Abstract: A joystick for controlling the functions of machines and/or vehicles comprises an actuator which can be moved in different directions by means of a joint having preferably two degrees of freedom, wherein the back-and-forth motions of the actuator occurring in a first plane are subjected to an active force feedback in the form of an electromotor and a reduction gear, and the back-and-forth movement of the actuator which occurs in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane is subjected to a passive force feedback in the form of a sprung reset device. In order to make such a joystick which allows for a low-cost serial production, the invention proposes that the reduction gear is designed with low backlash and is connected on the output side to the actuator via a preferably leaf-spring assembly which connects a swing arm to a joint part.

Abstract: A joystick for controlling the functions of machines and/or vehicles comprises an actuator which can be moved in different directions by means of a joint having preferably two degrees of freedom, wherein the back-and-forth motions of the actuator occurring in a first plane are subjected to an active force feedback in the form of an electromotor and a reduction gear, and the back-and-forth movement of the actuator which occurs in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane is subjected to a passive force feedback in the form of a sprung reset device. In order to make such a joystick which allows for a low-cost serial production, the invention proposes that the reduction gear is designed with low backlash and is connected on the output side to the actuator via a preferably leaf-spring assembly which connects a swing arm to a joint part.

Abstract: A rocker switch with a shaft (30) that can be pivoted clockwise or counterclockwise from a neutral position, which reliably returns to the same neutral position without “play”, and which is of simple design. A coil spring (25) which extends around the shaft, has front and rear opposite coil end portions (24, 26) with corresponding spring ends (27, 29), and which has a spring middle (28). Arms mounted on the shaft include a first arm (39′) engaged with the front spring end and a second arm (39) positioned to engage the spring middle. When the shaft is turned clockwise from the neutral position, the arms turn the first spring end (27) and spring middle (28) clockwise while loading only the rear coil end portion (26). When the shaft turns counterclockwise, the spring middle (28) is prevented from turning by a spring center support (43), so only the front coil portion (24) is loaded.

Abstract: A rocker switch with a shaft (30) that can be pivoted clockwise or counterclockwise from a neutral position, which reliably returns to the same neutral position without “play”, and which is of simple design. A coil spring (25) which extends around the shaft, has front and rear opposite coil end portions (24, 26) with corresponding spring ends (27, 29), and which has a spring middle (28). Arms mounted on the shaft include a first arm (39′) engaged with the front spring end and a second arm (39) positioned to engage the spring middle. When the shaft is turned clockwise from the neutral position, the arms turn the first spring end (27) and spring middle (28) clockwise while loading only the rear coil end portion (26). When the shaft turns counterclockwise, the spring middle (28) is prevented from turning by a spring center support (43), so only the front coil portion (24) is loaded.