WO2014198470A1

WO2014198470A1 - Multifunctional switch comprising an actuable switching element

Info

Publication number: WO2014198470A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/059597
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eduard Ruff
Original assignee: Zf Friedrichshafen Ag
Priority date: 2013-06-13
Filing date: 2014-05-12
Publication date: 2014-12-18
Also published as: DE102013211016A1

Abstract

A multifunctional switch (100) comprising an actuable switching element (102) is characterized in that the multifunctional switch (100) has an autonomous energy transducer (104) comprising an actuator device (106) and a control contour (108), wherein the switching element (102) is designed to effect a relative movement (112) of the control contour (108) with respect to the actuator device (106) along an actuation path (110) when actuated, wherein the control contour (108) extends along the actuation path (110) in undulating fashion with a plurality of elevations (114) and/or depressions (116) for guiding the actuator device (106), wherein the actuator device (106) rests on the control contour (108) in order to implement an effective movement (120) along an effective axis (118) during the relative movement (112) owing to the undulating form, wherein the effective axis (118) is oriented differently from, in particular transversely to, the actuation path (110), wherein the energy transducer (104) is designed to convert the effective movement (120) into electrical energy.

Description

Multifunction switch with an actuatable switching element

The present invention relates to a multi-function switch with an actuatable switching element and a method for operating a multi-function switch.

The wireless control of various devices, in particular by means of self-sufficient maintenance-free switching modules or self-sufficient wireless switches, is becoming increasingly attractive. Self-contained switches are known in various applications, in particular in building technology and industrial automation. In the process, the self-sufficient radio switches control, for example, various light control applications or directly actuated switches in the industrial plants. Known solutions can switch between two states. In this case, electrical energy can be generated from the switching process. As typical representatives of a signal output device, which are operated as an energy self-sufficient system, known radio switches are operated with batteries, electrodynamic linear generators or piezoelectric energy converters.

Against this background, the present invention provides an improved multi-function switch with an actuatable switching element and a method for operating a multi-function switch according to the main claims. Advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description below.

Energy converters can convert a mechanical energy into an electrical energy. In addition, a switching element can take a variety of switching positions. By the movement of the switching element from a switching position to a further switching position, a mechanical energy can be applied, which can be converted by an energy converter into an electrical energy. Via a guide along a control contour, the mechanical energy to be applied to an actuator device of the energy converter in a direction of action can be obtained from a mechanical energy in an actuating direction deviating from the effective direction. The mechanical energy can also be counteracted Acting direction or act against the direction of action, so it can be an actuating axis or actuating path or an axis of action.

A multi-function switch with an actuatable switching element, comprising a self-sufficient energy converter with an actuator device and a control contour, wherein the switching element is designed to effect upon actuation a relative movement of the control contour to the actuator along an actuating path,

wherein the control contour extends along the actuating path in a waveform having a plurality of ridges and / or depressions for guiding the actuator device,

wherein the actuator device bears against the control contour in order to carry out an effective movement along the relative axis of movement along the axis of action, the axis of action being oriented differently, in particular transversely, to the actuating path,

wherein the energy converter is designed to convert the active movement into an electrical energy.

