SE1550997A1

SE1550997A1 - Multiple state switch assembly

Info

Publication number: SE1550997A1
Application number: SE1550997A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Sikiric Vedran; Lorander Jonas; Svensson Axel; Moberg Carl; Johansson Kaj; Bodin Daniel; Palankai Zoltan
Original assignee: Scanreco Ab
Priority date: 2015-07-08
Filing date: 2015-07-08
Publication date: 2016-10-18
Also published as: US20170011868A1; EP3116011B1; US9715974B2; ES2663529T3; EP3116011A1; CA2934291C; CA2934291A1; SE538694C2

Description

25 30 2 and then the snapping movement of the center portion of a second dome positioned under the first dome. This sensation is commonly known as "tacti|e feedback".

The fiexing of the dome causes an electrical connection to occur first between the upper dome and the lower done, and then with further pressure on the push button, the lower dome makes electrical connection with a terminal in the base of the switch assembly. Thus, such a switch has a normally open position and two other positions for making electrical connection.

Such a switch assembly has to be assembled with low cost parts and low cost efficient means in order to be viable in the market place. Securing the lower dome may provide wider applicability of the switch.

Publication US 4 659 881 discloses an electrical switch assembly with a pair of conducting resilient domes which snap inwardly to produce corresponding switching functions when downward pressure is applied at their respective centers and snap outwardly to produce opposite switching functions when the applied pressure is removed. The pair of domes are supported one within the other in spaced relation with their respective centers substantially in alignment. Pressure applying means, such as a push button, is mounted for movement in line with the aligned centers of the outer and inner domes to a first predetermined position to snap the outer dome inwardly and to a second predetermined position to snap the inner dome inwardly. The successive snapping actions of the two domes to produce corresponding switching functions provide respective stages of tactile feedback through the push button to the operator.

Publication EP 0 920 040 B1 discloses push button sealed, dual action, tactile feedback, electrical switch assembly of the type wherein an operator senses tactile feedback from switch contacts fiexing when pressure is applied to the switch assembly. lt comprises a first convex disc contact having a plurality of tabs extending therefrom, a second convex disc contact having a plurality of tabs extending therefrom, the first convex disc contact positioned above the second convex disc in a spaced apart relationship having their centres substantially aligned. Actuator means positioned above the first convex disc contact and adjacent thereto for moving a first predetermined distance causing the first convex disc contact to flex and be in electrical contact with the second convex disc contact and moving a second predetermined distance causing the second convex disc 20 25 30 3 contact to flex and be in electrical contact with a base contact. Respective stages of the tactile feedback are provided by the flexing of the first convex disc contact and the second convex disc contact in response to movement of the applied pressure to the first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance. The first convex disc contact and the second convex disc contact return to their original non-flex state when the applied pressure is removed.

With the purpose of securing the contacts to a base of the switch assembly EP 0 920 040 B1 teaches that the base means comprises a first plurality of multi-sided bins for positioning the tabs of the first convex disc contact in a first plane, and the base means comprises a second plurality of multi-sided bins for positioning the tabs of the second convex disc contact, the second plurality of multi-sided bins being positioned approximately forty-five degrees from the first plurality of the multi-sided bins and in a second plane above the first plane.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Problems lt is a technical problem to provide an improved, low cost, small, sealed, tactile feedback, push button multiple state switch assembly. lt is also a technical problem to provide a switch assembly where the push buttons can be positioned close to each other, thus providing the possibility to increase the number of push buttons without having to increase the size of the switch assembly. lt is a technical problem to provide mechanical stability in a two stage switch without wobbling or instability between the stacked disc contacts, and it is a further technical problem to provide a multiple stage switch assembly, where there are more than two disc contacts stacked on each other, with a maintained mechanical stability between the stacked disc contacts.

Solution With the purpose of solving one or several of the above problems, and on the basis of prior art such as it has been shown above and the indicated technical field, the present invention teaches that that each multiple stage switch comprise at least one second convex disc contact, meaning that it is possible to stack 20 25 30 4 several disc contacts in one switch and thus achieving a true multiple stage switch with one stage for each disc contact.

