WO2012149665A1

WO2012149665A1 - Switch actuation mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2012149665A1
Application number: PCT/CN2011/000783
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sichuan DAI; Dongmei DENG; Joseph Gu
Original assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC. Attn: Patent Services
Priority date: 2011-05-04
Filing date: 2011-05-04
Publication date: 2012-11-08
Also published as: WO2012149665A8

Abstract

A switch actuation mechanism is provided that includes a housing, a cam, and a cam engagement slider. The cam is rotationally mounted within the housing and is configured to rotate about a first axis. The cam engagement slider is mounted within the housing and is adjacent to the cam. The cam engagement slider is configured to translate along a second axis that is transverse to the first axis, and is movable between a lock position, in which it prevents the cam from rotating about the first axis, and an unlock position, in which it allows the cam to rotate about the first axis.

Description

SWITCH ACTUATION MECHANISM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to switches, and more particularly relates to a switch actuation mechanism.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Electrical switches are used in myriad systems and environments, and are used to implement numerous and varied switch-related functions. In many instances, switches are used to sense the position of one or more components. For example, a switch may be configured to change states from an open position to a closed position, or vice-versa, when one or more components, such as hinged or sliding guard doors, screens, or protective covers for enclosures, attain a particular relative or absolute position. In some instances, a switch is actuated via an actuation key that is coupled to a component and, when that component attains a particular position relative to another component, the actuation key actuates a switch actuation mechanism, which in turn changes the state of the switch.

[0003] Most of the presently known switches that are used to indicate the relative positions of components are generally safe, reliable, and robust, but may suffer one or more drawbacks. For example, some of the presently known switches use actuation mechanisms and actuation keys that may exhibit relatively short lifetimes, may require relatively large pull forces on the key in order to operate properly, may have relatively small and a relatively low number of key insertion slots and, as a result, may use relatively thin, easily deformable keys.

[0004] Hence, there is a need for switch actuation mechanism that exhibits a relatively long lifetime, does not rely on relatively large pull forces on the key in order to operate properly, has relatively large and a relatively high number of key insertion slots and, as a result, may use a relatively robust key. The present invention addresses at least these needs. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] In one embodiment, a switch actuation mechanism includes a housing a cam, and a cam engagement slider. The cam is rotationally mounted within the housing and is configured to rotate about a first axis. The cam engagement slider is mounted within the housing and adjacent the cam. The cam engagement slider is configured to translate along a second axis that is transverse to the first axis, and is movable between a lock position, in which it prevents the cam from rotating about the first axis, and an unlock position, in which it allows the cam to rotate about the first axis.

[0006] In another embodiment, a switch actuation mechanism includes a housing, a cam, a first cam engagement slider, and a second cam engagement slider. The cam is rotationally mounted within the housing and is configured to rotate about a first axis. The cam includes a first side, a second side, and an outer peripheral surface between the first and second sides. The first cam engagement slider is mounted within the housing and adjacent the first side of the cam. The first cam engagement slider is configured to translate along a second axis that is transverse to the first axis. The second cam engagement slider is mounted within the housing and adjacent the second side of the cam. The second cam engagement slider is configured to translate along a third axis that is transverse to the first axis and parallel to the second axis. The first and second cam engagement sliders are each movable between a lock position, in which the first and second cam engagement sliders prevent the cam from rotating about the first axis, and an unlock position, in which the first and second cam engagement sliders allow the cam to rotate about the first axis.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, a switch actuation mechanism includes an actuation key, a housing, a cam, a first cam engagement slider, a second cam engagement slider, a first rotary shaft, and a second rotary shaft. The housing includes a top, a bottom, at least two opposing sides, and an inner surface that defines a housing inner volume. The top has two key insertion slots formed therein to receive the actuation key, and each opposing side includes one key insertion slot to receive the actuation key. The cam is rotationally mounted within the housing inner volume and is configured to rotate about a first axis. The cam includes a first side, a second side, and an outer peripheral surface between the first and second sides. The first cam engagement slider is mounted within the housing inner volume and adjacent the first side of the cam. The first cam engagement slider is configured to translate along a second axis that is transverse to the first axis, and is movable between a lock position, in which the first cam engagement slider prevents the cam from rotating about the first axis, and an unlock position, in which the first cam engagement slider allows the cam to rotate about the first axis. The second cam engagement slider is mounted within the housing inner volume and adjacent the second side of the cam. The second cam engagement slider is configured to translate along a third axis that is transverse to the first axis and parallel to the second axis, and is movable between a lock position, in which the second cam engagement slider prevents the cam from rotating about the first axis, and an unlock position, in which the second cam engagement slider allows the cam to rotate about the first axis. The first rotary shaft is rotationally mounted within the housing inner volume and is configured to rotate about a fourth axis that is transverse to the first, second, and third axes. The first rotary shaft is further configured to selectively engage the first cam engagement slider and, upon rotation about the fourth axis, to move the first cam engagement slider at least from the lock position to the unlock position. The second rotary shaft is rotationally mounted within the housing and is configured to rotate about a fifth axis that is transverse to the first, second, and third axes, and parallel to the fourth axis. The second rotary shaft is further configured to selectively engage the second cam engagement slider and, upon rotation about the fifth axis, to move the second cam engagement slider at least from the first position to the second position.

