EP4607558A1

EP4607558A1 - Switch assembly and electric device having switch assembly

Info

Publication number: EP4607558A1
Application number: EP24159567.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Manojkumar Shrikrushna DESHMUKH; Anna-Christina SCHIEBOL
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2024-02-26
Filing date: 2024-02-26
Publication date: 2025-08-27
Also published as: WO2025180883A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a switch assembly (4) for switching an operational state of an electric device by pushing a push surface (12). The switch assembly (4) comprises a first part (1) comprising a base (14) and a first connection element (17) for connection to a third part (3), a second part (2) comprising a switch (5) for electric communication with the electric device and a sandwich section (13), a third part (3) at least partially made of a flexible material and comprising a cover (16) including the push surface (12), at least one leg (8) protruding from the cover (16) and a second connection element (19) for connection to the first part (1), wherein the first (1) and third parts (3) are fixed to each other by means of the first and second connection elements (17, 19), and the sandwich section (13) of the second part (2) is at least partially sandwiched between the at least one leg (8) of the third part (3) and the base (14) of the first part (1) and pressed by the at least one leg (8) against the base (14), so that the second part (2) is fixed relative to the first (1) and third parts (3).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a switch assembly and an electric device having the switch assembly, optionally for medical purposes, e.g. a medical device comprising the switch assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Switches, such as ON/OFF switches ("Power Switches"), e.g. for operation of a monitor, are known. If a switch includes plastic and silicon parts, such parts may be permanently fixed/assembled by means of a plastic welding process.
However, plastic welding processes may have drawbacks in terms of reliability over time and generation of heat during welding, possibly leading to thermal residual stress in the parts. A subsequent welding step also adds to process time and process costs.
The invention aims at improving switches in this regard, in particular as to drawbacks resulting from plastic welding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a switch assembly for switching an operational state of an electric device by pushing a push surface is provided. The switch assembly comprises a first part comprising a base and a first connection element for connection to a third part, a second part comprising a switch for electric communication with the electric device and a sandwich section, a third part at least partially made of a flexible material and comprising a cover including the push surface, at least one leg protruding from the cover and a second connection element for connection to the first part, wherein the first and third parts are fixed to each other by means of the first and second connection elements, and the sandwich section of the second part is at least partially sandwiched between the at least one leg of the third part and the base of the first part and pressed by the at least one leg against the base, so that the second part is fixed relative to the first and third parts.
The second part may the clamped/held in place between the first and third parts. Therefore, the second part may, at its sandwich(ed) section, be sandwiched between two directly opposing planes of the first and third parts. The sandwich section may, accordingly, be seen as interposed between the first and third parts. As the second part is (optionally only) mechanically fixed by the first and third parts, a switch assembly allowing for permanent fixing of one part to other part, here the second part to the first and/or third part, may be obtained without a plastic welding process. Hence, a switch of the invention may be manufactured without a plastic welding process (hot caulking). Further, no adhesive bonding, e.g. gluing, may be needed. Also, a switch of an embodiment of the invention, may be free of engagement features at the second part, such as (e.g. snap) hooks.
The specific mechanical fixing of the second part in a switch assembly of the invention allows for a reliable, simplified and/or faster assembly process. In particular, a switch assembly of an embodiment of the invention may support advantages as to process time, process constancy, process costs and/or help to reduce a risk during manufacture and reduce the complexity of servicing. As there is (in particular if only) a mechanical connection of all parts comprising the switch assembly, it may be easier to replace individual parts during manufacture.
The mechanical fixation of the second part relative to the first and third parts may include a friction fit against movement of the second part in a plane parallel to the push surface and/or a form fit against movement of the second part in a plane perpendicular to the push surface.
A switch assembly of an embodiment of the invention includes the switch as such and allows for connection to a PCB. The switch assembly is, hence, versatile as to the location of the PCB in an electric device.
The first part may represent a holder. The second part includes the actual switch. The third part may be seen as a button. Optionally, each leg may be seen as a support or pillar.
Optionally, the first and third parts are the only parts holding the second part in place.
Optionally, the second part is directly held between the first and third parts.
A switch assembly of an embodiment of the invention may be a power switch which operates an ON/OFF function of the electric device.
