MXPA98001170A

MXPA98001170A - Conmutac device

Info

Publication number: MXPA98001170A
Application number: MXPA/A/1998/001170A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Sasaki Takumi
Original assignee: Sony Corporation
Priority date: 1997-02-13
Filing date: 1998-02-11
Publication date: 1999-02-01

Abstract

A switching device that is changed by a pushing operation by a rotating operation. The switching device includes a first rotationally reciprocable sustained operating unit, a first switching unit switched by a reciprocation operation of the first operating unit, a second switching unit switched by a rotation operation of the first operating unit and an intermittent rotation unit for holding the first operating unit for intermittent rotation. The operation of changing a large number of switching elements can be carried out by a smaller number of operating units in order to allow the reduction in size of the device as t

Description

"SWITCHING DEVICE" BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a switching device operated to be switched by a pushing or rotating operation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNIQUE An electronic equipment, such as an acoustic and / or reproducing recording apparatus, e.g., a record and / or disc player, or a map display device, loaded on a vehicle such as a car is controlled usually by means of a switching device, such as a remote control device mounted separately from the electronic equipment. This switching device, adapted to control the electronic equipment, has a number of switching elements for adjusting the operating modes or functions belonging to the electronic equipment. To adjust and switch these operating modes or functions, operating units such as operating buttons are provided in association with the switching elements. A first task that is to be addressed by the present invention is that, for the adjustment or switching of a large number of operating modes or functions for eg, the disc registration and / or reproducing apparatus, are provided Switching elements in the switching device in association with the different operating modes or functions, and operating units are provided in association with the different switching elements, the switching device itself will have to adopt a bulky size. The switching elements provided in the switching device described above are constructed so as to provide a contactor oriented towards a contact to have contact with the contact and is deflected by a spring, in a direction away from the contact. The contactor is pushed against the force of the thrust exerted by the spring and is separated from contact, by removing the pushing force. This switching device is provided with an operating member for pushing the contactor of the switch elements. The operating member is integrally connected with a coincident operating member of the switch elements. If a thrust member is pushed, the contactor is pushed against the deflection of the spring to be able to contact the contact in order to establish the electrical connection between the contacts to carry out the electrical switching of the electronic equipment connected with the device. switching. A second problem to be addressed by the present invention is that, since the operating member is connected as one of the contactors of the switching element and therefore, the stroke of movement of the operating member depends on the amount of movement of the contactor, the movement stroke of the operating member can not be changed freely. The aforementioned switching device is constructed so that the main body portion of the switching device is removably mounted on a base block to improve the operability and to ensure theft proof. A third problem to be addressed by means of the present invention is that, in a conventional switching device wherein the main body portion of the switching device is detachably mounted in the base block, the connecting terminal provided in a base block is exposed to the outside when the main body portion of the switching device is disassembled, so that foreign matter, such as dust and dirt, is fixed to the terminal portions of the connection when the body portion is disassembled of the switching device, possibly short-circuiting the terminal plates of the connection terminals.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a switching device exempt from the aforementioned problems. To solve the first task of the present invention, a switching device is provided which includes a first operating mechanism reciprocatingly and rotatably supported, a first switching mechanism switched by a reciprocation operation of the first operating mechanism, a second switching mechanism commutated by a rotary operation of the first operating mechanism, and an intermittent rotary mechanism to support the first operating mechanism for intermittent rotation.

In order to solve the first task of the present invention, a switching device is provided that includes a first reciprocable and rotationally sustained operating mechanism, a first switching mechanism exchanged by a reciprocation operation of the first operating mechanism, a second switching mechanism commutated by a rotation operation of the first operating mechanism, a second operating mechanism supported for rotation coaxially with the first operating mechanism, a third switching mechanism switched by a rotation operation of the second operating mechanism, and a connection mechanism to ionconnect the first operating mechanism with the second operating mechanism, when the first operating mechanism is pushed. The second operating mechanism is interconnected with the first operating mechanism through the connecting mechanism, when the first operating mechanism is pushed and rotated, so that the first operating mechanism is rotated in unison with the first mechanism of operation. To solve the second task, the present invention provides a switching device that includes a switching element that is changed by being pushed, a switching thrust operating member reciprocally supported to push the switching element and the first diverting means interposed between the switching element and the switching thrust operating member for biasing the switching thrust operating member in a direction away from the switching element. To solve the third task, the present invention provides a switching device that includes a main body portion of the switching device having a switching element and a switching means for switching the switching element, a base block wherein detachably mounts the main body portion of the switching device and includes a terminal portion of the connection electrically connected to a connection portion that is provided in the main body portion of the switching device, and a shutter member mounted in the control block. base for movement between a first position covering the connection terminal portion and a second position for opening the connection terminal portion. The shutter member moves in association with the loading / unloading operation of the main body portion of the switching device in or from the base block.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a switching device of the present invention and a base block where this switching device is mounted. Figure 2 is a detailed perspective view of the switching device of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a plan view of a printed circuit board constituting a block of the switching element placed in a portion of the main body of a box of the switching device. Figure 4 is a detailed perspective view that shows a sixth switching element of the switching element block. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the lower surface of the printed circuit board constituting the block of the switching element. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a block of the switching element positioned in the main body portion of the box. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a working mechanism of a first photocoupler and a second switching element.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a block of the switching element showing a mechanism for operating a second photo-coupler and a sixth switching element. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the switching operation state in an eighth switching element. Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a switching device in accordance with the present invention. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the underside of the switching device in accordance with the present invention. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which a second operating knob is provided in the main body portion of the box. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the mounting state of a helical torsion spring retaining the second operating knob in a neutral position. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the second switching element is pushed by the first operating knob.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which a first operating knob is pushed by pushing through a third operating knob. Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the state in which a third switching element is mounted on the main body portion of the third function button box adapted to switch the third switching element. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly state of the third operating button in the main body portion of the box. Figure 18 is a detailed perspective view showing a base block adapted to mount the switching device. Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the mounting state of the printed circuit board in the main body portion of the base block. Figure 20 is a plan view showing the state in which a shutter member mounted on a portion of the main body of the base is deflected to a first position by a helical torsion spring.

Figure 21 is a plan view showing the state in which a shutter member is mounted on the main body portion of the base block. Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the mounting state of a locking member in the main body portion of the box. Figure 23 is another perspective view showing the mounting state of a locking member in the main body portion of the box. Figure 24 is a plan view showing the assembly state of the switching device in the base block. Figure 25 is another plan view showing the assembly state of the switching device in the base block. Figure 26 is a view in peppersive showing the bottom side of the base block. Figure 27 is a side view showing the assembly state of the switching device in the base block.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES With reference to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of a switching device according to the present invention will be explained in detail. Referring to Figure 1, a switching device 201 is removably mounted on a stationary portion such as a vehicle instrument panel such as a car. The switching device 201 is used to control a recording and / or reproducing apparatus of discs that loaded the car to a map display device. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the switching device 201 includes a cylindrically shaped main box member 1 tapered towards its distal end, and a block 2 of the switching element mounted on the open underside of the main box member 1 . Referring to Figure 3, block 2 of the switching element consists of a fastener 3, produced by molding the synthetic resin and carrying therein a printed circuit board 4 having multiple switching elements mounted thereon. Figure 3, on a surface of printed circuit board 4, are first mounted to sixth elements 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of switching, and first and second photocouplers 11, 12. These first to sixth switching elements 5 to 10 and the first and second photocouplers 11, 12, are mounted on the printed circuit board 4 to surround a light source 13 which is a light emitting element, such as an LED mounted on an intermediate portion of the printed circuit board 4 to specify the operating state. These first to sixth switching elements 5 to 10 are adapted to be changed by the contactors 5a, 6a, 7a, 8a and 9a, being moved in and out of contact with the contacts, not shown, which are provided inside each housing 15. These contactors 5a to 9a are derived by spring members provided as diverting means in the housing 15 so as to protrude from the housing 15, and are urged against the force of the spring members to compress against the contacts provided in each case. housing 15. Referring to Figure 4, the sixth switching element 10 has a pair of contacts 16a, 16b, which are provided in the printed circuit board 4, and a contact piece 17 formed by an electrically conductive metal plate adapted to selectively contact and move away from these first, first and second contacts 16a, 16b. The contact piece 17 is placed between the first and second contacts 16a, 16b. The contact piece 17 has its central re-entrant portion 17a supported by a support member 18 constituted by an electrically conductive metal plate mounted on the printed circuit board 4. The contact piece 17 is rotated about the support member 18 so that the first and second contact portions 17b, 17c formed by bending both ends thereof, selectively move in and out of contact with the first and second contacts. 16a, 16b. Referring to Figure 4, the support member 18 is formed with a pair of bent support pieces 18a, 18b to face each other. At the distal ends of the support pieces 18a, 18b, the contact piece 17 having the re-entering portion 17a is placed. When the rotary member 20 rotatably supported by the fastener 13 rotates to urge the re-entrant portion 17a, the contact piece 17 is rotated with one of the supporting pieces 18a, 18b as the center of rotation, so that the first and second contact portions 17b, 17c selectively contact and move away from the first and second contacts 16a, 16b. The support member 18 is electrically connected to an electrical installation pattern formed on the board 4 of the printed circuit.

