Switching assembly, automotive infotainment system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a switch assembly, a car infotainment system and a vehicle. The switch assembly (10) comprises a socket (50), a top hat (20) and an intermediate pusher (40) in the socket (50), wherein the intermediate pusher (40) is slidable with the socket (50), the top hat (20) is spherically or pivotally joined with the intermediate pusher (40), and wherein the starting force of the sliding movement is smaller than the starting force of the spherical or pivotal movement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of switch assemblies. Such switch assemblies can be used, for example, in a vehicle, such as on a dashboard and / or any control panel. Background Art

[0002] Switches, buttons or controls are widely used, for example, for operating electronic devices at home, in industry or in vehicles. In particular, car dashboards are often provided with switches in order to activate safety or comfort functions such as headlights, windshield wipers, air conditioning or to interact with multimedia functions of the car's infotainment system.

[0003] In current switch assemblies used in vehicles, capacitive switches detect contact between a user's finger and the switch's touch-sensitive surface. However, these capacitive switches do not provide tactile feedback and are not always understood for this reason.

[0004] Toggle switches offer the advantage of providing tactile feedback. Furthermore, a single toggle switch can be used to trigger and / or select several actions. An example of a toggle switch is described in document DE9421644U1. However, a disadvantage of this toggle switch is that a space must exist between the top cap pressed by the user and the surrounding cover, such as the cover surface of an instrument panel or control panel. This space can allow dust and particles to enter the interior of the toggle switch and does not provide a high level of perceived quality.

[0005] Thus, the present disclosure is directed to a switch assembly that provides tactile feedback with minimal space between a top cap of the switch assembly and a cover surrounding the top cap. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a switch assembly, comprising:

[0007] socket,

[0008] The top cap and the middle cart located in the socket,

[0009] in:

[0010] The middle trolley can slide relative to the socket.

[0011] The top cap is spherically or pivotally coupled to the intermediate cart, and

[0012] The starting force of the sliding movement is lower than the starting force of the pivoting movement.

[0013] Therefore, the pressure on the top cap is first transmitted to the intermediate cart, and both the top cap and the intermediate cart translate along the first axis.Then, the increased pressure can trigger the pivoting movement or rotational movement of the top cap around the second axis.

[0014] The switch assembly allows at least one function to be activated while requiring only a slight gap between the top cap and the cover, such as being positioned flush with or at least surrounding the top cap. This slight gap limits the ingress of dust into the switch assembly and provides a more attractive appearance and a higher perceived quality of the switch assembly.

[0015] Advantageously, the switch assembly has at least one intermediate contactor which is activated by a pivoting movement of the top cap.

[0016] Advantageously, the at least one intermediate contactor is located between the top cap and the intermediate trolley, the at least one intermediate contactor defining at least a portion of the activation force of the pivotal or spherical movement.This embodiment provides a low-cost and visually appealing switch assembly.

[0017] Advantageously, said socket has a bottom surface and at least one elastic member arranged between said intermediate trolley and said bottom surface, said at least one elastic member defining at least a portion of the activation force of said sliding movement.

[0018] Advantageously, the elastic member brings the top cap back from the switched position (after the translational movement) to an initial or rest position.

[0019] Advantageously, the switch assembly has at least one bottom contactor which is activated by the sliding movement of the intermediate trolley. This bottom contactor allows another action to be performed or another function to be triggered using the same switch assembly.

[0020] Advantageously, the at least one resilient member is or includes the at least one bottom contactor. If a double-action (i.e., two-click) switch assembly is desired, the contactor may be electrically connected, or if only a single-action (i.e., one-click) switch assembly is desired, the contactor may not be electrically connected. Alternatively or in combination, a resilient element or one or more spring members may be used to generate an appropriate actuation force and / or provide appropriate tactile feedback.

[0021] Advantageously, the intermediate trolley may be slidable relative to the socket along a first axis, which allows smooth translational movement.For example, the top cap may be substantially planar and the first axis may be orthogonal to the top cap.

