RU2455678C1 - Method for electric circuits commutation and multifunctional switch for its implementation - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: electricity.

SUBSTANCE: in the commutation method pressure is exercised onto the manipulator in the direction of the selected circuit switching variant; the pressure is applied to an resiliently deformable element containing tensoresistors; with the help of a microprocessor one analyses the value of the tensoresistors resistances with the pressure direction angle calculated by their values; if the calculated angle falls within the angle ranges corresponding to one of the available circuit switching versions the microprocessor implements the selected versions of circuit switching with the help of commutation devices. Distinctiveness of the polymorphous switch consists in the fact that the resiliently deformable element thereof is made of an elastic material in the shape of a hollow conic frustrum with cutouts and a control handle, the element attached to the print-board, while the tensoresistors represent a layer of electrically conductive elastic material on the surface of the resiliently deformable element.

EFFECT: creation of multifunctional, programmable, hi-tech virtually whole-polymeric devices possessing a wide array of functionalities; performing the functions of regular circuit-breakers, toggle switches or multifunctional switches, they may be simultaneously used as full-featured microjoisticks for input of information and control of facilities.

12 cl, 15 dwg

Description

The invention relates to electrical switches, to methods and devices for contactless electronic switching, as well as to methods and devices for controlling objects, in particular to control devices for household and technological devices, toys and virtual objects.

Known multifunctional switches of electrical circuits, for example, according to patents ES 2189646 A1, 01.07.2003. ES 1041441 A1, 07/01/1999. ES 2204280 A1, 04.16.2004. SU 892499 A1, 12/23/1981. SU 1806415 A1, 03/30/1993. WO 03030196 A2, 04/10/2003.

Multifunctional electric switches are known that can be used in different configurations - such as a switch, a two-way switch, a double switch, a two-circuit two-way switch, a crossover switch and a push button switch. One of such devices is described in RF patent No. 2407092.

However, these switches have metal contact groups, which cannot be controlled by software, are complex and relatively expensive.

Multifunction switches, in which configurations or functionalities are set and changed programmatically, will be called multifunction switches.

Typical multi-function switches are computer keyboards, in which layouts and touch screens are changed programmatically.

As multifunctional switches, known information input devices can be used (US 4546347, 10/08/1985, US 4751380, 06/14/1988, JP 54-126426, 10/01/1979, EP 0081348 A2, 06/15/1983, EP 0146843 A2, 07/03/1985 and etc.), the principle of operation of which is based on the fact that the device cursor displayed on the display is connected electronically to a mechanical sensor, and then the device acting on the sensor is moved by hand. Trackballs, trackpoints, touchpads and joysticks work on this principle.

Joysticks allow you to control the cursor displayed on the display, and using special programs allow you to switch electrical circuits.

However, joysticks of traditional designs are not used specifically for switching electrical circuits due to complexity, high cost and large dimensions.

The well-known "Method of cursor control and device for its implementation" according to the patent of the Russian Federation No. 2275674. According to the claims, “a method for controlling a cursor displayed on a device comprising at least a housing, a manipulator, a microprocessor for controlling a cursor and at least one sensor of a manipulator, comprising: a cursor controlled by the manipulator by the user's hand, connect with the sensor of the manipulator by converting the signals of the sensor of the manipulator into a digital code, transferring this code to the microprocessor and converting this code into the cursor movement, displayed on the display, and to control the cursor’s movement, a force is applied to the manipulator in the direction of the desired cursor movement and the force is stopped when the cursor is necessary to stop, and the force applied to the manipulator is transmitted to the elastically deformable element and signals are generated for the microprocessor controlling the cursor by sensor manipulator connected to an elastically deformable element, characterized in that for the implementation of the possibility of not only moving, but also the rotation of the cursor displayed on the sensor, the strain gauges are placed on the elastic-deformable element of the sensor, so that their long base axis of symmetry are radially from the center of the sensor in different directions, and are inclined relative to the radial direction drawn from the center of the sensor to the center of the strain gauge, at a tangential angle inclination c _i, and for the rotation of the cursor a torque in the desired direction towards the manipulator and cease application of torque if necessary wasps anovki cursor ".