A multi-function switch can be understood to mean an energy self-sufficient system which has a signal output device for standardized radio methods, such as, for. B. KNX-RF, WLAN or Bluetooth low-energy includes. In this case, the multi-function switch occupy a plurality of actuation positions or switching positions. When the multifunction switch is operated, a corresponding signal sequence can be output from a signal output direction of the multifunction switch. In this case, the energy converter can be designed to convert a mechanical energy into an electrical energy, wherein a sufficient amount of electrical energy is generated over a longer period of time, so that energy-intensive, standardized radio methods can be implemented. The actuator device may be formed as a mechanical component that is movable with respect to a stationary part of the energy converter. Thus, mechanical energy can be transmitted to the energy converter via the actuator device. In one embodiment, the actuator device may be in the form of a bolt or be formed as a combination of a bolt and a spring. The mechanical energy can be introduced via a switching element in the multi-function switch. The switching element can be moved along an actuating path. The actuating path may be linear, circular or non-linear, in particular arbitrary. In a preferred embodiment, the actuating path may be linear or sections circular or in a combination of linear and segments of a circular path. Consequently, the actuating track may be a straight line, a circular path, a circular section or another curve. The waveform of the control contour may be periodic, sinusoidal or non-sinusoidal. Thus, the control contour on a plurality of elevations and depressions. A compound of a ridge and a depression may be formed linearly, or non-linearly, such as a circle portion. Thus, the control contour between two elevations may alternatively or additionally be formed between two recesses V-shaped. In this case, the actuator device can rest against the control contour and be guided by the control contour. The relative movement between the control contour and the actuator device leads to an effective movement along an axis of action. In this case, the axis of action is a straight line which does not correspond to the actuating path, that is, which is different from the actuating path. In one embodiment, the axis of action is perpendicular to or transverse to the actuating path, in one embodiment, the axis of action, for example, at an angle greater than 45 ° to the actuating path. The control contour for converting a mechanical energy along an actuating path into a mechanical energy along an active axis or a deflection of an introduced mechanical energy into an active movement along the effective axis is advantageous in order to achieve a compact design for the multi-function switch. By the profile of the control contour, for example, forces or the introduced mechanical energy and the mechanical energy in the direction of action, actuation paths, haptics and resulting sizes can be easily adjusted.

An application of such a multi-function switch relates, for example, to various stationary devices, portable devices or tools, in particular vacuum cleaners, central vacuum cleaners or high-pressure cleaners. The tax Such devices are usefully mounted on movable hand or operating handles. By a self-sufficient energy converter results from a design perspective, a significant advantage, namely that the control connection to the main unit without electrical cables or mechanical transmission mechanisms such as Bowden cables or push rods is to be realized. This in turn reduces the cost of the equipment and makes the maintenance or replacement of wearing parts, such. As suction hoses or pressure hoses, simple and inexpensive. The reliability of the devices is increasing. Advantageously, the approach described here can then be used if the control of such devices comprises several functions. It can be dispensed with batteries, which in contrast to battery-powered systems no battery replacement is required and also operation in the negative temperature range is easily possible and pollution of the environment is avoided.

According to one embodiment of a multi-function switch, at least one contact finger of a contact spring can bridge at least one switching contact on a printed circuit board in dependence on a position of the switching element along the actuating path in order to output a coding signal representing the switching position. In this case, the circuit board can be aligned along the actuating path. An electronic module may comprise the printed circuit board. The electronics module may be configured to generate a signal sequence using the coding signal. Furthermore, the electronic module can be designed to provide the coding signal or the signal sequence at an interface. In this case, the interface may be suitable for wireless transmission. The circuit board may have a plurality of switching contacts, wherein each one switching contact of the plurality of switching contacts can be assigned to each one position of the switching element. If the printed circuit board has a plurality of switching contacts which are assigned to a plurality of positions of the switching element, a bridged switching contact, depending on the position along the actuating path, a coding signal corresponding to the switching position can be output.

An electronic module comprising the circuit board may be an electrical device that processes sensor signals and outputs control signals in response thereto. The electronic module can have one or more suitable interfaces have, which may be formed in hardware and / or software. In the case of a hardware-based design, the interfaces can be part of an integrated circuit, for example, in which functions of the electronic module are implemented. The interfaces may also be their own integrated circuits or at least partially consist of discrete components. In a software training, the interfaces may be software modules that are present, for example, on a microcontroller in addition to other software modules.

It is also favorable if the control contour is designed as a slot. In this case, the actuator device can be guided in the slot. In one embodiment, two control contours can be formed as a slot and the actuator device are guided in both slots or both control contours. If the actuator device is guided in two oblong holes or alternatively by two control contours, it may be favorable that the two oblong holes or the two control contours are arranged opposite one another. So the mechanical stress can be distributed. In a slot, the actuator can be safely guided.

Furthermore, the control contour may have a plurality of switching pauses. The switching pauses may comprise at least a first switching position and a second switching position. In one embodiment, the control contour can have at least one further switching position. Each switching position may be assigned a coding signal representing the switching position. At the switching pawls, the actuator device can mechanically engage in one position.

