This invention relates to the use of switches and devices such as sensors in applications where flexibility and low profile are required. In particular, it relates to the use of switches and devices in integrated soft component systems.
Current low profile switch technology utilises hard or semi-rigid printed circuit boards (PCBS) and wires or cables. For example, electronic keypads and switches already exist whereby a conductive rubber contact making actuator is fixed on top of a large hard PCB as part of a non-flexible electronics product. These types of switch and sensor systems have limited use in soft, textile or flexible environments that often require high durability to mechanical forces such as bending and/or stretching. Conventional low profile switch technology is also not durable for repeated exposure to wet environments (such as laundering and dry cleaning) and/or environments where mechanical forces are repeatedly exerted on the devices. Switching systems using layers of fabrics are also not suitable as they cannot be manufactured economically or be of sufficient durability and reliability. These fabric technologies tend to rely on many-layered fabrics which are difficult to manufacture.
An example of a conventional switching system using layers of fabric can be found in PCT patent application no. WO 01/75778. This document discloses a pressure sensitive textile in which conductive fibres and insulative fibres are interspersed in each of the warp yarn and weft yarn of the textile. By means of weave structures such as floated yarns and composite conductive/insulative yarns, the conductive fibres in the warp and weft yarns can be kept apart at their crossover points, with the conductive fibres being forced into contact only when the textile is compressed.
However, such a conventional textile has disadvantages in that it is difficult, and so relatively expensive, to manufacture the fibre layers, and in that some accidental (unwanted) contacts between the conductive fibres cannot be avoided, as only a small force is required to push the conductive fibres together. The separation of the conductive fibres deteriorates with use, such as being repeatedly exposed to wet environments or being repeatedly subjected to mechanical forces. Thus, it is difficult to manufacture such a textile economically and to ensure that the switching mechanisms in the textile are sufficiently durable and reliable.
Many previously considered textiles incorporate conductive elements into a uniform weave structure which then dictates where electrical connections can be made—i.e. where the conductive elements can be made to contact each other. In such cases the type, and location of the connection is fixed at the time of weaving, which limits the usefulness of the textile.
It is therefore desirable to provide switches for use within a soft or textile material which are reliable and durable, and which can be manufactured economically.
Furthermore, electronic circuits are known that use hard or semi-flexible PCBs that generally contain an array of small electronic components that perform a variety of electronic functions within the circuit. Some of these components are so small in size that they can be placed invisibly within the structure of a soft or flexible substrate.
It is desirable to allow for the production of large volumes of an economical soft/flexible keypad, switch system, sensor system or other electronic component system using flexible materials to create a soft circuit to replace the conventionally used hard PCB elements within a contact switch or sensor circuit. Furthermore, it is desirable that using this soft circuit a range of electronic components can be attached and/or embedded within a specially designed flexible structure. Thus, it is desirable to provide a system where different electronic components are fully integrated into a soft and flexible substrate, and where the substrate acts as part of the electronic circuit so that the whole system has soft and flexible properties.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a switch for use in a soft article, such as a textile article, the switch comprising:
a conductor carrier having a plurality of electrical conductors; and
a flexible contact maker comprising an electrically conductive substrate, the flexible contact maker being disposed adjacent to the conductor carrier; wherein
the contact maker is configurable in either a first configuration in which it electrically connects two of the electrical conductors or a second configuration in which it does not electrically connect two of the electrical conductors, the contact maker being resiliently biased in at least one of the first and second configurations.
The flexible contact maker may comprise a flexible material, preferably an electrically conductive grade silicone or electrically conductive rubber moulded or extruded in a generally flat, preformed shape so as to form an electrically conductive sheet.
The conductor carrier is preferably a flexible preformed structure containing a number of separate electrical conductors. These may be in the form of electrically conductive tracks, for example. Preferably, the electrical conductors are generally shielded within the conductor carrier but become exposed at specific designated positions (contact points) along the conductor carrier so as to correspond with specific designated positions on the contact maker.