[0008] Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the switch actuation mechanism will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the preceding background.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and

[0010] FIG. 1 depicts a plan view of one exemplary embodiment of a key-operated switch system; [0011] FIGS. 2 depicts a top plan view of an embodiment of a fully assembled switch actuation mechanism that may be used to implement the key-operated switch system of FIG. i ;

[0012] FIG. 3 depicts an angle plan view of an embodiment of the switch actuation mechanism of FIG. 2 with the cover removed;

[0013] FIG. 4 depicts an isometric view of the switch actuation mechanism of FIG. 2 with the housing assembly illustrated transparently;

[0014] FIG. 5 depicts an exploded plan view of the switch actuation mechanism of FIG. 2; and

[0015] FIGS. 6-8 depict various plan views of an embodiment of a cam that may be used to implement the switch actuation mechanism of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Thus, any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All of the embodiments described herein are exemplary embodiments provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary, or the following detailed description.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1 , one embodiment of a key-operated switch system 100 is depicted, and includes a switch 102, an actuation key 104, and a switch actuation mechanism 106, and. The switch 102 may be variously implemented, using any one of numerous known switch configurations, not just the one that is depicted. The switch 102 is preferably configured to change states from an open position to a closed position, or vice- versa, in response to the movement of a plunger (not depicted in FIG. 1). The plunger, as will be described momentarily, is moved in response to insertion of the actuation key 104 into, and removal of the actuation key 104 from, the switch actuation mechanism 106.

[0018] The actuation key 104 may be variously configured, but in the depicted embodiment it includes a mount section 108 and a switch operator section 1 12. The mount section 108 is configured to be mounted on, or otherwise coupled to, a movable component. To facilitate this, the mount section 108 includes a plurality of fastener openings 1 14. A non-depicted fastener, such as a screw or other suitable device, may be inserted through each fastener opening 1 14 and into the component to which the actuation key 104 is being mounted.

[0019] The switch operator section 1 12 extends from the mount section 108 and, as will be described further below, is selectively inserted into, and subsequently removed from, the switch actuation mechanism 106. Although the switch operator section 1 12 may be variously configured, in the depicted embodiment it includes a pair of slider engagement arms 1 16 - a first engagement arm 1 16-1 and a second engagement arm 1 16-2 - and a pair of cam engagement arms 1 18 - a first cam engagement arm 1 18-1 and a second cam engagement arm 1 18-2. The slider engagement arms 1 16 are connected to, and extend from, the mount section 108, and are separated from each other to form a space 122. The first and second cam engagement arms 1 18-1 , 1 18-2 extend perpendicularly from the first and second slider engagement arms 1 16-1 , 1 16-2, respectively, and into the space 122.

[0020] As will be described further below, when the actuation key 104 is inserted into and removed from the switch actuation mechanism 106, the slider engagement arms 1 16 and the cam engagement arms 1 18 together operate portions of the switch actuation mechanism 106, to move the above-mentioned plunger, to thereby change the state of the switch 102. An embodiment of the switch actuation mechanism 106 is depicted more clearly in FIGS. 2- 5, and with reference thereto will now be described.

[0021] Referring first to FIGS. 2 and 3, it may be seen that the switch actuation mechanism 106 includes a housing assembly 202. Although the housing assembly 202 may be variously configured and implemented, in the depicted embodiment it includes a housing 204 and a cover 206. The cover 206 is coupled to the housing 204 via, for example, a plurality of fasteners 208. The housing assembly 202 includes a top 212, a bottom 214, a first pair of opposing sides 216-1 , 216-2, a second pair of opposing sides 218-1, 218-2, and an inner surface 302 that defines an inner volume 304 (see FIG. 3). The housing assembly 202 additionally includes a plurality of key insertion slots 222 that are each configured to receive the actuation key 104. Although the number of key insertion slots 222 may vary, in the depicted embodiment the housing assembly 202 includes four key insertion slots. In particular, the top 212 (e.g., the cover 206) includes two key insertion slots 222 (222-1 , 222- 2), and the each of the first pair of opposing sides 216-1 , 216-2 includes one key insertion slot 222 (222-3, 222-4).

[0022] With reference now to FIGS. 3-5, the depicted switch actuation mechanism 106 additionally includes a cam 306, a first cam engagement slider 308-1 , a second cam engagement slider 308-2, a first rotary shaft 312-1 , and a second rotary shaft 312-2. The cam 306 is rotationally mounted within the housing inner volume 304 and is configured to be selectively rotated about a first axis 402, in either a first 401 or a second 403 rotational direction (see FIG. 4). In particular, and as will be described more fully further below, the cam 306 is configured, upon receipt of an input force, to selectively rotate about the first axis 402 between a first position, which is the position depicted in FIGS. 3-5, and one of a second position or a third position, depending upon the rotational direction. Although the cam 306 may be rotationally mounted using any one of numerous components and techniques, it is mounted on a shaft 404 (FIG. 4). As shown most clearly in FIG. 5, the shaft 404 is disposed within, and rotates relatively to, a pair of shaft mounts 502 (only one visible in FIG. 5) that are formed in the housing inner volume 304.

[0023] With quick reference to FIGS. 6-8, a particular embodiment of the cam 306 is depicted, and is seen to include a first side 602, a second side 604, and an outer peripheral surface 606 between the first and second sides 602, 604. The first and second sides 602, 604 each have a locking slot 608, a cavity 612, and a stopper rib 614 formed therein. The outer peripheral surface 606 has a recess 615, a pair of plunger insertion apertures 616-1 , 616-2, and a pair of key insertion ribs 618-1 , 618-2 formed therein. The purposes of each of these features will be described more fully further below.

[0024| Returning once again to FIGS. 3-5, the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 are non-rotationally mounted within the housing inner volume 304 adjacent to the cam 306. The first cam engagement slider 308-1 is disposed adjacent to the first side 602 of the cam 306, and the second cam engagement slider 308-2 is disposed adjacent to the second side 604 of the cam 306. The first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1, 308-2, while being non-rotationally mounted, are each configured to translate along an axis that is transverse to the first axis 402, and thereby move between a lock position, which is the position depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, and an unlock position. First and second return springs 405-1 , 405-2 are disposed within the housing inner volume 304 and are configured to supply a bias force to the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2, respectively, that bias the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 toward the lock position. When the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 are in the lock position, the cam 306 is prevented from rotating about the first axis 402. Conversely, when the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 are in the unlock position, the cam 306 may be rotated about the first axis 402. As depicted in FIG. 4, the first cam engagement slider 308- 1 is configured to translate along a second axis 406, and the second cam engagement slider 308-2 is configured to translate along a third axis 408.

[0025] To implement the above-described functionality, the first and second cam engagement sliders 308- 1, 308-2, as shown most clearly in FIG. 5, each include a locking protrusion 504, a pair of rotary shaft engagement flats 506 (506-1 , 506-2), and a pair of actuation key engagement ramps 508 (508-1 , 508-2). The locking protrusions 504 are each disposed within an associated locking slot 608 when the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 are at least in the lock position, and are disposed outside of the associated locking slots 608, and more specifically within the associated cavities 612, when the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 are at least in the unlock position. Because the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1, 308-2 are non-rotationally mounted, when they are in the lock position, the cam 306 is prevented from rotating about the first axis 402 in either the first rotational direction 401 or the second rotational direction 403. Conversely, when the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 are in the unlock position, the cam 306 may be rotated about the first axis 402 in either the first rotational direction 401 or the second rotational direction 403.

[0026] The rotary shaft engagement flats 506 are engaged (or at least selectively engaged) by portions of one of the rotary shafts 312-1 , 312-2, and the actuation key engagement ramps 508 are selectively engaged by the first and second cam engagement arms 1 18-1 , 1 18-2. As will be described in more detail further below, this engagement, together with a force supplied from the actuation key 104, moves the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 from the lock positions to the unlock positions. Upon removal of the actuation key 104, the bias force supplied from the first and second return springs 405-1, 405-2 moves the first toW6¾ J¾We¾fkgement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 from the unlock positions back into the lock positions.