The switch assembly comprises one second component carrier for each second disc contact, to which each second disc contact is connected, and at least one controlling member. lt is proposed that each second component carrier is electrically connected to the first component carrier thereby connecting each second disc contact to the first component carrier. ln order to enable each second disc contact to follow the movement of the actuator means in the compression of the first disc contact or another second disc contact it is proposed that each second disc contact is connected respective second component carrier in a flexible, yet electrically conductible, manner.

Each controlling member comprises a controlling part for each switch, and a controlling member is positioned between the component carriers in a way so that each disc contact is facing a controlling part. The controlling part is connected to the controlling member in a flexible manner in order to enable the controlling part to follow the movement of respective disc contact as the contacts are pressed by the actuator means and as they flex back when released. lt is proposed that the controlling member is made out of a flexible material in order to provide the flexible connection of the controlling part, which has to be a material that can endure the required number of actuations with a maintained mechanical flexibility. An example of a flexible and endurable material that can be used is Polyoxymethylene (POM).

With the purpose of protecting respective disc contact from destructive compression when pressed by the actuator means it is proposed that the controlling part comprises a spacing member adapted to limit the smallest possible distance between adjacent component carriers, thus limiting the highest possible compression from the actuator means. lt is also proposed that the controlling part comprises a counter protrusion facing the disc contact, where the counter protrusion is recessed at the centre of the disc for concentrating the applied pressure on the convex disc contact.

Where adjacent disc contacts are facing each other it is proposed that the controlling part comprises a first counter protrusion facing one disc contact and a second counter protrusion facing the other disc contact, and that respective 20 25 30 5 counter protrusion is recessed at the centre of the disc for concentrating the applied pressure on the respective convex disc contact. lt is proposed that each second disc contact is connected to respective second component carrier by means of a connector that will allow the required movement of the second disc contact, such as by means of flexible circuit carrier. lt is important that the flexible circuit carrier allows required movement of the second disc contact and can endure the required number of actuations with a maintained electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility and mechanical strength.

An example of a material for a flexible circuit carrier that is Pl SF305C 1025.

The whole second component carrier can be manufactured by a flexible circuit carrier, however, it is also possible that only the connector is made out of the flexible material, in which case the rest of the second component carrier can be made out of a more rigid material, such as FR4 lT180A.

An alternative way of providing a flexible and yet electrically conductible connection of the second disc contact to its second component carrier is to use an electrically conducting wire.

With the purpose of optimising the function and working conditions of respective disc contact it is proposed that each surface area and recess of respective counter protrusion is adapted to the size and curvature of the convex disc contact that it is facing.

The invention teaches that each convex disc contact in a multiple stage switch is adapted to flex into a an electrical connection at a force from the actuator means that is different from the force required to flex any other convex disc contact in the same multiple stage switch into a an electrical connection, thereby enabling a clear and distinct multiple step tactile feedback to the operator.

The first and respective second component carriers are described as separate component carriers, however, it is also possible that the first and each second component carrier are made out of one ﬂexible component carrier that is folded to form the first and each second component carrier positioned on top of each other.

With the purpose of providing a robust, weatherproof switch assembly that can be adapted to harsh working conditions several measures can be taken and it is proposed that the first and each second component carrier are sealed where possible, that the assembly casing and actuator means are weatherproof, that the 20 25 30 6 assembly casing and actuator means are adapted to requirements for mechanical strength, and/or that the switch assembly is a sealed, weatherproof and EMC certified unit.

Advantages The advantages that foremost may be associated with a multiple state switch assembly according to the present invention are that the invention provides a compact switch assembly with low building height and a high density of switches on the switch assembly.

The fixed yet flexible positioning of the stacked disc contacts, where no guiding means are required around the disc contact in order to keep them in their positions, and the small but efficient spacing members required to protect the disc contacts from destructive compression enables the compact yet stable multiple stage switches and thus the low building height and high density of switches on the switch assembly.

The compact design is valuable even in a switch assembly with only one multiple stage switch providing space for other components or enabling a very small switch assembly.