The description of the method provides detailed algorithms and formulas for calculating the angles of the direction of pressing and the increment of coordinates according to the signals of the strain gauges located in the device for implementing the method.

The cursor control device for implementing the method according to RF patent No. 2275674 contains a manipulator located in the housing, at least one manipulator sensor connected to the microprocessor using buses and data transmission means, a display with a cursor displayed on it, characterized in that the manipulator sensor contains at least one strain gauge located on the elastically deformable element, which is mechanically connected to the manipulator, and the manipulator is made in the form of a rod, one end of which is fixed to the elastic the sensor element being formed, and the long base axis of symmetry of the strain gauge is directed radially from the point of fixation of the rod.

The free end of the manipulator is equipped with a head made in the form of a convex or concave hemisphere or semi-axis or concavity in the shape of a finger. The elastic deformable element is made in the form of a flat, conical, convex, concave or cylindrical solid or hollow part.

Closest to the claimed invention (prototype) is the "Three-dimensional micro-joystick" according to the patent of the Russian Federation No. 2301439.

In accordance with the formula, a three-dimensional micro-joystick contains a housing with a control handle that is connected to an elastically deformable element, on the surface of which there are strain gauges connected to the microprocessor using buses and data transmission media. The elastic element of the three-dimensional micro-joystick is made in the form of an axisymmetric hollow object, tapering up, with cuts on its side surface or without them, on top of which a control handle is fixed, for example, in the form of a hollow cone with cuts on its side surface, on the top of which a control handle is fixed . The strain gages on the elastic element are located radially from the center.

The technical result of the claimed invention is the creation of a smart multifunction switch of a new generation.

Multi-function switches are reprogrammable, high-tech and at the same time cheap, simple, almost completely polymer switches.

A method for switching electrical circuits and a multifunction switch for its implementation is proposed.

The way of switching electrical circuits using the manipulator is that the manipulator around which or on which the available options for switching circuits are conventionally indicated, press in the direction of the selected circuit switching option, and then stop pressing after switching, and the force effect from pressing applied to the manipulator, transmit to an elastically deformable element containing strain gauges that generate signals for a microprocessor that performs switching actions and electrical circuits using switching devices.

The main differences of the claimed object - the method of switching electrical circuits are as follows:

1. Using a microprocessor, the resistance values of the manipulator strain gages are analyzed and, using known algorithms, the angle of the direction of depression of the manipulator is calculated, and if the calculated angle of the direction of depression falls into the range of angle angles corresponding to one of the available options for switching circuits, the microprocessor implements the selected option switching circuits using switching devices.

Of course, circular film devices are widely known, for example, according to US patent No. 335860, 2003. “Pressing direction sensor and input device using the same”, which produce a signal showing the direction of cursor movement on the display or switching the operating modes of the device (player, camera) . The sensor contains a ring made of a film of resistive material, the resistance of which depends on where it is pressed. There, the resistance of one resistive sensor directly depends on the place of pressing and for further switching of circuits or control no additional calculations are required. A feature of the difference of the proposed method is that the angle of the direction of pressing is calculated by the signals simultaneously taken from several strain gauges at once, and the calculation is performed using well-known algorithms disclosed, for example, in RF patent No. 2275674.

2. For the implementation of a single-position on-off switch or limit switch programmatically, the required switching of the electric circuit is carried out if the calculated angle of the direction of pressing falls into the only range of angles of the direction of pressing corresponding to the only available option for switching circuits.

3. For the implementation of a two-position switch-toggle switch, as well as a three- and multi-position switch programmatically, the required switching of electrical circuits is carried out in the event that the calculated angle of the direction of pressing falls into two, three or more ranges of the angle of the direction of pressing of the manipulator corresponding to the available circuit switching options.

4. Programmatically change the available options for switching electrical circuits and their number in the process of switching electrical circuits and depending on the previously selected option for switching electrical circuits.

5. The selected option for switching electrical circuits is displayed using displays or LEDs located near the manipulator or directly on it.

6. Programmatically change the available options for switching electrical circuits displayed using displays or LEDs and their appearance during the switching process and depending on the previously selected option for switching electrical circuits.