The first and second photocouplers 11, 12 are constituted by a pair of light emitting elements 12a, and a pair of light receiving elements 11b, 12b, mounted on the printed circuit board 4 so as to be oriented towards each other at a distance pre-established one from the other. On the opposite surface of the printed circuit board 4 are mounted a pair of connectors 22, 23 for electrical connection of the switching device 201 with the connection terminals mounted on the base block 21. These connectors 22, 23 are mounted on the main connector members 22a, 23a so that the connectors appear or disappear from the main connector members 22a, 23a respectively, as shown in Figure 5. The multiple contact pins 24 are pushed through the spring members, not shown, which are provided on the main members 22a, 23a so that the contact pins protrude from the main connector members 22a, 23a. When the switching device 201 is mounted on the base block 21, the contact pins 24 are caused to bear against the terminal portions provided in the base block 21, to electrically connect the switching device 201 to the block. 21 of base.

On a flat surface of the fastener 3, the lower side of which carries the printed circuit board 4, is housed a second switching element 6, mounted on the printed circuit board 4, as shown in Figure 6. On the surface A first housing unit 26 of the switch is also received, a thrust member 25 is accommodated therein and adapted to push the second switching element 6 and to constitute a rotary type switching unit together with the second switching element 6 . On the flat surface there is also accommodated a second receiving unit 26 of the switch housing therein a thrust member 25 adapted to push the second switching element 6 and to constitute a rotating type switching unit together with the second switching element 6. switch. A second receiving unit 27 of the commutator housing the sixth switching element 10 and carrying the rotary member 20 adapted to rotate the sixth switching element 10 is also housed on the flat surface. The first switch housing unit 26 and the second switch housing unit 27 are mounted vertically to a substrate 28 of the bracket 3. With reference to Figure 6, the bracket 3 has first and second coupler fasteners 30, 31 adapted for placing and retaining the light-emitting elements 12a, and the light-receiving elements 11b, 12b of the first and second photocouplers 11, 12 mounted on the printed circuit board 4, so that the first and second fasteners 30, 31 of the coupler they are placed vertical on the substrate 28. The first and second fasteners 30, 31 of the coupler include the fasteners 30a, 30b of the light emitting element and the fasteners 30b, 31b of the light receiving element, adapted to retain the elements 12a, emitters of light and the elements llb, 12b light receptors, respectively. The fasteners 30a, 30b of the light emitting element and the fasteners 30b, 31b of the light receiving element are positioned to face each other at a pre-gradual spacing between them, as shown in Figures 3, 7 and 8 The facing surfaces carrying the light elements 12a, light emitters and the light receiving elements 11b, 12b are formed with recesses to cause these elements to face each other. The spacing between the fasteners 30a, 30b of the light-emitting element and the fasteners 30b, 31b of the light-receiving element are designed as passage portions of the protection piece, which are passed through the protective parts, not illustrated, adapted to protect the light from the elements 12a, light emitters received by the light receiving elements 11b, 12b.

In an intermediate portion of the substrate 28 of the fastener 3 an opening 32 is formed through which the first switching element 5, the third switching element 7, the fourth switching element 8, the fifth switching element 9 and the source 13 luminous are made to project towards the side of the flat surface. These switching elements and the light source 13 are mounted on the printed circuit board 4 which in turn is mounted on the lower surface. On the opposite side corners of the substrate 28 of the fastener 3, a pair of dependent detent pawls 33 adapted to retain the printed circuit board 4 mounted on the side of the bottom surface of the fastener 3 is provided. Referring to Figure 6, the first switching element 5, the third switching element 7, the fourth switching element 8, the fifth switching element 9 and the light source 13 of the printed circuit board 4 are caused to protrude towards the side of the flat surface of the substrate 28, through the opening 32 formed in the substrate 28. The second switching element 6 is housed in the first switch housing member 26 as shown in Figure 7, while the sixth switching element 10 is housed in a second housing unit 27 of switch as - 1! is shown in Figure 8. The light emitting elements 12a, and the light receiving elements 11b, 12b constituting the first and second photocouplers 11, 12 are inserted into the fasteners 30a, 30b of the light emitting element and the fasteners 30b, 31b of the light receiving element, respectively, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The printed circuit board 4 is retained by the retaining pawls 33, and is bonded by an adhesive to the lower surface of the fastener 3. The first housing member 26 and the switch housing the second switching element 6 is constituted by a switch housing 35 for housing the second switching element 6 and the supporting portion 36 of the tubular operating member projecting to the side upper of the housing 35 of the switch. When the printed circuit board 4 is mounted on the fastener 3, the second switching element 6 is housed inside the switch housing 35 so that the contactor 6a faces the support member portion 36, as shown in Figure 7. In the supporting portion 36 of the operating member, an opening 37 for inserting the thrust member is made to pass therethrough by the arrow-shaped pushing member 25 and a housing opening 38 of the spring larger in diameter than the insertion opening 37 of the push member and which is in communication with the insertion opening 37 of the push member. Referring to Figure 7, the pushing member 25 is reciprocably mounted to the supporting portion 36 of the operating member so that the arrow portion 25a is inserted into the insertion opening 37 of the pushing member, with the distal ends of the arrow portion 25a projecting from the insertion opening 37 of the push member. The pushing member 25 is mounted on the supporting portion 36 of the operating member so that, when the arrow portion 25a is passed through the insertion opening 37 of the pushing member, a retainer 25b larger in diameter that the arrow portion 25a formed at the proximal end of the arrow portion 25a is retained by a retaining shoulder 39 which is provided between the insertion opening 37 of the thrust member and the spring housing opening 38 to prevent the pushing member 25 is spaced apart from the insertion opening 37 of the pushing member. Towards the proximal end of the spring housing aperture 38 reciprocably a thrust element 40 is mounted which is adapted to push the contactor 6a of the second switching element 6. When the arrow portion 40a is passed through the spring housing opening 38, the retainer 40b that is provided at the proximal end of the arrow portion 40a is retained by a retaining portion 41 formed around the proximal end of the arrow portion 40a. the opening 38 of the spring housing. The pushing member 40 is reciprocably mounted in the supporting portion 36 of the operating member. A helical spring 43 is mounted within the opening 38 of the spring housing as a shunt member between the thrust member 25 and the thrust element 40. This helical spring 43 deflects the pushing member 25 in a direction away from the second switching element 6, ie in a direction indicated by the arrow A in Figure 7, while pushing and deflecting the pushing element 40 into contact with the contactor 6a of the second switching element 6. When the pushing member 25 is pushed in a direction in which the contactor 6a of the second switching element 6 is pushed, i.e. in a direction shown by the arrow B in Figure 7, the coil spring 43 transmits the force of push to contactor 6a. The helical spring 43 functions as a connecting member for interconnecting the thrust member 25 and the second switching element 6. The pushing member 40 functions as a spring support for the helical spring 43 and has a recess 40c re-entrant at the distal end of the arrow portion 40a, to engage with the end of the helical spring 43 to prevent its deflection. The switching mechanism, having its second switching element 6, performs the switching operation by the pushing member 26 and is urged against the thrust of the helical spring 43, in the direction indicated by arrow B in Figure 7 through of a first operating knob mounted reciprocably in the main case member 1, as will be explained subsequently. The coil spring 43 has a spring force which is selected to be smaller than the spring force of the spring member adapted to deflect the contactor 6a from the second switching element 6. When the pushing member 25 is pushed in the direction of the arrow B in Figure 7, against the helical spring force 43, the helical spring 43 is compressed. If after the compression of the helical spring 43 a force greater than the deflection force of the spring member pushing the contactor 6a is applied to the pushing member 26, the contactor 6a is pushed against the deflection of the spring member in contact with the contact to effect the switching of the switching element 6. If the pushing force applied to the pushing member 25 is removed, the helical spring 43 is readjusted to move the pushing member 25 in the direction of the arrow A in Figure 7. Simultaneously, the spring member is readjusted to move the contactor 6a away from the associated contact to reset the second switching element 6 to its initial position. By interconnecting the thrust member 25 and the second switching element 6 in this manner through the helical spring 43 between them, the movement stroke of the thrust member 25 to effect the switching of the second switching element 6 can be graduated to be sufficiently larger than the push thrust stroke directly from contactor 6a. By adjusting the thrust stroke in order to be sufficiently long, the operating state of the second small switching element 6, the operating state of the contactor 6a from which it can only be discriminated with difficulties, will be reliably recognizable.