The flexible contact maker is placed over (i.e. adjacent to and facing) the conductor carrier and is preferably mechanically deformable so that when sufficient force is exerted on it the contact maker is caused to assume either the first or second configuration. In the first configuration, the circuit between the contact maker and the electrical conductors within the conductor carrier may be closed by one of the following means:
When the circuit is closed the electrical resistance between the electrical conductors decreases.
In the second configuration of the contact maker, circuit closure may be prevented by:
Other layers may be bonded above the contact maker and/or below the conductor carrier. These layers may be of a textile, gel, foam, film, polymer or other soft/flexible material to give the switch specific properties such as tactility, protection from abrasion/wear and/or to make it suitable for sewing. The contact maker and conductor carrier may also be encapsulated in a polymer material using compression, injection or other moulding techniques to create a flexible contained device that may also be waterproof or resistant to moisture or chemicals or other harsh environments.
The conductor carrier and electrical conductors may be constructed from the following:
The conductor carrier may contain any number of electrical conductors, such as electrically conductive tracks, within the above structure. The electrical conductors may be aligned to correspond with an industry standard termination method and are usually spaced at 2.54 mm or 1.25 mm apart.
The electrically conductive substrate of the contact maker may be constructed using the following methods:
If moulded, the contact maker may have integral shapes formed within the structure such as domes, recesses, rubber dots or nodules and/or hollow regions, so as to prevent contact with the electrical conductors in the first configuration.
The contact points of the electrical conductors can be constructed using the following methods:
The contact maker may be fixed to the conductor carrier using one of the following methods:
The switch may be encapsulated using any or all of the following methods:
The switch may be connected to further electronics using several methods:
Thus, according to the first aspect of the invention, a switch may be provided which is suitable for use in a textile article. Advantageously, such a switch is durable and reliable, even when subjected to repeated mechanical forces on the contact maker and to wet environments. Furthermore, such a switch may be a multiple switch and may be connected to other electronic components.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for use in a soft article, such as a textile article, the device comprising:
a conductor carrier having a plurality of electrical conductors;
at least one contact maker mounted on the conductor carrier and physically attached to two of the electrical conductors; and
an outer layer covering the conductor carrier and the at least one contact maker; wherein
each contact maker is configurable to provide an electrical connection between the two electrical conductors to which it is physically attached, the electrical connection depending on a force exerted on the outer layer above the contact maker.
Each contact maker may be an electronic component such as an SMD tact switch or a light sensitive component.
As in the first aspect, the conductor carrier is preferably a flexible preformed structure containing a number of separate electrical conductors, such as electrically conductive tracks. The electrical conductors are preferably flexible electrically conductive materials that are generally shielded within the conductor carrier but may become exposed at specific designated positions (contact points) along the conductor carrier so as to correspond with specific designated positions for the attachment of the contact makers. The conductor carrier acts like a databus supplying current to and from the contact points and hence the contact makers.
The conductor carrier and electrical conductors may be constructed in the same way as in the first aspect.
The conductor carrier may contain any number of conductor carriers within the above structure. The conductor carriers preferably are aligned to correspond with an industry standard termination method and are usually spaced at 2.54 mm or 1.25 mm apart.
The contact points of the device can be constructed in the same way as in the first aspect of the invention.
The contact makers may be attached to the contact points using the following methods:
Other layers may be bonded above the contact makers and/or below the conductor carrier. These layers may be of a textile, gel, foam, film, polymer or other soft/flexible material to give the device specific properties such as tactility, protection from abrasion/wear and/or to make it suitable for sewing. The contact makers and conductor carrier may also be encapsulated in a polymer material using compression, injection or other moulding techniques to create a flexible contained device that may also be waterproof or resistant to moisture or chemicals or other harsh environments. The outer layer may have a design printed, moulded or laid in its structure so as to indicate the location of a switch or sensing area to a user.
The contact makers used in the device are preferably surface mount devices (SMD) as these are very small and can be placed on the conductor carrier using “pick and place” machinery or by hand. The types of SMD electronic components useful in the device are: switches, tact switches, light dependent resistors, photodiodes, phototransistors, light emitting diodes, thermistors, pressure sensing SMDs, moisture sensors and other components of this type.
The device may be encapsulated using the same methods as may be used in the first aspect.
The device can be connected to further electronics using the same methods as in the first aspect.
In accordance with the aspects of the invention, switches and devices can be easily produced that contain multiple switches, sensors or light emitting components using the latest in available electronic component technology. Advantageously, these components can be completely hidden within a soft, flexible structure (e.g. textile article) making them suitable for use in harsh environments. This in turn provides hidden intelligence and functionality to soft structures such as fabrics.
The switches and devices according to the first and second aspects of the invention have the following advantages over existing technologies:
Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
a shows a side cross-section of a first embodiment of a switch, wherein the switch is in an open (second) configuration;
b shows a side cross-section of the switch of
c is a top view of the switch of
d is a circuit diagram representing the circuit formed by the switch of
a shows a side cross-section of a second embodiment of a switch, wherein the switch is in a second configuration;
b shows a side cross-section of the switch of
c is a top view of the switch of
d is a circuit diagram representing the circuit formed by the switch of
a shows a side cross-section of a third embodiment of a switch, wherein the switch is in a second configuration;
b shows a side cross-section of the switch of
a shows a side cross-section of a fourth embodiment of a switch, wherein the switch is in a second configuration;
b shows a side cross-section of the switch of
a is a top view of a fifth embodiment of a switch;
b is a circuit diagram representing the circuit formed by the switch of
a is a side cross-section of a switch according to a sixth embodiment, wherein the switch is in a second configuration;
b is a side cross-section of the switch of
a is a side cross-section of a switch according to a seventh embodiment, wherein the switch is in a second configuration;
b is a side cross-section of the switch of
a is a side cross-section of a device according to an eighth embodiment;
b is a top view of the device of
c is a top view of a similar device to that of
d is a circuit diagram representing the circuit formed by the device of
a is a side cross-section of a device according to a ninth embodiment;
b is a top view of the device of
a is a top view of a device according to a tenth embodiment;
b is an exploded view of switch assembly 11 of
c is a circuit diagram representing switch assembly 11;
d is a circuit diagram representing the device of
a is a top view of a device according to an eleventh embodiment;
b is an exploded view of switch assembly 15 of
c is a circuit diagram representing switch assembly 15;
d is a circuit diagram representing the device of
a is a side cross-section of a device according to a twelfth embodiment, wherein the device is in a first state;
b is a side cross-section of the device of
c is a top view of the device of
d is a circuit diagram of the device of
e is a circuit diagram of the device of
f is a circuit diagram of the device of
g is a graph showing the relationship between force exerted on the device of
a is a schematic plan view of a device according to a further embodiment.
c shows further schematic sectional views of the device of
d is a top view of the device of
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each case the invention seeks, where possible, to create versatile textile-based devices in which continuous conductive threads are incorporated in the weave and are subsequently combined with one or more discrete elements to create devices. This approach allows a versatility not found in the previously considered textiles and permits, for example, the creation of “bespoke” devices with different functions, chosen after the initial weave, which utilize a previously manufactured common base material
FIG. la shows a side cross-section of a first embodiment of a switch. The conductor carrier of this switch comprises an electrode member 2 which has two electrodes (electrically conductive tracks) 1 as electrical conductors, the electrodes being embedded within the electrode member 2. The electrodes 1 are shielded within the electrode member 2, except at contact points 3 and 6 where they are exposed to the surface of the electrode member. The contact points 3 and 6 are on separate parallel electrodes, as shown in
b is also a side cross-section of the switch according to the first embodiment, but shows the contact maker of the switch in a closed configuration (state) (hereinafter referred to as a first configuration or state) when a force is applied to the contact maker in the region of the moulded dome 8, above the contact point 3. Thus, when a force is exerted on the dome 8 of the contact maker, the dome 8 is mechanically deformed such that it touches the contact point 3 and closes the electrical circuit between contact points 3 and 6 on the two electrodes. The contact maker is resiliently biased in at least one of the first and second configurations. The mechanical deformation may be elastic deformation. Furthermore, the dome provided in the contact maker helps to provide haptic and tactile feedback during circuit closure, so that the user knows when the switch has been activated.
