips 110 and 110' engage in the corresponding guide grooves 134 and the second locking tongues 138 engage with the second locking lugs 142. The guide grooves 134 and the guide rails 110 and 110 'are arranged so that the housing facing side of the cover plates 132 and 132' on the corresponding surface of the upper edge of the housing 98 slides.

In the following step, the actuating member 104 is pushed with the deformation portion 116 in the opening formed by the recesses 144 and 144 'in the mating side parts 106 and 106' and between the caps 32 and 32 ', wherein the first locking tongues 122 and 122, respectively 'engage around the mating side parts 106 and 106' and engage with the first locking lugs 136 as complementary locking elements. The deformation section 116 then abuts the caps 32 and 32 'without play.

The latched side portions 106 and 106 'and the latched thereon operating part 104 thus form a stable unit, which is guided securely on the housing 98 parallel to the thrust direction, wherein optionally occurring torques when actuated via the actuating pin 114 via the plate 120 and the cover plates 132nd or 132 'on the top of the housing 98 and via the guide grooves 134 and the guide rails 110 and 110' to the housing 98 are transferable.

The two-way switch is connectable to the bottom of the housing 98 with a circuit carrier, so that the actuation directions Bi and B ₂ and the parallel thereto guide direction F are aligned parallel to the plane of the circuit substrate.

The actual switching state change takes place analogously to the first exemplary embodiment.

To actuate the switch, the actuating element is parallel to the guide direction F from a rest position in which the caps are not deformed or about equally strong and the contact elements are not electrically connected to each other by the switch contacts, movable in two switching positions, wherein the deformation portion 116 each one of the caps 32 and 32 'deformed, so that the corresponding switching contact in the cap electrically connects the corresponding contact elements of the contact element pair and the corresponding switching device changes from a non-conducting or open switching state into a conductive or closed switching state.

Upon release of the actuator 102, this is moved by the restoring force of the respective deformed cap back to the rest position, in which none of the switching devices is in a conductive state.

A multi-way switch according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of a Vierwegeschalters is shown schematically in Figs. 7 to 12.

The four-way switch comprises a base body in the form of a housing base 146, four carriers 148 with pairs of contact elements held thereon 154, a cap element 152, a slide 154 slidable in the housing lower part 146 and the cap element 152 in a first guide direction F ₁ , an actuating element 156 linearly displaceable in the carriage 154 in a guide direction F ₂ orthogonal to the first guide direction F _1, and an upper housing part 158.

The lower housing part 146 has a bottom plate 160 on which four side wall sections 162 are arranged orthogonal to it and in the region of the corners. Recesses 164 for partially receiving the carriers 148 are formed between the side wall portions 162.

The side wall portions 162 have first guide grooves 166 in a direction parallel to the first guide direction F ₁ . Furthermore, fastening holes 168 for fastening screws 170 for connection to the housing upper part 158 are provided in two diagonally arranged side wall sections 162.

On the bottom plate 160 further two positioning and retaining pins 172 are arranged.

The carriers 148 are essentially plate-shaped and have on one side pairs of planar contact elements 150 which are electrically insulated from one another by a narrow gap and which are each connected electrically to connection pins 174.

The carriers 148 are respectively disposed in the recesses 164 of the bottom plate 160 substantially orthogonal thereto, wherein each one two carriers and thus in particular the contact surfaces of the contact elements 150 parallel thereto.

The cap member 152 is integrally formed of an elastomeric material and in the unbent state has a substantially cruciform shape with a central portion 176 and similarly formed side portions 178. In each of the side portions 178 of the cap member 152 are caps 180 having a conical portion 182 and a conical section 182 final operating portion 184 is formed. The design of the caps corresponds in each case to the formation of the caps 32 and 32 'in the preceding embodiments. In particular, a switching contact 186, which has an orthogonal to a symmetry or longitudinal axis of the conical section 182 contacting surface arranged in the caps on the actuating portion 184, respectively.

In the middle portion 176, positioning holes 188 for the positioning and holding pins 172 are formed on the bottom plate 160.