[0022] Advantageously, the top cap is pivotally engaged with the intermediate trolley about a second axis, or is spherically engaged with the intermediate trolley along two second axes.Preferably, the one or more second axes are orthogonal to the first axis, for example parallel to the plane of the top cap.

[0023] Advantageously, the top cap includes at least a first push surface and a second push surface, and the at least one intermediate contactor is aligned with the first push surface along a third axis parallel to the first axis. Such a switch assembly is reliable, provides smooth activation of the intermediate contactor, and can control several functions through several different interactions.

[0024] Advantageously, the at least one bottom contactor is aligned with the second thrust surface along the first axis, or aligned with the second thrust surface along the first axis, so as to provide a natural actuation of the switch assembly.

[0025] Advantageously, the top cap includes a third push surface, and the switch assembly includes at least one further intermediate contact aligned with the third push surface along a fourth axis parallel to and offset from the third axis. The switch assembly allows for intuitive command of multiple functions. For example, the first and third push surfaces are located on either side of the second axis and / or on either side of the second push surface.

[0026] Advantageously, at least one of the push surfaces of the top cap is provided with a touch sensor capable of detecting contact, for example, with a user or a user's finger. Preferably, each of the push surfaces of the top cap is provided with a touch sensor. The switch assembly allows for intuitive command of multiple functions.

[0027] Advantageously, the switch assembly includes a pusher located between the top cap and at least one intermediate contactor to transmit pressure from the top cap to the intermediate contactor. The pusher provides stable transmission of pressure between the top cap and the intermediate contactor and smooth activation of the switch assembly.

[0028] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a switch assembly, comprising:

[0029] - an intermediate trolley that translates along a first axis according to a push-activating force,

[0030] - at least one intermediate contactor, fixed to said intermediate trolley,

[0031] a top cap that rocks or pivots relative to the intermediate trolley about a second axis and triggers the at least one intermediate contactor,

[0032] When pressure is applied to the top hat, the top hat and the intermediate cart first translate along a first axis, and then the top hat swings around a second axis.

[0033] The switch assembly according to the second aspect of the invention may have all the advantageous features of the switch assembly according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0034] In particular, the push activation force may be lower than the rocker activation force.Alternatively or in combination, the guide means may prevent a rocking motion as long as the translational motion is not completed.

[0035] A third aspect of the present invention is an automotive infotainment system, comprising a processing system and a switch assembly according to either the first aspect or the second aspect of the present invention.

[0036] Advantageously, the switch assembly is configured to send a rocker signal after activation of the intermediate contactor, and the processing system is programmed such that a predetermined action is selected or triggered by the rocker signal.

[0037] Advantageously, the switch assembly is configured to send a push signal after activation of the bottom contactor, and the processing system is programmed such that a predetermined action is selected or triggered by said rocker signal.

[0038] Advantageously, the switch assembly is configured to send a touch signal upon activation of the touch sensor, and wherein the processing system is programmed such that a predetermined action is selected by said touch signal.

[0039] Advantageously, the switch assembly:

[0040] Send rocker signal when the intermediate contactor starts,

[0041] Sends a push signal when the bottom contactor is activated, and

[0042] Send a touch signal when the touch sensor is activated;

[0043] The processing system is programmed so that a predetermined action or function is selected by the touch signal and triggered by the push signal and / or the rocker signal. Such an automotive infotainment system provides simple and intuitive operation and high perceived quality.

[0044] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a vehicle, which integrates the switch assembly according to either the first or second aspect of the present invention and / or the automotive infotainment system according to the third aspect of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Other features, objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 A top view of a switch assembly according to an example of the present invention is shown, ie as seen by a user.

[0047] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of a switch assembly in a rest or initial position.

[0048] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of a switch assembly in a switched position.

[0049] Figure 4 Shown Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of a switch assembly in a tilted position.

[0050] Figure 5 A top view of a switch assembly according to another example of the present invention is shown, ie as seen by a user.