Optionally, the third part includes an outer edge extending sideways from at least a part of the cover, wherein the outer edge of the third part and the at least one leg are, at least partially and at the sandwich section, spaced apart from each other. Put differently, the at least one leg is distanced from the outer edge, at least in a neighborhood to the sandwich section. Accordingly, the at least one leg is dedicated for connection to the sandwich section, in particular for exertion of pressure onto the sandwich section. By way of separation of the leg, at least partially, from the outer edge of the third part, reliable transfer of forces along the leg and onto (only) the sandwich section may be increased. More specifically, it is beneficial, e.g., more reliable fixing of the parts comprising the switch assembly may be achieved, if the leg has no other function, in particular if the leg is not, at the same time, also used for any other engagement and/or for sealing.
Optionally, the second part comprises at least one first guiding element, in particular an opening, optionally adjacent the sandwich section, the first part comprises at least one second guiding element, in particular a pin protruding from the base, and the first guiding element and the second guiding element are in engagement. This allows for simple and reliable alignment between the second and third parts.
Optionally, the sandwich section is part of a planar surface of the second part on which the switch is arranged. If the sandwich section is part of a planar surface, the leg may reliably contact the second part and may more easily establish contact with the second part, namely by way of the sandwich section. Further optionally, the planar surface includes a flexible PCB. If the planar surface includes a flexible PCB, efficient and versatile arrangement may be achieved.
Optionally, the sandwich section is located at an edge of the second part, optionally an edge of a planar surface on which the switch is arranged. If the sandwich section is located at an edge of the second part, the sandwich section may more likely avoid interference with more centrally located entities, such as the switch. At the same time, by fixing the second part at an edge, efficient and reliable fixation may be possible.
Optionally, the leg has, in a cross-sectional view substantially parallel to the push surface, a line-shape and/or is elongated. This may allow for an improved contacting of the leg with the base, as the line-shaped, and/or elongated cross-section of the leg provides efficient and reliable transfer of forces. Furthermore, such a structure may support compactness, as the line-shaped or elongated cross-section of the leg is smaller, relative to other cross-section shapes in a direction transverse to the line/length. Hence, at least in such transverse direction, reduced space may be occupied by the leg. Such compactness may provide flexibility in implementation in a variety of structures.
Optionally, the third part further comprises a reinforcement element at least in parts substantially extending parallel to the leg for reinforcement of the leg, optionally wherein, in a cross-sectional view substantially parallel to the push surface, the at least one reinforcement element is located between the leg and an outer edge of the third part. By way of the reinforcement element, the strength of the leg may be increased. This may particularly be expedient if the leg is made of a flexible material. The reinforcement element may be located between the leg and an outer edge of the third part. The reinforcement element may be seen as an extension of the leg away from a center of the switch assembly, in particular facing away from the switch. This may allow for reinforcement of the leg, without compromising the space available for the switch.
Optionally, the reinforcement element is floating above the first and second parts and/or a termination of the reinforcement element is spaced apart from the first and second parts. If the reinforcement element does not abut the first and second parts, seen substantially perpendicular to the plane of the push surface, the reinforcement element is floating with respect to the first and second parts. This may ensure that the reinforcement element as such only serves for reinforcement of the leg, but not for exertion of forces onto other parts of the second part and/or the first part, let alone onto the sandwich section. Put differently, the sandwich section is not in contact with the reinforcement element. A possibility to implement a floating reinforcement element is an equal distance of a termination/end of the reinforcement element and of the termination/end of the leg, wherein the sandwich section, i.e. the second part, is only present below the leg, but not below the reinforcement element. This provides an efficient and simple implementation.
Optionally, the third part of an embodiment of the invention is at least partially made of a flexible material, such as silicone. The flexible material may have a shore hardness of between 65 to 75 shore A. A preferred material may be HR-1971U(T). The flexible material may eliminate the need for an additional spring. Also, the flexible material may seal the switch, e.g. in itself and/or relative to the electric device in which it is located, e.g. by expansion/compression of the flexible material in case of a gap between the switch and a housing of the electric device. The third part may at least in parts, such as for the cover and/or the leg, comprise silicone. Alternatively, the third part may, in its entirety/integrally, be made of silicone.