One or several controlling members are adapted to the design of the switch assembly and are then inexpensive and easily pre-produced. Every convex disc contact is mounted to its respective component carrier and the component carriers and required controlling members are easily mounted into a switch assembly. Required disc contacts are mounted to their respective component carriers together with other components belonging to the switch assembly, such pre-produced component carriers together with the pre-produced controlling member(s) provides an inexpensive, time effective and relatively simple production of the switch assembly.

The result of using only a few pre-produced component carriers and controlling members is that both the construction and the production can be made simple, which makes it possible to maintain high production standard and to achieve a high function reliability for the finished product.

The compact design and the use of only a few pre-produced parts makes it possible to provide a sealed and weatherproof unit according to requirements regarding electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and mechanical strength. 20 25 30 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A multiple state switch assembly according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic and simplified illustration of an inventive switch assembly, Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first component carrier, a second component carrier and a controlling member, Figure 3 is a top view of a first component carrier, Figure 4 is a top view of a first component carrier with a controlling member, Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment with a flexible component carrier, Figure 6 is a top view of a first component carrier with a second component carrier, Figure 7 is a side view of figure 6 in section A - A, is detail B from figure 7, which is a detailed view of a multiple stage switch, and Figure 8 Figure 9 is a schematic and simplified illustration of a multiple stage switch with three disc contacts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS ln the following, the present invention will be described with a reference to Figure 1 showing an electrical multiple stage switch assembly 1 comprising an assembly casing 11, a first component carrier 12, and at least one multiple stage switch 21, 22, 2n. The invention is not limited to a specific number of switches, the invention can be implemented with only one switch or with several switches depending on application. ln the following one multiple stage switch will be described and it should be understood this description is applicable to any one of the multiple stage switches being a part of an inventive multiple stage switch assembly.

Each multiple stage switch 21 comprise a first convex disc contact 21a, at least one second convex disc contact 21b, and an actuator means 21c, where the first and second disc contact 21 a, 21 b are positioned with their centres 20 25 30 8 substantially aligned. The actuator means 21c is positioned in the assembly casing 11 and adapted to compress the first and second disc contact 21 a, 21 b.

For the sake of simplicity the invention will be exemplified with only one second convex disc contact in most of the following detailed description. However, the invention can be implemented with several second disc contacts and in some parts of the description several second disc contacts will be described in order to show specific measures that are taken in order to achieve a multiple stage switch with more than one second disc contact.

The first and second disc contact 21a, 21 b are adapted to flex into an electrical connection when the actuator means 21c is pressed and to flex back into a non-electrical connection when the actuator means 21 c is released.

The first disc contact 21a is positioned on the first component carrier 12 in a fixed electrically conductible manner.

Figure 1 also shows that the switch assembly 1 comprises one second component carrier 13 for each second disc contact and at least one controlling member 3.

Figure 2 is a more detailed perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of an inventive switch assembly, showing the first and a second carrier 12, 13. Figure 3 is a top vie of a first carrier 12 with a number of first disc contacts 21 a, 22a, 2na. The first carrier has an electrical contact 15 adapted to provide an electrical connection with the second carrier 13.

Figure 4 shows the controlling member 3 positioned on the first carrier 12.

The controlling member 3 comprises a number of controlling parts 31a, 32a, 3na, one for each first disc contact 21a, 22a, 2na and switch.

A controlling member is positioned between the component carriers 12, 13 in a way so that each disc contact 21a, 21 b is facing a controlling part 31a.

According to one embodiment it is proposed that the controlling member 3 also has a connection 4 through which the second component carrier 13 can be electrically connected with the electrical contact 15 of the first component carrier 12. The skilled person understands that the connection 4 can be anything that allows an electrical contact between the first and second component carrier 12, 13, such as an opening allowing contact means from the first and second carrier to reach each other or a contact connecting both to a contact on the first component carrier and to a contact on the second component carrier. 20 25 30 9 lt is also possible that an electrical connection between the first and second component carrier 12, 13 is provided outside of the controlling member 3, in which case no connection is required through the controlling member 3.

Another proposed embodiment, schematically illustrated in Figure 5, teaches that the first and each second component carrier 12, 13 are made out of one flexible component carrier 12A that is folded to form said first 12 and each second 13 component carrier positioned on top of each other, thereby enabling the required electrical contact between the first component carrier 12 and every second component carrier 13.