[0051] Figure 6 Shown Figure 5 A side cross-sectional view of a switch assembly in a rest or initial position.

[0052] Figure 7 Shown Figure 5 A side cross-sectional view of a switch assembly in a switched position.

[0053] Figure 8 Shown Figure 5 A side cross-sectional view of a switch assembly in a tilted position.

[0054] Figure 9 Shown Figure 5 A side cross-sectional view of a switch assembly in a switched position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The present invention relates to a switch assembly that can be implemented in all kinds of electronic panels, consoles, and appliances, such as household appliances, portable electronic devices, TVs, and video games, as well as in private, public, industrial, or military vehicles, construction machinery, ships, aircraft, or industrial systems. The switch assembly can preferably be integrated into a vehicle, for example, on the dashboard of the vehicle, to provide control of onboard functions such as air conditioning, windshield wipers, seat and window settings, navigation, or music playback.

[0056] First embodiment

[0057] according to Figures 1 to 4 In the illustrated first embodiment, the switch assembly 10 includes a top cap 20 that is preferably flush with the top surface of the cover 30. In one example, at least a portion of a top surface 21 of the top cap 20, such as a peripheral surface of the top cap 20, lies on the same plane as the cover 30. Alternatively, most or all of the top surface 21 of the top cap 20 is flush with the cover 30.

[0058] Figure 2Referring to the cross section of the present switch assembly, the top cap 20 is shown substantially flush with the top surface of the cover 30 and positioned above the intermediate cart 40 which is slidingly engaged with and received in the socket 50 .

[0059] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The top cap 20 includes a push surface 21A, for example, in the center of the top surface 21 and / or slightly recessed from the top surface. The push surface 21A is arranged to be touched and pushed or pressed by a user who wishes to interact with the present switch assembly.

[0060] The top cap 20 may have a rear surface 22 provided with a bottom protrusion 22A and a side surface 24. For example, the bottom protrusion 22A may be hemispherical. The side surface 24 of the top cap 20 may have an optional step 24A. The top cap 20 may receive or be provided with one or more touch sensors 25A, such as a touch sensor integrated into the push surface 21A and detecting contact with an object or person. For example, the touch sensor may be a capacitive touch sensor. The top cap 20 may have lateral legs 23 extending, for example, from the edge of the top cap 20 or from the edge of the rear surface 22.

[0061] The cover 30 may have side edges 31 and a bottom edge 32. In the rest position of the top cap 20, the bottom edge 32 of the cover 30 may optionally contact or abut the step 24A and / or the lateral legs 23 of the top cap 20, for example to prevent the top cap 20 from being tilted when the top cap 20 is in a Figure 2 The top cap 20 is in the rest position when the top cap 20 moves upward relative to the cover 30. In addition, the side edge 31 can face the side surface 24 of the top cap 20, or even contact the side surface 24, as long as the translation movement of the top cap 20 is still possible.

[0062] Preferably, the gap between the side surface 24 of the top cap 20 and the side edge 31 of the cover 30 is as small as possible, for example 2.0 mm or less, preferably 1.0 mm or less, and again preferably 0.5 mm or less.

[0063] The intermediate cart 40 is located in the receptacle 50, between the top cap 20 and the bottom surface 51 of the receptacle 50. The intermediate cart 40 has, for example, a frame 41 and a tray 42 that can be fixed directly or indirectly to the frame 41. The tray 42 translates at least simultaneously with the frame 41. The tray 42 supports the pusher 60 located on the intermediate contact 70. The top cap 20 is in pivotal engagement relative to the intermediate cart 40 due to a hinge 45 provided between the frame 41 and the lateral leg 23 of the top cap 20. The hinge 45 can be located on the outer surface of the frame 41, and a portion of the lateral leg 23 is located on the outer surface of the frame 41. Figures 2 to 4 Alternatively, the hinge 45 may be located on the inner surface of the frame 41 (not shown).