Optionally, the third part has a rib at least partially protruding from the cover, optionally connecting to the at least one leg, further optionally connecting to one or both side edges of the at least one leg, seen a cross-sectional view substantially parallel to the push surface, and/or extending along or parallel to a perimeter of the third part. The rib may improve stability and rigidity and, thus, further reinforce the leg. Additionally or alternatively, the rib may represent an extra layer for ingress protection, in particular against ingress of liquid, i.e. for sealing against the environment. In particular, if the rib serves for reinforcement and, at the same time, for sealing, no separate/additional gasket may be needed. It is preferable that the rib extends parallel or along a circumference/perimeter of the third part continuously, wherein interruptions in the rib may represent an alternative.
Optionally, the rib and the leg basically terminate at the same distance from the push surface and/or the rib is floating above the first and second parts. This may, as disclosed above in connection with the reinforcement element, also be advantageous with respect to the reinforcement provided by the rib.
Optionally, more than one sandwich section having the characteristics of the sandwich section described above is provided. Alternatively or additionally, more than one leg having the characteristics of the leg as described above may be provided. Specifically, each sandwich section of a plurality of sandwich sections is sandwiched between the base of the first part and a corresponding leg of a plurality of legs. This allows for more secure and more reliable fixation of the second part.
Optionally, in a cross-sectional view substantially parallel to the push surface, the first part, the second part and/or the third part exhibit a symmetrical arrangement, in particular relative to one or two planes of symmetry perpendicular to the push surface, optionally a plane of symmetry passing through a center of the at least one leg. Providing a symmetric arrangement, in particular an arrangement having a planar symmetry, may improve the reliability of the fixation. In particular, if more than one sandwich section and more than one leg, for example, two sandwich sections and two legs, are provided, the sandwich sections, on the one hand, and the legs on the other hand, may be located symmetrical relative to each other.
Optionally, the switch has an actuator, and the third part comprises an actuation area for contact with the actuator. The switch assembly is configured such that pushing the push surface of the third part moves the actuation area towards the actuator of the switch, so as to switch the operational state of the switch.
Optionally, the leg is located between the actuation area and the reinforcement element, seen in a cross-sectional view substantially parallel to the push surface.
Optionally, the at least one leg and the actuation area of the third part are connected by a ramp, wherein an angle formed between the actuation area and the ramp is obtuse. The ramp represents an inclined connection between the leg and the actuation area. One advantage of this structure is that due to the obtuse angle, it is possible to transfer a pushing force exerted by the user onto the push surface, i.e., the cover and actuate the switch, even if the force is not exerted perpendicularly to the push surface. Accordingly, it is possible to actuate the switch by pushing the third part in a relatively wide range of angles, for example in an angle up to 45° from an axis perpendicular to the push surface, and in another example in an angle up to 30° from an axis perpendicular to the push surface. Another advantage of such a structure is that it is possible to transfer a pushing force exerted by the user onto the push surface and actuate the switch even if the force is not exerted substantially at a center of the push surface. Accordingly, it is possible to actuate the switch by pushing the third part at a position having an offset from a center of the push surface, e.g., an offset of up to 60% of the distance between a center and the circumference of the cover. This may be particularly advantageous for covers having an oblong shape. Therefore, user comfort is improved and switching on and off is simplified.
The present invention is further directed to an electric device, optionally for medical purposes, in particular a medical device. The electric/medical device may in particular be a monitor, a handheld device or a rack. The electric/medical device comprises the switch assembly of the invention, wherein the switch assembly is received in an opening of a housing of the electric device.
Optionally, the third part, in particular an outer edge of the third part, at least in parts seals the switch assembly at its perimeter relative to the opening of the housing of the electric device. This may in particular be preferable in connection with the use for medical purposes, in which hygienic aspects may be relevant. Specifically, the switch assembly may be sealed from ingress of bacteria, cleaning agents, dirt etc. The electric device may be used in sterile environments.
Whenever reference to the third part is made throughout the description, the natural, non-deformed state of a flexible material is referred to. For example, in connection with a push surface of a cover made of a flexible material, a plane defining the push surface refers to the configuration of the push surface if no pressure is exerted by a user, i.e. if the push surface is not pushed and, hence, not deformed.
Disclosure in connection with one leg or in in connection with one sandwich section equally applies to a plurality of legs, such as the two legs, and to a plurality of sandwich sections, i.e. the two sandwich sections, respectively.
The detailed description of the invention is provided with respect to the embodiments shown in the drawings. Variations and alternatives are part of the invention in so far they are covered by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig 1(a) shows a cross-sectional view of a switch assembly of an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 1(b) shows an enlarged view of the encircled part of Fig. 1(a).
