Abstract:
A mulitfunction switch, especially a mirror adjustment switch for motor vehicles, containing a housing ( 4, 6 ), and an actuating element ( 36 ) which protrudes from the housing. Said actuating element is mounted on a supporting peg ( 12, 28 ) in such manner that it can pivot around two approximately vertical pivoting axes situated one on top of the other and actuates, according to pivoting, one of four switches ( 46 ), said switches being arranged at equal angle distances around the peg. The peg ( 12, 28 ) is rotationally fixed to the actuating element ( 36 ) and can rotate around a housing-fixed rotational axis. At least one additional switch ( 56 ) is provided whose function is determined by the rotational position of the peg. Housing-fixed shaped areas ( 40 ) determine the ability of the actuating element ( 36 ) to pivot by means of the interaction of said shaped areas with shaped surfaces ( 48 ).

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject invention is directed to the switch art, and more particularly, to a multifunction electrical switch including a rotatable and pivotable actuation element. 
     Switches of the type under consideration are commonly used in motor vehicle applications to perform functions such as exterior mirror position adjustments. One such multifunction switch is described in DE 195 14 539 A1. The multifunction switch taught there includes an actuating element that is pivotable about two pivot axes arranged in a vertically spaced apart relative relation. The actuating element is operable for vertical height and lateral adjustment of exterior motor vehicle mirrors. In addition to the above, the multifunction switch described includes a separate pair of rammer-like actuating elements that are used to actuate or position the left and right exterior mirrors, respectively, against the exterior of the motor vehicle. 
     One drawback to the known multifunction switch described above is that a total of three (3) actuating elements are necessary. This makes the switch large, inexpensive to manufacture, and difficult to operate. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a multifunction electrical switch that is relatively small, inexpensive to operate, and easy to use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject invention provides a multifunction switch apparatus that overcomes the above-noted problems and results in a switch that is inexpensive and easy to use. In particular, and in accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a multifunction switch apparatus which includes a housing defining at least one shaped area. A set of first switches, preferably four, are arranged within the housing. A rotatable actuation element extends from the housing and is selectively pivotally movable relative to the housing to engage and actuate at least one of the set of first switches. At least one second shaped area, preferably four projections, are movable in association with the actuation element for preventing the pivotal movement of the actuation element relative to the housing when the projection members are not located adjacent the set of recesses provided in the housing. In that way, the set of first switches are activated when the activation element is disposed in any one of four discrete rotational positions relative to the housing. At least one spring switch is disposed within the housing and is operable based upon a relative rotational position between the actuation element and the housing. 
     In accordance with a more limited aspect of the invention, the subject multifunction switch includes a single actuating element which is rotatable around an axis of rotation and, additionally, pivotable about two vertically spaced apart pivot axes which are each arranged at right angles relative to the actuating element axis of rotation. The position of the pivoting axis is beneficially defined by shaped surfaces formed by the housing member of the subject switch. The shaped surfaces cooperate with the actuating element so that the pivot directions remain constant, independent of the rotational position of the actuating element. In that way, numerous different functions can be controlled using the subject switch conveniently and ergonomically by means of pivoting the actuating element as well as by rotating same. 
     In one preferred application of the subject invention, the subject multifunction switch is utilized for mirror adjustments in motor vehicles. By rotating the actuating element into a first appropriate position, both mirrors in the motor vehicle can be controlled individually. In a second rotational position, both mirrors can be actuated for positioning against the exterior of the motor vehicle in a folded back orientation. 
     In accordance with a still further aspect of the invention, a support peg is provided in the housing, the support peg being selectively rotatable relative to the housing about a longitudinal rotational axis. The actuation element is pivotably connected with the support peg using a universal joint member. A screw spring is disposed in the housing surrounding the support peg for biasing the actuation element into a position of rest relative to the housing. A circuit panel is disposed within the housing and supports the set of first switches on a face side of the circuit panel. In that way, as the actuation element is moved pivotally relative to the housing, the switches are selectively actuated based upon contact between the switches and a peripheral region of the actuation element. 
     Still further, in accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the at least one second switch is a spring switch movable in association with the actuation element. The spring switch engages electrical contact portions formed on the opposite side of a circuit panel disposed in the housing. 
     As can be seen from the foregoing, a primary object of the invention is the provision of a multifunction electrical switch that is operable to effect a plurality of electrical connections based upon a rotational and pivotable position of a single actuation element. 
     A further object of the invention is the provision of a multifunction switch apparatus which is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use. 