Figure 6 shows the second component carrier 13 with a number of second disc contacts 21b, 22b, 2nb, which are connected to the second component carrier 13. When the disc contacts are activated or deactivated there is a movement of the parts in the switch and with the purpose to enable respective second disc contact 21b, 22b, 2nb to follow the movement of the first and any other second disc contact as the contacts are pressed by the actuator means and as they flex back when released it is proposed that respective second disc contact is connected to its component carrier in a flexible, yet electrically conductible, manner 21b', 22b', 2nb'.

Figure 7 is a side view of the switch assembly in section A - A of figure 6 and figure 8 is a detailed view B from figure 7. ln this exemplifying embodiment it can be seen that the first disc contact 21 a is facing the second disc contact 21 b and that the second disc contact 21b is facing the first disc contact 21a. The controlling part 31a is positioned between the first and second disc contact 21a, 21 b in a way so that each disc contact 21a, 21 b is facing the controlling part 31 a.

When the disc contacts are activated or deactivated there is a movement of the parts in the switch and in order to enable the controlling part 31a to follow the movement of the first and second disc contact 21 a, 21 b as the contacts are pressed by the actuator means and as they flex back when released it is proposed that the controlling part 31a is connected to the controlling member 3 in a flexible manner, also illustrated in figure 4 by the thin flexible connection 31a' between the controlling part 31a and the body of controlling member 3. lt is proposed that the controlling member 3, or at least the flexible connection 31a', is made out of a flexible material in order to provide the flexible connection 31a' of the controlling part, which has to be a material that can endure the required number of actuations 20 25 30 10 with a maintained mechanical flexibility. An example of a flexible material that can be used is Polyoxymethylene (POM).

The disc contacts 21a, 21b are specified to manage a number of actuations before wearing out with a specification that is only valid as long as the disc contact is not compressed with a force that would be destructive to the contact. Hence, with the purpose of protecting respective disc contact from destructive compression when pressed by the actuator means, the present invention also teaches that the controlling part 31 a comprises a spacing member 312 adapted to limit the smallest possible distance d between adjacent component carriers, which in Figure 8 are the first component carrier 12 and the second component carrier 13. The smallest distance d is set to limit the compression from the actuator means and thereby prevent any destructive pressure on the disc contacts 21a, 21 b. ln an embodiment where adjacent disc contacts are facing each other it is also proposed that the controlling part 31a comprises a first counter protrusion 313 facing one disc contact 21a and a second counter protrusion 314 facing the other disc contact 21 b, where respective counter protrusion 313, 314 is recessed at the centre of the disc for concentrating the applied pressure on the respective convex disc contact 21 a, 21 b, thereby enabling a concentration of the applied pressure to the respective convex disc contact.

Figure 9 shows an example of an embodiment with a multiple stage switch 20 having one first convex disc contact 20a, a first and a second second convex disc contact 20b1, 20b2, and an actuator means 20c. The first disc contact 20a is connected to the first component carrier 12 and each second disc contact 20b1, 20b2 is connected to its respective second component carriers 131, 132. ln this exemplifying embodiment two controlling members 3, 3' are used, where a first controlling member 3 is positioned so that the first disc contact 20a and the first second disc contact 20b1 are both facing a controlling part 30a belonging to the first controlling member 3. The controlling part 30a belonging to the first controlling member 3 comprises a spacing member 302 adapted to limit the smallest possible distance between first component carrier 12 and the first second component carrier 131 A second controlling member 3' is positioned so that the second second disc contact 20b2 is facing a controlling part 30'a belonging to the second 20 25 30 11 controlling member 3”. The controlling part 30'a belonging to the second controlling member 3' comprises a spacing member 302' adapted to limit the smallest possible distance between second second component carrier 132 and the first second component carrier 131.

With renewed reference to figure 8 it proposed that the controlling part 31a comprises a counter protrusion 313 facing the disc contact 21 a, which counter protrusion 313 is recessed at the centre of the disc for concentrating the applied pressure on the convex disc contact 21 a. lt is proposed that each second disc contact 21b, 22b, 2nb is connected to respective second component carrier 13 by means of a connector 21 b', 22b', 2nb' that will allow the required movement of the second disc contact 21 b, 22b, 2nb during the actuation of the contact, where this connector 21 b', 22b', 2nb' is exempiified by a flexible circuit carrier in figure 6. lt is important that the second component carrier, or at least the part of the second component carrier that provides the flexibility, the connector 21 b', 22b', 2nb', allows required movement of the second disc contact and can endure the required number of actuations with a maintained electrical conductivity, mechanical strength and flexibility.