c is a top view diagram of the switch shown in
In
a shows a side cross-section view of a second embodiment of a switch. This switch also contains two electrodes 1, which are embedded within an electrode member 2. The electrodes 1 are shielded within the electrode member 2 except at contact points 3 where they become exposed. One contact point 3 is provided on each of the separate parallel electrodes, as shown in
However, unlike the first embodiment, in this switch the contact maker 4 does not have a permanent contact with either of the contact points 3. Hence, when the contact maker is in its second configuration, there is no contact between the contact maker 4 and the contact points 3.
b shows the same switch as is shown in
In
d is a circuit diagram representing the circuit formed between the electrodes 1 in the second configuration of the contact maker 4. In the first configuration, the switch becomes closed.
It should be noted that the switch of each of the first and second embodiments may have any number of contact makers 4, or domes 8 provided in a contact maker 4, together with a corresponding number of contact points 3 along the length of the electrodes 1, so as to act as a multiple switch having as many switches as are desired.
a shows a side cross-section of a switch according to a third embodiment, which is similar to the switch according to the first embodiment. In this switch, the surface of the contact maker 4 comprises of a moulded conductive rubber which is bonded to a flexible film or fabric 5. As can be seen, a dome or concave shape (recess) is moulded into the under-side of the contact maker 4 whilst the upper surface of the contact maker is flat. The flexible film or fabric 5 gives the switch the appearance of a flat fabric surface. Hence, the switch can be hidden within a textile article.
As in the first embodiment, the conductor carrier is an electrode member 2 having two exposed contact points 6, 3, provided for first and second electrodes, respectively, one of which 6 is permanently attached to the contact maker and the other of which only connects with the contact maker under mechanical deformation of the dome 8 of the contact maker.
b shows the same switch as in
a is a side cross-section view of a switch according to a fourth embodiment. This switch is similar to that of the third embodiment, with the additional feature that the contact maker 4 is not only provided with a concave recess 8, but is also prevented, in the second configuration, from making contact with the contact point 3 by a series of non-conductive nodules (microdots) 9 that are provided on the underside of the contact maker 4 in the recess. Preferably, the non-conductive nodules 9 are moulded on the underside of the contact maker 4.
b shows the switch of
a is a top view of a fifth embodiment of a switch. This switch is similar to those of the above described first, third and fourth embodiments, as a contact point 6 is provided on one of the electrodes which is permanently attached to the contact maker 4. However, a further five electrodes are provided on the electrode member 2, provided as a conductor carrier, each of which is provided with an exposed contact point 3. A dome or recess 8 is provided in the contact maker 4 above each of these contact points 3. Thus, this switch acts as a multiple switch operable to switch between five separate pairs of electrodes 1.
In this embodiment, as stated above, each electrode 1 corresponds to (is provided with) a separate contact point 3, with the exception that the contact maker 4 is permanently fixed to one electrode of the electrode member 2 at contact point 6. When a force is exerted on any one of the domes or recesses 8 of the contact maker, causing the contact maker to be mechanically deformed into its first configuration at that point, the contact maker 4 touches the corresponding contact point 3 and closes the electrical circuit between the corresponding contact point 3 and the fixed contact point 6. Thus, the switch is a five switch system.