In the bent state, which is shown in the figures, two side sections 178 and their caps 180 are parallel to each other, so that the caps with their actuation directions B ₁ , B ₂ , B ₃ and B ₄ , which are coaxial with the symmetry or Longitudinal axes of the conical sections 182 extend, are arranged crosswise orthogonal to each other.

The side portions 178 of the cap member 152 and the side wall portions 162 of the housing bottom 146 are designed so that the side portions 178 are disposed between the side wall portions 162.

The side sections 178 rest at least partially on the carriers 148, so that the actuation directions are orthogonal to the surfaces of the contact elements 150 and the switch contacts 186 are aligned with their oriented orthogonal to the respective actuation direction contact surface parallel to the surfaces of the contact elements 150. The caps 180 with the switching contacts 186 and the carrier 148 with the contact elements 150 therefore form switching devices in the context of the invention.

The actuator 156 and the carriage 154 serve to actuate the switching devices.

The actuating element 156 has an actuating pin 190 and a deformation portion 192, which are delimited from one another by a plate 194 with two first guide rails 196 running parallel to the second guide direction F ₂ . In the plate-shaped deformation portion 192, a guide recess 198 is formed.

The carriage 154 has on opposite sides parallel to the first guide direction F ₁ aligned second guide rails 200 which are guided in the first guide grooves 166. In the second guide direction F ₂ projections 202 are arranged, which form a groove-like guide for the first guide rails 196. Furthermore, a guide plate 204 is formed transversely to the second guide direction F ₂ , which is guided in the guide recess 198 of the actuating element 156.

The upper housing part 158 is cap-shaped and has, for one housing holes 206 for receiving the fastening screws 170 at the mounting holes 168 corresponding positions and the first and second guide directions F ₁ and F ₂ according cross-shaped actuator opening 208.

Furthermore, recesses 210 for receiving the carriers 148 are formed in the housing part 158 on the inside.

The actuating element 156 is movable from a rest position, in which none of the switching devices is conductive, that is, the contact elements are electrically conductively connected to each other, in four switching positions.

As can be seen in FIGS. 8, 11 and 12, the carriers 148 arranged in the recesses 210 of the upper housing part 158 and the recesses 164 of the lower housing part 146 are supported on the side walls of the upper housing part 158. Together with the base plate 160, they thus form a receptacle for the cap element 152, the side sections 178 of which lie flat against the carriers 148 and an upper edge region near the recesses 210.

Upon movement of the actuating element 156 parallel to the second guide direction F _2, end faces 212 of the deformation section 192 deform corresponding caps 180 in the corresponding, parallel to the second guide direction F ₂ extending actuating direction B ₁ and B ₂ , which are aligned coaxially and opposite to each other. As a result of this movement, the corresponding switching contact 186 is moved onto the contact elements 150 of a pair of contact elements until it contacts the contact elements 150 and thus electrically connects to one another. The switching device now assumes a conductive switching state. A guide of the actuating element 156 is effected via the first guide rails 198 and the projections 202 and the guide recess 198 and the guide plate 204 in the carriage 154. When the actuating element 156 is released, this is replaced by the restoring forces of the respective deformed cap 180 in the in Fig. 11 shown rest position in which none of the opposing caps is deformed.

Upon movement of the operating member 156 is parallel to the first transport direction F ₁ moved over the first guide rails 196 of the carriage 154 together with the actuating member 156 parallel to the first transport direction F _1, wherein deforming surfaces 214 of the carriage 154 one of their symmetry or longitudinal axis coaxially arranged caps 180 deformed. This movement is guided by the guidance of the carriage 154 by means of the second guide rails 200 and the first guide grooves 166 along a straight line. The actuation of the respective switching devices otherwise takes place analogously to the direct actuation by the actuating element 156 when moving in the second guide direction F ₂ .

Due to the cross-shaped design of the actuating opening 208, a simultaneous movement of the actuating element 156 in both guide directions F ₁ and F _{2 is} not possible.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Housing bottom

12

cap member

14

Housing top

16

actuator

18

baseplate

20, 20 '

side walls

22, 22 '

guide ribs

24, 24 '

locking lugs

26, 26 '

contact elements

28, 28 ', 28 "

sections

30, 30 '

marginal lips

32, 32 '

cut

33

conical section

34, 34 '

operating portions

36

switching contact

38, 38 '

Housing side walls

39, 39 '

End wall portions

40, 40 '

locking tongues

42, 42 '

latching openings

44

cover section

46

ribs

48

opening

50

guide rails

52

actuating pin

54

deforming section

56

guide plate

58, 58 '

guide walls

60

strip

62

guide

64

Housing top

66

housing plate

68, 68 '

Housing side walls

70, 70 '

End wall portions

72, 72 '

locking tongues

74, 74 '

latching openings

76

cover section

78

opening

80

recess

82

Rest breakthrough

84, 84 '

guide rails

86

collar

88

latch hook

89

opening

90

actuator

92

actuating pin

94

deforming section

96

guide plate

98

casing

100

cap member

102

actuator

104

actuating member

106, 106 '

side panels

108, 108 '

Longitudinal side walls

110, 110 '

guide rails

112, 112 '

end walls

114

actuating pin

116

deforming section

118

holding section

120

plate

122, 122 '

first snap tongues

124, 124 '

first detent openings

126, 126 '

side walls

128, 128 '

end walls

130, 130 '

end walls

132, 132 '

cover plates

134

guide

136

first locking lugs

138

second locking tongues

140

second detent openings

142

second catch

144, 144 '

recesses

146

Housing bottom

148

carrier

150

contact elements

152

cap member

154

carriage

156

actuator

158

Housing top

160

baseplate

162

Sidewall portions

164

recesses

166

first guide grooves

168

mounting holes

170

mounting screws

172

Positioning and retaining pin

174

pins

176

midsection

178

side sections

180

cut

182

conical sections

184

operating portions

186

switch contacts

188

positioning holes

190

actuating pin

192

deforming section

194

plate

196

second guide rails

198

guide recess

200

second guide rails

202

projections

204

guide plate

206

housing holes

208

Actuator opening

210

recesses

212

faces

214

deforming surfaces

B ₁

operating direction

B ₂

operating direction

B ₃

operating direction

B ₄

operating direction

F

guide direction

F ₁

first direction

F ₂

second guiding direction

Claims (18)

