Abstract: A keyboard is provided having illuminating keys. The keyboard includes a light channeling membrane and key members constructed at least partially of translucent material so that light produced from a light source is channeled upwardly to the upper surfaces of the key members. The light source may include LED or LEC systems in adjoining relationship to the light channeling membrane. However, in a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane.

Abstract: An illuminated switch member assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes an applique coupled to a faceplate and substantially parallel to a circuit board such that a first light channel is defined. The assembly also includes a switch member casing coupled to the faceplate such that a second light channel is defined by the walls of the casing. And, an actuator is connected to the circuit board through a contact mechanism and to the button member casing. The assembly further includes a light filter attached to the applique and disposed between the faceplate and the circuit board such that the light filter substantially divides the first light channel from the second light channel. Furthermore, a light source is disposed within the first light channel and emanates a light. Upon activation of the assembly, the light emanates from the light source and through the first light channel and the light filter.

Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include in one form of the invention a light emitting panel member made of a transparent resiliently deformable elastomeric material that absorbs impact without breakage for use in automotive lighting applications of various types. In another form of the invention, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used with dome switches for switch area lighting or to backlight control buttons/key pads by providing holes or openings in the panel member for the control buttons/key pads. Also, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used as a structural member, and two or more such light emitting panel members may be stacked together and used to light an instrument panel or the like. One or more light sources may be mounted within one or more light transition areas adjacent one or more light input surfaces of the light emitting panel members.

Abstract: An illuminated pushbutton has a display assembly which is movable relative to a fixed part containing a switch assembly. The display assembly contains a plurality of solid state light generating devices which can individually or in combination provide illumination with variable coloring characteristics. A flexible circuit element connects these devices to electronic circuitry in the fixed part which controls the coloration of the display.

Abstract: An operation switch is arranged in a manner that switch knobs 1 and 2 each for selecting one of related plural functions is provided, and a display portion for displaying the one of related plural functions selected by the corresponding switch knob is provided for each of the switch knobs 1 and 2. Thus, when the switch knob 1 or 2 is operated, the desired function relating to the switch knob 1 or 2 thus operated can be selected among the plural functions for adjusting the blowing direction and an air flow rate and also the selected function can be displayed at the switch knob 1 or 2 thus operated.

Abstract: A switch device is provided, in which a transparent key-top is arranged over a screen of a display unit so that information displayed on the screen of the display unit is seen through the key-top. The switch device is characterized by containing a shaft supporter provided in a space formed at both sides of the key-top for allowing the key-top to perform a seesaw-movement, wherein the space is formed by cutting off both sides of the key-top in an oblique direction so as to make an area of a face of the key-top larger than an area of a back of the key-top. Thus, the switch device achieves a seesaw-type key-top enabling a multiple display and improves visibility and operability for the seesaw-type key-top.

Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include in one form of the invention a light emitting panel member made of a transparent resiliently deformable elastomeric material that absorbs impact without breakage for use in automotive lighting applications of various types. In another form of the invention, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used with dome switches for switch area lighting or to backlight control buttons/key pads by providing holes or openings in the panel member for the control buttons/key pads. Also, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used as a structural member, and two or more such light emitting panel members may be stacked together and used to light an instrument panel or the like. One or more light sources may be mounted within one or more light transition areas adjacent one or more light input surfaces of the light emitting panel members.

Abstract: An illuminated keypad key and method of manufacture thereof, having a light-permeable resin key top, a film having a pattern formed in one side thereof, the film being fixed to the upper and side surfaces of the transparent resin key top, cutting away portions of the film that extend beyond the lower periphery of the key top, and upper surface of a key operating portion made from transparent rubber or thermoplastic elastomer, being fixed to the underside surface of the key top by means of a transparent adhesive. The above mentioned film has a thickness of 100 mm-200 mm.

Abstract: A resinous member with a character visually arranged therein, including a resinous body, a character formed by a laser beam machining on a surface of the body, and a light transmittable coating arranged on the surface of the body for covering at least the character. The light transmittable coating is provided with a generally uniform thickness to form a roughened outer surface substantially corresponding to a machined surface of the character. The light transmittable coating may be formed through a spray coating process. The resinous member may be used as a key top member of a key in a keyboard of an electronic machine. The key top member comprises a resinous body, a character arranged on a surface of the body, and optical means arranged in association with the character for highlighting the character in an optical manner using an external light. The optical means may comprise a phosphorescent or fluorescent member.

Abstract: A circuit breaker has a body providing a lever pivotally mounted on the upper end thereof. Two terminals are disposed within the body, wherein the first terminal forms a bimetal thereon. The terminals are electrically connected with each other in a normal state. A linkage is mounted on an end of the lever, which forms an isolated member on the lower end of the linkage. Pressing the lever, the isolated member of the linkage will moved upwards to separate the two terminals. When the lever is held by some heavy substances, the bimetal can be deformed to disconnect with the second terminal in over-current for cutting out the circuit.

Abstract: An electrical breaker includes a casing with a pushbutton pivotally connected to the top thereof, an alloy plate extending from one of two inside walls of the casing and connected to a first prong extending from the casing, a push member and an L-shaped member pivotally connected to the first end of the pushbutton, a biasing member biasing the push member to let the protrusion of the push member press against the other inside wall which has a recess defined therein. The distal end of the alloy plate is pushed by the push member to contact the second prong when the first end of the pushbutton is pushed, and the distal end of the alloy plate is disengaged from the second prong by the horizontal portion of the L-shaped member when an overload current passes through the alloy plate which curves to push the first end of the pushbutton upwardly.

Abstract: A display system includes a light source which is disposed within a housing and a display panel. The display panel includes inner and outer layers. Both the inner and the outer layer contain a light absorbing pigment and a light scattering particulate. The outer layer of the panel contains a greater quantity of pigment than the inner layer. The inner layer of the panel contains a greater quantity of light scattering particulate than the outer layer. The inner and outer layers of the panel having the same optical density. If desired, indicia may be provided between the inner and outer layers of the display panel. In order to increase the viewing angle at which the indicia is visible to an observer, the indicia is formed with sloping minor side surfaces which flare outward from the inner panel toward the outer panel.

Abstract: A movable member 4 is slidably mounted within a space 3 formed by a first fix member 1 and a second fix member 2 composing a case. The movable member 4 is made of a white type resin, such as polyacetal, and composed of a column-shaped extended section 4a extending frontwardly for being pulled from and inserted into the space 3, a bottom wall 4h and side walls 4d, 4d extending from the extended a section 4a rearwardly, and a rear wall 4p coupled with the bottom wall 4h and the side walls 4d, 4d. The extended section 4a is fixed with a knob 5. The second fix member 2 forms a lamp base 2c loading light sources 9 and 10. A displaying section 5b, such as a display mark and characters, is provided on the knob 5, and a displaying member 15 made of a transparent resin with white color, such as a heat-resistance acrylic, is embedded in the displaying section 5b at the back surface of the knob 5.

Abstract: A knob construction is provided for an operating knob which operates a lighted switch. A recess is formed in a surface of the operating knob and a projection is formed in the recess. A name plate substantially configured to the recess is melted to the projection in the recess by ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: An air-conditioning control switch for setting a direction in which conditioned air is to be blown from a vehicle air conditioner, which includes a defog mode switch section for defogging by at least blowing conditioned air to a vehicle window glass, a vent mode switch section for blowing conditioned air to the upper body of a person in the vehiche, and a foot mode switch section for blowing conditioned air to the lower body of a person in the vehicle. The defog mode switch section and the vent mode switch section are disposed substantially horizontally so as to be spaced apart, while the foot mode switch section is disposed downwardly of the defog mode switch section and the vent mode switch section.

Abstract: A silicone dome switch assembly including a printed circuit board on which is mounted a dome member having a chimney structure. The chimney structure has a substantially rigid upper portion, a collapsible wall below the upper portion, and a substantially rigid lower portion. A vertically aligned contact post is connected at its top end to the upper pportion. The post's bottom end of the post is provided with a movable electrical contact. A light duct connects a light source to the lower portion and a reflector is attached to the post to deflect light from the light source up into the chimney. A key having a graphic area formed on it, is secured to the rigid upper portion, thus capping the chimney structure. When the key is pressed, it pushes downward the rigid upper portion, causing the collapsible wall to deform. This action pushes the contact post with the carbon pill towards the printed circuit board, completing an electrical circuit.

