EP1215556B1 - Electric switch - Google Patents

Abstract

Electrical switch (1) in the form of a cursor or joystick has an activation member (3) that tilts in a tilt plane (16) in at least two directions. Movement of the activation element causes switching contacts to be made. The switch has a coulisse shaped control curve so that when moved by a lever (8) a switching rod (15) meshes in the control curve so that the activation member is moved in the respective direction. An independent claim is made for an electrical switch in which the switch element has an opening in the form of a coulisse shaped stop disk with an associated activation element and mechanism.

Description

The invention relates to an electrical switch according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Switches formed in the manner of a joystick or cursor switch are for inputting data for an electric appliance by a user. For example, such switches are used for the operation of car radios, on-screen displays or navigation devices in motor vehicles.

Such an electrical switch is from the US-A-4,459,440 known and has a movable in a pivot plane mounted actuator. The actuator is movable from a neutral position direction dependent in associated switching positions by the user by pivoting. In the switching position, the actuator acts on a switching element switching.

Since the switch has multiple switch positions, its contact system is generally configured in a complex manner. Thus, several microswitches are arranged as switching elements in the known switch. Such Arrangement is complicated and the manufacturing costs of the switch become more expensive. In addition, the susceptibility to error increases for the contact system of the known switch. In addition, in this switch, the actuator is largely movable in free directions. There is thus the risk that the desired switching position is not actuated at all or two switching positions simultaneously. This can, especially in motor vehicles, cause safety-critical operating errors of the user.

From the EP 0 656 640 A1 is also known as a joystick or cursor switch serving electrical switch with a movable in a pivot plane mounted actuator known. The bearing for the actuator is designed in the manner of a universal joint, so that the actuating member is movable from a neutral position in at least two directions and in one of the respective direction associated switching position. In the switching position, the actuating member acts on a switching element arranged approximately parallel to the pivoting plane of the actuating element. The switching elements in this switch are formed by a switching mat and associated contact surfaces on a printed circuit board. A disadvantage of this switch appears its complex structure, in particular, the bearing for the actuator is designed very expensive. Moreover, there is also the danger here that lying at least between the predetermined by the universal joint main directions switching positions are little precisely actuated, so that again incorrect operations can occur.

Next is from the EP 0 903 658 A2 a serving as joystick or cursor switch electrical switch with a control knob is known, which is arranged on a shift rod. The shift rod is movably supported by means of a ball joint, so that the control knob is pivotable in four directions in the manner of a wind rose. In this case, the shift rod in guide slots, which form a kind of control cam, forcibly guided during pivoting.

Finally, the show US Pat. No. 5,804,781 A a joystick in which the shift rod is movable in a kind of open cam, and the WO 98/26341 A2 a rotatably mounted by means of balls encoder.

The invention is based on this prior art, the task of simplifying such an electrical switch and to increase its functionality, in particular, the risk of incorrect operation should be reduced.

This object is achieved in a generic electrical switch by the characterizing features of claim 1.

The inventive, designed in the manner of a joystick switch electrical switch, has a control cam in the manner of a rosette-shaped backdrop. In this cam, the actuator engages in its deflection such that the actuator is forcibly moved in the respective direction. The positive guidance causes a defined movement in the respective direction and prevents uncontrolled movements in between Directions. Thus, incorrect operation of the user are largely excluded and the switch is also extremely ergonomic. Furthermore, the feel of the operation of the switch can be adjusted according to the needs of the user. For this purpose, the actuator acts in the movement from the neutral position to the switching position with a cam track together such that a dependent of the deflection force acts in and / or against the direction of adjustment to the actuator.

Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

In addition, the switch according to the invention can be configured as a joystick rotary latch switch. Such a switch has an actuating element and at least one further switching element. The further switching element is associated with an opening in a formed in the manner of a locking disk backdrop. A holder with a ball is operatively connected to the actuating element in such a way that the ball can be brought into engagement with the opening by movement of the actuating element. As a result, on the one hand, the holder is located in a detent position and, on the other hand, the ball acts on the switching element in a switching manner. By means of such a switch can be adjusted in a simple manner and yet very precise rotary switch positions by the actuator, which optionally with the same hand of the user arranged within the actuator actuator for the Joystickschaltstellungen is movable. Advantageously, thus obtained in an ergonomic manner operable multi-function switch, for example is particularly suitable for menu selection and parameter input on a screen in the motor vehicle.