The first switching position may designate a first local maximum of the control contour and the second switching position a second local maximum of the control contour. The further switching position may designate a further local maximum of the control contour. In this case, a maximum may be understood to mean at least a local upper or lower extreme value of the control contour. Thus, a local maximum allow or cause a maximum deflection of the actuator along the axis of action. In one embodiment, the energy converter may include a coil and a magnetic core to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Alternatively, the energy converter may have another type of generator. The energy converter can thus be, for example, an electrodynamic linear generator, a piezoelectric energy converter or a generator coupled to a converter or a generator coupled to a transmission. In this case, the energy converter on an actuator device which is adapted to receive a mechanical energy in the form of a movement, in particular the active movement.

The switching element may be a first housing part. In this case, the first housing part can be arranged to be movable to a second housing part. The energy converter can be arranged in the first housing part or alternatively in the second housing part. Thus, the first housing part to the second housing part to be movable, in particular displaceable along the actuating path. The control contour may be part of the first housing part or of the second housing part. Thus, the energy converter can be arranged in the housing part, which has no control contour.

According to one embodiment, the energy converter may be arranged in the first housing part. In this case, the control contour can be formed as a slot in the second housing part on two opposite sides, in which engages formed as a bolt actuator device. In this case, the bolt can be guided in aligned on two opposite sides of the first housing part linear along the axis of action elongated holes. Furthermore, a plurality of switching contacts may be formed on a printed circuit board aligned along the actuating path, wherein at least one switching contact of the plurality of switching contacts on the printed circuit board may be bridgeable by at least one contact finger of a contact spring in dependence on a position of the switching element along the actuating path. In this case, the contact spring may be arranged in the second housing part. In addition to the embodiment in which the energy converter and the circuit board are arranged to be movable together with the switching element, an embodiment is also possible in which the energy converter and the circuit board are arranged in the second housing part and the control contour is arranged to be movable together with the switching element. Even so, the relative movement between the actuator and the control contour can be generated. Furthermore, the printed circuit board can be arranged in the different housing part to the housing part, in which the energy converter is arranged. Thus, the contact spring may be arranged in the housing part together with the energy converter and the circuit board in the different housing part. In this case, the core idea of the relative movement between the actuator device and the control contour and the relative movement between the circuit board and the contact spring can be implemented.

A method for operating a self-sufficient multi-function switch with an actuatable switching element comprises the steps described below, wherein the multi-function switch has a self-sufficient energy converter with an actuator and a control contour, wherein the switching element is designed to upon actuation relative movement of the control contour to the actuator along a Actuation path, wherein the control contour extends in a plurality of elevations and / or depressions for guiding the actuator device having waveform along the actuating path, wherein the actuator device abuts the control contour to perform during the relative movement due to the waveform along an axis of action a knitting movement , wherein the axis of action is different, in particular transversely, aligned with the actuating path, wherein the energy converter is designed to wall the active movement in an electrical energy Pedal. The method includes a step of actuating the switching element along the actuation path to effect relative movement of the control contour to the actuator along the actuation path, a step of walling the relative movement into a kneading motion, and a step of walling the knitting motion into electrical energy.

As one aspect of the present invention, a multi-function switch according to one embodiment of the multi-function switch can be used to provide autonomous radio Control systems are integrated into the operating handles of devices and systems that have not had any practicable technical solutions to date. You can z. B. integrating the adjustment of the current or the wire feed in M IG welders comfortably in the nozzle holder. This can advantageously increase the ease of use and the productivity, since the parameter conversion even during the

Welding process can be done. Central vacuum cleaners can also be conveniently controlled in this way. The suction unit only needs to be connected to the air network. Control communication with the main unit is via radio. Advantageously, a universal, cost-effective, self-sufficient multifunction radio switch with any number and freely programmable functions can be created. The radio switch must be integrable in the control handle of a device.

The invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 is a schematic representation of a multi-function switch with an actuatable switching element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a schematic exploded view of a multi-function switch with an actuatable switching element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 shows a schematic 3D illustration of a switching element with a printed circuit board and an energy converter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a schematic sectional view of a multi-function switch with an actuatable switching element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a schematic 3D sectional view of a multi-function switch with an actuatable switching element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a schematic representation of a switching element as a first housing part arranged in a second housing part according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 7 is a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and similarly acting, wherein a repeated description of these elements is omitted.