If the load greater than the pushing force of the spring member is applied to the contactor 6a of the second switching element 6, the contactor 6a is pushed and moves in contact with the associated contact to effect commutating of the switch. During commutator switching, the following ratio is applied: a (N) = K (N / mm) xt (mm) between the spring constant K (N / mm) of the helical spring 43 interposed between the push member 25 and the compression stroke t (mm), where a (N) is the load when the contactor 6a is pushed against the deflection of the spring member in contact with the associated contact. When the thrust member 25 pushes the helical spring 43 toward compression so that the value of K (N / mm) xt (mm) exceeds the value of a (N), the contactor 6a is pushed against the force of the limb member. spring in contact with the associated contact. In this way, by appropriately modifying the helical spring 43, the stroke of movement of the pushing member 25 is varied, thereby allowing the operating sensation of the pushing member 25 to be graded to an optional value. That is, if the helical spring 43 has a small value of the spring constant K (N / mm), the compression stroke t (mm) needs to be increased so that the stroke of the pushing member 25 is selected to be higher. Conversely, if the helical spring 43 has a large value of the spring constant K (N / mm), the compression stroke t (mm) needs to be decreased so that the stroke of the thrust member 25 is selected to be less By appropriately selecting the spring constant K (N / mm) and the compression stroke t (mm) of the helical spring 43 interposed between the second switching element 6 and the pushing member 25, the movement stroke of the pushing member 25 can arbitrarily adjusted for the type switching unit of the same thrust. Even when the pushing element 40 is interposed between the helical spring 43 and the contactor 6a, the contactor 6a can also be operated directly by the helical spring 43. Referring to Figures 6, 8 and 9, a second switch housing unit 27 has a switch housing portion 44 which houses the sixth switching element 10 and a driving portion 45 of the rotary member for holding the rotary member 20 adapted to rotate the contact piece 17. When the printed circuit board 4 is mounted in the fastener 3, the contact piece 17 is adapted to be received in the portion 44 of the switch housing as shown in Figures 8 and 9. With reference to Figure 9, the part 17 of contact is placed in the portion 44 of the switch housing for rotation about a pair of support pieces 18a, 18b, so that since a pair of support protuberances 46, 47 are provided in the switch housing 44 they are positioned facing the proximity of both sides of the re-entrant portion 17a of the contact piece 17, supported by the support pieces 18a, 18b as shown in Figure 9, the contact piece 17 is prevented from separating from the contact piece 17. the supporting parts 18a, 18b, the contact piece 17 being then rotatable around one of the support pieces 18a, 18b as the center of rotation. The driving portion 45 of the rotary member has a central through hole 47a for holding the rotary member 20 inserted therein and retained by the through hole 47a. The rotary member 70 includes a rotary arm 48 and a synthetic resin push member 49 reciprocally held by the distal end of the rotary arm 48. This rotating arm has a protruding intermediate portion 50 having an arcuate peripheral portion. When the rotary arm is passed through the through hole 47a, the protruding portion 50 is carried by the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 47a so that the rotary arm 48 is held for rotation in a direction indicated by the arrow Cl and a direction indicated by arrow C2 in Figure 9, perpendicular to the axial direction, around the protruding portion 50 as the center of rotation. The pusher element 49 is spindle-shaped with its distal end formed as an arcuate surface, and is mounted at the distal end of a support arrow 52. The pushing member 49 has its supporting arrow 52 passing through a through hole 48a formed in the rotating arm 48 to be supported reciprocably by the rotating arm 48. The pushing member 49 is pushed in a direction to protrude from the distal end of the rotary arm 48, by a helical spring 53 positioned in the through hole 48a. When the printed circuit board 4 is mounted on the lower surface of the fastener 3, the rotary member 20 is rotatably held with the pushing element 49 held in press-contact with the contact piece 17. This rotary member 20 is rotated by a second operating knob rotatably mounted on the main case member 1, as indicated in the directions shown by the arrows Cl and C2, as will be explained subsequently. When the rotary member 20 is rotated in the direction shown by the arrows Cl and C2 in Figure 9, the thrust direction of the contact piece 17 by the pushing member 49 pushed by the helical spring 53 is displaced. The contact piece 17 is rotated around one of the support pieces 18a, 18b as the center of rotation, in order to selectively move the first and second contact portions 17b, 17c in and out of contact with the first and second contact portions 17b, 17c. contacts 16a, 16b to effect the change operation of the sixth switching element 10. The block 2 of the switching element, having the printed circuit board 4 mounted on the fastener 3, is loaded into the main box member 1 through an opening 54 formed in the lower surface of the main box member 1. The block 2 of the switching element causes the substrate 28 constituting the fastener 3 retained by a retaining section 56 that is provided in the main box member 1 to be graduated in position in the height direction relative to the main box member 1 . The block 2 of the switching element loaded in the main box member 1 is secured in the main box member 1 by an adjusting screw 57 screwed into the box member-2! main together with a mounting plate 56 adapted to close the opening 54 formed in the lower part of the member 1 of the main box. The mounting plate 56 is used to mount the switching device 1 on the base block 21, and includes multiple matching coupling ratchets 58 which function as matching coupling means coupled with the multiple coupling parts 167 which are provided as the first coupling means in the base block 21. Matching coupling pawls 58 are mounted to depend on the outer edge side as shown in Figure 11. In the present embodiment, three of these matching coupling pawls 58 are provided. In an intermediate portion of the mounting plate 56, a coupling pin 59 that controls the mounting direction of the switching device 201 is mounted in a protruding manner when the switching device 201 is mounted in the base block 21, as shown. in Figure 11. The switching device 201 has its mounting position relative to the controlled base block 21 having an axially extending coupling groove 60 formed in the coupling pin 59 and having this coupling slot 66 engaged by the coupling lugs, not shown, in the base block 21. The mounting plate 56 is formed with a pair of recesses 61, 62 through which the contact pins 24 of the connectors 22, 23 mounted on the lower surface of the printed circuit board 4 are made to protrude. A threaded passage portion 62a which is passed through an adjusting screw 57 adapted to secure the mounting plate 56 to the main box member 1 is formed to protrude towards the printed circuit board 4 and, when the board 56 is secured in the main box member 1, the thread passage portion 62a is bumped against the printed circuit board 4 to define a housing space for the connectors 22, 23 between the mounting plate 56 and the 4 printed circuit board. In this way, only the contact pins 24 are projected on the lower surface of the switching device 201, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. At the upper end of the main box member 1, carrying the block 2 of the switching element. switching, a second disc-shaped operating knob 65 is mounted, adapted to rotate the rotary member 20 of the sixth switching element 10, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 10. This second operating knob 65 is held rotatingly by means of a support tube 67 having its intermediate tubular insert portion 65a being passed through tubular support tube 67 fitted in a tubular portion 66 and upper intermediate portion of main box member 1. The outer periphery of the second operating knob 65 is surrounded by a rubber ring member 65b so as to facilitate retention thereof during operation. The inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 66 and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end of the support tube 67 are formed with flat surfaces 66a, 67a, respectively, to provide "D" shaped cross sections as shown in the Figure 12. The support tube 67 is mounted as one in the main box member 1 standing on the tubular portion 66 with the flat surface 67a coinciding with the flat surface 66a of the tubular portion 66. At the lower end of the tubular portion 66 an adjustment position controlling the part 68 extending towards the inner edge protrudingly forms as shown in Figure 10. The support tube 67 has its adjustment position relative to the member. 1 of the master box controlled by being adjusted so that its distal end is compressed against the control piece 68 of the adjustment position. The second operating knob 65, rotatably mounted on the tubular portion 66, carries a rotation drive member 69 adapted to rotate the rotation member 20 of the sixth switching element 10 as shown in Figures 2 and 10. The rotation drive member 69 includes a disc-shaped portion 70 and a connection lever 71 formed extending from the outer edge of the bottom surface of the disc-shaped portion 70, as shown in Figure 2. The rotation drive member 69 is mounts on the second operating knob 65 having the disk-shaped portion 70 positioned in an adjustment recess 72 formed in the upper face of the second operating knob 65 and having a connecting lever 71 inserted through a through hole 73 formed on the lower surface of the adjustment recess 72, as shown in Figures 2 and 10. The rotation drive member 69 is held for rotation about The support tube 67 as one with the second operating knob 65 having a central hole 70a in the disc-shaped portion 70 passing through it by inserting a portion 65a of the second operating knob 65. The connecting lever 71 of the rotation drive member 69 is inserted into the interior of the main box member 1 through a rotation control opening 77 formed in an upper end wall section 75 of the main box member 1, as shown in Figures 10 and 12, and connects with the rotary member 20 having a recessed end connection portion 76 positioned at the distal end of the rotation member 20 of the sixth switching element 10. By connecting the connecting lever 71 to the rotation member 20 in this manner, the second operating knob 65 is rotated for rotation of the rotary member 20 in the directions indicated by the arrows Cl and C2 in Figures Cl and C2. The rotation control aperture 77, formed in the main case member 1, is arcuately shaped to a length sufficient to allow rotation of the connecting lever 71 in order to allow the operation of changing the sixth switching element 10 to allow the rotation of the rotary member 20 as shown in Figure 12. The second operating knob 65 is rotated in the direction of the arrows of the disc player apparatus 1 and D2 of Figure 12, around the support tube 67 as the center of rotation, within the scale of the rotation control opening 77. The second operating knob 65 is rotationally deflected by a twist helical spring 80 to a position for retaining the rotary member 20 in a neutral position in the absence of the rotation operation. In a non-operating state, the second operating knob 65 is rotated in a neutral position where the contact piece 17 is not rotated by the rotation member 20, and where the first and second portions 17b, 17c of contact of the contact piece 17 that does not come into contact with the first contact 16a or with the second contact 16b. A helical torsion spring 80 rotatably biasing the second operating knob 65 to a neutral position is mounted through a spring fastener 81 mounted on the proximal end of the support tube 67. The proximal end of the spring clip 81 is fitted with a tubular spring retainer 82. The helical torsion spring 80 is positioned around the support tube 67 so that the helical portion contracts and is housed within the spring retainer 82. The helical torsion spring 80 is maintained in its contracted state by both of the end arm portions 80b, 80c extending between the helical part 80a coupled with the coupling slots 83 formed in the peripheral wall of the spring retainer 82, as shown in Figures 12 and 13. The helical torsion spring 80 is retained by the spring retainer 82 in a deviated opening position of the end arm portions 80b, 80c.