An example of a flexible circuit carrier that can be used is Pl SF305C 1025. This material can be used for the complete second component carrier 13 or only for the connector 21b', 22b', 2nb', in which case the rest of the second component carrier 13 could be made out of a more rigid material, such as FR4 |T18OA.

The skilled person understand that this flexible electrically conductible connection also can be realised in other ways, such as through an electrically conducting wire.

The present invention teaches that the surface area and recess of the respective counter protrusion 313, 314 is adapted to the size and curvature of the convex disc contact 21 a, 21 b that it is facing, thereby optimising the function and working conditions of respective disc contact 21a, 21 b.

With the purpose of providing a clear and distinct multiple step tactile feedback to the operator it is proposed that each convex disc contact 21 a in a multiple stage switch is adapted to flex into an electrical connection at a force from the actuator means 21 c that is different from the force required to flex any other 12 convex disc contact 21 b in the same multiple stage switch into an electrical connection.

The invention teaches that one or several of different measures can be taken to reach requirements that can be made on a switch assembly, such as that the first and each second component carrier 12, 13 are sealed where possible, that the assembly casing 11 and actuator means (21 c) are weatherproof, that the assembly casing 11 and actuator means 21 c are adapted to requirements for mechanical strength, and that the switch assembly 1 is a sealed, weatherproof and EMC certified unit. lt will be understood that the invention is not restricted to the aforede- scribed and illustrated exemplifying embodiments thereof and that modifications can be made within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying Claims.