1 shows a schematic representation of a multi-function switch 100 with an actuatable switching element 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multi-function switch 100 has, in addition to the switching element 102, a self-sufficient energy converter 104 with an actuator device 106 and a control contour 108. The switching element 102 is movable along an actuating path 1 10. When the switching element 102 is moved along the actuating path 1 10, this causes a relative movement 1 12 of the actuator 106 to the control contour 108 along the actuating path 1 10. The control contour 108 has a waveform with a plurality of elevations 1 14 and recesses 11 6. The control contour 108 is designed to guide the actuator device 106 along the control contour 108 and thus simultaneously along the actuating path 1 10. Thus, the actuator device 106 abuts against the control contour 108, in order to carry out an effective movement 120 along an effective axis 1 18 during the relative movement 12 due to the waveform of the control contour 108. The axis of action 1 18 and the main extension of the actuating path 1 10 have a mutually different orientation. In the embodiment shown, the active axis 1 18 is transverse to the actuating path 1 10. The energy converter 104 is configured to convert the active movement 120 into an electrical energy and to provide the electrical energy to an interface, not shown.

In one embodiment, the control contour 108 includes a plurality of switching pawls 122. The plurality of switching pawls 122 includes at least a first switching position 124 and a second switching position 126. In one embodiment, the control contour 108 has a further switching position 128 different from the first switching position 124 and the second switching position 126. It can under a switching position 124, 126, 128 a local maximum of the control contour 108 are understood. Thus, the first shift position 124 may designate a first local maximum of the control contour 108, and the second shift position 126 may designate a second local maximum of the control contour 108.

2 shows a schematic exploded view of a multi-function switch 100 with an actuatable switching element 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multi-function switch 100 may be the multi-function switch 100 already described in FIG. 1. The multi-function switch 100 has a first housing part 230 and a second housing part 232. The switching element 102 is part of the first housing part 230. The control contour 108 is formed as a slot 234 in the second housing part 232. The elongated hole 234 is arranged in a side wall of the second housing part 232. In one embodiment, on the side wall with the slot 234 opposite, side wall of the second housing part 232, a further slot may be formed. On a side wall of the second housing part 232, a contact spring 236 is arranged. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the contact spring 236 has four contact fingers 238. The number of contact fingers 238 may vary depending on the embodiment. In the exploded view, an energy converter 104 with an actuator device 106 is arranged between the first housing part 230 and the second housing part 232. An electronic module 240 is connected to the energy converter 104. The electronic module 240 has at least one printed circuit board 242. The printed circuit board 242 is aligned along the actuating path 1 10.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a slot 244 is formed in the first housing part 230. The energy converter 104 with the actuator device 106 and the electronics module 240 can be arranged in the first housing part, so that the actuator device 106 is guided in the slot 244 along the effective axis 1 18.

Depending on the embodiment, the energy converter 104 may comprise a coil with a magnet core movably arranged relative to the coil, through which a generator may be formed to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

The multi-function switch 100, also referred to as a self-contained multi-function switch 100 or in a short form as a switch 100, essentially consists of the housing 230, which at the same time the switching element 102, also referred to as control knob 102 includes the self-sufficient monostable or bistable energy converter 104, the electronic module 240 on a circuit board 242, the actuator 106, which can be made as a simple bolt, the second housing part 232 with the control contour 108 and the contact spring 236, which is used for the coding purposes.

In the housing 230 of the self-sufficient energy converter 104 is attached. The electronics can be built on one or more circuit boards 242. In one exemplary embodiment, the printed circuit board 242 can be implemented inexpensively in a so-called "Starflex ^" or "Semi-flex ^" technology, so that at least one printed circuit board area or a printed circuit board 242 is positioned parallel to the actuating direction 110 or actuating path 110 on this printed circuit board area 242, the switch contacts 346 or, alternatively, buttons 346 adapted to the switch rasters 122 are mounted, and in the side parts of the housing 230 there are also elongated holes 244 for receiving and guiding the actuating bolt 106 along the axis of action.