[0064] The pusher 60 can slide with or be in sliding engagement with the frame 41. The pusher 60 also has a top surface that contacts or engages with the protrusion 22A of the top cap 20. The tray 42 is linked to the bottom surface 51 of the socket 50 by the bottom contact 80.

[0065] The intermediate trolley 40 may be slidable relative to the socket 50, for example by means of a prismatic joint, and the intermediate trolley 40 and the socket 50 may comprise guiding means, such as pins received in corresponding slots or tracks.

[0066] exist Figures 1 to 5 In the example of FIG. 4 , the intermediate cart 40 includes a plurality of side protrusions 43 , such as two, three, or four side protrusions 43 , which engage linear slots 52 provided on the socket 50 , such as on a side surface of the socket 50 .

[0067] The intermediate contactor 70 and the bottom contactor 80 can be any type of contactor, actuator, or "switch," such as a silicon pad or a tactile switch. Preferably, the intermediate contactor 70 and the bottom contactor exhibit elastic behavior when actuated, i.e., provide a restoring force or feedback force in a direction opposite to the actuation direction. As will be described in detail below, the intermediate contactor 70 is intended to be actuated after a pivoting movement of the top cap 20, and the bottom contactor 80 is intended to be actuated by a sliding or translational movement of the intermediate cart 40, such as a sliding or translational movement caused by pressure exerted by a user on the top surface 21 or the push surface 21A of the top cap 20.

[0068] The activation force for the sliding movement of the top cap 20 and the intermediate cart 40 relative to the socket 50 , ie, the force applied to the top cap 20 to perform the sliding movement, is smaller than the activation force for the pivoting movement of the top cap 20 relative to the intermediate cart 40 .

[0069] For example, depending on the intended application of the switch assembly, the actuation force (or actuation force) of the middle contactor 70 may be higher than the actuation force of the bottom contactor 80, for example, at least 30% higher, preferably 50% higher, or even 75% or 100% higher. For example, the actuation force of the bottom contactor 80 may be 1 to 5 N, preferably 2 to 4 N, and more preferably 3 N. The actuation force of the middle contactor 70 may be 5 to 10 N, preferably 6 to 8 N, and more preferably 7 N.

[0070] For example, the middle contactor 70 and the bottom contactor 80 may use the same type of contactor with the same actuation force. In this case, the middle contactor 70 may be doubled relative to the bottom contactor 80 to provide a higher or doubled actuation force. Alternatively, or in combination, the size of the middle contactor 70 may be more significant, for example doubled, relative to the size of the bottom contactor 80. Furthermore, an elastic element or spring member may be incorporated into or surround the contactor to generate the appropriate actuation force.

[0071] The tray 42 may be a PCB (printed circuit board). In other words, the tray 42 may enable electrical connections between the systems or functions intended to be controlled by the switch assembly 10 and the intermediate contactor 70, the bottom contactor 80, and / or the touch sensor 25A. For the sake of clarity, these electrical connections are not shown in the drawings and may be any type of electrical connection known to those skilled in the art, such as using flexible wires or conductor tracks.

[0072] exist Figures 1 to 4 In the first embodiment, the top cap 20 and the tray 41 are substantially planar elements, parallel to the bottom surface 51 and transverse to the first axis A. The first axis A may also be the axis of translational or sliding movement of the top cap 20 and the intermediate cart 40 relative to the receptacle 50 when pressure is applied to the top cap 20 .

[0073] Furthermore, the hinge 45 may form a second axis B or axis of rotation that may be perpendicular or transverse to the first axis A. The second axis B may not intersect the first axis A.

[0074] Operation of the First Embodiment

[0075] Now refer to Figures 3 and 4 Description based on Figure 1 and Figure 2 The operation of the switch assembly of a preferred embodiment wherein Figure 2 The position represents the rest or initial position.