The switching element of the joystick switch can be designed as per se known Tastschaltelement with two fixed contacts and serving as a switching contact for switching bridging the fixed contacts and as a return element snap disk. As a result, the contact system of the switch can be arranged to save space despite several switching positions. The actuator is movable, for example in eight directions in the manner of a Windrose, each direction is associated with a switching element. It then makes sense further to arrange the switching elements in a substantially circular manner on a retaining disk, printed circuit board or the like located in the housing of the switch.

Preferably, the actuator is equipped with a shift lever, so that the protruding from the housing actuator is pivotable by a user. This shift lever then engages in turn into the control cam. Due to the positive guidance by the control cam a simple ball joint is sufficient for the pivotable mounting of the shift lever in the housing.

For the actual actuation of the switching elements may be arranged on the actuating member and / or on the shift lever an actuating cam. The actuating cam acts on a corresponding switching cam and the switching cam again acts on the switching element in such a way that the switching element is actuated substantially in the direction parallel to the shift lever. Conveniently, the actuating cam is located on a plate element attached to the shift lever.

In order to obtain a further input option in the manner of an enter function in addition to the joystick operation, the actuator can be assigned an additional switching element in the manner of a pushbutton switching element. The additional switching element is arranged on the end remote from the actuating member of the shift lever, and suitably on a circuit board in the housing. The additional switching element is switchable by pressing the actuator by means of the shift lever. For this purpose, it makes sense to design the shift lever hollow, so that in its interior a shift rod can be arranged longitudinally movable.

To exclude incorrect operation of the switch, the simultaneous operation of the joystick and the Enter function can be excluded. This is ensured by the fact that the operation of the additional switching element released in the neutral position of the actuating member and upon deflection of the actuating member from the neutral position, and preferably in the switching position, can be blocked. For this purpose, the actuator cooperates with a stop on the control cam in the housing such that the longitudinal movement of the shift rod is prevented.

In a further embodiment, a holding part can be arranged with a receptacle for at least one spring-loaded, engaging in the cam ram to generate the force for the feel of the shift lever. If desired, the cam track can be designed such that the Actuator when moving in the switching position has a pressure point.

For compact design, the cam track may be mounted on one side of a support member in the housing of the switch. On the other side of the support element, the circuit board is then arranged for receiving the switching elements. For fixing the circuit board on the support element, a fixing part may be provided. It then makes sense to use the fixing simultaneously to guide the switching cam for the switching element. In about the middle of the circuit board and in the support member is an opening for the implementation of the shift lever.

For certain applications, for example, when operating user functions via a screen menu control in a motor vehicle, it may be necessary that a simultaneous rotation of the actuating element upon actuation of the joystick functions is not possible. For this purpose, the rotational movement of the actuating element in deflected out of the neutral position, and in particular in befindlichem in the switching position actuator, be lockable. For this embodiment, an approach arranged on the plate element approach engages in corresponding recesses on the actuating element. These recesses may be formed by two spaced ribs on the actuating element.

In a further embodiment of the rotary latch switch, the holder arranged in the housing is designed to be approximately annular, so that the holder surrounds the additional switching element and the additional switching element facing the end of the shift lever to the shift rod. Furthermore, it is advisable to provide a receptacle on the holder for the ball located in the holder, wherein the ball is held in the receptacle spring-loaded approximately in the direction of the backdrop.

In a further development of the rotary latch switch has a plurality of locking positions and a plurality of switch positions corresponding to the locking positions. For this purpose, the backdrop is disc-shaped with a plurality of openings arranged on a circular path. Furthermore, several other switching elements in one of the openings corresponding circular path arranged on a circuit board. In such a trained rotary latch switch, it is for the sake of simplicity, to arrange in the holder three spaced approximately 120 degrees balls, wherein a ball with the openings in the gate for locking and / or switching the other switching elements cooperates and the two other balls on the backdrop are movable for support. The other two balls are movable on a circular path, which has a different radius to the circular path for the openings.