[0027] The first and second rotary shafts 312-1 , 312-2 are each rotationally mounted within the housing inner volume 304 and are configured to rotate about axes that are transverse to each of the first 402, second 406, and third 408 axes. In particular, as FIG. 4 depicts, the first rotary shaft 312-1 is configured to rotate about a fourth axis 412, and the second rotary shaft 312-2 is configured to rotate about a fifth axis 414. The first and second rotary shafts 312-1 , 312-2 are additionally configured to at least selectively engage the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2, respectively. The first and second rotary shafts 312-1 , 312-2, upon being rotated about the fourth and fifth axes 412, 414, respectively, move the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2, respectively, from at least the lock positions to the unlock positions.

[0028] To implement its function, each of the first and second rotary shafts 312-1 , 312-2 include a shaft section 314 and two slider engagement tabs 316 (316-1 , 316-2). The shaft sections 314 are rotationally mounted on a pair of rotary shaft mounts 506 (only one visible in FIG. 5) that are formed in the housing inner volume 304. The slider engagement tabs 316 extend from the shaft section 314 and engage the associated cam engagement sliders 308-1, 308-2, and more specifically the associated rotary shaft engagement flats 506-1 , 506-2. Thus, upon being rotated about the fourth and fifth axes 412, 414, respectively, the slider engagement tabs 316 on the first and second rotary shafts 312-1 , 312-2 move the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 to the unlock positions.

[0029] Having described the switch actuation mechanism 106 from a structural standpoint, and having generally described the functions of various components that make up the switch actuation mechanism 106, the overall operation of the depicted key-operated switch system 100, and specifically the switch actuation mechanism 106, will now be provided. Before doing so, however, it is noted that the switch actuation mechanism 106 was described above as being configured with two cam engagement sliders 308, two rotary shafts 312, and two return springs 405. It will be appreciated, however, that in alternative embodiments, the switch actuation mechanism 106 could be implemented with one cam engagement slider 308, one rotary shaft 312, and one return spring 405. [0030] Initially, it is assumed that the ' key-operated switch system 100 is in the state depicted in FIG. 1 , with the actuation key 104 disposed away from the switch actuation mechanism 106. In this state, the switch actuation mechanism 106 is configured such that the cam 306 is in the first position, and the first and second engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 are each in the lock positions. Thereafter, if a force is supplied to the actuation key 104 to move it into one of the key slots 222, the actuation key 104 will cause the first and second engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 to move into the unlock positions. The actuation key 104 will also supply a force to the cam 306 that causes the cam 306 to rotate about the first axis 402. The manner in which the actuation key 104 causes the first and second engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 to move, and the direction in which the actuation key 104 causes the cam 306 to rotate, will depend upon the key slot 222 into which the actuation key 104 is inserted. For ease of explanation, the manner in which the actuation key 104 causes the first and second engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 to move will first be described. Thereafter, the direction that the actuation key 104 causes the cam 306 to rotate will be described.

[0031] If the actuation key 104 is inserted into the first or second key slot 222-1 or 222- 2 (e.g., the key slots formed through the cover 206), the ends of the first and second slider engagement arms 1 16-1 , 1 16-2 will engage the first and second rotary shafts 312-1, 312-2, and cause the first and second rotary shafts 312-1 , 312-2 to rotate about the fourth and fifth axes 412, 414. As noted above, this will cause the slider engagement tabs 316 on the first and second rotary shafts 312-1, 312-2 to engage the rotary shaft engagement flats 506 (506- 1 , 506-2), and cause the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 to translate from the lock positions to the unlock positions, along the second and third axes 406, 408. This in turn moves the locking protrusions 504 on the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 out of the associated locking slots 608, and into the associated cavities 612. As a result, the cam 306 is allowed to rotate about the first axis 402.

[0032] If the actuation key 104 is inserted into the third or fourth key slot 222-3 or 222-

4 (e.g., one of the key slots formed through the housing 208), the ends of the first and second cam engagement arms 1 18-1 , 1 18-2 will not engage the first and second rotary shafts

312-1 , 312-2. Instead, the first and second slider engagement arms 1 16-1 , 1 16-2 will engage the actuation key engagement ramps 508. As the first and second slider engagement arms 1 16-1 , 1 16-2 are moved further into the third or fourth key slots 222-3 or 222-4, the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 will translate from the lock positions to the unlock positions, along the second and third axes 406, 408. This will in turn move the locking protrusions 504 on the first arid second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 out of the associated locking slots 608, and into the associated cavities 612, allowing the cam 306 to rotate about the first axis 402.

[0033] If the actuation key 104 is inserted into either the first key slot 222-1 or the third key slot 222-3, the first and second cam engagement arms 1 18-1 , 1 18-2 will slide past the first insertion rib 618-1 and engage the cam 306. Conversely, if the actuation key 104 is inserted into either the second key slot 222-2 or the fourth key slot 222-4, the first and second cam engagement arms 1 18-1 , 1 18-2 will slide past the second insertion rib 618-2 and engage the cam 306. Now, if the actuation key 104 is inserted into the first key slot 222-1 or the fourth key slot 222-4 with a sufficient force to move the first and second cam engagement sliders 308- 1 , 308-2 into the unlock positions, continued movement of the actuation key 104 will cause the cam 306 to rotate in the first rotational direction 401 , and move the cam 306 from the first position to the second position. Conversely, if the actuation key 104 is inserted into the second key slot 222-2 or the third key slot 222-3 with a sufficient force to move the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 into the unlock positions, continued movement of the actuation key 104 will cause the cam 306 to rotate in the second rotational direction 403, and move the cam 306 from the first position to the third position.

[0034] When the cam 306 is in the first position, which, as already noted, is the position depicted in FIGS. 3-5, the end of the plunger 416 (see FIG. 4) is disposed within the recess 615 that is formed in the cam outer peripheral surface 606. While it is in the first position, if the cam 306 is rotated in the first rotational direction 401 , it will move toward the second position. As it is moved out of the first position, the end of the plunger 416 will slide along the contour of the cam outer peripheral surface 606 and move out of the recess 615. When the cam 306 reaches the second position, the end of the plunger 416 will extend into the first plunger insertion aperture 616-1 , causing the switch (not illustrated) to change state. If, while the cam 306 is in the first position, it is rotated in the second rotational direction 403, it will move toward the third position. As the cam 306 is moved out of the first position, the end of the plunger 416 will also slide along the contour of the cam outer peripheral surface 606 and move out of the recess 615. When the cam 306 reaches the third position, the end of the plunger 416 will extend into the second plunger insertion aperture 616-2, causing the switch (not illustrated) to change state. It is noted that in both the second position and the third position, the locking protrusions 504 on the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 engage the associated stopper rib 614.

[0035] When the cam 306 is in the second position and the actuation key 104 is subsequently removed from the first or fourth key slot 222-1 , 222-4, the first and second cam engagement arms 1 18-1 , 1 18-2 will cause the cam 306 to rotate in the second rotational direction 403. As a result, the cam 306 will move out of the second position back toward the first position. Because the end of the plunger 416 is tapered, as the cam 306 is rotated in the second rotational direction 403, the plunger 416 will readily exit the first plunger insertion aperture 616-1 and slide along the contour of the cam outer peripheral surface 606. If, on the other hand, the cam 306 is in the third position and the actuation key 104 is subsequently removed from the second or third key slot 222-2, 222-3, the first and second cam engagement arms 1 18-1 , 1 18-2 will cause the cam 306 to rotate in the first rotational direction 401. This will cause the cam 306 to move out of the third position back toward the first position. As the cam 306 is rotated in the first rotational direction 401 , the plunger 416 will exit the second plunger insertion aperture 616-2 and slide along the contour of the cam outer peripheral surface 606.

[0036] Whether the cam 306 was in the second or third positions, when it is returned to the first position, the end of the plunger 416 will again be disposed within the recess 615, causing the switch (not illustrated) to once again change state. As the actuation key 104 is being removed from any of the key slots 222, the bias forces supplied from the first and second return springs 405-1, 405-2 are urging the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 toward the lock positions. When the cam 306 reaches the first position, these bias forces will urge the locking protrusions 504 on the first and second cam engagement sliders 308-1 , 308-2 back into the associated locking slots 608 to prevent further rotation of the cam 306 (in either rotational direction).

[0037] The switch actuation mechanism disclosed herein exhibits a relatively long lifetime, does not rely on relatively large pull forces on the actuation key in order to operate properly, has relatively large and a relatively high number of key insertion slots, and may use a relatively robust actuation key.

[0038] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A switch actuation mechanism, comprising:

a housing;

a cam rotationally mounted within the housing and configured to rotate about a first axis; and

a cam engagement slider mounted within the housing and adjacent the cam, the cam engagement slider configured to translate along a second axis that is transverse to the first axis, and movable between a lock position, in which it prevents the cam from rotating about the first axis, and an unlock position, in which it allows the cam to rotate about the first axis.

2. The switch actuation mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising:

a rotary shaft rotationally mounted within the housing and configured to rotate about a third axis that is transverse to the first and second axes, the rotary shaft further configured to selectively engage the cam engagement slider and, upon rotation about the third axis, to move the cam engagement slider at least from the lock position to the unlock position.

3. The switch actuation mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising:

a return spring disposed within the housing and configured to supply a bias force to the cam engagement slider that biases the cam engagement slider toward the lock position.

4. The switch actuation mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the cam is adapted to receive an input force and is further configured, upon receipt of the force and upon the cam engagement slider being moved to the unlock position, to selectively rotate about the first axis between a first position and a second position.

5. The switch actuation mechanism of claim 4, wherein the cam comprises: a first side, a second side, and an outer peripheral surface between the first and second sides;

an recess formed in the outer peripheral surface, the recess configured to have a plunger disposed therein when the cam is in the first position; and

a plunger insertion aperture formed in the outer peripheral surface, the plunger insertion aperture configured to have the plunger disposed therein when the cam is in the second position.

6. The switch actuation mechanism of claim 4, wherein:

the cam further comprises a locking slot formed in the first side of the cam;

the cam engagement slider comprises locking protrusion;

the locking protrusion is disposed within the locking slot when the cam engagement slider is at least in the lock position, to thereby prevent the cam from rotating about the first axis; and

the locking protrusion is disposed outside of the locking slot when the cam engagement slider is at least in the unlock position, to thereby allow the cam to rotate about the first axis.

7. The switch actuation mechanism of claim 6, wherein:

the cam further comprises a cavity formed in the first side of the cam; and the locking protrusion is disposed within the cavity when the cam engagement slider is at least in the unlock position.

8. The switch actuation mechanism of claim 7, wherein:

the cam further comprises a stopper rib formed in the first side of the cam; and the locking protrusion engages the stopper rib at least when the cam is in the second position.

9. The switch actuation mechanism of claim 4, wherein the cam further comprises a plurality of key insertion ribs formed on the outer peripheral surface, each key insertion rib configured to be selectively disposed between portions of an actuation key.

10. The switch actuation mechanism of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of key insertion slots formed within the housing, each key insertion slot configured to receive an actuation key.

11. The switch actuation mechanism of claim 10, wherein:

the housing includes a top, a bottom, and at least two opposing sides;

the top includes to key insertion slots; and

each opposing side includes one key insertion slot.

12. A switch actuation mechanism, comprising:

a housing;

a cam rotationally mounted within the housing and configured to rotate about a first axis, the cam including a first side, a second side, and an outer peripheral surface between the first and second sides;

a first cam engagement slider mounted within the housing and adjacent the first side of the cam, the first cam engagement slider configured to translate along a second axis that is transverse to the first axis; and

a second cam engagement slider mounted within the housing and adjacent the second side of the cam, the second cam engagement slider configured to translate along a third axis that is transverse to the first axis and parallel to the second axis,

wherein the first and second cam engagement sliders are each movable between a lock position, in which the first and second cam engagement sliders prevent the cam from rotating about the first axis, and an unlock position, in which the first and second cam engagement sliders allow the cam to rotate about the first axis.

13. The switch actuation mechanism of claim 12, further comprising:

a first rotary shaft rotationally mounted within the housing and configured to rotate about a fourth axis that is transverse to the first, second, and third axes, the first rotary shaft further configured to selectively engage the first cam engagement slider and, upon rotation about the fourth axis, to move the first cam engagement slider at least from the lock position to the unlock position; and

a second rotary shaft rotationally mounted within the housing and configured to rotate about a fifth axis that is transverse to the first, second, and third axes, and parallel to the fourth axis, the second rotary shaft further configured to selectively engage the second cam engagement slider and, upon rotation about the fifth axis, to move the second cam engagement slider at least from the lock position to the unlock position.