[0076] exist Figure 3 For example, by the user's finger (see Figure 3 The black arrow in FIG) applies pressure to the push surface 21A. This pressure is transmitted to the intermediate trolley 40 via the top cap 20 via the pusher 60 and the intermediate contactor 70. Because the activation force of the intermediate contactor 70 is higher than the activation force of the bottom contactor 80, only the bottom contactor 80 is activated: its height is reduced, and the assembly formed by the top cap 20, the pusher 60, the intermediate contactor 70 and the intermediate trolley 40 is moved by, for example, sliding along the first axis A (see FIG Figure 3 The switch assembly is then in the switched position.

[0077] The activation of the bottom contactor 80 may generate a push signal, for example, transmitted through the electrical contacts of the tray 42, and such a push signal may trigger a predetermined action, such as a vehicle loading function. In addition, if a touch sensor is present, the touch sensor 25A may generate a touch signal.

[0078] exist Figure 4 In the process, the pressure on the push surface 21A increases (see Figure 4However, the bottom contact 80 is in the activated position and can form an abutment against the bottom surface 51 of the socket 50. In addition, the side protrusions 43 abut against the bottom surface of the linear slot 52. Therefore, the middle contact 70 is activated by the increased pressure and its height is reduced (see Figure 8 ), thereby allowing the top hat 20 (see Figure 8 ) due to the pivoting movement of the hinge 45 about the second axis B. The switch assembly is then in a tilted position.

[0079] Activation of the intermediate contactor 70 may generate a rocker signal that is transmitted, for example, via electrical contacts of the tray 42 , and such a rocker signal may trigger a further increase or decrease in the value or variable of the onboard function.

[0080] When the pressure is removed from the top cap 20, the middle contactor 70 and the bottom contactor 80 can act as a spring means (or biasing means) and push the top cap 20 and the middle cart 40 back to the Figure 2 Alternatively or in combination, the spring member may generate a return force, thereby allowing the intermediate trolley 40 and the top cap 20 to return to their initial positions.

[0081] Second embodiment

[0082] according to Figures 5 to 9 In the second embodiment shown, similar to the first embodiment, the switch assembly 10 includes a top cap 20 that is preferably flush with, ie, located on the same plane as, the cover 30 . Figure 6 Referring to a cross section of the present switch assembly, the top cap 20 is shown flush with the cover 30 and positioned above an intermediate cart 40 which is slidably engageable with and received in a socket 50 .

[0083] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The top cap 20 includes a top surface 21 having three distinct push surfaces, namely, two side push surfaces 21A and 21B and a central push surface 21C. These push surfaces 21A, 21B, 21C are arranged to be touched and pushed by a user who wishes to interact with the switch assembly. The push surfaces 21A, 21B, 21C may be slightly recessed relative to the top surface 21.

[0084] The top cap 20 may have a rear surface 22 and a side surface 24, the rear surface being provided with two bottom protrusions 22A and 22B (e.g., hemispherical). The side surface 24 of the top cap 20 may have an optional step 24A. The top cap 20 may receive or be provided with, for example, touch sensors 25A, 25B, and 25C integrated into the push surfaces 21A, 21B, and 21C, respectively. The top cap 20 may have a bottom leg 26, which extends, for example, from the edge of the top cap 20 or from the edge of the rear surface 22.

[0085] The cover 30 may have side edges 31 and a bottom edge 32. Figure 6 In the rest position of the top cap 20 visible in FIG, the bottom edge 32 of the cover 30 may optionally contact or abut the step 24A of the top cap 20, for example to prevent upward movement of the top cap 20 relative to the cover 30. Additionally, the side edge 31 may face the side surface 24 of the top cap 20, or even contact the side surface 24, as long as translational or sliding movement of the top cap 20 is still possible.

[0086] Preferably, the gap between the side surface 24 of the top cap 20 and the side edge 31 of the cover 30 is as small as possible, for example 2.0 mm or less, preferably 1.0 mm or less, and again preferably 0.5 mm or less.

[0087] The intermediate cart 40 is located in the receptacle 50, between the top cap 20 and the bottom surface 51 of the receptacle 50. The intermediate cart 40 has, for example, a frame 41 and a tray 42 that can be fixed directly or indirectly to the frame 41. The tray 42 supports two pushers 60A and 60B located on the intermediate contacts 70A and 70B. The tray 42 translates at least simultaneously with the frame 41. The top cap 20 is in pivotal engagement relative to the intermediate cart 40, for example due to a hinge (at the bottom) provided between the frame 41 and the bottom leg 26 of the top cap 20. Figures 5 to 9 not visible in the ).

[0088] Pushers 60A and 60B can slide with or be slidably engaged with frame 41. Each pusher 60A, 60B also has a top surface that contacts or engages one of the bottom protrusions 22A, 22B of top cap 20. Tray 42 is linked to bottom surface 51 of receptacle 50 via two bottom contacts 80A and 80B.

[0089] The intermediate trolley 40 may slide relative to the socket 50, for example by means of a prismatic joint, and the intermediate trolley 40 and the socket 50 may comprise guiding means, such as pins received in corresponding slots or tracks (not shown).

[0090] The intermediate contacts 70A, 70B and the bottom contacts 80A, 80B can be any kind of contactors, actuators or "switches", such as silicon pads or tactile switches. Preferably, the intermediate contacts 70 and the bottom contacts exhibit elastic behavior when activated, that is, provide a restoring force or feedback force in a direction opposite to the activation direction. As will be described in detail below, the intermediate contacts 70A, 70B are intended to be activated after the pivoting movement of the top cap 20, and the bottom contacts 80A, 80B are intended to be activated by a translational or sliding movement of the top cap 20, for example, a translational or sliding movement caused by pressure applied by a user on the top surface 21 of the top cap 20 or on one of the push surfaces 21A, 21B, 21C.

[0091] Similar to the first embodiment, the force for initiating the sliding movement of the top cap 20 and the intermediate cart 40 relative to the socket 50 is smaller than the force for initiating the pivotal movement of the top cap 20 relative to the intermediate cart 40 .

[0092] The tray 42 may be a PCB or printed circuit board. In other words, the tray 42 may enable electrical connections between the systems or functions intended to be controlled by the switch assembly 10 and the intermediate contactors 70A, 70B, the bottom contactors 80A, 80B, and / or the touch sensor. For the sake of clarity, these electrical connections are not shown in the drawings and may be any type of electrical connection known to those skilled in the art, such as using flexible wires or conductor tracks.

[0093] Similar to the first embodiment, the top cap 20 and the tray 41 are substantially planar elements that are parallel to each other, parallel to the bottom surface 51, and transverse to the first axis A. The first axis A may also be the axis along which the top cap 20 and the intermediate cart 40 translate or slide relative to the receptacle 50 when pressure is applied to the top cap 20. The central push surface 21C may be transverse to the first axis A. Additionally, the top cap 20 may swing or pivot about a second axis B that may be perpendicular to the first axis A.

[0094] Furthermore, the side push surfaces 21A, 21B can be aligned with the pushers 60A, 60B and the center contacts 70A, 70B, respectively, such as along a third axis C and a fourth axis D. These third and fourth axes can be parallel to and offset from the first axis A. For example, the bottom contacts 80A, 80B can also be aligned on the third axis C and the fourth axis D, respectively.

[0095] A significant difference from the first embodiment is that the first axis A intersects the second axis B, which allows the overcap 20 to perform two different rocking or pivoting movements depending on the push surface pressed by the user.

[0096] Operation of the Second Embodiment

[0097] Now refer to Figures 7 to 9Description based on Figure 5 and Figure 6 The operation of the switch assembly of a preferred embodiment wherein Figure 6 The rest or initial position is shown.