Differences 4, 5, 6 allow us to characterize the unique opportunity to implement software-controlled multifunction devices that replace many buttons. For example, now when setting up a TV receiver, when you press the next button, drop-down menus are displayed on the screen, from which you need to select one or another item by repeatedly pressing different buttons on the remote control, after which another menu will drop out, etc. It is very uncomfortable.

In this method, the implementation of such control options is displayed directly on displays located near the manipulator or directly on it, and the transition from one menu item to another is performed by tilting the handle once to the selected menu item.

Such functionality has not yet been available to existing low-cost mass devices.

A multifunctional switch for implementing the proposed method for switching electrical circuits contains a housing with a control handle that is connected to an elastically deformable element, on the surface of which there are strain gauges connected to the microprocessor using buses and data transmission media.

The main differences of the claimed object is a multifunction switch are as follows.

7.1 The elastic element of the multifunctional switch is made in the form of a truncated hollow cone or other axisymmetric hollow figure of elastic material fixed to the printed circuit board, tapering to the bottom with cutouts on the side surface or without them, in the center of the cavity of which there is a control handle, which through the hole in the circuit board goes to the outside of the switch.

In the three-dimensional micro-joystick according to the patent of the Russian Federation No. 2301439, a cone of elastic material was used, which, however, narrowed upward. The control handle was located on its top from the outside. The design of the elastically deformable element of the inventive multifunction switch is significantly different from the known solutions.

7.2. Strain gages are a layer of electrically conductive elastic material on the surface of an elastically deformable element located on its outer and / or inner side and separated by cuts or gaps so that the sides of the strain gages facing the center of the elastically deformable element are electrically connected and their outer radially diverging sides are separated .

Known devices typically use foil strain gauges that adhere to the surface of the deformable part. Known strain gauges sprayed onto the surface of parts. But strain gages made by applying an electrically conductive elastic material to the surface of an elastically deformable element in the form of three separate strain gages included by a “star” (the sides of the strain gages facing the center of the elastically deformable element are electrically connected, and their external radially diverging sides are separated), were not used in such devices .

7.3. The elastic deformable element is fixed to the printed circuit board by gluing and / or using mechanical fasteners so that the radially diverging sides of the strain gages are electrically connected to the conductive tracks on the board, forming busbars and data transmission means connected to the microprocessor.

The described method of electrical connection of strain gauges with conductive paths on the board in the prototype was not used.

8. To display the selected switching option and the status of the switch, displays or LEDs are used located near the manipulator or directly on it.

The prototype did not use displays or LEDs to display the selected switching option and the state of the switch, although similar solutions are used in other devices. However, this feature is not used within the features of the multifunction switch and for the claimed invention can be recognized as new.

9. The free end of the manipulator is equipped with a head made in the form of a removable or permanently fixed sphere, a convex or concave hemisphere, or other shape of a nozzle.

This feature is used in prototypes, however, it is not used as part of the features of a multi-function switch and for the claimed invention can be recognized as new.

10. The elastic-deformable element is fixed to the printed circuit board by mechanical fasteners in the form of rivets or pins.

11. The elastic-deformable element is fixed on the printed circuit board with mechanical fasteners in the form of brackets or clamps.

12. The elastic-deformable element is glued or welded to the printed circuit board using bosses or tides located on the elastic-deformable element.

Signs 10-13 are known in principle, but they are used for the first time in the device of multifunction switches, and therefore can be recognized as new.

Thus, there are a sufficient number of significant differences that allow us to characterize the proposed solution as a new invention.

Description of the invention is illustrated by figures 1-15:

- figures 1-3 show the device design options for multifunction switches with different options for attaching an elastically deformable element to the board;

- in figures 2, 4 and 5 shows the principle of operation of the multifunction switch;

- figure 6 shows the connection diagram of the strain gauges of the multifunction switch;

- figure 7 shows a connection diagram of multi-function switches to a microprocessor and a switching device;

- in figures 8-11 shows the operation of displays or LEDs when displaying the status of the multifunction switch;

- figure 12 shows the operation of a single-position switch-switch or limit switch;

- figure 13 shows the operation of the multifunction switch in the on-off switch-toggle switch;

- figure 14 shows the operation of the multi-function switch in the three-position switch mode;

- figure 15 shows the operation of the multi-function switch in the four-position switch mode.

In figures 8-15, the position of the manipulator is shown at the time of pressing. After releasing the manipulator, it independently returns to its initial middle position, and the corresponding LED or display displays the current state of the switch.

In figures 1-15, the numbers denote:

1 - manipulator;

2 - control handle;

3 - elastically deformable element;

4 - the head of the manipulator;

5 - cutouts on the side surface of an elastically deformable element;

6 - strain gauge;

7 - printed circuit board;

8 - hole in the circuit board;

9 - conductive path on the board;

10 - the outer side of the switch;

11 - a layer of conductive elastic material;

12 - rod fastener (rivet);

13 - tide or boss for fastening by gluing or welding;

14 - bracket for fastening;

15 - multifunction switch;

16 - microprocessor;

17 - switching device;

18 - buses and data transmission media;

19 - displays or LEDs;

20 - angle of the direction of pressing the manipulator;

21 - available options for switching circuits;

22 - selected circuit switching option.

In figures 1-3, the manipulator 1 is shown, consisting of a control arm 2, made in one piece with an elastically deformable element 3. On the control arm 2, for the convenience of control, the head of the manipulator 4 is mounted in the form of a ball. The elastic deformable element is made of elastic material in the form of a truncated hollow cone, tapering downward.

As an elastic material, various grades of rubbers, silicones, polyurethanes or other elastic polymers can be used.

On the side surface of the cone there are cutouts 5 separating radially diverging strain gages 6.

The elastic deformable element of the multifunction switch is mounted on the printed circuit board 7.

The control handle 2 is located in the center of the inner cavity of the elastically deformable element 3 and through the hole 8 in the printed circuit board 7 goes to the outside of the switch 10.

Strain gages 6 are a layer of conductive elastic material 11 on the surface of an elastically deformable element located on its outer and / or inner side.

As the electrically conductive elastic material, electrically conductive polymers based on rubbers, silicones or other polymers filled with metal powders, conductive doped polymers such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, polyacetylene or carbon nanoparticles, as well as mixtures thereof, can be used.

The strain gauges 6 are separated by cutouts 5 or gaps in the elastically deformable element 3.

The sides of the strain gauges 6, facing the center of the elastically deformable element, are electrically connected due to the continuity of the layer of conductive elastic material in the center.

The external radially diverging sides of the strain gages are separated by cutouts 5 or by specially formed gaps on the elastically deformable element 3 without an electrically conductive elastic material 11.

The elastic deformable element 3 is fixed to the printed circuit board 7 by gluing (Figure 2) or using mechanical fasteners (Figures 1 and 3).

Figure 1 shows the fastening of the elastically deformable element 3 to the circuit board 7 using rod fasteners 12, such as rivets, screws, pins.

Figure 2 shows the fastening of the elastic deformable element 3 to the circuit board 7 by gluing or welding to the printed circuit board using bosses or tides 13 located on the elastic deformable element 3.

Figure 3 shows the fastening of the elastically deformable element 3 to the board 7 using brackets for fastening 14.

In figures 1-3 it is shown that the layer of conductive elastic material 11, forming a strain gauge 6, bypasses the outer side of the elastically deformable element 3 and comes on its inner side. This provides an electrical connection of the radially diverging sides of the strain gauges 6 with the conductive tracks 9 on the board 7 when attached using mechanical fasteners, when gluing or welding (Fig.6).

The conductive tracks 9 on the circuit board 7 form buses and data transmission media 18 and connect the strain gauges 6 of each multifunction switch with a microprocessor 16 (Fig. 7), which in turn is connected to a switching device 17.

To display the selected switching option and the state of the switch, displays or LEDs 19 are used located near the manipulator or directly on it (Fig. 8-15).

The free end of the manipulator 1 is equipped with a head 4, made in the form of a removable or permanently fixed sphere. The head can be made in the form of a convex or concave hemisphere or other shape nozzle. This is necessary in some cases for ease of operation and ergonomics.

The figure 4 shows the action of a finger on the manipulator 1.

The figure 5 shows a method of counting the angle of the direction of pressing 20 of the manipulator 1.

The figure 6 shows a method of connecting a strain gauge 6 to the board 7 "star".

In figures 8-11 shows the operation of displays or LEDs 19 when displaying the status of the multi-function switch 15.

In figures 8-11 shows the available options for switching circuits 21 and the selected options for switching circuits 22, illuminated by LEDs 19.

A description of the method of switching electrical circuits and the principle of operation of the multifunction switch will be described together.

The multi-function switch operates as follows.

In order to make the switching of electrical circuits by one of several available options, which are conventionally indicated on the manipulator 1, the operator presses the control handle 2 of the manipulator 1 with his finger in the direction of the selected circuit switching option, and then stops pressing after switching (figure 2, 4) . The pressure action applied to the manipulator 1 by the handle 2 is transmitted to an elastically deformable element 3 containing strain gauges 6 that generate signals for the microprocessor 16, which acts on switching electrical circuits using a switching device 17. The pressing force on the control handle 2 is transmitted to the elastically deformable element 3, which causes its deformation. The deformation of the elastically deformable element 3 is fixed by the strain gauges 6. Using the tires and data transfer means 18, the signals from the strain gauges 6 are transmitted to the microprocessor 16 (Fig.7).

Using a microprocessor 16, the resistance values of the strain gages 6 of the manipulator 1 are analyzed and their angle using the known algorithms is used to calculate the angle of the direction of pressing 20 of the manipulator 1 (Fig. 5). If the calculated angle of the direction of pressing 20 falls into the ranges of the angle of directions corresponding to one of the available options for switching circuits 21, then the microprocessor implements the selected option for switching the circuit 22 using the switching device 17 (Fig.7)

For the implementation of a single-position switch-switch or limit switch programmatically, the required switching of the electric circuit is carried out in the event that the calculated depression direction angle 20 falls into the only available range of depression direction angles (Fig. 12), which corresponds to the only available circuit switching option.

To implement a two-position switch-toggle switch (Fig. 13) programmatically, as well as a three- and multi-position switch (Figs. 14, 15), the required switching of electrical circuits is carried out in the event that the calculated pressure direction angle falls into two, three or more ranges of direction angles manipulator clicks corresponding to available circuit switching options.

The electronic system shown in Fig.7, has wide capabilities. In particular, it allows you to expand the functionality of multifunction switches programmatically, by changing the available options for switching electrical circuits 21 and their number in the process of switching electrical circuits and depending on the previously selected option for switching electrical circuits 22.

For user convenience, the selected option for switching electrical circuits 22 is displayed using displays or LEDs 19 located near the manipulator or directly on it (Fig.8-15).

The electronic system shown in Fig.7, allows you to programmatically change the available options for switching electrical circuits 21 displayed by means of displays or LEDs 19 and their appearance during the switching process and depending on the previously selected option for switching electrical circuits.

Thus, the proposed invention multifunction switch allows you to create smart switches of the new generation.

Multi-function switches are reprogrammable, high-tech and at the same time cheap, simple, almost completely polymer switches. There are no contact groups in them, so nothing wears out. The resource of even laboratory samples of multifunction switches exceeds 2.5 million clicks, which is many times greater than the resource of the best representatives of contact switches.

With such high reliability, the multifunction switches do not use strategic materials and valuable non-ferrous metals (except copper in the circuit board tracks), expensive spring materials, etc. They can be made from polymeric materials using conventional equipment for the production of plastic parts.

As can be seen from the description, the multifunction switch is extremely simple in design. All its elements can be made on automatic lines. Assembling multifunction switches does not require significant labor. This allows you to organize mass production with a minimum cost.

The developed technologies make it possible to create multifunction switches with sizes from 20 to 7 mm and weighing from 0.6 to 0.2 grams. Minimum weight and size characteristics are very important for space, aviation and other mobile equipment.

Multifunctional switches have a uniquely wide range of functionality, performing the functions of simple switches, toggle switches or multi-position switches, they can simultaneously be used as complete micro-joysticks for entering information and for managing objects.

Moreover, the functions of the multifunction switches can be changed programmatically during its operation and depending on previous manipulations.

Such a wide range of functionalities is not possessed by any known switching microelement.

With a unique combination of simplicity, cheapness, reliability and multifunctionality, the proposed multifunction switches will find the widest application in electronics.

Claims (12)

1. The method of switching electrical circuits using the manipulator, which consists in the fact that the manipulator around which or on which the available options for switching circuits are conventionally pressed, press in the direction of the selected circuit switching option, and then stop pressing after switching, and the force impact from pressing, applied to the manipulator, is transmitted to an elastically deformable element containing strain gauges generating signals for a microprocessor carrying out commu voltage of electric circuits using switching devices, characterized in that using a microprocessor, the resistance values of the strain gages of the manipulator are analyzed and the angle of the direction of depression of the manipulator is calculated from their values, and if the calculated angle of the direction of depression falls into the range of angle angles corresponding to one of the available options for switching circuits, then the microprocessor carries out the selected circuit switching option using switching devices. 2. The method of switching electrical circuits according to claim 1, characterized in that for the implementation of a single-position on-off switch or limit switch programmatically, the required switching of the electrical circuit is carried out if the calculated angle of the direction of pressing falls into the only range of angles of direction of pressing corresponding to the only available switching option chains. 3. The method of switching electrical circuits according to claim 1, characterized in that for the implementation of the programmed two-position switch-toggle switch, as well as a three- and multi-position switch, the required switching of the electrical circuits is carried out in the case of a calculated angle of direction of pressing in two, three or more range of angles of the direction of pressing the manipulator, corresponding to the available options for switching circuits. 4. The method of switching electrical circuits according to claim 1, characterized in that the programmatically change the available options for switching electrical circuits and their number in the process of switching electrical circuits and depending on the previously selected option for switching electrical circuits. 5. The method of switching electrical circuits according to claim 1, characterized in that the selected option for switching electrical circuits is displayed using displays or LEDs located near the manipulator or directly on it. 6. The method of switching electrical circuits according to claim 1, characterized in that the programmatically change the available options for switching electrical circuits displayed by means of displays or LEDs and their appearance during the switching process and depending on the previously selected option for switching electrical circuits. 7. The multifunctional switch for implementing the method according to claim 1, comprising a housing with a control handle that is connected to an elastically deformable element, on the surface of which there are strain gauges connected to the microprocessor using buses and data transmission means, characterized in that the elasto-deformable element of the polymorphic switch is made in the form of a truncated hollow cone or other axisymmetric hollow figure fixed on a printed circuit board from an elastic material tapering to the bottom with cutouts on the side or without them, in the center of the cavity of which there is a control handle that goes through the hole in the circuit board to the outside of the switch, and the strain gages are a layer of conductive elastic material on the surface of the elastically deformable element, located on its outer and / or inner side and divided by cuts or gaps so that the sides of the strain gages facing the center of the elastically deformable element are electrically connected, and their outer radially diverging side are separated, and the elastically deformable element is fixed to the circuit board by bonding and / or by means of mechanical fasteners, so as to radially diverging side strain gauges are electrically connected with wirings on the board, forming the bus and data transmission means connected to the microprocessor. 8. The multifunction switch according to claim 7, characterized in that displays or LEDs located near the manipulator or directly on it are used to display the selected switching option and the state of the switch. 9. The multifunction switch according to claim 7, characterized in that the free end of the manipulator is equipped with a head made in the form of a removable or permanently fixed sphere, a convex or concave hemisphere, or other shape of a nozzle. 10. The multifunction switch according to claim 7, characterized in that the elastically deformable element is fixed to the printed circuit board by mechanical fasteners in the form of rivets or pins. 11. The multifunction switch according to claim 7, characterized in that the elastically deformable element is mounted on the printed circuit board by mechanical fasteners in the form of brackets or clamps. 12. The multifunction switch according to claim 7, characterized in that the resiliently deformable element is glued or welded to the printed circuit board using bosses or tides located on the resiliently deformable element.

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