1. An electrical multi-way switch comprising
   at least two switching devices (26, 26', 32, 32', 36; 150, 180, 186), which each have a cap (32, 32'; 180) made of an elastic material which can be deformed by pressure in a corresponding, predetermined actuation direction (B₁, B₂; B₁, B₂, B₃, B₄) such that a switch state of the respective switching device (26, 26', 32, 32', 36; 150, 180, 186) is changed; and
   an actuation element (16; 90; 102; 156) which is movable between at least one first and one second switch position and by means of which the cap (32, 32'; 180) of a first or second one of the switch devices (26, 26', 32, 32', 36; 150, 180, 186) can be deformed by movement into the first or second switch position for the changing of the switch state of the corresponding switching device (26, 26', 32, 32', 36; 150, 180, 186), wherein the actuation directions (B₁, B₂; B₁, B₂, B₃, B₄) for the caps (32, 32'; 180) differ from one another,
   characterized in that
   the caps (32, 32'; 180) are formed together in a one-piece cap element (12; 100; 152) which is held at least partly in or on a mount (10; 98; 148, 158, 160) in the assembled state and is bent in a U shape by it.
2. A multi-way switch in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the actuation element (16; 90; 102; 156) can be displaced between the first and the second switch positions.
3. A multi-way switch in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the actuation directions (B₁, B₂; B₁, B₂, B₃, B₄) for at least two caps (32, 32'; 80) are aligned substantially parallel and opposite to one another.
4. A multi-way switch in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation element (16; 90; 102; 156) has a deformation section (54; 94; 116; 192) which at least during the deformation of at least one of the two caps (32, 32'; 180) at least partly contacts the cap (32, 32'; 180).
5. A multi-way switch in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the caps (32, 32'; 180) are made such that an initially increasing force and, after overcoming a pressure point, a constant or decreasing force is required to deform the cap (32, 32'; 180) in the respective actuation direction (B₁, B₂; B₁, B₂, B₃, B₄).
6. A multi-way switch in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching devices (26, 26', 32, 32', 36; 150, 180, 186) each have two contacts (26, 26'; 150) which are insulated from one another and which can be electrically connected to one another by means of a switch contact (36; 186) held in the cap (32, 32'; 180) by pressure onto the cap (32, 32'; 180) in the respective actuation direction (B₁, B₂; B₁, B₂, B₃, B₄).
7. A multi-way switch in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that the contacts (26, 26'; 150) of at least one of the switching devices (26, 26', 32, 32', 36; 150, 180, 186) are fastened to and/or in the mount (10; 98; 148, 158, 160).
8. A multi-way switch in accordance with claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that the contacts (26, 26'; 150) of at least one of the switching devices (150, 180, 186) are arranged on and/or in a carrier (148) which can be placed onto a base body (146) or can be held by means of a housing (158, 160) of the multi-way switch.
9. A multi-way switch in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized
   in that the switch devices (26, 26', 32, 32', 36) are arranged at least partly in a housing (10, 14; 10, 64; 66; 98); and
   in that the actuation element (16; 90; 102) and the housing (10, 14; 10, 64; 66; 98) have cooperating guide devices (50, 56, 62; 66, 76, 84, 84', 96; 110, 110', 134).
10. A multi-way switch in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the actuation element (16; 90; 102) and the housing (10, 14; 98) include guide grooves (62; 134) and guide rails (50; 110, 110') as guide elements.
11. A multi-way switch in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized
    in that the switching devices (26, 26', 32, 32', 36) are arranged at least partly in a housing (10, 14; 10, 64, 66); and
    in that the actuation element (16; 90) has a guide surface (56; 66) which at least partly surrounds a cross-section of the deformation section (54; 94) and is supported at one or more guide elements (46) defining a surface in or at the housing (10, 14; 10, 64, 66).
12. A multi-way switch in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized
    in that the switching devices (26, 26', 32, 32', 36) are arranged at least partly in a housing (10, 64, 66); and
    in that the actuation element (90) has a plate-like guide section (96) which is guided between two housing parts (64, 66) extending parallel to directions of movement (B₁, B₂) of the actuation element (90).
13. A multi-way switch in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized
    in that the switching devices (26, 26', 32, 32', 36) are arranged at least partly in a housing (10, 14; 98); and
    in that the actuation element (16; 102) at least partly engages about the housing (10, 14; 98).
14. A multi-way switch in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation element (16) is snapped onto a housing (10, 14) of the multi-way switch.
15. A multi-way switch in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation element (102) has at least two parts (106, 106') which are joined together in a direction transverse to a path of movement (F) of the actuation element (102) between the two switch positions.
16. A multi-way switch in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized
    in that two pairs of switching devices (150, 180, 186) are arranged such that their actuation directions (B₁, B₂, B₃, B₄) extend in directions which differ from one another and are preferably substantially orthogonal to one another;
    in that the actuation element (156) can be moved to and fro between four switch positions; and
    in that the cap (180) of one of the switching devices (150, 180, 186) can be deformed by movement of the actuation element (156) into one of the switching positions in order to change the switch state of the corresponding switching device (150, 180, 186).
17. A multi-way switch in accordance with claim 14, characterized
    in that a slider (154) is guided displaceably in a base body (146) parallel to a first guide direction (F₁); and
    in that the actuation element (156) is guided at or in the slider (154) parallel to a second guide direction (F₂) differing from the first.
18. A multi-way switch in accordance with claim 17, characterized
    in that the actuation element (156) has a deformation section (192) which, on the movement of the actuation element (156) into two of the switch positions, contacts the cap (180) respectively deformed by this movement; and
    in that the slider (154) can be displaced by means of the actuation element (156) and has at least one further deformation section (214) which can be moved correspondingly by movement of the actuation element (156) into two other switch positions such that the cap (180) of a corresponding switching device can be deformed.

Images