The other switching element of the rotary latch switch can be configured as a per se known Tastschaltelement with two fixed contacts and serving as a switching contact for switching bridging the fixed contacts and as a return element snap disk. About the opening in the backdrop, the ball acts directly on the snap disk for switching the switching element. For compactness, the further switching element can be arranged on the same circuit board in the housing, on which the additional switching element is located. Since the actuating member for the joystick function is surrounded by the actuating element for the rotary latch function, it is advantageous if the additional switching element is located approximately in the center of the circular path formed by the further switching elements. To hold the circuit board for the other switching element, the backdrop offers, to which the circuit board is fixed by means of fixing pins.

The advantages achieved by the invention are in particular that the switch is rather simple in itself despite high functionality, such as the joystick and / or rotary latch functionality. Thus, the switch is inexpensive to manufacture. Furthermore, the switch is error-prone and has a long service life. In particular, the contact system of the switch is insensitive to contamination, since the fixed contacts of the switching element are covered by the snap disk. The switch according to the invention can thus be used advantageously in harsh environmental conditions, for example in motor vehicles. In addition, the switch has a good feel. Despite its high functionality, the switch is easy to use, user-friendly, self-explanatory and ergonomic, for example with the fingers of one hand. As a result, operating errors are largely excluded, so that the switch according to the invention also in safety-critical applications, for example, for on-screen control in motor vehicles, is usable.

Fig. 1

einen elektrischen Schalter im Schnitt,

Fig. 2

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie 2-2 aus Fig. 1, wobei teilweise verdeckt liegende Einzelteile gezeigt sind,

Fig. 3

Teile des Schalters aus Fig. 1 in Explosionsdarstellung,

Fig. 4

eine im Schalter angeordnete Leiterplatte mit Schaltelementen als Einzelteil,

Fig. 5

eine im Schalter befindliche Kulisse als Einzelteil,

Fig. 6

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie 6-6 aus Fig. 5 und

Fig. 7

eine Prinzipdarstellung der Wirkungsweise einer Kugel in der zugehörigen Kulisse.

An embodiment of the invention with further developments is shown in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. Show it

Fig. 1

an electrical switch on average,

Fig. 2

a section along the line 2-2 Fig. 1 , where partially hidden parts are shown,

Fig. 3

Parts of the switch off Fig. 1 in exploded view,

Fig. 4

a circuit board arranged in the switch with switching elements as an individual part,

Fig. 5

a gate in the switch as a single part,

Fig. 6

a section along the line 6-6 Fig. 5 and

Fig. 7

a schematic diagram of the effect of a ball in the associated backdrop.

The in Fig. 1 shown electrical switch 1 is formed in the manner of a joystick or cursor switch and / or a rotary latch switch. Thus, the switch 1 is a multi-function switch that can be used, for example, as input means for screens, navigation systems o. The like. In motor vehicles. The switch 1 itself can be installed on the steering wheel, in the dashboard, in the center console o. The like. In the vehicle.

The switch 1 has a housing 2, which is approximately cylindrical. At the top of the housing 2 in a pivoting plane 16, in at least two directions movably mounted actuator 3 is arranged for the joystick functionality. The actuator 3 is by the user from a neutral position in one of the respective direction associated switching position movable, as indicated by the Verschwenkpfeil 28, whereby the directions of movement of the actuating member 3 extend substantially in the pivoting plane 16.

The actuator 3 acts in the respective switching position on an associated, arranged approximately parallel to the pivoting plane 16 switching element 4 switching a. The switching element 4 is formed as per se known Tastschaltelement with two fixed contacts 5, 5 'and a snap disk 6. The snap-action disc 6 serves as a switching contact for switching bridging the fixed contacts 5, 5 'and as a return element. The switching elements 4 are located on a holding disc arranged approximately parallel to the pivoting plane 16, printed circuit board 7 or the like. In the present case, the actuator 3 is movable in eight directions in the manner of a Windrose, as the Fig. 2 can be taken closer. Each direction is associated with a switching element 4 with a snap 6. The switching elements 4 are arranged approximately circularly on the printed circuit board located in the housing 2 7, which also in Fig. 4 you can see.

As in further Fig. 1 it can be seen, a shift lever 8 is arranged on the actuator 3. The shift lever 8 is in turn pivotally mounted by means of a ball joint 9 in the housing 2, so that the protruding from the housing 2 actuator 3 is pivotable by the user. In the housing 2 of the switch 1 is a control cam 10 in the manner of a backdrop. The shift lever 8 engages by means of a shift rod 15 in the deflection of the actuator 3 in the control cam 10 such that the actuator 3 is forcibly moved in the respective direction. Again Fig. 2 can be seen closer, the control cam 10 is designed as a rosette-shaped backdrop. The control cam 10 has eight evenly distributed on a perimeter rosettes for the directions of Windrose. By the positive guidance of the shift rod 15 in the respective rosette thus the actuator 3 is defined in the associated direction pivotable.

As based on the Fig. 1 can be seen, a plate member 12 is disposed on the actuating member 3 and / or on the shift lever 8, to which an actuating cam 11 is located. The actuating cam 11 acts on a corresponding switching cam 13 a. Of the Switching cam 13 in turn acts on the switching element 4 such that the switching element 4 is actuated substantially in the direction parallel to the shift lever 8.

The actuating member 3 is an additional switching element 14, which is formed in particular in the manner of a Tastschaltelements assigned. The additional switching element 14 is arranged on the actuating member 3 remote from the end of the shift lever 8 in the housing 2 on a printed circuit board 29. By pressing the actuator 3, the additional switching element 14 is switchable by means of the shift lever 8. For this purpose, the shift rod 15 is longitudinally movably arranged in the hollow shift lever 8. The actuation of the additional switching element 14 is released in the neutral position of the actuating member 3. Upon deflection of the actuator 3, and that when the actuator 3 is in the switching position, however, its operation is lockable. For this purpose, the actuator 3 cooperates with a stop 17 on the control cam 10 in the housing 2.

How farther Fig. 1 hervoroght, the actuator 3 acts in the movement from the neutral position to the switching position with a cam track 30 such that a dependent of the deflection force acts in and / or against the direction of adjustment to the actuator 3 in the movement. For this purpose, a holding part 31 is arranged on the shift lever 8 with a receptacle 32 for at least one spring-loaded, engaging in the cam track 30 plunger 33. By appropriate shaping of the cam track 30 and selection of the spring 34 for the plunger 33, consequently, the feel of the operation by means of the actuating member 3 for the user is adjustable. If desired, the cam track 30 may be configured such that the actuating member 3 has a pressure point when moving into the switching position.

The cam track 30 is mounted on a support member 35, as especially the Fig. 3 can be seen. Conveniently, the cam track 30 is mounted on one side of the support member 35 in the housing 2 of the switch 1. It is also advisable to arrange the printed circuit board 7 for receiving the switching elements 4 on the other side of the carrier element 35. For fixing the circuit board 7, a fixing part 36 is arranged on the carrier element 35. The fixing member 36 also serves to guide the switching cam 13, the Actuate switching elements 4. Approximately in the middle of the circuit board 7 and in the support member 35 is an opening 37 for the implementation of the shift lever eighth

To realize the rotary latching functionality of the switch 1 has a rotatable actuating element 18 which surrounds the actuating member 3 in an approximately annular manner, as shown in the Fig. 1 you can see. In the housing 2 is a trained in the manner of a locking plate gate 19, which has at least one opening 20. The opening 20 is associated with a further switching element 21, in particular a snap disc 6 exhibiting. Furthermore, the holder 23 is in operative connection with the actuating element 18 in such a way that by movement, by rotation, of the actuating element 18, the ball 22 is engageable with the opening 20. As a result, on the one hand, the holder 23 is located in a detent position. On the other hand, the ball 22 acts switching on the other switching element 21, and directly on the snap disk 6, a.

The rotational movement of the actuating element 18 can be blocked in the deflected actuator 3. For this purpose, a arranged on the plate member 12 approach 24. As in Fig. 2 can be seen closer, the projection 24 engages in corresponding recesses 25 on the actuating element 18 when the actuator 3 is pivoted. The recesses 25 can be formed by two spaced ribs 26, 26 ',.

The arranged in the housing 2 holder 23 is configured approximately annular, which is based on the Fig. 3 you can see. The ball 22 is loaded with a spring 27 in the direction of the link 19 loaded in a receptacle 38 of the holder 23. The backdrop 19 is disc-shaped with several arranged on a circular path, in Fig. 5 visible openings 20 are formed, so that the holder 23 has a plurality of locking positions. Likewise, a plurality of further switching elements 21 in a circular path to these openings 20 corresponding to a in Fig. 1 visible circuit board 29 'arranged. As a result, the holder 23 has at the same time a plurality of switch positions corresponding to the latching positions. This mode of action is also indicated by the principal sketches in 6 and 7 clarified.

In a preferred embodiment, based on the Fig. 1 is explained in more detail, are arranged in the holder 23 three spaced approximately 120 degrees balls 22, 22 '. A ball 22 cooperates with the openings 20 in the gate 19 for latching and / or for switching the other switching elements 21 together. The other two balls 22 ', of which in Fig. 1 only one is visible, are on the gate 19 for supporting the bracket 23 movable. These two other balls 22 'are movable on a circular path, which has a different radius to the circular path for the openings 20, whereby a mutual interference of the balls 22, 22' is excluded upon rotation of the actuating element 18.

The further switching element 21, which is acted upon by the ball 22, is also formed as per se known Tastschaltelement with two fixed contacts 5, 5 'and as a switching contact for switching bridging the fixed contacts 5, 5' and serving as a return element snap 6. The printed circuit board 29 and 29 'are designed as a common printed circuit board, whereby the further switching element 21 on the same circuit board 29, 29' as the additional switching element 14 is located. In this case, the additional switching element 14 is located approximately in the center of the circular path formed by the other switching elements 21 on the circuit board. The circuit board 29 'for the further switching element 21 is attached to the link 19 by means of fixing pins 39.

The invention is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiment. On the contrary, it also encompasses all professional developments within the scope of the inventive idea. Thus, such a multi-function switch can also be used for car radios and / or for other control devices in motor vehicles. In addition to automotive applications, such a multi-function switch can also be used as input means for computers, machine tools, household appliances o. The like. In a universal manner.

Reference numeral list:

1:

electrical switch

2:

casing

3:

actuator

4:

switching element

5,5 ':

fixed contact

6:

snap disk

7:

PCB (for switching element)

8th:

gear lever

9:

ball joint

10:

cam

11:

actuating cam

12:

plate element

13:

switching cams

14:

(additional) switching element

15:

shift rod

16:

pivoting

17:

attack

18:

actuator

19:

scenery

20:

opening

21:

(further) switching element

22.22 ':

Bullet

23:

bracket

24:

approach

25:

recess

26.26 ':

rib

27:

Spring (for ball)

28:

Verschwenkpfeil

29:

PCB (for additional switching element)

29 ':

PCB (for further switching element)

30:

cam track

31:

holding part

32:

Recording (on the holding part)

33:

tappet

34:

Spring (for pestle)

35:

support element

36:

fixing

37:

Opening (in carrier element, printed circuit board)

38:

Recording (the holder)

39:

fixing pins

Claims (15)