The domes or recesses 8 may be formed according to the design of any of the first, third and fourth embodiments. A fabric 5 may be attached to the top of the switch by stitching 7 for example.
b is a circuit diagram represented by the switch shown in
a is a side cross-section of a switch according to a sixth embodiment. This switch is similar to that of the third embodiment, shown in
b is a cross-section of the switch shown in
a is a side cross-section of a switch similar to that shown in
The conductor plane 4 is permanently fixed to the electrode member 2 at contact point 6 provided on the first electrode. Each of the other three electrodes 1 has a separate contact point 3.
In this switch, in the second configuration, the contact maker 4 is prevented from making contact with the contact points 3 on each electrode by a series of non-conductive nodules 9 that are pre-formed on the underside of the contact maker 4, in addition to being provided with a series of concave recesses.
b shows a side cross-section of the same switch as in
a shows a device, in side cross-section, according to an eighth embodiment of the invention. In this device, a conductor carrier comprises an electrode member 2 having two electrodes 1 forming a fabric databus. A single contact maker is mounted on the electrode member and is embedded within a polymer foam 60 and fabric 70 system. The contact maker comprises an SMD type tact switch (push button switch) 50 fixed to a small PCB 40 which is mounted on the electrode member 1.
Each of the two electrodes 1 is embedded within the electrode member 2, such that it is shielded within the electrode member except at contact point 3 where it makes contact with a crimped fixture. The contact points 3 are on separate parallel electrodes (as shown in
When a force is exerted on the area of the fabric 70 located directly above the SMD tact switch 50, the fabric 70 and foam 60 are compressed, which in turn applies pressure to the SMD tact switch 50 thus closing the circuit (shown in
b is a top view diagram of the switch shown in
c is a top view diagram of a device similar to that shown in
d is a circuit diagram representing the circuit formed by the device of
a is a side cross-section view of a device according to a ninth embodiment. This device also contains an SMD type tact switch as a contact maker, but differs slightly from that of the eighth embodiment. As in the eighth embodiment, the electrodes 1 are shielded within the electrode member 2, acting as a conductor carrier, but make contact with crimped fixtures at contact points 3. The contact points 3 are on separate parallel electrodes, as shown in
When a force is exerted on the area of the fabric 70 located directly above the SMD tact switch 50, the SMD tact switch 50 closes the circuit (shown in
b is a top view diagram of the device shown in
The device of the eighth and ninth embodiments may have any number of contact makers along a given length of electrode member 2.
a shows a top view of a device according to a tenth embodiment. This device is similar to those of the eighth and ninth embodiments but has five SMT tact switch assemblies 11, i.e. contact makers, on a single electrode member 2. The SMD switch assembly 11, (shown more clearly in
The switch assemblies 11 may be attached and placed on the contact points 3 by hand or using ‘pick and place’ machinery.
In
c is a circuit diagram of the switch assembly shown in
d is a circuit diagram of the switch system shown in
When the area of fabric above a contact means is pressed, a circuit is closed between the electrode 1* and the corresponding electrode 1. In this figure, the device forms a flexible system containing five hidden switch assemblies 11.
a is a top view of a device according to an eleventh embodiment. In this device, there are five separate contact makers (switch assemblies) 15 attached to two electrodes 1, 1. The electrodes 1, 1 are shielded within the electrode member 2 but make contact with crimped fixtures at contact points 3. The contact points 3 are fixed to each of the separate parallel electrodes 1, 1. Each switch assembly 15 is attached to a set of contact points 3 on each electrode of the electrode member 2. When force is exerted on any of the switch assemblies 15 of the device the circuit between the electrodes 1 and 1 is closed.