[0098] exist Figure 7 In the example, pressure is applied by the user's finger (see Figure 7 (black arrow in the figure) and thus applied to the side push surface 21A along the third axis C. This pressure is transmitted by the top cap 20 via the pushers 60A, 60B and the intermediate contactors 70A, 70B to the intermediate trolley 40. Because the activation force of the intermediate contactors 70A, 70B is higher than the activation force of the bottom contactors 80A, 80B, only the bottom contactors 80A, 80B are activated. Therefore, their height is reduced, and the assembly formed by the top cap 20, the pushers 60A, 60B, the intermediate contactors 70A, 70B and the intermediate trolley 40 is moved by translation (see Figure 7 ) is moved, for example, downwards along the first axis A. The switch assembly is then in the switch position.

[0099] Actuation of the bottom contacts 80A, 80B can generate a push signal, for example, transmitted via electrical contacts of the tray 42, and such a push signal can trigger a predetermined action, such as a vehicle pickup function. In addition, the touch sensor 25A can generate a touch signal that can allow a specific pickup function to be selected, such as increasing or decreasing the value of the pickup function.

[0100] exist Figure 8 In the process, the pressure on the side push surface 21A increases (see Figure 8 However, the bottom contacts 80A and 80B are in the activated position and thus form an abutment against the bottom surface 51 of the socket 50. As a result, the middle contact 70A is activated by the increased pressure and its height is reduced (see Figure 8 ), thereby allowing the top hat 20 (see Figure 8 ) such as the pivotal movement about the second axis B. At the same time, the opposing intermediate contactor 70B is not activated because it is aligned with the fourth axis D and deviates from the third axis C (see FIG. Figure 6 ). The switch assembly is then in the tilted position.

[0101] Activation of the intermediate contactor 70A may generate a rocker signal that is transmitted, for example, via electrical contacts of the tray 42 , and the rocker signal may trigger, for example, further increasing or decreasing the value of the piggyback function.

[0102] When the pressure is removed from the top cap 20, the middle contactor 70A and the bottom contactors 80A, 80B can act as a spring means (or biasing means) and push the top cap 20 and the middle cart 40 back to the top cap 20. Figure 6 Alternatively or in combination, the spring member may generate a restoring force, thereby allowing the intermediate trolley 40 and the top cap 20 to return to their original positions. Figure 6 The initial position visible in .

[0103] When pressure is applied to the other side push surface 21B, that is, along the fourth axis D, there is also Figure 7 and Figure 8 The same movement is shown.

[0104] exist Figure 9 For example, by the user's finger (see Figure 9 The black arrow in the figure applies pressure on the central push surface 21C. Figure 7 Similarly, the pressure is transmitted from the top cap 20 to the intermediate trolley 40 via the pushers 60A, 60B and the intermediate contacts 70A, 70B. In embodiments where a hinge is provided between the top cap 20 and the intermediate trolley 40, the hinge prevents sliding movement of the top cap 20 relative to the intermediate trolley 40, thereby preventing activation of the intermediate contacts 70A, 70B. The switch assembly is then in the switched position.

[0105] Thus, only the bottom contactors 80A, 80B are activated: their height is reduced and the assembly of the top cap 20, the pushers 60A, 60B, the intermediate contactors 70A, 70B and the intermediate trolley 40 is moved by translation or sliding (see Figure 9 This actuation may generate a push signal, and contact between the user's finger and the central push surface 21C may trigger a touch signal, as previously described.

[0106] In another embodiment (not shown) in which no hinge is provided between the top cap 20 and the intermediate cart 40, the intermediate contactors 70A, 70B may be activated if a greater pressure is exerted on the central pushing surface 21C.

[0107] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it should be clearly understood that the present invention is illustrative and exemplary only and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the terms of the appended claims.In particular, the first and second embodiments may be combined.

[0108] For example, the top cap 20 can be in spherical engagement with the intermediate trolley 40, for example by a ball joint, and the top cap can thus be pivoted or rocked along two second axes. In this case, more than two side push surfaces 21A, 21B can be considered, and additional intermediate contactors and / or pushers can be provided accordingly.