1. Electric switch, in particular in the form of a joystick or cursor switch, with an activating element (3) mounted in a pivot plane (16) and movable in at least two directions, wherein the activating element (3) can be moved from a neutral position into a switching position assigned to the respective direction, whereby the activating element (3) in the switching position acts in a switching manner on a switch element (4) arranged approximately parallel to the pivot plane (16) of the activating element (3), whereby the switch (1) has a control cam (10) in the form of a link, and whereby the activating element (3) in its deflection engages in particular by means of a switch lever (8) or a switch rod (15) into the control cam (10), such that the activating element (3) is forced into the respective direction, characterised in that the activating element (3) during the movement out of the neutral position into the switch position cooperates with a cam track (30), such that a force dependent on the deflection acts in and/or against the direction of adjustment to the activating element (3) to adjust the haptic for the user.
2. Electric switch according to claim 1, characterised in that the switch element (4) is designed as a known key switch element with two fixed contacts (5, 5') and a snap disc (6) acting as a switching contact for bridging the fixed contacts (5, 5') and as a restoring element, in that preferably the activating element (3) can be moved in eight directions in the manner of a windrose, whereby a switch element (4) is assigned to each direction, and in that preferably the switch elements (4) are arranged in a circle on a holding disc, printed circuit board (7) or the like in particular located in a housing (2) of the switch (1).
3. Electric switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the switch lever (8) is mounted pivotably by means of a ball joint (9) in the housing (2), such that the activating element (3) projecting out of the housing (2) can be pivoted by a user.
4. Electric switch according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that on the activating element (3) and/or on the switch lever (8), in particular on a disc element (12) arranged thereon, an activating cam (11) is located, wherein the activating cam (11) acts on a corresponding switch cam (13) and the switch cam (13) acts on the switch element (4) such that the switch element (4) is activated substantially in a direction parallel to the switch lever (8).
5. Electric switch according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that an additional switch element (14), in particular in the form of a key switch element, is assigned to the activating element (3), whereby preferably the additional switch element (14) is arranged on the end of the switch lever (8) averted from the activating element (3), in particular on a printed circuit board (29) in the housing (2), and in that also preferably the additional switch element (14) can be switched by pressing the activating element (3) by means of the switch lever (8), in particular by means of the switch rod (15) arranged to move longitudinally in the hollow switch lever (8).
6. Electric switch according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the activation of the additional switch element (14) in the neutral position of the activating element (3) is released and on the movement of the activating element (3) out of the neutral position, and most preferably in the switch position, can be locked, in particular in that the activating element (3) cooperates with a stop (17) on the control cam (10) in the housing (2).
7. Electric switch according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that on the switch lever (8) a holding part (31) with a mount (32) is arranged for at least one spring-loaded ram (33) engaging in the cam track (30), and in that preferably the cam track (30) is designed such that the activating element (3) has a pressure point on movement into the switch position.
8. Electric switch according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the cam track (30) is attached onto a carrier element (35), in particular on one side of the carrier element (35), in the housing (2) of the switch (1), in that preferably on the other side of the carrier element (35) the printed circuit board (7) is arranged for mounting the switch elements (4), in that also preferably a fixing element (36) for securing the printed circuit board (7) and/or for guiding the switch cam (13) is arranged on the carrier element (35), and in that also preferably approximately in the middle of the printed circuit board (7) and in the carrier element (35) an opening (37) is provided for feeding through the switch lever (8).
9. Electric switch, in particular a rotary switch, according to one of claims 1 to 8, with an activating element (18), and with at least one further switch element (21) comprising in particular a snap disc (6), characterised in that the additional switch element (21) is assigned an opening (20) in a link (19) designed in the form of a detent disc, and in that a holder (23) comprising a ball (22) is in active connection with the activating element (18), in that by movement, in particular rotary movement, of the activating element (18) the ball (22) can be moved into engagement with the opening (20), so that both the holder (23) is located in a detent position and also the ball (22) has a switching effect on the additional switch element (21), in particular directly on the snap disc (6).
10. Electric switch according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the movement, in particular the rotational movement, of the activating element (18) with an activating element (3) moved out of the neutral position, in particular located in the switching position, can be locked, whereby preferably a shoulder (24) arranged on the disc element (12) engages in corresponding recesses (25), which are formed in particular by two spaced apart ribs (26, 26'), on the activating element (18).
11. Electric switch according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the holder (23) is designed to be approximately annular and is arranged in the housing (2), and in that preferably the ball (22, 22') is arranged in a mount (38) of the holder (23) to be spring-loaded approximately in the direction of the link (19).
12. Electric switch according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the link (19) is designed to be disc-like with several openings (20) arranged on a circular track, such that the holder (23) has several locking positions, and in that preferably several further switch elements (21) are arranged in a circular track corresponding to the openings (20) on a printed circuit board (29'), such that the holder (23) has several switch positions corresponding to the locking positions.
13. Electric switch according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that in the holder (23) three balls (22, 22') are arranged spaced apart by about 120 degrees, whereby one ball (22) cooperates with the openings (20) in the link (19) for locking and/or for switching the additional switch elements (21) and the two other balls (22') move on the link (19) for support, and whereby in particular the two other balls (22') can move on a circular track, which has a radius that differs from that of the circular track for the openings (20).
14. Electric switch according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the additional switch element (21), on which the ball (22) acts, is designed in the form of a known key switch element with two fixed contacts (5, 5') and a snap disc (6) acting as a switch contact for bridging the fixed contacts (5, 5') and as a restoring element, and in that preferably the additional switch element (21) is arranged on the same printed circuit board (29) in the housing (2), on which the additional switch element (14) is located, whereby in particular the additional switch element (14) is located approximately in the centre of the circular track formed by the additional switch elements (21).
15. Electric switch according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the printed circuit board (29') for the additional switch element (21) is secured onto the link (19), in particular by means of fixing pins (39).

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