disclosed is a device for manually controlling the position of switching means which have two extreme positions a and c and an intermediate position b . said device comprises a crank and a crankpin . the invention is characterized by the fact that the device comprises a translationally movable sliding member that has a neutral position and is provided with guideways , within which the crankpin is displaced . said guideways allow the crankpin to be guided towards three areas of the sliding member , in which the position thereof is stable and which correspond to the three positions of the switching means , when the sliding member is moved towards the neutral position . the inventive device has the advantage of being simple while allowing a change in the state of the motor which operates the closing element , darkening element , or sun - shading element , or sun - shading element to be controlled by means of a single movement of a rod .