Claims

20 25 30 13 CLAIMS 1. Electrical multiple stage switch assembly (1) comprising an assembly casing (11), a first component carrier (12), and at least one multiple stage switch (21, 22, 2n), where each multiple stage switch (21, 22, 2n) comprise a first convex disc contact (21a), a second convex disc contact (21 b), and an actuator means (21c), where said first and second disc contact (21a, 21b) are positioned with their centres substantially aligned, where respective actuator means (21c) is positioned in said assembly casing (11) and adapted to compress said first and second disc contact (21 a, 21 b), where said first and second disc contact (21 a, 21 b) are adapted to flex into an electrical connection when said actuator means (21c) is pressed and to flex back into a non-electrical connection when said actuator means (21c) is released, and where said first disc contact (21 a) is positioned on said first component carrier (12) in a fixed electrically conductible manner, characterised in, that each multiple stage switch (21, 22, 2n) comprise at least one second convex disc contact (21 b), that said switch assembly (1) comprises one second component carrier (13) for each second disc contact (21b), and at least one controlling member (3), that each second component carrier (13) is electrically connected to said first component carrier (12), that each second disc contact (21 b) is connected to respective second component carrier (13) in a flexible electrically conductible manner, that each controlling member (3) comprises a controlling part (31a, 32a, 3na) for each switch (21, 22, 2n), that a controlling member is positioned between said component carriers (12, 13) in a way so that each disc contact (21a, 21b) is facing a controlling part (31a), and that said controlling part (31a) comprises a spacing member (312) adapted to limit the smallest possible distance (d) between adjacent component carriers (12, 13). 2. Switch assembly according to claim 1, characterised in, that said smallest possible distance (d) is a distance set to limit the compression from said actuator means (21c). 3. Switch assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in, that said controlling part (31a) comprises a counter protrusion (313) facing said disc contact 20 25 30 14 (21a), and that said counter protrusion (33) is recessed at the centre of the disc for concentrating the applied pressure on said convex disc contact (21a). 4. Switch assembly according to claim 3, characterised in, that, where adjacent disc contacts are facing each other, said controlling part (31a) comprises a first counter protrusion (313) facing one disc contact (21 a) and a second counter protrusion (314) facing the other disc contact (21 b), and that respective counter protrusion (313, 314) is recessed at the centre of the disc for concentrating the applied pressure on the respective convex disc contact (21a, 21 b). 5. Switch assembly according to any preceding claim, characterised in, that said controlling part (31a) is connected to said controlling member (3) in a flexible manner (31 a'). 6. Switch assembly according to claim 5, characterised in, that Polyoxymethylene (POM) is used as material in said controlling member (3). 7. Switch assembly according to any preceding claim, characterised in, that each second disc contact (21b) is connected to respective second component carrier (13) by means of a ﬂexible circuit carrier (21b'). 8. Switch assembly according to claim 7, characterised in, that Pl SF305C 1025 is used as material in said flexible circuit carrier. 9. Switch assembly according to any preceding claim, characterised in, that each second disc contact (21 b) is connected to respective second component carrier (13) by means of an electrically conducting wire. 10. each surface area and recess of respective counter protrusion (313, 314) is Switch assembly according to any preceding claim, characterised in, that adapted to the size and curvature of the convex disc contact (21a, 21 b) that it is facing. 20 25 15 11. Switch assembly according to any preceding claim, characterised in, that each convex disc contact (21 a) in a multiple stage switch is adapted to flex into an electrical connection at a force from said actuator means (21c) that is different from the force required to flex any other convex disc contact (21 b) in the same multiple stage switch into an electrical connection. 12. said first and each second component carrier are made out of one flexible Switch assembly according to any preceding claim, characterised in, that component carrier that is folded to form said first and each second component carrier positioned on top of each other. 13. said first and each second component carrier (12, 13) are sealed where possible. Switch assembly according to any preceding claim, characterised in, that 14. said assembly casing (11) and actuator means (21c) are weatherproof. Switch assembly according to any preceding claim, characterised in, that 15. said assembly casing (11) and actuator means (21c) are adapted to requirements Switch assembly according to any preceding claim, characterised in, that for mechanical strength. 16. said switch assembly (1) is a sealed, weatherproof and EMC certified unit. Switch assembly according to any preceding claim, characterised in, that Patentansökan nr/ Patent application No: 1550997-9 I följande bilaga finns en översättning av patentkraven till svenska. Observera att det är patentkravens lydelse på engelska som gäller. A Swedish translation of the patent claims is enclosed. Please note that only the English elaims have legal effect. 20 25 30 Patentkrav

1. Elektrisk flerstegsomkopplarenhet (1) innefattande ett enhetshölje (11), en första komponentbärare (12) och minst en flerstegsomkopplare (21, 22, 2n), vari var och en av flerstegsomkopplarna (21, 22, 2n) innefattar en första konvex diskkontakt (21a), en andra konvex diskkontakt (21b) och ett aktiveringsmedel (21 c), vari den första och den andra diskkontakten (21 a, 21 b) är anbringade med sina mittpunkter väsentligen i linje med varandra, vari respektive aktiveringsmedel (21c) är anbringat i enhetshöljet (11) och anpassat till att trycka samman den första och den andra diskkontakten (21a, 21 b), vari den första och den andra diskkontakten (21a, 21b) är anpassade till att flexa till en elektrisk förbindelse när aktiveringsmedlet (21c) är intryckt och till att flexa tillbaka till frånvaro av elektrisk förbindelse när aktiveringsmedlet (21c) är frigjort, och vari den första diskkontakten (21 a) är anbringad på den första komponentbäraren (12) på ett fast elektriskt ledande sätt, kännetecknad av att var och en av flerstegsomkopplarna (21, 22, 2n) innefattar minst en andra konvex diskkontakt (21 b), av att omkopplarenheten (1) innefattar en andra komponentbärare (13) för var och en av de andra diskkontakterna (21 b) och minst en reglerkomponent (3), av att var och en av de andra komponentbärarna (13) har elektrisk förbindelse med den första komponentbäraren (12), av att var och en av de andra diskkontakterna (21 b) harförbindelse med respektive andra komponentbärare (13) på ett flexibelt elektriskt ledande sätt, av att var och en av reglerkomponenterna (3) innefattar en reglerande del (31a, 32a, 3na) för var och en av omkopplarna (21, 22, 2n), av att en reglerkomponent är anbringad mellan komponentbärarna (12, 13) på ett sådant sätt att var och en av diskkontakterna (21a, 21b) är vänd mot en reglerande del (31a) och av att den reglerande delen (31 a) innefattar en avståndshållande komponent (312) anpassad till att begränsa det minsta möjliga avståndet (d) mellan angränsande komponentbärare (12, 13).

