Multi-stage switch
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A multi-stage switch comprising:
- a circuit board carrying at least two pairs of contact elements, said pairs of contact elements being spaced from one another;
at least two switch elements disposed on said circuit board, each of said switch elements being operatively associated with a respective pair of said contact elements and being movable into a closed state for bridging said contact elements of said respective pair;
a common actuating element operatively associated with said switch elements, said common actuating element having an actuating area which is located between said switch elements, and said common actuating element being movable in response to an increasing force applied to said actuating area to move said switching elements successively into the closed state;
a plastic diaphragm located above said common actuating element and having a central protrusion via which said diaphragm transmits the increasing force to said actuating area of said common actuating element; and
a spacer disposed on said circuit board and having a conduit which extends to said actuating area and in which said central protrusion of said plastic diaphragm is guided, wherein;
said switch elements and said common actuating element cooperate to cause said common actuating element to pivot about an axis which is essentially parallel to said circuit board in response to the increasing force to move said switching elements successively into the closed state.
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Abstract
A multi-stage switch with a common actuating element and at least two switch elements for making contact provides that the switch elements are disposed next to each other above contact elements of a circuit board which they bridge in the closed state. The actuating element for the switch is movably disposed above the switch elements in such a way that the switch elements respond sequentially when the actuating element is depressed. Such a multi-stage switch can be produced cost-effectively with simple structural means, can be universally used, is easy to operate, maintenance free to the greatest extent and operates dependably.
44 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A multi-stage switch comprising:
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a circuit board carrying at least two pairs of contact elements, said pairs of contact elements being spaced from one another; at least two switch elements disposed on said circuit board, each of said switch elements being operatively associated with a respective pair of said contact elements and being movable into a closed state for bridging said contact elements of said respective pair; a common actuating element operatively associated with said switch elements, said common actuating element having an actuating area which is located between said switch elements, and said common actuating element being movable in response to an increasing force applied to said actuating area to move said switching elements successively into the closed state; a plastic diaphragm located above said common actuating element and having a central protrusion via which said diaphragm transmits the increasing force to said actuating area of said common actuating element; and a spacer disposed on said circuit board and having a conduit which extends to said actuating area and in which said central protrusion of said plastic diaphragm is guided, wherein; said switch elements and said common actuating element cooperate to cause said common actuating element to pivot about an axis which is essentially parallel to said circuit board in response to the increasing force to move said switching elements successively into the closed state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification