Hand-actuated, multiple-function switch unit, particularly for electrical hand tolls, appliances and the like

Claim 1

Multiple function, selectively combinable hand-actuated switching unit structure system, particularly for electrical hand tools, appliances and the like, to provide the functions of (a) ON-OFF, and, selectively, at least two of the functions of (b) speed control; (c) overload protection; (d) forward and reverse rotation; (e) radio interference (RF) interference supression, said switching unit comprising a plurality of functional circuit structure units (20, 24, 30), respectively providing said function (b) to (e); a separate enclosure for each respective circuit structure unit, each enclosure being formed with at least one attachment surface; a switch housing unit (14) having an integrated enclosure of, in plan view, essentially rectangular shape and formed with a plurality of attachment surfaces at the sides thereof for selective attachment thereto of selected ones of said structure units; an ON-OFF switch (S) in said housing unit (14); and relatively engageable and separable interengaging projection-and-recess means formed on the attachment surfaces at said sides of said switch housing unit and on the attachment surfaces of said functional circuit structure units to assemble and secure a selected one of said functional circuit structure units to the switch housing unit by matching engagment of said respective attachment surfaces and interengagement of said separable projection-and-recess means.