[0109] Furthermore, the side surfaces, pushers, and contactors may not be aligned along the third and fourth axes, as long as pressure on the side surfaces activates the corresponding contactors.

[0110] Finally, the bottom contactors may not be aligned along the third axis C and the fourth axis D, and only one contactor or more than two contactors, such as three or four contactors, may be provided between the bottom surface 51 and the intermediate cart 40 and / or tray 42 .

Claims

1. A switch assembly (10), comprising: - a socket (50), - a top cap (20) and an intermediate trolley (40), said intermediate trolley being located in said socket (50), in: The top cap (20) and the intermediate trolley (40) are capable of translation relative to the socket (50), The top cap (20) is spherically or pivotally engaged with the intermediate trolley (40), and The starting force of the translational movement of the top cap (20) and the intermediate trolley (40) is lower than the starting force of the pivotal movement.

2. The switch assembly (10) according to claim 1, having at least one intermediate contactor (70, 70A, 70B), the at least one intermediate contactor being actuated by the pivoting movement of the top cap (20).

3. The switch assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein The at least one intermediate contactor (70, 70A, 70B) is located between the top cap (20) and the intermediate cart (40) and defines at least a portion of the initiating force of the pivoting movement.

4. The switch assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The socket (50) has a bottom surface (51) and at least one elastic member arranged between the intermediate cart (40) and the bottom surface (51), the at least one elastic member defining at least a portion of the activation force of the translational movement.

5. The switch assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one bottom contactor (80, 80A, 80B) which is activated by the translational movement of the intermediate trolley (40).

6. The switch assembly (10) according to claim 4, having at least one bottom contactor (80, 80A, 80B) activated by the translational movement of the intermediate trolley (40), wherein The at least one resilient member is the at least one bottom contactor (80, 80A, 80B).

7. The switch assembly (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: - said intermediate trolley (40) is capable of translation along a first axis (A) relative to said socket (50), - the top cap (20) is pivotally engaged with the intermediate trolley (40) about a second axis (B), - the top cap (20) comprises at least a first pushing surface (21A) and a second pushing surface (21C), and The at least one intermediate contactor (70A) is aligned with the first push surface (21A) along a third axis (C) parallel to the first axis (A).

8. The switch assembly (10) according to claim 7, wherein The top cap (20) includes a third push surface (21B), and the switch assembly (10) includes at least another intermediate contactor (70B) aligned with the third push surface (21B) along a fourth axis (D) parallel to the third axis (C) and offset from the third axis.

9. The switch assembly (10) according to claim 8, wherein At least one of the push surfaces (21A, 21B, 21C) of the top cap (20) is provided with a touch sensor (25A, 25B, 25C).

10. The switch assembly (10) according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a pusher (60, 60A, 60B) located between the top cap (20) and the at least one intermediate contactor (70).

11. An automotive infotainment system comprising a processing system and a switch assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. An automotive infotainment system comprising a processing system and a switch assembly (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein: The switch assembly (10) sends a rocker signal once the intermediate contactor (70, 70A, 70B) is activated, and wherein the processing system is programmed such that a predetermined action is selected or triggered by the rocker signal.

13. An automotive infotainment system, comprising a processing system and a switch assembly (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The switch assembly sends a push signal once the bottom contactor (80, 80A, 80B) is activated, and wherein the processing system is programmed such that a predetermined action is selected or triggered by the push signal.

14. An automotive infotainment system, comprising a processing system and a switch assembly (10) according to any one of claims 3, 5 and 9, wherein: The switch assembly is constructed as follows: Once the intermediate contactor (70, 70A, 70B) is activated, a rocker signal is sent. Sending a push signal once the bottom contactor (80, 80A, 80B) is activated, and Sending a touch signal once the touch sensor (25A, 25B, 25C) is activated; The processing system is programmed so that a predetermined action is selected by the touch signal and triggered by the push signal and / or the rocker signal.

15. A vehicle incorporating a switch assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or a car infotainment system according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

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