     Still other objects, advantages, and benefits of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed description. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a multifunction switch formed in accordance with the present invention taken centrally through the device along an axis of rotation of the switch actuation element; 
     FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a circuit panel portion of the multifunction switch shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a middle region portion of the housing of the multifunction switch shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a view showing an enlarged portion of the cross-sectional showing of the subject multifunction switch of FIG. 1; and, 
     FIG. 5 is a top partial plan view showing a spring and slider member portion of the multifunction switch shown in FIG.  1 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting same, the overall arrangement of the preferred form of a multifunction switch formed in accordance with the invention can best be seen by reference to FIG.  1 . As shown therein, the subject multifunction switch comprises an outer housing formed of a cap-shaped housing upper part  4  which is selectively clipped together with a housing lower part  6 . A circuit panel  8  is arranged in the lower housing part  6  as shown. The circuit panel  8  includes a central opening adapted to receive a peg member  12  which extends therethrough substantially as shown. The upper portion of the peg  12  is formed into a square profile  10  and the lower portion of the peg  12  carries a cam  14  which is rotatably accepted in a recess of the housing lower part  6 . Overall, the peg  12  is limited to rotational movement about a central vertical axis by means of the conductor plate  8  and the housing lower part  6 . 
     As best shown in FIG. 5, the cam  14  has, at its outer circumference, a plurality of engagement regions, preferably four concave recesses  16 ,  18 ,  20 , and  22 . In their preferred arrangement, the fourth recess  22  is offset by 180 degrees relative to the first recess  16 . The second and third recesses  18 ,  20  are each respectively offset by 45 degrees on opposite sides of the first recess  16 . The engagement surfaces provided by the concave recesses are adapted to receive a corresponding engagement surface provided on the lead end of a slider member  24 . As shown in FIG. 5, the slider member is biased by a spring  26  in a direction toward the cam  14  and is guided using appropriate known structures within the housing lower part  6 . In this manner, the recesses form locking or detent positions in which the rotational position of the peg  12  is locked. 
     With continued reference once again to FIG. 1, a second peg  28  is carried on the square portion  10  of peg  12 . The second peg  28  includes upper arms for adapting the peg  28  for jointed connection with an actuation disk by means of a universal joint  30 . Preferably, the actuation disk has an overall omega cross-sectional shape substantially as shown. The actuation disk includes a bell-shaped upper part ending in an upper direction in a shoulder  34 . The shoulder portion of the actuation disk extends through a central opening of the housing upper part  4 . In that way, an actuation button  36  can be positioned on the shoulder  34  exterior of the housing. 
     With continued reference to FIG. 1, the actuation element  36  carries a set of shaped areas movable in association therewith. Preferably, as shown in the Figure, the actuation element  36  carries four evenly spaced apart projections  38  each respectively offset by 90 degrees relative to the other. With appropriate rotational position of the actuation element  36  relative to the upper housing part  4  selected ones of the four projections  38  are embeddable, when the activation element is pivoted, into correspondingly formed recesses  40  formed in the upper housing part  4 . 
     As is apparent from FIG. 1, the inside of the upper housing part  4  in the area of the bell-shape actuation disk  32  is shaped in accordance with the exterior contour of the actuation disk so that the actuation disk can be freely pivoted about any horizontal axis by means of the universal joint  30 . The actual pivoting capability results from the ability to receive the projections  38  into the recesses  40 . The projections and the recesses form intermateable shaped areas which determine the pivoting capability of the actuation member  36 . Pivoting is disabled when the four projections  38  are not located adjacent the recesses  40 . 
     Turning now to FIG. 2, four micro switches  46  are arranged on the circuit panel  8  in a relatively evenly spaced apart relationship. In addition, the micro switches  46  are disposed within the housing in alignment with the recesses  40 . In that way, each of the four micro switches  46  can be selectively activated by contact with the front area of the actuation disk  32  during pivoting or tilting of the actuation member  36 . 
     FIG. 4 depicts a magnification of the right-most micro switch  46  shown in FIG. 1 which is attached in turn to the circuit panel  8  and is connected with the circuit panel by electrically conductive means. The outer circumference of the actuation disk  32  is located adjacent the micro switch  46  so that when the actuation member  36  is pivoted in any of four directions as determined by the recesses  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 , the corresponding one of four micro switches is actuated. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, each micro switch  46  is actuated by contact with an actuation member  48 . In order to ensure that the actuation members  48  of the micro switches  46  are not subjected to transverse forces while being operated, laterally guided small slider plates  50  are provided as shown. The slider plates  50  receive the actuation members  48  on a bottom side thereof and, on a top side, are adapted to engage the bottom surface of the actuation disk  32 . 