The portions 80b, 80c of the end arm of the helical torsion spring 80 protrude from the mating slots 83 outwardly of the spring retainer 82 so as to engage with both sides of a spring retaining groove 84 formed in the inner edge of the member. 69 of rotation drive. The rotation drive member 69, wherein the pairs portions 80b, 80c of the end arm of the torsional helical spring 80 are retained by the spring fastener 81 in the state are biased in the opening direction of the portions 80b, 80c of the end arm are retained on either side of the spring retainer groove 84, it is held in a neutral position to place the rotation member 20 in an inoperative position under the deflection of the helical torsion spring 80. The second operating knob 65 carrying the rotation drive member 69 for rotation in unison with it, is also placed in the neutral position. If the second operating knob 65 is rotated in the directions of the arrows of the Disc 1 or D2 playback apparatus in Figure 12, around the support tube 67 as the center of rotation, the rotation drive member 69 also it is rotated in the same direction, against the deflection of the helical torsion spring 80. This causes rotation of the rotation drive member 69 in the same direction against deflection of the helical torsion spring 80, while causing rotation of the contact piece 17 around one of the pieces in support pairs 18a, 18b as the center of rotation, so that the first and second contact portions 17b, 17c will selectively contact or separate from the first and second contacts 16a, 16b, to carry out the commutation of the sixth switching element 10. The rotational drive member 69 may also be provided as one with the second operating knob 65, with the connecting lever 71 having been formed as a second operating knob 65. The main box member 1 is provided with a first operating knob 85 which constitutes the first operating mechanism for switching the second switching element 6. The first operating knob 85 is configured as a seated cylinder and a tubular support arrow 86 in its intermediate portion, as shown in Figures 2 and 10. The support arrow 86 has its proximal end positioned in a tubular portion 86 of adjustment that is provided in the center of the first operating knob 85, and integrally mounted on the first operating knob 85. The outer periphery of the first operating knob 85 is wrapped by a rubber ring member 85a to facilitate clamping during actuation. The first operating knob 85, which constitutes the first operating mechanism, is mounted on the main box member 1 with the supporting arrow 86 passing through the tubular support tube 67, mounted on the tubular portion 66 of the member 1 of main box as shown in Figure 10. The first operating knob 85 is held by the main box member 1 for rotation about and reciprocation along the axis of the supporting arrow 86. At the far end of the supporting arrow 86 of the first operating knob 85, a switching actuator 88 is mounted to switch the operating states of the second switching element 6 and to switch the outputs of the first and second photocouplers 11, 12 These first and second photocouplers 11, 12 and the switching actuator 88 constitute a rotating type switching mechanism. Referring to Figures 2 and 10, the switching actuator 88 includes a disc-shaped thrust plate 89 for pushing the push member 25 of the second switching element 6 and the multiple interruption parts 90 to interrupt the light emitted by the first and second elements lia, 12a light emitters of the first and second photocouplers 11, 12, formed as one with the peripheral portion of the push plate 89 to depend on it and is formed essentially cylindrically. The switch actuator 88 is mounted in positions having the distal end of the support arrow 86 having the "D" shaped cross section positioned in an adjustment opening 91 formed in the center of the push plate 89. The switching actuator 88 is mounted on the supporting arrow 86 of the first operating knob 85 with the push plate 89 facing the pushing member 25 of the second switching element 6, and with the interruption parts 90 facing the same. space between the elements 12a, 12a light emitters and the light receiving elements 11b, 12b of the first and second photocouplers 11, 12, as shown in Figure 14. The switching actuator 88, mounted on the support arrow 86, it has its upper end portion abutting against the lower end of the tubular portion 66 of the main box member 1 to prevent accidental removal of the first operating knob 85 from the main box member 1. - 3í The first operating knob 85 is deflected by a helical compression spring 92, such as a biasing member interposed between the upper wall section 85b of the first operating knob 85 and the spring fastener 81, in a direction in which the the switching actuator 88 moves away from the pushing member 25 of the second switching element 6, as indicated by the arrow El, in Figure 10. When the first operating knob 85 is pushed in the arrow direction E2 in the Figure 10, against the deflection of the helical compression spring 92, the pushing plate 89 of the switching actuator 88 is caused to bear against the pushing member 25 of the second switching element 6. If, after the switching actuator 88 is caused to bear against the pushing member 25, the first operating knob 85 is further pushed, the helical spring 43 interconnecting the pushing member 25 and the contactor 6a of the second element 6 switching is compressed. If the force greater than the deflection force of the spring member is greater than the deflection of the spring member, the contactor 6a is applied to the thrust member 25, and the contactor 6a is pushed in the direction of the arrow B in the Figure 14, against the deflection of the spring member, in contact with the associated contact to carry out the switching of the second switching element 6. Since the first operating knob 85 is rotatably held in the main case member 1, it is rotated when the second switching element 6 is pushed in the commutation direction. In this way, there is a danger that the pushing member 25 can not be pushed with all stability. On the lower end face of the first operating knob 85 facing the main case member 1, it is provided on a pair of guide protuberances 93, 94 that perform an axially push operation of the support arrow 86 reliably. without rotation, when the first operating knob 85 is pushed along the axis of the support arrow 86 as indicated by the arrow E2 in Figure 10, against the force of the compression helical spring 92. These guide protuberances 93, 94 are protrudingly formed in a ring-shaped member 96 positioned as one in an adjustment recess 95 formed in the lower end of the first operating knob 85. On the main surface of the rotation drive member 69 mounted on the second operating knob 69 oriented by the ring-shaped member 96, multiple guide holes 97 are formed in a ring-shaped pattern so as to be engaged by the protuberances. , 94, as shown in Figures 2 and 13. When the guide protuberances 93, 94 are in a non-operating state, under the force of the compression helical spring 92, with the first operating knob 85 not being pushed as shown. shown in Figure 10, the guide protuberances 93, 94 are in the separate condition, without engaging the guide holes 97 such that only the first operating knob 85 is in the rotary state. If the first operating knob 85 is pushed in a direction indicated by the arrow E2 in Figure 10, the guide protuberances 93, 94 are engaged in a pair of guide holes 97. If the guide protuberances 93, 94 are engaged in the guide holes 97, the second operating knob 69 that is provided with the guide holes 97 is deflected by a twist helical spring 80 to the neutral position. In this way, the first operating knob 85 having the guide protuberances 93, 94 engaged in the guide holes 97 is limited in its free rotation. The guide holes 97 and the guide protuberances 93, 94 coupled together, constitute a rotation limiting mechanism for limiting rotation of the first operating knob 85. The first operating knob 85 is further pushed in the direction indicated by the arrow E2 in Figure 10. This causes the protrusions 9394, move linearly along the axis of the support arrow 86 to cause the first operating knob 85 to push the push member 25 of the second switching element 6, as shown in Figure 14. With the guide protrusions 93, 94 thereby engaged with the guide holes 97, the first operating knob 85 can reliably move linearly to effect the thrust of the thrust member 25 of the second switching element 6, in a steady state to effect reliable switching of the operating state of the second switching element 6. With the guide protrusions 93, 94 of the first operating knob 85 engaging with the guide holes 97, the guide protuberances 93, 94 can be engaged with the guide holes 97 by a relatively small rotation due to the provision of a large number of guide holes 97. With the guide protuberances 93, 94 of the first operating knob 85 not being engaged with the guide holes 97, the guide protuberances 93, 94 are brought against the main surface of the rotation drive member 69 to limit thrust. further by limiting the thrust of the second switching element 6 against the pushing member 25 of the second switching element 6. Since the switching operation of the second switching element 6 is carried out when the first operating knob 85 carries out a correct linear movement, malfunctions can be reliably inhibited. If the first operating knob 85 is pushed in such a way that the guide protuberances 93, 94 are engaged in the guide holes 97, the first operating knob 85 is interconnected with the second operating knob 65 in such a manner that the The second cam surface 65 of the second drive mechanism can be rotated in unison with the first operating knob 85 of the first operating mechanism. If the first operating knob 85 interconnected with the second operating knob 65 is rotated, the sixth switching element 10, switched by the second operating knob 65, is also switched. By the first operating knob 85 rotating as it remains connected with the second operating knob 65, the sixth switching element 10, switched by the second operating knob 65, is also switched. Therefore, with the first operating knob 85 rotating as it remains pushed, the second switching element 6 and the sixth switching element 10 have the operating states switched simultaneously allowing in this way change operations of the switch in ways multiple If the first operating knob 85 is not pushed, with the guide protuberances 93, 94 not being engaged in the guide holes 97, the first operating knob 85 is capable of rotating through 360 ° about the arrow 86 of support, as the center of rotation. If the first operating knob 85 is rotated, the multiple interruption pieces 90 which are provided in the switching actuator 88, intermittently interrupt the light emitted by the light emitting elements 12a, of the first and second photocouplers 11, 12 for to be received by the elements 11b, 12b light receptors. This interruption of the light of the elements 12a, light emitters switches the detection state of the light receiving elements 11b, 12b. The first and second photocouplers 11, 12 and the first operating knob 85 provided on the first rotating operation knob 85 constitute a rotary encoder.