Abstract: A multi-pole switch assembly (100, 400) includes a housing (102, 402) having an opening (122) and includes a supporting substrate (116) positioned opposite the opening (122). A first switch (112), a second switch (112), and an elastomeric support (104) are positioned on the supporting substrate (116). An actuator (108) is supported by the elastomeric support (104) and includes a first latching element (126) and a second latching element (126) which secure the actuator (108) to the supporting substrate (116) within the opening (122). The first latching element (126) and the second latching element (126) enable motion of the actuator (108) in a direction substantially normal to the supporting substrate (116) for actuating the first switch (112) and the second switch (112), respectively.

Abstract: A lighted switch apparatus including a slider having two indicator portions spaced apart in the sliding direction, a pair of light-intercepting portions, each preventing light of a lamp from reaching the associated indicator portion located at the side towards which the slider is slid, and an opening formed between the pair of light-intercepting portions to allow transmission of the light from the lamp to the indicator portions of the slider and illuminate the indicator portions. In the lighted switch apparatus, when the slider is in the neutral position, both of the indicator portions are illuminated by the light transmitted through the opening. When the slider is slid in one direction, the indicator portion at the side towards which the slider is slid is prevented from being illuminated by the light-intercepting portion, whereas the other indicator portion is illuminated by the light from the lamp opposing the opening.

Abstract: A switch having a displaying function of the present invention includes a housing, a switching device installed in the housing for performing a switching operation and a displaying device installed in the housing and connecting with the switching device for displaying an ON/OFF status of the switch. The displaying device further includes an indicating element providing the switch status, a resilient element connecting with the indicating element in order that the indicating element provides the switch status in response to the switching operation, and a cushion device connecting with the resilient element for cushioning a pressure imposed thereon during the switching operation in order to lengthen a life of the displaying device.

Abstract: A pair of electrical contacts are provided on a lower surface of each key in a keypad assembly. When a key is depressed, the contacts are brought into electrical communication with a common conductive surface such that an electrical circuit is completed between a discrete pair of terminals. The arrangement, number, and configuration of keys can be changed without modifying the decoding logic and supporting circuitry of a keypad-operated instrument.

Abstract: Light-reflecting structures are provided on the lower surface of a cover mounted over the keys of a keypad assembly. The light-reflecting structures reflect light from a vertical-emitting source, such as an LED, to the side surfaces of the individual keys of the keypad assembly. The keypad assembly embodying the present invention provides an efficient and low-cost structure for illuminating the keys of a keypad without the use of lightguides or separate sources of light for each key, thereby also providing a desirable low profile keypad assembly.

Abstract: A tactile feedback switch actuator for an associated force-actuated switch has a key cap linked to a collapsible dome by an optical fiber, all of which are light-transmittable. The actuator is operated by manually applying an actuating force to the key cap which exceeds the modulus of collapse of the dome. In response, the dome reversibly collapses in a tactile snapping action against the underlying light-transmittable switch panel having pressure-sensitive contacts embedded therein to change the operative state of the switch. When the actuating force is withdrawn, the collapsible dome elastically returns to its uncollapsed condition, while the switch remains in its newly-actuated operative state. The actuator and associated switch are structurally integrated and aligned so that light-emitting pixels in an underlying electroluminescent panel provide visual feedback of the operative state of the switch.

Abstract: A illuminated switch where a coned disc spring embossed into a dome shape with transparent thermoplastic resin is used on the top surface of a surface illuminant layer such as an EL element and where a feeling of click and better illumination are obtained.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch is described which has a printed wiring board and a keypad arranged above the printed board, wherein the keypad has a non-working portion and a working portion made of translucent silicone rubber or thermoplastic elastomer in which the upper surfaces of the non-working portions only are covered with an opaque film, with an underside surface thereof covered by an insulating resin film so as to form an electrically conductive light-reflecting layer which is grounded to an earth portion.

Abstract: A pushbutton of a switch assembly has an improved display system which includes a housing formed of an electrically insulating polymeric material. A solid-state display system is disposed within the housing. The solid-state display system includes an array of light emitting diodes mounted on a circuit board. The circuit board is disposed on a metal heat sink. The heat sink positions the circuit board relative to the display housing and receives heat from the light emitting diodes. In addition, the heat sink forms a portion of a circuit which conducts electrical energy to energize the light emitting diodes.