3 shows a schematic 3D illustration of a switching element 102 with a printed circuit board 242 and an energy converter 104 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The switching element 102, the printed circuit board 242 and the energy converter 104 may represent elements of a multi-function switch 100 described in the preceding figures. A first housing part 230 includes the switching element 102. The first housing part 230 is formed substantially cuboid. The energy converter 104 is arranged with the actuator device 106 in the first housing part 230. An electronic module 240 comprises the printed circuit board 242, wherein the printed circuit board 242 is attached to an outer surface of the first housing part 230 along the main extension direction of the first housing part 230. is orders. Thus, the circuit board 242 along the actuating path 1 10 is aligned. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the printed circuit board 242 has five square switch contacts 346 arranged essentially in a row. Furthermore, in addition to the arranged in a row square switch contacts 346, an elongate switch contact 346 on the circuit board 242 is arranged.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the actuator device 106 is formed as a bolt. The housing 232 can be designed as an operating element 102 or as an independent housing 232 for locking into the operating element 102.

The switching element 102 has a nose-shaped web. In one embodiment, the energy converter is arranged in the first housing part 230, wherein in the second housing part 232 on two opposite sides of the control contour 108 is formed as a slot 234. The actuator device 106 designed as a bolt engages in the oblong hole 234. In this case, the bolt in the formed on two opposite sides of the first housing part 230 linear along the axis of action 1 18 aligned slots 244 can be guided. On the along the actuating path 1 10 aligned printed circuit board 242 a plurality of switching contacts 346 is formed, wherein at least one contact finger 238 of the contact spring 236 depending on a position of the switching element 102 along the actuating path 1 10 at least one switching contact 346 of the plurality of switching contacts 346 on the PCB 242 can be bridged.

At least one contact finger 238 of the contact spring 236 bridges depending on the position of the switching element 102 along the actuating path 1 10 at least one switching contact 346 on the circuit board 242 to output a switching position representing coding signal, the circuit board 242 along the actuating path 1 10 is aligned.

The second housing part 232 is movably engaged in the first housing part 230 and has the control contours 108 on the side walls. 4 shows a schematic sectional representation of a multi-function switch 100 with an actuatable switching element 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The multi-function switch 100 may be a multi-function switch 100 already described in FIG. 1. In the sectional view, a first housing part 230 engages in a second housing part 232. In the first housing part 230, an energy converter 104 with an actuator device 106 is arranged. The actuator device 106 designed as a bolt engages in a control contour 108 designed as a slot 234. An operation in the form of a linear movement of the switching element 102 along the actuating path 1 10 causes a relative movement 1 12 of the first housing part 230 with respect to the second housing part 232. This leads to a relative movement 1 12 between the energy converter 104 and the control contour 108th In the In the embodiment shown, the control contour 108 is V-shaped. During the relative movement 112 between the energy converter 104 and the control contour 108, the actuator 106 is moved in the slot 234 along the control contour 108. Thus, a relative movement 120 between the actuator 106 and the energy converter 104 from the relative movement 1 12 is generated by the relative movement. A contact spring 236 is disposed between the first housing part 230 and the second housing part 232. On the contact spring 236 facing side of the first housing part 230, a circuit board 242 is arranged.

The actuator 106 (bolt 106) engages in the installed state in the control contour 108. Inside the second housing part 230 is the contact spring 236 and bridges with the contact fingers 238 of a switching position 124, 126, 128 corresponding switch contacts 346 on the circuit board 242. Upon actuation of the multi-switch 100, the control knob 102 with the energy converter 104, circuit board 242 and actuator 106 in motion, relative to the second housing part 232 with the contact spring 236 brought. Both ends of the actuating bolt 106 drive off the control contour 108, complete a relative movement 120 transversely to the actuating direction 110 and activate the energy converter 104. The energy generated can be temporarily stored in a capacitor. A signal is not sent for the time being. During further movement within a V-shaped contour 108, the energy converter 104 is activated a second time. Short before that, the contact spring 236 bridges a coding contact 346 associated with the position 124, 126, 128. After the second activation of the energy converter 104, the energy is also stored in the capacitor or storage capacitor. As a result, relatively large amounts of energy can be generated and even complex radio protocols can be realized. At the same time, a radio signal assigned to a coding position is generated and transmitted. Upon further actuation, a further radio signal corresponding to the further switching position 124, 126, 128 is generated and sent. In this way, as many switching positions 124, 126, 128 can be realized.

