An actuating apparatus having a signal transmitter and a mechanical operating element, wherein the mechanical operating element includes a first position that is stable over time and a second position that is stable over time, wherein the mechanical operating element, in the case of a movement from the first position that is stable over time into the second position that is stable over time, actuates the signal transmitter, and wherein the signal transmitter, upon actuation, causes a first signal change followed by a second signal change of an output signal, and an evaluation circuit detects an actuation of the mechanical operating element based on the first signal change and the second signal change.

A rotational operation type switch includes a frame; a rotational operation button rotatably supported on the frame for rotational operation; a switching contact mechanism disposed below the operation button to face the operation button; and an operation mechanism disposed between the operation button and the switching contact mechanism, to switch the switching contact mechanism in conjunction with the rotational operation of the operation button. The switching contact mechanism includes a printed circuit board, a plurality of fixed contact electrodes disposed on the printed circuit board and spaced a predetermined distance away from each other, and a movable contact having a disc spring shape and disposed bridging between the plurality of fixed contact electrodes. The movable contact deforms to contact and separate from the fixed contact electrodes and switches an electrical connection between the fixed contact electrodes.

A rotational operation type switch includes a frame; a rotational operation button rotatably supported on the frame for rotational operation; a switching contact mechanism disposed below the operation button to face the operation button; and an operation mechanism disposed between the operation button and the switching contact mechanism, to switch the switching contact mechanism in conjunction with the rotational operation of the operation button. The switching contact mechanism includes a printed circuit board, a plurality of fixed contact electrodes disposed on the printed circuit board and spaced a predetermined distance away from each other, and a movable contact having a disc spring shape and disposed bridging between the plurality of fixed contact electrodes. The movable contact deforms to contact and separate from the fixed contact electrodes and switches an electrical connection between the fixed contact electrodes.

Apparatus, use and a method for controlling an output power provided to at least one electrical component are described. The apparatus includes at least one module with at least one electronic circuit for providing an output power, adjustable via rotation of at least one rotary element, to at least one electrical component when the electronic circuit is electrically connected to an input power supply that supplies power to the electronic circuit. At least one first switching element is configured to electrically disconnect at least one of the at least one electronic circuit from the input power supply when the first switching element is in a first predefined state. At least one actuator element that is rotatable between a first position and a second position is configured to switch a respective first switching element to the first predefined state when rotated from the first position to the second position.

Apparatus, use and a method for controlling an output power provided to at least one electrical component are described. The apparatus includes at least one module with at least one electronic circuit for providing an output power, adjustable via rotation of at least one rotary element, to at least one electrical component when the electronic circuit is electrically connected to an input power supply that supplies power to the electronic circuit. At least one first switching element is configured to electrically disconnect at least one of the at least one electronic circuit from the input power supply when the first switching element is in a first predefined state. At least one actuator element that is rotatable between a first position and a second position is configured to switch a respective first switching element to the first predefined state when rotated from the first position to the second position.

Apparatus, use and a method for controlling an output power provided to at least one electrical component are described. The apparatus includes at least one module with at least one electronic circuit for providing an output power, adjustable via rotation of at least one rotary element, to at least one electrical component when the electronic circuit is electrically connected to an input power supply that supplies power to the electronic circuit. At least one first switching element is configured to electrically disconnect at least one of the at least one electronic circuit from the input power supply when the first switching element is in a first predefined state. At least one actuator element that is rotatable between a first position and a second position is configured to switch a respective first switching element to the first predefined state when rotated from the first position to the second position.

Apparatus, use and a method for controlling an output power provided to at least one electrical component are described. The apparatus includes at least one module with at least one electronic circuit for providing an output power, adjustable via rotation of at least one rotary element, to at least one electrical component when the electronic circuit is electrically connected to an input power supply that supplies power to the electronic circuit. At least one first switching element is configured to electrically disconnect at least one of the at least one electronic circuit from the input power supply when the first switching element is in a first predefined state. At least one actuator element that is rotatable between a first position and a second position is configured to switch a respective first switching element to the first predefined state when rotated from the first position to the second position.

An actuating apparatus having a signal transmitter and a mechanical operating element, wherein the mechanical operating element includes a first position that is stable over time and a second position that is stable over time, wherein the mechanical operating element, in the case of a movement from the first position that is stable over time into the second position that is stable over time, actuates the signal transmitter, and wherein the signal transmitter, upon actuation, causes a first signal change followed by a second signal change of an output signal, and an evaluation circuit detects an actuation of the mechanical operating element based on the first signal change and the second signal change.

An actuating apparatus having a signal transmitter and a mechanical operating element, wherein the mechanical operating element includes a first position that is stable over time and a second position that is stable over time, wherein the mechanical operating element, in the case of a movement from the first position that is stable over time into the second position that is stable over time, actuates the signal transmitter, and wherein the signal transmitter, upon actuation, causes a first signal change followed by a second signal change of an output signal, and an evaluation circuit detects an actuation of the mechanical operating element based on the first signal change and the second signal change.

A rotary switch with a knob having an axis of rotation and moveable to a plurality of angular positions and an elongated member extending in a longitudinal direction relative to the axis of the knob. A conductive member is positioned near a plurality of angularly displaced traces formed on a Printed Circuit Board. When the knob is rotated, the rotation is translated to longitudinal movement of the conductive member, which contacts at least one trace to close a circuit.