Abstract: A light illumination membrane switch having a configuration with a reduced size, capable of realizing an effective light illumination of the keys and a highly reliable operation even under the high humidity environment. The switch has a light source section using an LED bare chip element for emitting lights to illuminate the key section which is directly mounted on the electrode circuit member of the printed circuit board. The switch may includes a translucent diffuser member having a cavity region for directly transmitting the lights emitted from the light source section to the key section. The switch may includes a translucent diffuser member having a side wall portion defining an opening such that the translucent diffuser member and the printed circuit board are assembled together by inserting the printed circuit board into the opening defined by the side wall portion.

Abstract: Rocker buttons for devices such as automotive audio systems are mounted in escutcheons of the audio systems by using rocker frame members. Light dams, unitary with the rocker frame members shield LEDs used to illuminate indicia in the rocker buttons so that the light is not transmitted through gaps between the rocker buttons and the edges of openings through the escutcheons which receive the rocker buttons. Trunions extend laterally from the rocker buttons and are received within bearings formed by grooves in the escutcheons. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the rocker frames retain trunions in the bearings and in accordance with another embodiment of the invention peripheral display lenses overlie the trunions to hold the trunions in the bearings.

Abstract: An improved internally-illuminable push-button switch unit is proposed, which is an assembly comprising:(a) an upper sheet member integrally consisting of a first elastic sheet having such a light-transmissivity as to ensure image-visibility therethrough and a key-top part made from a light-transmitting synthetic resin having a Shore D hardness of at least 40 and protruded on the upper surface of the first elastic sheet;(b) a lower sheet member integrally consisting of a second light-transmitting elastic sheet and a click-plate presser made from a light-transmitting material and protruded on the lower surface of the second elastic sheet, the lower sheet member being positioned below the upper sheet member;(c) a light-conducting plate positioned below the lower sheet member;(d) a click plate positioned below the lower sheet member;(e) a circuit board positioned below the lower sheet member; and(f) a light source positioned below the lower sheet member and above the circuit board,at least either one of the firs

Abstract: Rocker buttons for devices such as automotive audio systems are mounted in escutcheons of the audio systems by using rocker frame members. Light dams, unitary with the rocker frame members shield lamps used to illuminate indicia in the rocker buttons so that the light is not transmitted through gaps between the rocker buttons and the edges of openings through the escutcheons which receive the rocker buttons. Trunions extend laterally from the rocker buttons and are received within bearings formed by grooves in the escutcheons. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rocker frames retain trunions in the bearings and in accordance with another embodiment of the invention peripheral display lenses overlie the trunions to hold the trunions in the bearings.

Abstract: An improved display system includes a selectively energizeable light source which is disposed within a housing. A panel, formed of transparent material, is connected with the housing and has an outer side surface which is exposed to ambient light and an inner side surface which is exposed to light from the light source when the light source is energized. Indicia is disposed between the light source and the panel. The indicia is observable through the panel when the light source is energized and is obscured when the light source is de-energized. An array of pyramidal projections are disposed on the outer side of the panel. The array of pyramidal projections extend across the indicia so that light from the light source passes through the pyramidal projections to enable the indicia to be observed when the light source is energized. The panel is formed of a polymer. The surfaces of the pyramidal projections are repaired by a thin film of a monomer of the same composition as the polymer forming the panel.

Abstract: A molded cover for an automotive airbag module is provided with one or more windows therethrough to transmit light from a light source within said module. The light source is typically used to indicate the location or identify function switches under the molded cover.

Abstract: A backlit component which is suitable for use in an illuminated graphic keypad in an instrument panel of an automobile The backlit component is adapted to be illuminated by a light source located beneath the keypad, but off to one side of the backlit component in order to accommodate an actuator member extending from the backlit component and an electrical switch actuated by the actuator member when the backlit component is pressed. The backlit component is formed from an optically conductive material to enable light emitted by the light source to be transmitted through the component to an insignia formed on the exposed or exterior surface of the component. The backlighting intensity of the backlit component is enhanced by forming the actuator member from an optically conductive material, and equipping the actuator member with a reflective surface such that light emitted from the light source is reflected toward the insignia.