The first operating knob 85 is provided with a rotation limiting mechanism 98 to limit free rotation of the first operating knob 85, and to perform intermittent rotation of the first operating knob 85. Referring to Figures 2 and 10, the rotation limiting mechanism 98 has a gear portion 99 and multiple steel balls or spheres 101. The gear portion 99 includes circumferentially extending recesses and ribs formed in the inner periphery of the ring-shaped member 96 mounted on the first operating knob 85. The steel balls or spheres 101 are placed in the spring clip 81 as coupling elements. Two balls or steel spheres 101 as coupling elements are provided and mounted under the deflection of the helical spring 102, as a deflection member, to appear or disappear from the outer peripheral surface of the spring fastener 81 facing the portion 99 of gear of member 96 in the form of a ring. The steel balls or spheres 101, deflected by the coil spring 102 to protrude from the outer periphery of the spring clip 81, engage with the gear portion 99 to limit free rotation of the first operating knob 85.

If the first operating knob 85 is rotated, the steel balls or spheres 101, deflected by the helical spring 102, engage or disengage from the crests and valleys of the threads and recesses of the gear portion 99 to produce the intermittent rotation of the first operating knob 85. When the first operating knob 85 is rotated intermittently, it is possible to easily control the detection of the output obtained by switching the first and second photocouplers 11, 12. The rotation limiting mechanism 98, which allows the rotation of the first knob 85, it can be constructed so that the steel balls or spheres 101 and the gear portion 99 are provided on the first rotating operating knob 85 and on the peripheral surface of the stationary spring fastener 81. By varying the size and shape of the threads and recesses of the gear portion 99, the intermittent rotation period of the first operating knob 85 can be changed to appropriately adjust the operating sensation during rotation. In the intermediate portion of the first operating knob 85 is mounted a third operating knob 105 adapted to induce outward light from the light source 13 provided in the block 2 of the switching element towards the upper end face of the first operating knob 85 for switching the first switching element 5 and which is also adapted to change the first switching element 5. The third operating knob 105, formed of a synthetic resin, such as acrylic resin, which r has light transmitting properties, has a push button portion 107 as one with an end of an arrow portion 106 as shown in FIG. Figure 2. A cover plate 108 is mounted on the intermediate portion of the push button portion 107. The cover plate 108 covers the light of the light source 13, which is led outward in the intermediate portion of the push button portion 107 so that only the button around the push button portion 107 is adjusted. The third operating knob 105 is reciprocably mounted in the center of the first operating knob 85 having the arrow portion 106 inserted in the supporting arrow 86. The distal end of the arrow portion 106 protrudes from the distal end of the support arrow 86 to face the distal end of the light source 13. The distal end of the arrow portion 106 carries a push element 110 adapted to push the operating element 5a of the first switching element 5., as shown in Figure 2. The push element 110 is mounted so that a ring-shaped mounting piece 111, positioned vertically on an upper side side fits at the distal end of the arrow portion 106, so as to to face the element 5 of the switch placed laterally of the light source 13. An adjustment hole Illa of the mounting piece 111 and the distal end of the arrow portion 106 are formed so as to have a "D" shaped cross section to prevent the pusher 110 from being rotated relative to the arrow portion 106. The third operating knob 105 is pushed in a direction indicated by the arrow E2 in Figure 10, ie, in a direction of being inserted into the first operating knob 85 by a helical spring 109 positioned through the push element 110. and the far end of the support arrow 86. When the third operating knob 105 is mounted on the main case member 1, the pushing member 110 causes it to bear against the operating element 5a of the first switching element 5 at the same time that the third operating knob 105 protrudes from the first operating knob 85 in a direction indicated by the arrow El in Figure 10, against the force of the helical spring 109. The helical spring 109 is selected to have a smaller deflection force than that of the spring member which deviates the operating element 5a so that, with the pushing element 110 being pressed by the operating element 5a of the first element 5 of switching, the third operating knob 105 protrudes from the first operating knob 85. If after the operating element 5a of the first switching element 5 is pushed in the direction of the arrow El in Figures 10 and 15, the pushing state is canceled, the third operating knob 105 moves in the direction of the arrow El in Figure 15, under the deviation of the helical spring 111 to readjust to its initial position. If the switching device 201 is operated and the light source 13 is turned on, the push button portion 107 is turned on by the light from the light source 13 through the portion 106 of the arrow to display the operating state. Referring to Figure 6, a restraining limiting piece 112 holding a side side of the push element 110 to limit rotation of the third operating knob 105 is adjusted vertically in the holder 3 of the block 2 of the switching element. to cause the pushing element 110 to be reliably oriented towards the operating element 5a of the first switching element 5. In a peripheral wall section of the main box member 1, a first, second and third operating buttons 113, 114 and 115 are mounted for switching between the third and fifth switching elements 7, 8 and 9 provided in the block. 2 of switching element. Since the first, second and third drive buttons 113, 114 and 115 are of the same construction, only the mounting state of the first drive button 113 in the main box member 1 will be explained, while the details of the second and third push buttons 113, 114. Referring to Figures 2 and 16, an elliptical thrust portion 117 is formed in an intermediate portion of the side surface of a support plate 116, while a thrust member 118 is positioned vertically to push an element. 7a of actuating a third switching element 7 so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the support plate 116 on the opposite lateral surface of the support plate 116. On both sides of the proximal end of the support plate 116, a pair of arrows are placed vertically 119, 119 support. The peripheral wall section of the main box member 1 is formed with an opening 120 to allow the pushing portion 117 to protrude outwards, while the inner edge of the opening 120 is formed with an operating button fastener 123. having an insertion recess 121 in which the distal end of the support plate 116 is inserted and held and the operation button fastener 123 having engagement slots 122, 122 is engaged with both ends of the support plate 116 . At the distal end of the fastener 123 of the operating button a re-entrant arrow support portion 124 coupled by a pair of support arrows 119, 119 is formed which are provided at the distal end of the support plate 116. The insert recess 121 and the coupling slots 122, 122 are formed with a width greater than the thickness of the support plate 116. The first operating button 113 is mounted on the inner peripheral surface of the member 1 of the main case by adjusting the thrust portion 117 in the opening 120 so that the thrust portion 117 will protrude from the member 1 of the main case, with the Distant end of the support plate 116 entering the insert recess 121, and coupling both sides of the support plate 116 into the coupling slots 122, 122, with the support arrows 119, 119 engaging with the support portions 124 arrow The first operating button 113 is mounted in position without risk of separation from the main box member 1, by the support arrows 119, 119 engaged in the arrow support portions 124, 124 which are held by the block holder 3 2 of the switching element mounted on the lower surface of the main box member 1. The first, second and third drive buttons 113, 114 and 115, mounted on the main box member 1, are held for movement in the