2. Omkopplarenhet enligt patentkrav 1, kännetecknad av att det minsta möjliga avståndet (d) är ett avstånd inställt till att begränsa sammanpressningen medelst aktiveringsmedlet (21c).

3. Omkopplarenhet enligt patentkrav 1 eller 2, kännetecknad av att den 15 20 25 30 reglerande delen (31a) innefattar en motstående utskjutande del (313) vänd mot diskkontakten (21a) och av att den motstående utskjutande delen (33) har en fördjupning vid diskens mittpunkt för att koncentrera det anbringade trycket på den konvexa diskkontakten (21a).

4. Omkopplarenhet enligt patentkrav 3, kännetecknad av att, där angränsande diskkontakter är vända mot varandra, innefattar den reglerande delen (31a) en första motstående utskjutande del (313) vänd mot den ena diskkontakten (21a) och en andra motstående utskjutande del (314) vänd mot den andra diskkontakten (21b) och av att respektive motstående utskjutande del (313, 314) har en fördjupning vid diskens mittpunkt för att koncentrera det anbringade trycket på respektive konvexa diskkontakt (21a, 21b).

5. Omkopplarenhet enligt något av föregående patentkrav, kännetecknad av att den reglerande delen (31a) är förbunden med reglerkomponenten (3) på ett ﬂexibelt sätt (31 a').

6. Omkopplarenhet enligt patentkrav 5, kännetecknad av att Polyoximetylen (POM) används såsom material i reglerkomponenten (3).

7. Omkopplarenhet enligt något av föregående patentkrav, kännetecknad av att var och en av de andra diskkontakterna (21 b) har förbindelse med respektive andra komponentbärare (13) medelst en flexibel kretsbärare (21b').

8. Omkopplarenhet enligt patentkrav 7, kännetecknad av att Pl SF305C 1025 används såsom material i den flexibla kretsbäraren.

9. Omkopplarenhet enligt något av föregående patentkrav, kännetecknad av att var och en av de andra diskkontakterna (21 b) har elektrisk förbindelse med respektive andra komponentbärare (13) medelst en elektriskt ledande ledare.

10. Omkopplarenhet enligt något av föregående patentkrav, kännetecknad av att varje ytarea och fördjupning i respektive motstående utskjutande del (313, 314) är anpassade till storleken och krökningen hos den konvexa diskkontakt (21a, 21b) som den är vänd mot.

11. Omkopplarenhet enligt något av föregående patentkrav, kännetecknad av att var och en av de konvexa diskkontakterna (21a) i en flerstegsomkopplare är anpassad till att flexa till en elektrisk förbindelse vid en kraft från aktiveringsmedlet (21c) som skiljer sig från den kraft som erfordras för att flexa varje annan konvex diskkontakt (21 b) i samma flerstegsomkoppiare till en elektrisk förbindelse.

12. Omkopplarenhet enligt något av föregående patentkrav, kännetecknad av att den första och var och en av de andra komponentbärarna utgöres av en flexibel komponentbärare som är vikt så att den bildar den första och var och en av de andra komponentbärarna anbringade ovanpå varandra.

13. Omkopplarenhet enligt något av föregående patentkrav, kännetecknad av att den första och var och en av de andra komponentbärarna (12, 13) är tillslutna, när detta år möjligt.

14. Omkopplarenhet enligt något av föregående patentkrav, kännetecknad av att enhetshöljet (11) och aktiveringsmedlet (21 c) är väderbeständiga.

15. Omkopplarenhet enligt något av föregående patentkrav, kännetecknad av att enhetshöljet (1 1 ) och aktiveringsmedlet (21 c) är anpassade till fordringarna på mekanisk hållfasthet.

16. Omkopplarenhet enligt något av föregående patentkrav, kännetecknad av att omkopplarenheten (1) är en tillsluten, väderbeständig och EMC-certifierad enhet.