Abstract: A flat, high temperature membrane switch display having a display, a rigid substructure with a hole approximately of the dimensions of the display located approximately in its center, multiple switch layers with a hole approximately of the dimensions of the display located approximately in its center, an overlay with a display window approximately of the dimensions of the display located approximately in its center, and a clear part affixed to the overlay by an adhesive.

Abstract: An illuminated elastomeric keypad switch assembly has a keypad and key caps which are illuminated by light passing through thin webs connecting the key caps to the keypad to create a halo lighting effect surrounding the key caps.

Abstract: A light illumination membrane switch having a configuration with a reduced size, capable of realizing an effective light illumination of the keys and a highly reliable operation even under the high humidity environment. The switch has a light source section using an LED bare chip element for emitting lights to illuminate the key section which is directly mounted on the electrode circuit member of the printed circuit board. The switch may include a translucent diffuser member having a cavity region for directly transmitting the lights emitted from the light source section to the key section. The switch may include a translucent diffuser member having a side wall portion defining an opening such that the translucent diffuser member and the printed circuit board are assembled together by inserting the printed circuit board into the opening defined by the side wall portion.

Abstract: A rubber contact portion, a drive member and an illuminant are mounted on a housing. The rubber contact portion is made of a transparent material and has electrical contacts which come into contact with or estranged from each other. The drive member is made of a transparent material and is supported on the housing so as to reciprocate to the rubber contact portion. The illuminant is mounted to face a base portion of the drive member.

Abstract: A switch member mechanically operatively functional through a cable directed into the passenger compartment of the associated motor vehicle is arranged to effect discontinuance of grounding to the battery of the associated vehicle, wherein the switch member includes a pivotal blade mounted in selective electrical communication between first and second bifurcated contact posts. A mounting bracket within the passenger compartment directs illumination onto a pull handle that in turn is secured to the cable.

Abstract: An elongate support rod has a handle at one end and damp structure at its other end, with the damp structure arranged for mounting to a light switch lever, wherein the handle is arranged to provide for illumination for indication of the structure, such that a child and the like may be availed to project the structure to effect actuation of an associated light switch member.

Abstract: A push button switch provides a visual switch actuation acknowledgement signal when actuated. The switch includes an end ring which extends through a cover plate. A push button extends into the end ring and has a lens cap which is exposed to a switch operator at a front surface of the cover plate. The push button also has a plurality of plungers which extend rearwardly through an adapter to actuate an electrical switch mounted on a switch block. The end ring, the push button, the adapter and the switch block are retained on a pair of studs extending from a rear surface of the cover plate by a pair of nuts. A light reflector is positioned between the push button and the adapter and has a forward reflector portion and a smaller diameter rearward base portion which form a radially extending shoulder. The base portion is inserted into an opening in the adapter and is mounted on the adapter by contact with the shoulder.

Abstract: A switch apparatus includes a cap having an axially extending flange for mounting in an opening of a cover plate and a releasably attached switch carrier. A signal light element is slidably mounted inside the cap and has a hollow, cylindrical head portion. Extending from a rear surface of the head portion are a pair of guides and a push rod. A sleeve threadably engages threaded exterior surface of a side wall a switch carrier, a forward end of the sleeve and the flange of the cap engaging opposite sides of the cover plate and retaining the switch apparatus in the opening. Provided at the rearward end of the switch carrier are board holders which retain a rear circuit board on which is mounted a microswitch actuated by the push rod. Positioned in the head portion of the signal light element is an annular light conductor and a front circuit board which has light-emitting semiconductors integrated thereon.

Abstract: A unitized, switch activating mechanism for use in keyboard assemblies for activating snap dome or similar type switches. The mechanism includes a relatively hard actuating tip portion disposed intermediate an elastomeric conical skirt portion and a light guide portion. The conical skirt functions both as a light reflector and as a return spring. The light guide portion is constructed from a diffused translucent, relatively hard elastomeric material which functions as a highly efficient light guide for uniformly illuminating the key legend of the key board assembly with which the light guide interfaces.

Abstract: A light irradiating switch apparatus which is comparatively small in vertical dimension and low in production cost. The light irradiating switch apparatus comprises a casing, a printed circuit board mounted on the casing, a switch element mounted on the printed circuit board, a light source mounted on the printed circuit board, a light intercepting slide member mounted for sliding movement in the casing, and a light transmitting key top mounted on the slide member and having an indicating portion thereon. The printed circuit board having a slot formed therein in such a manner as to surround the light source, and the slide member has an end portion fitted in the slot of the printed circuit board for movement in a perpendicular direction to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: The thin section data display control panel of the present invention includes a graphic overlay, a diffuser block affixed to the graphic overlay and light emitting diodes surface mounted on a printed circuit board for providing localized sources of light to be transmitted through the diffuser block to the overlay. The graphic overlay is generally opaque, but has translucent areas through which the illumination shines. An overlay reflective portion on a diffuser side of the overlay reflects light back into the diffuser, except in areas adjacent to the translucent areas of the overlay. The diffuser block is affixed to the graphic overlay and is generally transparent for transmitting the light from the light emitting diodes. Block reflective surfaces on the perimeter edges of the diffuser block prevent light from exiting through the edges. Matte surfaces of the diffuser block adjacent the graphic overlay and adjacent the printed circuit board scatter the light transmitted from the light emitting diodes.

Abstract: A switching apparatus providing both linear momentary and rotary switching, including a carrier element disposed within a switch housing and activated by the rotation or linear displacement of an operator manipulated button. The carrier is supported on a central transparent shaft which pipes light to a button-mounted indicator from a lamp disposed behind the switch apparatus. The carrier element supports rotary and linear contact rings in relation to a coplanar set of stationary contacts formed on the bottom of the housing. The rotary contact ring is resiliently biased into engagement with the stationary contacts, and is keyed to the carrier element for rotation therewith, defining a rotary travel switch. The linear contact ring is resiliently biased away from the stationary contacts and into engagement with a shoulder formed on the carrier element shaft, defining a linear travel momentary contact switch.

Abstract: An illuminated push-button switch having a touch element is disclosed, the touch element comprising a lever which is adapted to be moved relative to a support plate in which it is supported on the support plate. A light source is arranged below the touch element, the touch element further being provided with a light exit opening. A simple association of the touch element and the light source associated therewith is thereby provided, the combination having not only improved operability, but also improved ease of maintenance.

Abstract: A keyboard has a plurality of key operated switches, each including a key having a manually engagable key surface. The keyboard selectively determines the function produced by operation of the key operated switches, and displays on each key its current function. The display provides a sensible output indication corresponding to the current function of each key, and includes an elongate strip symbol bearing member located alongside each key and lying in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of each key surface.

Abstract: A backlit switch for use on the instrument panel of an automotive vehicle that eliminates virtual images in the line of sight of a vehicle operator. The switch provides a legend which is spaced back from a clear transparent lens element and oriented to have its normal below the normal of the lens element. The lens element provides an actuation surface which is substantially normal to the force exerted by the operator's finger.

Abstract: An illuminated push-button switch comprising a support element for receiving therein a switching key, at least two contacts which are adapted to be connected to connecting leads, a deformable contact connection element as well as an interior light source, and a light exit window provided on the switch side equipped with the switching key. The switching key is displaced from an original position to an end position, whereby an electric connection between the contacts is established or/and eliminated by the deformation of the contact connection element, against a restoring force produced by the contact connection element when the contact connection element is being deformed. The support element and the contact connection element are each provided with an opening in such a way that the interior light source can be readily replaced from the side of the switch opposite the switching key.

Abstract: A key top includes an indicator member formed of a transparent or translucent synthetic resin and having a projection corresponding to a contour of an indicating portion, an outer member formed of an opaque synthetic resin and molded to cover an outer surface of the indicator member except a top surface of the projection, a light transmitting colored coating printed on the top surface of the projection, and a light shielding coating printed on a part of the light transmitting colored coating which corresponds to a closed portion of the indicating portion such as the center of the letter "O".

Abstract: A steering column switch for motor vehicles includes a switch housing and a switch lever mounted therein which may be pivoted about an axis together with a switching member, which switch lever is provided with at least one read-out panel which may be illuminated by a light guide traversing the switch lever, which light guide is aligned with a light source by a light-input area. The light source is fitted and protected in the switch housing; it is free from hard switching-on and switching-off impacts of the switch lever. In particular, it is arranged centrally around the pivotal axis of the switch lever and switching member, so that it is possible to illuminate the read-out panel with the same intensity in all switching positions of the switch lever relative to the pivotal axis.