directions of the arrows Gl and G2 in Figure 17 within a scale of the space defined between the support plate 116, insertion recess 121 and coupling grooves 122, 122, with support arrows 119, 119 as a center. When the first operating button 113 is mounted on the main box member 1, the push piece 118 is caused to bear against the actuation element 7a of the third switch element 7 and is rotated by the spring member by rotating the actuating element 7a towards pressure contact with the inner surface of the peripheral wall section of main box member 1. The thrust portion 117 protrudes through the opening 120 outward from the main box member 1. If the pushing portion 117 is pushed such that the first operating button 113 is rotated about the supporting arrows 119, 119 in a direction indicated by the arrow Gl in Figure 17, the driving element 7a is pushed. by means of the thrust piece 118 in contact with the contact against the deflection of the spring member to effect the commutation of the third switching element 7. If the push state is canceled, the first operating button 113 is rotated in the direction of the arrow G2 in Figure 17, under the deviation of the spring member which deflects the drive element 7a in such a way that the portion 117 of push is readjusted to its initial operating state where it protrudes outward from the main box member 1. The second and third drive buttons 114, 115 carry out similar operations and are therefore omitted for reasons of simplifying a detailed description. In the switching device 201 of the present invention, as described above, the switching of the first to the sixth switching elements 5 to 10 and the first and second photocouplers 11, 12 is effected by driving the first to the third knobs 85, 65 and 105 of operation and from the first to the third activation buttons 113 to 115. The above described switching device 201 is mounted on the base block 21 through a mounting plate 56 mounted on the lower surface of the main box member 1. The base block 21 mounted on a stationary portion, such as a board or a wall surface of a vehicle or on an outer peripheral surface of the electronic equipment box, has a disc-shaped main body portion subsequently of the block 131 of base. On the outer periphery of a support substrate 132 is mounted a vertical peripheral wall section 135, the distal end face and the proximal end surface of which are an adjustment surface 133 of the switching device 201 and the adjustment surface. towards a stationary portion. By providing the peripheral wall section 135, a first housing recess 136 and a second housing recess 137 are formed on the surface of the main body portion of the base block 131, for adjusting the switching device 201 and on the surface of the main body portion of the base block 131 to fit in the stationary portion. A printed circuit board 138 is mounted within the first recess 136 in the housing where first and second connection terminals 139, 140 and a control switching element 141 are mounted as shown in Figure 18. The first and second terminals 139 , 140 of connection are provided on the lower surface of the communicating device 201 and are electrically connected to the first and second connectors 22, 23. The control switching element 141 is a switching element connected to the base block 21 and which it is adapted to switch the electronic equipment controlled by the switching device 201 to its initial state. The first and second connection terminals 139, 140 are provided with multiple connection terminals 142, 143 in contact with the contact pins 24 of the first and second connectors 22, 23. On the board 138 of the printed circuit, a hole 144 of the printed circuit board is formed. positioning and multiple screw insertion holes 145. The printed circuit board 138 is placed in the first recess 136 of the housing having a positioning lug 146 adjusted in the main body portion of the base block 131 coupled in the positioning hole 144 so that the printed circuit board 138 it adjusts in the multiple support landmarks 147 placed in the main body portion of the base block 131. The printed circuit board 138 is secured in position by an adjustment screw 148 inserted in the screw insertion holes 145 in threaded engagement with the support enhancements 147 in such a manner that the printed circuit board 138 is mounted in position in the the base block 21 The printed circuit board 138 connects a connecting cord 151 having at its distal end mounted a connector 150 used to connect the switching device 201 mounted on the base block 21 to the electronic circuit. Referring to Figure 19, the connecting cord 151 is electrically connected through an installation pattern that is provided on the board 138 of the printed circuit with the first and second connection terminals 139, 140 and the switching element 141 control and is passed through a through hole 152 formed to extend from the support substrate 132 to the vertical peripheral wall section 135 to drive out the main body portion of the base block 131. A sealing member 155 adapted to open / close the first and second connection terminals 139, 140 of the printed circuit board 138, placed in the first recess 136 in association with the load, is mounted in the main body portion of the base block 131. / discharge of switching device 201. Referring to Figures 18 and 19, the shutter member 155 is essentially disk-shaped and is dimensioned to be large enough to engage in the first recess 136 of the housing, as shown in Figures 18 and 19. The shutter member 155 is provided with an arrow 157 of vertical support of cylindrical shape in the intermediate portion of the lower surface of the main surface section 156. The support arrow 157 is coupled by the engagement pin 59 provided in the switching device 201. At the inner edge of the supporting arrow 157 a coupling lug 158 is formed protrudingly engaging in a coupling groove 60 formed in the coupling pin 59, when the coupling pin 59 is with the supporting arrow 157 to control the mounting direction of the switching device 201. In the outer edge portion of the main surface 156 of the obturator member 155, multiple engaging pawls 159 of an "L" shaped cross section are formed to depend on the outer edge portion. The main surface 156 is formed with multiple insertion coupling portions 160 and an interlocking engagement recess 162. The insertion coupling portions 160 positioned between the coupling pawls 159 constitute the second coupling means adapted to engage the coupling pawls 58 that are provided in the switching device 201. The locking coupling recess 162 is engaged by an interlock member 161 mounted on the main case member 1 of the switching device 201. The insert coupling portions 160 and the coupling recess 162 are formed by cutting the edge of the main surface 156 in the form of recesses. The main surface 156 is formed with first and second openings 163, 164 and a template insertion opening 165 for the insertion of a template adapted for driving a control switch 141. The first and second openings 163, 164 are adapted to be exposed to the outside of the first and second connection terminals 139, 140 that are provided in the printed circuit board 138 placed in the first recess 136 of the housing. The main surface 156 also has a through hole 169 for being exposed to the outside of a screw through hole 168 which is passed through an adjusting screw to secure the base block 21 in the stationary portion and which is drilled in the substrate 132 of support of the main body portion of the base block 131. The plug member 155 described above is supported on the main body portion of the base block 131 for rotation about the support arrow 157, with the support arrow 157 positioned on the tubular fitting boss 166 formed on the intermediate portion of the substrate. 132 of support. When the shutter member 155 is held, the coupling pawls 159 are engaged with the multiple coupling pieces 167 formed to extend toward the distal end of the vertical peripheral wall section 135 in the direction of the first recess 136 of the housing, to mount the shutter member 155 without the risk of accidental separation thereof from the main body portion of base block 131. When the switching device 201 is mounted in position, the coupling parts 167 that are provided as coupling means in the main body portion of the base block 131 engage the matching coupling pawls 58 as matching coupling means which is engaged in the coupling mechanism. provided in the switching device 201.