Fig. 2(a) shows a perspective view of the first part of an embodiment of a switch assembly of the invention.
Fig. 2(b) shows a perspective view of the second part of an embodiment of a switch assembly of the invention.
Fig. 2(c) shows a perspective view of the third part of an embodiment of a switch assembly of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1(a) shows a switch assembly 4 for switching an operational state of an electric device (not shown) by pushing a push surface 12. The push surface 12 may be pushed in an actuation direction A, wherein Fig. 1(a) indicates that the actuation direction A does not need to be perpendicular to the push surface 12, but that a variety of actuation directions A angled relative to the push surface 12 are possible. In the embodiments shown in the drawings, the third part 3 is completely made of silicone and is, hence, in its entirety, flexible. More specifically, in the embodiments shown in the drawings, the third part is integrally formed of silicone.
The switch assembly 4 as shown in Fig. 1(a) comprises a first part 1 comprising a base 14 and a first connecting element 17 for connection to the third part 3. Further, the switch assembly 4 comprises a second part 2 comprising a switch 5 for electric communication with the electric device (not shown) and two sandwich sections 13. The switch assembly 4 further comprises the third part 3 which is at least partially made of a flexible material, such as silicone, and comprises a cover 16 including the push surface 12. Further, the third part 3 comprises two legs 8 protruding from the cover 16, substantially perpendicular to the push surface 12, and a second connecting element 19 for connection to the first part 1. The first 1 and third 3 parts are fixed to each other by means of the first and second connection elements to 17, 19. To fix the second part 2 relative to the first 1 and third 3 parts, each sandwich section 13 of the second part 2 is at least partially sandwiched between one of the legs 8 of the third part 3 and the base 14 of the first part 1. In particular, each sandwich section 13 is pressed by one leg 8 against the base 14.
The first connecting element 17 and the second connecting element 19 allow for fixation of the first 1 and third 3 parts relative to each other such that the legs 8 of the third part 3 touch the sandwich sections 13 of the second part 2, optionally and preferable exerting pressure by way of the legs 8 onto the sandwich sections 13 and onto the corresponding section of the base 14.
The third part 3 includes an outer edge 20 extending sideways from at least a part of the cover 16, wherein the outer edge 20 and the at least one leg 8 are, at least partially and at the sandwich section 13, spaced apart from each other, i.e. distanced from each other.
The switch 5 has an actuator 11 and the third part 3 comprises an actuation area 10 for contact with the actuator 1, wherein the switch assembly 1 is configured such that pushing the push surface 12 of the third part 3 moves the actuation area 10 towards the actuator 11 of the switch, so as switch the operational state of the switch 5.
The second part 2 may comprise a planar surface 21 which may be or comprise a flexible PCB.
Fig. 1(b) shows an enlarged view of the encircled part of Fig. 1(a). The sandwich section 13 is sandwiched between the base 14 of the first part 1 on the lower side and the leg 8 of the third part 3 on the upper side. More specifically, planar parts of the leg 8 and of the base 14 embrace the sandwich section 13 from above and below, respectively.
The leg 8 as shown and the actuation area 10 (not shown in Fig. 1(b), but in Fig. 2(c)) of the third part 3 may be connected by a ramp 23. An angle α is formed between the actuation area 10 and the ramp 23 is obtuse, i.e. larger than 90°, in an example such an angle is between 120-160°.
It is in particular shown in Fig. 1(b) that the leg 8 is in direct contact with the sandwich section 13, wherein the sandwich section 13 is in direct contact with the base 14 of the first part 1. The leg is, in Fig. 1(b), identifiable at the right side. On the left side the, a reinforcement element 9 can be identified. (The reinforcement element 9 and leg 8 may be united, as explained below.) The reinforcement element 9 may float above the second part 2, and also above the base 14 of the first part 1. Put differently, the reinforcement element 9 may be distanced from the base 14 and may not touch the sandwich section 13, or the second part 2 elsewhere. In other words, the reinforcement element 9 and the leg 8 may terminate at the same distance from the push surface 12.
The second part 2 may comprise an opening 7, wherein the first part may comprise a pin 6 protruding from the base 14. The pin 6 extends through the opening 6, so that the pin 6 and the opening 7 are in engagement and allow for positioning of the first 1 and second 2 parts relative to each other.