Since the transmitting unit functions completely autonomously as part of the electronic module 240, it is possible to place the energy converter 104 with the transmitting electronics, that is to say with the electronic module 240, in the movable operating element 102. But this is not mandatory. It is possible to immovably grip the housing part 232 with the transmitter module 240 and to associate the second or other housing part 230 with the code contact 346 with the operating element 102. It is also possible to place the sliding contact 346 (contact 346) on the energy converter side and to move the housing part 230, 232 relative to the printed circuit board 242 relatively. The power supply then takes place via the sliding contacts 346.

By the profile of the control cam, that is, the control contour 108, switching grid 122, the number of switching positions 124, 126, 128, forces, paths and haptics can be adjusted. The movement of the operating element 102 can be realized linear, circular or non-linear, depending on the design of the handle. That is, the movement path 1 10 may be formed accordingly.

5 shows a schematic 3D sectional view of a multi-function switch 100 with an actuatable switching element 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multi-function switch 100 may be the multi-function switch 100 shown in FIG. 4. A first housing part 230 comprises a switching element 102. The first housing part 230 is arranged within a second housing part 232. In the second housing part 232, a guide 548 along an actuating path 1 10 for the first housing part 230 is formed. In a portion of the first housing part 230 is an energy converter 104 with an actuator device 106 and an electronic module 240 connected to the energy converter. The electronic module 240 comprises a printed circuit board 242 arranged along the actuating path 1 10. A contact spring 236 is arranged between the printed circuit board 242 and the second housing part 232. In the embodiment shown, the actuator device 106 is formed as a bolt or rod.

In one embodiment shown, the switching principle is described with a monostable energy converter 104 with two power generation phases and a transmission process per switching position. Of course, a variant with two generating phases and two transmission phases per switching position can be realized. As a result, the security of the signal transmission can be increased or bidirectional data transmission can be realized. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a bistable energy converter 104 and to realize a switching position 122 in each leg of the "V-shaped control contour 108.

In one embodiment, a radio signal coding by means of the switching contacts 346 on the circuit board 242 is associated with a switching position. Since the energy converter 104 has a switching direction detection in the form of the polarity of the switching pulse during switching and switching back, this property can be shared in one embodiment for the switching position coding. For example, during the movement 12 through the two adjacent switch positions 124, 126, a switch coding contact may remain closed. The signal discrimination is realized by the pulse polarity of the generator 104. As a result, the accuracy requirements of the switch contacts 346 and the circuit board 242 can be reduced to z. B. to reduce system costs.

6 shows a schematic illustration of a switching element 102 as a first housing part 230 in a second housing part 232 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The switching element 102 formed as part of the first housing part 230 and the second housing part 232 may be elements of an embodiment of a multi-function switch 100 described in the preceding figures. The switching element 102 has a rib-like increase on. In the second housing part 232, a guide 548 is provided for the first housing part 230. The guide 548 is aligned along an actuating path 1 10. The switching element 102 can be moved in the guide 548 along the actuating path 1 10. For this purpose, an actuator can simply engage the rib-like elevation of the switching element 102.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a method 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method 700 describes a method 700 for operating a self-sufficient multifunction switch with an actuatable switching element. The multi-function switch can be an exemplary embodiment of a multi-function switch 100 described in FIGS. 1 to 6. The method 700 includes a step 710 of actuating the switching element along the actuation path to effect relative movement of the control contour to the actuator along the actuation path, a step 720 of the wall of relative movement into a kneading motion, and a step 730 of walling of the knitting motion into an electrical path Energy.

The embodiments described and shown in the figures are chosen only by way of example. Different embodiments may be combined together or in relation to individual features. Also, an embodiment can be supplemented by features of another embodiment. Furthermore, method steps according to the invention can be repeated as well as carried out in a sequence other than that described. If an exemplary embodiment comprises a "and / or" link between a first feature and a second feature, this can be read so that the embodiment according to one embodiment, both the first feature and the second feature and according to another embodiment, either only the first Feature or only the second feature. Bezuaszeichen