The obturator member 155, mounted on the main body portion of the base block 131, is rotated in a direction indicated by the arrow Rl in Figure 20 by a helical torsion spring 170 which is a rotation deflection member that is provides in the main body portion of the base block 131. The helical torsion spring 170 rotatably deflects the sealing member 155 in the direction indicated by the arrow Rl in Figure 20, its helical portion 170a positioned around the adjustment boss 166, its arm 170b retained by a first retainer 171 of spring positioned vertically on the support substrate 132 and positioned in a housing spacing, defined between the printed circuit board 138 and the support substrate 132, and having its opposite lateral arm 170c retained by a protruding spring retaining pin 172 of the main surface 156 of the sealing member 155. The torsional helical spring 170 is mounted on the main body portion of the base block 131 having its arm 170 retained by the first spring retainer 171 and having its opposite lateral arm 170c retained by the second spring retainer 173 positioned vertically on the support substrate 132. In this way, the helical torsion spring 170 is controlled in its deviation position in the direction of the opening of the arms 170b, 170c to control the rotational deviation position of the sealing member 155. When the switching device 201 is not mounted on the base block 21, the shutter member 155 is rotated under the deflection of the torsional helical spring 170 in a direction of the arrow Rl of Figure 20 so as to be placed on the first position to close the first and second connection terminals 139, 140. Since the first and second connection terminals 139, 140 are covered by the shutter member 155 when the switching device 201 is not mounted in position, there is no risk that the connection terminals 139, 140 inadvertently contact each other. with the foreign matter to prevent malfunctions of the electronic equipment connected with the switching device 201. When the picker member 155 is in the first position, as shown in Figure 20, a template insertion opening 165 is oriented towards the control switching element 141 so that the template is inserted through the opening 165 of insertion of template into the main body portion of the base block 131, to allow operation of the control switching element 141.

Since the control switching element 141 is placed in the first recess 136 of the housing covered by the shutter member 155, there is no risk of inadvertent operations. When the obturator member 155 is in the first position, the through hole 169 is oriented towards a screw insertion hole 168. In this way, an adjusting screw may be inserted in the screw insertion hole 168 through the through hole 169 to mount the base block 21 in the stationary portion. Returning to the shutter member 155, when the switching device 201 is mounted on the base block 21, the matching coupling latches 58 are coupled with the insert coupling portions 160 which function as a coupling means and the locking member 161. it is coupled with the locking coupling recess 162. In this case, the switching device 201 is rotated against the force of the helical torsion spring 170 in a direction indicated by the arrow R2 in Figure 20, to the second position in which the first and second openings 163, 164 remain oriented towards the first and second connection terminals 139, 140. During this time, the contact pins 24 of the first and second connectors 22, 23 provided in the switching device 201 are inserted into the base block 21 through the first and second openings 163, 164 in contact with the connection terminals 142, 143 of the first and second connection terminals 139, 140 . The interlocking member 161 for locking the switching device 201 carried in the base block 21 is mounted on the inner side surface of the peripheral wall section of the main box member 1, as shown in Figures 2 and 22. An elliptical thrust portion 176 is provided at the proximal end of an elastic displacement piece 175 that functions as a mounting portion for member 1 of the main case. The proximal end of the elastic displacement piece 175 is formed with a vertical coupling protrusion 177. In one part of the elastic displacement piece 175, a support protrusion 179 abuttingly forms against a support piece 178 which is provided in the holder 3 of the block 2 of the switching element and which functions with a support point of the piece 175 of elastic displacement, elastically displaced. The peripheral wall section has an opening 180 for protruding from the outwardly pushing portion 176 and has on its inner surface an adjusting portion 1181 where the distal end of the elastic displacement piece 175 fits. The locking member 161 mounted on the main box member 1 is elastically displaced in the direction indicated by the arrow Kl in Figure 23, around a support boss 179 as the center of rotation. When the pushing operation ceases, the locking member resiliently resets in the direction indicated by the arrow K2 in Figure 23 so that the pushing portion 17 protrudes outward from the main box member 1. To mount on the base block 21, the mounting plate 56 carrying the matching coupling pawls 58 on the underside of the main box member 1, to protrude from the mating boss 177 of the locking member 161, the pawls 58 coupling members are coupled with the insert coupling portions 160 provided in the sealing member 155. The coupling boss 177 is engaged in the locking coupling recess 162 formed in the sealing member 155, with the lower surface of the main box member 1 being then adjusted in the main body portion of the base block 131. During this time, the contact pins 24 of the first and second connectors 22, 23 which are provided in the switching device 201, are coupled with the first and second openings 163, 164 provided in the shutter member 155. If the switching device 201 is rotated in the direction of the arrow R2 in Figure 24, the shutter member 155 is rotated in the direction of the arrow R2 in Figure 24, in unison with the switching device 201, a As the opposite side arm 170c of the torsional helical spring 170 is elastically displaced by the spring retaining pin 172. If the switching device 201 is further rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow R2 in Figure 24, the engagement protrusion 177 of the locking member 161 runs in a coupling guide section 186 that is provided on the edge side. of the peripheral peripheral wall section 135 of the main body portion of the base block 131, as shown in Figure 18. The coupling guide section 186 functions to guide the mating protrusion 177 of the locking member 161 to The coupling protrusion 177 uniformly couples the recessed locking portion 185 formed in the inner edge of the vertical peripheral wall section 135. The surface of the coupling guide section 186 in sliding contact with the coupling boss 177 is formed as a surface inclined with respect to the direction of movement of the coupling boss 177. When the coupling protrusion 177 runs in the coupling guide section 186, the locking member 161 is elastically displaced in a direction indicated by the arrow K2 in Figure 23. If the switching device 201 is further rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow R2 in Figure 24, the mating boss 177 running in the coupling guide section 186 to reset the spring displacement piece 175 in the direction indicated by the arrow Kl in Figure 23 to engage the coupling boss 177 with the locking portion 185. Since the engagement protrusion 177 of the locking member 161 engages with the locking portion 185 and is mounted in this state in the base block 21, as shown in Figure 25, the matching coupling pawls 58 remain engaged. positively with the coupling parts 167 to prevent the switching device 201 from easily separating from the base block 21.