14. The switch actuation mechanism of claim 12, further comprising:

a first return spring disposed within the housing and configured to supply a bias force to the first cam engagement slider that biases the first cam engagement slider toward the lock position; and

a second return spring disposed within the housing and configured to supply a bias force to the second cam engagement slider that biases the second cam engagement slider toward the lock position.

15. The switch actuation mechanism of claim 12, wherein the cam is adapted to receive an input force and is further configured, upon receipt of the force and upon the first and second cam engagement sliders being moved to the unlock position, to selectively rotate about the first axis between a first position and a plurality of second positions.

16. The switch actuation mechanism of claim 15, wherein the cam comprises: a first side, a second side, and an outer peripheral surface between the first and second sides;

a recess formed in the outer peripheral surface, the recess configured to have a plunger disposed therein when the cam is in the first position; and

a plurality of plunger insertion apertures formed in the outer peripheral surface, each plunger insertion apertures spaced apart from the recess and configured to have the plunger disposed therein when the cam is in one of the second positions.

17. The switch actuation mechanism of claim 16, wherein:

the cam further comprises a first locking slot formed in the first side of the cam and a second locking slot formed in the second side of the cam;

the first and second cam engagement sliders comprise a first and second locking protrusion, respectively;

the first locking protrusion is disposed within the first locking slot when the first cam engagement slider is at least in the lock position;

the second locking protrusion is disposed within the second locking slot when the second cam engagement slider is at least in the lock position; and the first locking protrusion is disposed outside of the first locking slot when the first cam engagement slider is at least in the unlock position; and

the second locking protrusion is disposed outside of the second locking slot when the second cam engagement slider is at least in the unlock position.

18. The switch actuation mechanism of claim 17, wherein:

the cam further comprises a first cavity formed in the first side of the cam, a second cavity formed in the second side of the cam, a first stopper rib formed in the first side of the cam, and a second stopper rib formed in the second side of the cam; and

the first and second locking protrusions are disposed within the first and second cavities, respectively, when the first and second cam engagement sliders are at least in the unlock positions, respectively; and

the first and second locking protrusions engage the first and second stopper ribs, respectively, at least when the cam is in one of the plurality of second positions.

19. The switch actuation mechanism of claim 16, wherein:

the cam further comprises a plurality of key insertion ribs formed on the outer peripheral surface, each key insertion rib configured to be selectively disposed between portions of an actuation key;

the housing includes a top, a bottom, and at least two opposing sides;

the top includes two key insertion slots;

each opposing side includes one key insertion slot; and

each key insertion slot is configured to receive an actuation key.

20. A switch actuation mechanism, comprising:

an actuation key;

a housing including a top, a bottom, at least two opposing sides, and an inner surface that defines a housing inner volume, the top having two key insertion slots formed therein to receive the actuation key, each opposing side including one key insertion slot to receive the actuation key;

a cam rotationally mounted within the housing inner volume and configured to rotate about a first axis, the cam including a first side, a second side, and an outer peripheral surface between the first and second sides; a first cam engagement slider mounted within the housing inner volume and adjacent the first side of the cam, the first cam engagement slider configured to translate along a second axis that is transverse to the first axis, the first cam engagement slider movable between a lock position, in which the first cam engagement slider prevents the cam from rotating about the first axis, and an unlock position, in which the first cam engagement slider allows the cam to rotate about the first axis;

a second cam engagement slider mounted within the housing inner volume and adjacent the second side of the cam, the second cam engagement slider configured to translate along a third axis that is transverse to the first axis and parallel to the second axis, the second cam engagement slider movable between a lock position, in which the second cam engagement slider prevents the cam from rotating about the first axis, and an unlock position, in which the second cam engagement slider allows the cam to rotate about the first axis;

a first rotary shaft rotationally mounted within the housing inner volume and configured to rotate about a fourth axis that is transverse to the first, second, and third axes, the first rotary shaft further configured to selectively engage the first cam engagement slider and, upon rotation about the fourth axis, to move the first cam engagement slider at least from the lock position to the unlock position; and

a second rotary shaft rotationally mounted within the housing and configured to rotate about a fifth axis that is transverse to the first, second, and third axes, and parallel to the fourth axis, the second rotary shaft further configured to selectively engage the second cam engagement slider and, upon rotation about the fifth axis, to move the second cam engagement slider at least from the first position to the second position.