100 multi-function switch

102 switching element

104 energy converters

106 actuator device

108 control contour

1 10 actuating track

1 12 relative movement

1 14 increase

1 1 6 recess

1 18 axis of action

120 active movement

122 shift ratchet

124 first switching position

126 second switching position

128 more switching position

230 first housing part

232 second housing part

234 slot

236 contact spring

238 contact fingers

240 electronic module

242 circuit board

244 slot

346 switching contact

548 leadership

700 procedures

710 Step of actuating the switching element

720 step of Wandeins of relative movement in a knitting motion

730 step of the wall of the active movement into an electrical energy

Claims

claims

1 . Multi-function switch (100) with an actuatable switching element (102), characterized in that the multi-function switch (100) has a self-sufficient energy converter (104) with an actuator device (106) and a control contour (108),

wherein the switching element (102) is designed to, upon actuation, cause a relative movement (1 12) of the control contour (108) to the actuator device (106) along an actuating path (1 10),

wherein the control contour (108) extends along the actuating path (1 10) in a waveform having a plurality of elevations (1 14) and / or depressions (1 1 6) for guiding the actuator device (106);

wherein the actuator device (106) rests against the control contour (108) to perform an effective movement (120) during the relative movement (1 12) due to the waveform along an axis of action (1 18), wherein the active axis (1 18) different, especially transverse , is aligned to the actuating track (1 10),

wherein the energy converter (104) is designed to convert the active movement (120) into an electrical energy.

2. Multi-function switch (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one contact finger (238) of a contact spring (236) in response to a position of the switching element (102) along the actuating path (1 10) at least one switching contact (346) on a printed circuit board (242) to output a coding signal representing the switching position (124, 126, 128), the circuit board (242) being aligned along the actuating path (110).

3. Multifunction switch (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control contour (108) as a slot (234) is formed.

4. Multifunction switch (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control contour (108) a plurality of switching latching (122), wherein the switching pawls (122) comprise at least a first switching position (124) and a second switching position (126).

5. Multi-function switch (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first switching position (124) a first local maximum of the control contour (108) and the second switching position (126) denotes a second local maximum of the control contour (108).

6. Multifunction switch (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control contour (108) has at least one further switching position (128).

7. Multifunction switch (100) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the energy converter (104) comprises a coil and a magnetic core to convert a mechanical energy into electrical energy.

8. Multi-function switch (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching element (102) is a first housing part (230), wherein the first housing part (230) is arranged movable to a second housing part (232) and that the energy converter (104) in the first housing part (230) or the second housing part (232) is arranged.

9. Multifunction switch (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that the energy converter (104) in the first housing part (230) is arranged, wherein in the second housing part (232) on two opposite sides of the control contour (108) as a slot ( 234) is formed, in which engages formed as a bolt actuator device (106), wherein the bolt in two on opposite sides of the first housing part (230) formed along the linear axis of action (1 18) aligned elongated holes (244) is feasible, wherein on a along the actuating path (1 10) aligned printed circuit board (242) is formed a plurality of switching contacts (346), wherein at least one contact finger (238) of a contact spring (236) in dependence of a position of the Schaltele- ment (102) along the actuating path (1 10) at least one switching contact (346) of the plurality of switching contacts (346) on the circuit board (242) can be bridged.

10. Method (700) for operating a self-sufficient multifunctional switch (100) with an actuatable switching element (102), wherein the multifunctional switch (100) has a self-sufficient energy converter (104) with an actuator device (106) and a control contour (108) wherein the switching element (102) is formed to upon actuation a relative movement (1 12) of the control contour (108) to the actuator means (106) along an actuating path (1 10) to effect, wherein the control contour (108) in a waveform having a plurality of elevations (1 14) and / or depressions (1 1 6) for guiding the actuator device (106) along the actuating path (1 10), wherein the actuator device (106) on the control contour (108), in order to carry out an effective movement (120) during the relative movement (1 12) due to the waveform along an active axis (1 18), wherein the active axis (1 18) differs, in particular transversely, from the actuating path (1 10) a The energy converter (104) is configured to convert the active movement (120) into electrical energy, the method comprising the following steps:

Actuating (710) the switching element (102) along the actuating path (110) to effect relative movement (112) of the control contour (108) to the actuator device (106) along the actuating path (110);

Converting (720) the relative movement (1 12) into an operative movement (120); and

Converting (730) the active movement (120) into electrical energy.