If the switching device 201 is rotated in the direction of the arrow R2 in Figure 24 until the engagement protrusion 177 of the locking member 161 engages with the locking portion 186, the sealing member 155 is also rotated in the same direction in unison with the switching device 201 to reach the second position in which the first and second openings 163, 164 are oriented towards the first and second connection terminals 139, 140. The pins 24 connectors of the first and second connectors 22, 23 which are provided in the switching device 201 protrude through the first and second openings 163, 164 into the base block 21 in contact with the terminals 142, 143 of connection of the first and second connection terminals 139, 140, as shown in Figure 25. To disassemble the switching device 201 mounted on the base block 21, the support piece 178 is pushed to move the locking member 161 elastically in the direction indicated by the arrow Kl in Figure 13, for decoupling the mating boss 177 from the locking portion 185. This causes the switching device 201 mounted on the base block 21 to be rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow Rl in Figure 24, to decouple the matching coupling pawls 58 from the coupling parts 167 in order to allow dismounting the switching device 201. When the switching device 201 is thus separated from the base block 21, the shutter member 155 is rotated in the direction of the arrow Rl in Figure 25, under the deflection of the helical torsion spring 170 to the first position. for closing the first and second connection terminals 139, 140, as shown in Figure 20. Within the second housing recess 137, formed on the mounting surface of the base block 21 towards the stationary portion, an elastic member 191 , for example, of urethane, is held in place by means of an adhesive as shown in Figure 26. This elastic member 191 protects the back surface of the stationary portion 192, such as an instrument panel, when the block 21 of base is mounted on the stationary portion 192 as shown in Figure 27. When the base block 21 is secured in the stationary portion 192 using an adjusting screw, the spring member 191 co functions as a shock absorbing member to prevent loosening of the adjusting screw such as by means of vibrations.

The surface of the elastic member 191 is coated with an adhesive 193 to allow mounting of the base block 21 in the stationary portion 192 by adhesion. The side of the adjustment surface of the switching device 201 in the base block 21 is inclined at an angle with respect to the mounting surface. The reason why the adjustment surface of the switching device 201 on the base block 21 is at an angle with respect to the mounting surface is that, when the switching device 201 is mounted on the base block 21 secured in the stationary portion 192, such as a dashboard, the switching device 201 will be oriented directly towards the operator, such as the driver of the vehicle.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A switching device comprising: a first rotationally reciprocable sustained operating mechanism; a first switching mechanism switched by a reciprocation operation of the first operating mechanism; a second switching mechanism switched by a rotation operation of the first operating mechanism; and an intermittent rotating mechanism to hold the first operating mechanism for intermittent rotation.

The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the intermittent rotation mechanism comprises: a coupling member adapted to appear and disappear in a direction perpendicular to the direction of reciprocation of the first operating mechanism; and a recessed or convex portion formed in the direction of rotation of the mechanism of the first operating mechanism for engaging with or uncoupling from the coupling member.

3. The switching device according to claim 1, further comprising: a rotation limiting mechanism for limiting the rotation of the first operating mechanism when the first operating mechanism is pushed.

The switching device according to claim 3, wherein the rotation limiting mechanism has a guide protrusion formed in the first operating mechanism and a guide opening formed in the first rotation limiting and coupled operating mechanism by the guide protrusion.

5. A switching device comprising: a first rotationally reciprocable sustained operating mechanism; a first switching mechanism switched by a reciprocation operation of first operating mechanism; a second switching mechanism switched by a rotation operation of the first operating mechanism: a second sustained operating mechanism for rotation coaxially with the first operating mechanism; a third switching mechanism switched by the rotation operation of a second operating mechanism; and a connection mechanism for interconnecting the first operating mechanism with the second operating mechanism when the first operating mechanism is pushed; the second operating mechanism is interconnected with the first operating mechanism through the connecting mechanism when the first operating mechanism is pushed and rotated, whereby, the first operating mechanism is rotated in unison with the first mechanism of operation.

The switching device according to claim 5, wherein the second operating mechanism has its limited rotation scale and effects the switching of the switching mechanism within the limited rotation scale.

The switching device according to claim 5, wherein the connection mechanism includes a guide protrusion formed in the first operating mechanism and a guide opening formed in the second operating mechanism limited in rotation and coupled by the guide protrusion.

8. The switching device according to claim 5, wherein by rotating the first operating mechanism as the first operating mechanism is pushed, the second operating mechanism is rotated through the connection mechanism to switch between the first switching mechanism, the second switching mechanism and the third switching mechanism.

9. A switching device comprising: a switching element changed when being pushed; a switching thrust operating member reciprocably held to push the switching element; and a first diverting means interposed between the switching element and the switching thrust operating member for biasing the switching thrust operating member in a direction away from the switching element.

The switching device according to claim 9, further comprising: a reciprocatingly supported operating member for pushing the switching thrust operating member; and a second biasing member biasing the operating member in a direction away from the switching thrust operating member.

The switching device according to claim 10, wherein the operating member has a rotationally operating switching operation portion and which, when rotated, operates the other switching elements.

The switching device comprising: a main body portion of the switching device having a switching element and switching means for switching the switching element; a base block in which the main body portion of the switching device is releasably mounted, the base block includes a terminal connection portion electrically connected to a connection portion that is provided in the main body portion of the switching device; and a shutter member mounted on the base block to move between a first position to cover the connection terminal portion and a second position for opening the connection terminal portion, the shutter member moves in association with the loading / discharge of the main body portion of the switching device on or from the base block.

The switching device according to claim 12, wherein the sealing member is mounted on the base block under the deviation of the biasing means to a first position to cover the connection terminal portion, the sealing member has a second coupling means coupled with the first coupling means that is provided in the base block when the main body portion of the switching device is mounted in the base block; the shutter member when the main body portion of the switching device is mounted on the base block is moved by the matching coupling means coupled with the second coupling means against the deflection of the diverting means towards the second position of the opening and the portion of the connection terminal for electrically connecting the connection portion with the connection terminal portion.

The switching device according to claim 12, wherein the sealing member is rotatably supported by the base block and rotated in association with the loading / unloading of the main body portion of the switching device, to open / close the connection terminal portion.

The switching device according to claim 12, wherein the base block carries a switching element exposed to the outside when the switch member is in the first position to cover the portion of the connection terminal.

16. The switching device according to claim 12, further comprising: a limiting means between the main body portion of the switching device and the sealing member, the limiting member limits a coupling position between the main body portion of the switching device and shutter member. The switching device according to claim 12, further comprising: an interlocking means for limiting coupling / uncoupling between the main body portion of the switching device and the base block when the matching coupling means that is provided in the main body portion of the switching device is coupled with the first coupling means that is provided in the base block. The switching device according to claim 12, wherein at least one connection portion is provided in the main body portion of the switching device, and wherein the base block carries a portion of the connected terminal connection. electrically in the connection portion. The switching device according to claim 12 wherein the sealing member has an opening for exposing the portion of the connecting terminal.