     As shown best in FIGS. 1 and 2, a switch spring  56  is carried on the first peg  12  at the upper front surface of the cam  14  between the cam  14  and the circuit panel  8 . Based upon the rotational position of the cam  14  and peg  12 , the switch spring  56  connects various contacts  53  formed on the underside of the circuit panel  8  and, accordingly, establishes different switching conditions within the multifunction switch. Preferably, the circuit panel is provided with a set of contact pins  60  which project into a plug contact zone  62  formed at the underside of the housing part  6 . 
     In order to bias the actuation disk  32  into a horizontal position of rest best shown in FIG. 1, a spring  64  is disposed around the second peg  28 . The spring  64  is self-supported on the bottom at a collar of the peg  28  and engages at the top with the actuation disk  32 . The first peg  12  and the second peg  28  jointly form a support peg on which is arranged the actuation disk  32 . 
     FIG. 1 best shows luminous diodes  70  connected to the circuit panel  8  for illuminating, via suitable lighting circuits, symbols designed or formed at the front of the actuation member  36 . 
     The assembly of the subject multifunction switch is simplified by its construction. More particularly, the spring  26 , slider  24 , and peg first  12  are first fitted into the lower housing part  6 . Preferably, the contact pins  60  are formed integrally with the bottom of the lower housing part  6 . 
     Next, the circuit panel previously fitted with the micro switch  46  and the luminous diodes  70  and lighting tracks  72  is placed on the contact pins  60  and preferably fastened to same by means of soldering or the like. 
     The biasing spring  64  is next placed onto the first peg  12  and then the second peg  28  is inserted onto the square portion  10  of the first peg  12 . Preferably, the second peg  28  carries the universal joint  30 . An actuation disk  32  is next placed onto the free axis of the universal joint  30 . Subsequently, the upper housing part  4  is clipped together with the lower housing part  6  and the actuation member  36  is inserted. 
     The operability of the subject multifunction switch is enhanced by its construction. More particularly, with reference to FIG. 5, when the actuation button  36  is rotated from its position of rest (slider  24  in recess  16 ) toward the left and engaged into recess  20 , the actuation member  36  can be pivoted to the left or right (dual arrow L/R) or out of the paper plane or into the paper plane (dual arrow V/H) which corresponds to an adjustment in height and a lateral adjustment of the exterior mirror of a motor vehicle. 
     If the actuation member  36  is rotated further to the right or left by 45 degrees, it is in a position of rest in which the projections  38  are not located adjacent the recesses  40  so that the actuation button cannot be further pivoted. Mechanical interference between the projections  38  and the top of the housing prevents pivotal movement of the actuation member  36 . 
     However, if the actuation member  36  is further turned to the left or right by a subsequent 45 degree increment, the slider member  24  engages with the recess  18  so that the actuation member  36  can again be pivoted and adjustment to the other outside mirror is possible. 
     When the actuation member  36  is turned from its position of rest (slider member  24  engaged with recess  16 ) by 180 degrees, the slider member  24  engages into the recess  22 . Thereupon, the actuation member is incapable of pivoting by interference between the projections  38  and the recesses  40 . However, the switch spring  56  disposed on the underside of the circuit board  8  and carried by the peg  12  engages associated contact points (not shown) on the circuit board so that both outside mirrors fold against the exterior of the motor vehicle. Other switching configurations are contemplated and not shown but are understood by those skilled in the art upon reading, understanding, and benefitting from this description. 
     The operating position of the actuation member  36  is clearly observable from the front of the subject multifunction switch by means of the luminous diodes  70  and the lighting tracks  72  integrated into the upper housing part  4 . Preferably, the actuation member  36  has one or more transparent portions. 
     The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. As an example, peg  12  can be elastically prestressed in the direction toward the upper housing part  4  by arranging a spring between the cam  14  and the bottom of the lower housing part  6 . In that way, the actuation button  36  can be fully pressed down and additional switching positions obtained by means of additional contact springs arranged between the peg  28  and the upper side of the circuit board  8 . Further, additional switches can be operated with the slider  24  and/or the cam  14 . 
     The subject multifunction switch can be employed in a wide range of applications where it is practical to switch a multitude of functions by pivoting, by turning, or pushing in and/or pulling out an actuation element. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.