The sandwich section 13 may be located at an edge of the second part 2. As the second part may comprise a planar surface 21 including the sandwich section 13, an edge of the planar surface 21 forms part of the sandwich section 13.
Fig. 2 shows the first 1, second 2 and third 3 parts in a disassembled state. From the particular embodiment shown in these drawings, it is evident that each of the parts 1, 2 and 3 is symmetric. Hence, the entire switch assembly 4 is symmetric. The symmetry can be described, in a cross-sectional view substantially parallel to the push surface 12 and relative to a plane of symmetry S1 and S2 perpendicular to the push surface 21. Fig. 2(c) indicates, with respect to the third part 3, a plane of symmetry S1 perpendicular to the plane P of the push surface 21 along a longer dimension of the switch assembly 4, and also a plane of symmetry S2 perpendicular to the plane P of the push surface 21 along a shorter dimension of the switch assembly 4. Each of the planes of symmetry S1, S2, cross the center of the switch assembly 4. The plane P of the push surface 21 is indicated in Fig. 2(c). Nevertheless, such a symmetry is entirely optional and not required for the invention to work.
Fig. 2(a) shows the first part 1 in a perspective view, almost from the top, when in the disassembled state, wherein top of the first part, is its side configured to face second part 2. In particular, in addition to the basis 14, two optional pins 6 as well as the first connecting element 17 forming a rim are indicated. The first part 1 represents the lowest part in the assembled state, as also shown in Figure 1(a).
Fig. 2(b) shows the second part 2 in a perspective view, almost from the top, when in the disassembled state, wherein, top of the second part 2 is its side configured to face third part 3. The second part 2 comprises the surface 21, optionally planar and the switch 5. On top of the switch 5, the actuator 11 is located. On both sides of the switch 5, optional openings 7 are provided. Next to each and outwards of the optional openings 7, a sandwich section 13 can be identified. The sandwich section 13 is basically defined by way of contact area of the legs 8 of the third part 3, indicated by the dotted lines.
Fig. 2(c) shows the third part 3 in a perspective view, almost from the bottom, when in the disassembled state, wherein, the bottom view of the third part is its side configured to face second part 2. The actuation area 10 of the third part 3 basically represents a plane parallel to the push surface P. The actuation area 10 is connected via an optional inclined ramp 23 to the leg 8. The leg 8 may have 2 opposing sides 22. The third part 3 may, in a cross-sectional view be parallel to the push surface 12 and in Fig. 2(c), extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane P of the push surface 21 and exhibits an elongated and line-shaped cross-section.
The third part 3 may further have a rib 15 at least partially protruding from the cover 16, i.e. from the push surface 21. The rib 15 connects to the leg 8, namely to both side edges 22 of the leg 8. More specifically, the rib is enclosed and extends parallel to the outer perimeter of the third part 3. The rib 15 may, in Fig. 2(c), correspond to an oval or rectangular cross section with rounded corners. The rib 15 and the leg 8 basically terminate at the same distance from the push surface 12. Accordingly, the rib 15 may float above the first 1 and second 2 parts.
Fig. 2(c) further shows an optional seal 18 extending basically perpendicular from the cover 16, in particular from the push surface 12. The seal 18 extends around the outer perimeter of the third part 3 and is configured to seal gaps between the switch assembly 4 and an opening in a housing of the electrical device (not shown) receiving the switch assembly 4. The seal 18 may be formed by the outer edge 20 of the third part 3.
Fig. 2(c) further shows the optional reinforcement elements 9, which reinforce the respective leg 8. The reinforcement elements 9 may be pillar shaped and extent basically in parallel to the legs 8. The reinforcing elements 9 may each have a rounded part facing away from the leg 8, in particular facing away from the center of the second part 2. The reinforcement element 9 is basically located between the leg 8 and the outer edge 20 of the third part 3. The leg 8 and the reinforcement element 9 may be integral and united with each other.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS:

first part
second part
third part
switch assembly
electrical/power switch
first guiding element of first part
second guiding element of second part
leg of third part
reinforcement element of third part
actuation area of third part
actuator of switch
push surface of third part
sandwich(ed) section
base
rib
cover
first connection element
seal
second connection element
outer edge
planar surface
side edge of leg
ramp
P Plane of push surface
A Actuation direction
S1, S2 Planes of symmetry

Claims

Switch assembly (4) for switching an operational state of an electric device by pushing a push surface (12), the switch assembly (4) comprising:
a first part (1) comprising a base (14) and a first connection element (17) for connection to a third part (3),

a second part (2) comprising a switch (5) for electric communication with the electric device and a sandwich section (13),

a third part (3) at least partially made of a flexible material and comprising a cover (16) including the push surface (12), at least one leg (8) protruding from the cover (16) and a second connection element (19) for connection to the first part (1),

wherein the first (1) and third (3) parts are fixed to each other by means of the first and second connection elements (17, 19), and the sandwich section (13) of the second part (2) is at least partially sandwiched between the at least one leg (8) of the third part (3) and the base (14) of the first part (1) and pressed by the at least one leg (8) against the base (14), so that the second part (2) is fixed relative to the first (1) and third (3) parts.
Switch assembly (4) of claim 1, wherein the third part (3) includes an outer edge (20) extending sideways from at least a part of the cover (16), wherein the outer edge (20) and the at least one leg (8) are, at least partially and at the sandwich section (13), spaced apart from each other.
Switch assembly (4) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second part (2) comprises at least one first guiding element (7), in particular an opening (7), optionally adjacent the sandwich section (13), the first part (1) comprises at least one second guiding element (6), in particular a pin (6) protruding from the base (14), and the first guiding element (7) and the second guiding element (6) are in engagement and/or wherein the sandwich section (13) is part of a planar surface (21) of the second part (2) on which the switch (5) is arranged, the planar surface optionally including a flexible PCB.
Switch assembly (4) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sandwich section (13) is located at an edge of the second part (2), optionally an edge of a planar surface (21) on which the switch (5) is arranged.
Switch assembly (4) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the leg (8) has, in a cross-sectional view substantially parallel to the push surface (12), a line-shape and/or is elongated.
Switch assembly (4) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the third part (3) further comprises a reinforcement element (9) at least in parts substantially extending parallel to the leg (8) for reinforcement of the leg (8), optionally wherein, in a cross-sectional view substantially parallel to the push surface (12), the at least one reinforcement element (9) is located between the leg (8) and an outer edge (20) of the third part (3).
Switch assembly (4) of claim 6, wherein the reinforcement element (9) is floating above the first (1) and second (2) parts and/or a termination of the reinforcement element (9) is spaced apart from the first (1) and second (2) parts.
Switch assembly (4) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the third part (3) is integrally formed and/or made of a material having a shore hardness of between 65 to 75 Shore A and/or is made of silicone.
Switch assembly (4) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the third part (3) has a rib (15) at least partially protruding from the cover (16), optionally connecting to the at least one leg (8), further optionally connecting to one or both side edges (22) of the at least one leg (8), seen a cross-sectional view substantially parallel to the push surface (12), and/or extending along or parallel to a perimeter of the third part (3).
Switch assembly (4) of claim 9, wherein the rib (15) and the leg (8) basically terminate at the same distance from the push surface (12) and/or the rib (15) is floating above the first (1) and second (2) parts.
Switch assembly (4) of any of the preceding claims, wherein
the second part (2) comprises a further sandwich section (13), so that the switch assembly comprises two sandwich sections (13), which are optionally located at opposite sides of the switch (5), and/or

the third part (3) comprises a further leg (8), so that the switch assembly comprises two legs (8), which are optionally located at opposite sides of the switch (5),
further optionally each of the two sandwich sections (13) being sandwiched between the base (14) and a corresponding leg of the two legs (8).
Switch assembly (4) of any of the preceding claims, wherein, in a cross-sectional view substantially parallel to the push surface (12), the first part (1), the second part (2) and/or the third part (3) exhibit a symmetrical arrangement, in particular relative to one or two planes of symmetry (S 1, S2) perpendicular to the push surface (12), optionally a plane of symmetry (S1, S2) passing through a center of the at least one leg (8).
Switch assembly (4) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one leg (8) and the actuation area (10) of the third part (3) are connected by a ramp (23), wherein an angle (α) formed between the actuation area (10) and the ramp (23) is obtuse.
Electric device, optionally for medical purposes, in particular a monitor, a handheld device or a rack, comprising the switch assembly (4) of any of the preceding claims received in an opening of a housing of the electric device.
Electric device of claim 14, wherein the third part (3), in particular an outer edge (20) of the third part (3), at least in parts seals the switch assembly (4) at its perimeter relative to the opening of the housing of the electric device.