A resistor is placed in series on the PCB of each of the switch assemblies, as shown in
The switch assemblies 15 may be attached and placed on the contact points 3 by hand or using ‘pick and place’ machinery.
b is an expanded diagram of a single switch assembly 15 shown in
c is a circuit diagram of the switch assembly shown in
When the area of fabric above one of the switch assemblies is pressed, a circuit is closed between the electrodes 1 and 1, with the addition of a resistor for each switch along the electrode (as described in
a is a side cross-section view of a device according to a twelfth embodiment. This device comprises a light sensitive electronic component as a contact maker, the light sensitive electronic component being embedded within a polymer foam and fabric system. The device has a conductor carrier comprising an electrode member with two electrodes as a fabric databus, the electrodes being attached to the light sensitive component. In this figure, the light sensitive component is an SMD type photodiode. The two electrodes 1 are embedded within the electrode member 2, with each electrode 1 being shielded within the electrode member 2 but for contact with a crimped fixture at a contact point 3. Thus, each of the separate parallel electrodes has a contact point 3, as shown in
As shown in
c is a top view diagram of the switch shown in
d, 14e and 14f show circuit diagrams of the device of the twelfth embodiment when the light sensitive component is a photodiode, light dependant resistor and phototransistor, respectively.
a-15d show an alternative embodiment of device according to the invention.
In this embodiment a multi-function switch component is attached to the electrode member. The multi-function switch component is a single component unit with typically more than one micro switch contained internally. In this example the multi-function switch component has five switches (for example Citizen Lumiswitch type LS25) and shall be referred to as a ‘multi-switch’. The multi-switch is attached to the electrode member by soldering or conductive adhesive to contact points, which may be metal fixtures, described in previous examples. The multi-switch may be fixed to a small PCB prior .to attachment to the electrode member. The multi-switch component may be any surface mount or thru-hole mount type switch component containing one or more switches.
A suitable rubber component is fixed above the multi-switch creating a joystick function. The rubber component or joystick when moved in a certain direction actuates a single switch within the multi-switch by pushing down onto a certain region of the multi-switch. In the example below pushing the rubber joystick component forward actuates the first switch, backward the second, left the third, right the fourth etc.
The soft rubber joystick component may be attached to the electrode member by sewing or using an adhesive. The soft rubber joystick component may be moulded from silicone, PU, PVC, EVA or any other soft material.
The embodiment creates a textile based joystick system with a soft rubber interface suitable for a controller used in wearable electronics or other electronic textile applications. This give a very user-friendly and highly responsive soft interface system where many switch functions may be operated from a single soft component.
a shows a top schematic, or transparent view of an example of the embodiment. The electrode member 2 containing the electrodes 1 has metal fixtures 3 permanently attached to it. The multi-switch component 100 is attached to the metal fixtures 3 by solder. The rubber joystick component 101 is fixed to the electrode member 2 and cover fabric 102 by sewing and is located directly above the multi-switch component 100.
b is a side view of the same device shown in 15a. Here is can be seen that the rubber joystick component 101 has a recess on the underside of the component to help locate its position on the multi-switch component 100. It can see also that the rubber joystick provide impact and abrasion protection for the multi-switch component.
c shows an example of the overall device mechanism. It can be see that when the rubber joystick component 101 is pushed in a forward direction the force causes the rubber to press onto a single switch area 103 on the multi-switch 100 activating the switch 103. When the rubber joystick component is pushed in the reverse direction the rubber presses on a different single switch area 104 on the multi-switch 100 component activating the single switch 104. In this manner, moving the joystick rubber component in different directions can activate different switches on the multi-switch component.
d shows a drawing of finished device system of a five-switch joystick. Single switches are individually activated by pushing the rubber joystick left, right upwards, downwards and straight down.
In any of the above described embodiments, visual feedback may be provided to a user by means of one or more LEDs attached to the switch or device. For example, each switch assembly in a device within a textile article could be associated with a distinct LED provided on or immediately underneath the outer layer (surface) of the article. Each LED could have a different colour.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
0420683.5 | Sep 2004 | GB | national |
0420997.9 | Sep 2004 | GB | national |
0500276.1 | Jan 2005 | GB | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB05/03582 | 9/16/2005 | WO | 00 | 11/2/2007 |