GB2323709A - Pressure-sensitive switch - Google Patents

Pressure-sensitive switch Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2323709A
GB2323709A GB9706191A GB9706191A GB2323709A GB 2323709 A GB2323709 A GB 2323709A GB 9706191 A GB9706191 A GB 9706191A GB 9706191 A GB9706191 A GB 9706191A GB 2323709 A GB2323709 A GB 2323709A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
electrically conductive
hollow
regions
region
conductive material
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB9706191A
Other versions
GB9706191D0 (en
Inventor
Piers Sebastian Harding
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
STANDARD PROD Ltd
Original Assignee
STANDARD PROD Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by STANDARD PROD Ltd filed Critical STANDARD PROD Ltd
Priority to GB9706191A priority Critical patent/GB2323709A/en
Publication of GB9706191D0 publication Critical patent/GB9706191D0/en
Publication of GB2323709A publication Critical patent/GB2323709A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J10/00—Sealing arrangements
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
    • E05F15/40—Safety devices, e.g. detection of obstructions or end positions
    • E05F15/42—Detection using safety edges
    • E05F15/44—Detection using safety edges responsive to changes in electrical conductivity
    • E05F15/443—Detection using safety edges responsive to changes in electrical conductivity specially adapted for vehicle windows or roofs
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
    • E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
    • E05Y2900/50—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for vehicles
    • E05Y2900/53—Type of wing
    • E05Y2900/55—Windows
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
    • H01H3/14—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch adapted for operation by a part of the human body other than the hand, e.g. by foot
    • H01H3/141—Cushion or mat switches
    • H01H3/142—Cushion or mat switches of the elongated strip type

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Abstract

A pressure-sensitive switch comprises an elongate hollow body 10 having a region formed of an electrically insulating material 11 and having two or more spaced-apart regions formed of an electrically conductive material 13, the arrangement being such that, upon an external force being applied to the switch, the body deforms so that one electrically conductive region may contact another electrically conductive region thereby closing an electrical circuit. The hollow body 10 has a generally circular external cross-section and is suitable for insertion at any random orientation in a generally circular channel of an elongate sealing member. After the electrically conductive regions 13 contact each other, the hollow body 10 continues to be deformed during a limited period of overtravel. The shape and location of the electrically conductive regions 13 are such that the maximum degree of deformation of the hollow body 10, as measured by the amount of travel between two parallel planar surfaces abutting diametrically opposed regions of the hollow body 10, does not vary too significantly in dependence upon the particular angular orientation of the switch. The switch is used for preventing entrapment of objects in a closable aperture, e.g. windows, sunroofs and tailgates in automobiles.

Description

PRESSURE-SENSITIVE SWITCH This invention relates to a pressure-sensitive switch. In the automotive industry, it is becoming increasingly common to fit an elongate pressuresensitive safety switch to apertures closable by an electric motor, such as windows, sunroofs and tailgates. The pressure-sensitive switch acts as a safety device and prevents entrapment of objects, particularly fingers, in the aperture. The pressuresensitive switch is placed between the fixed and moving portions which define the aperture such that if an object is trapped between these portions, compression of the pressure-sensitive switch causes an electrical circuit to be made which releases any entrapment.
Many such pressure-sensitive switches are available which take the form of an elongate hollow body made up of areas of electrically conductive material separated by areas of electrically insulating material such that compression of the switch brings the electrically conductive areas into contact producing a detectable change in resistance. EP 0,167,341 describes a pressure-sensitive conductive strip switch assembly which comprises a strip of pressure-sensitive conductive rubber, sandwiched between a pair of striplike metal wire cloths, such that there is a space between the rubber and the metal cloths, and a rubber sheath which surrounds the whole assembly. External pressure causes the metal wire cloths to come into contact with the conductive rubber, causing a short circuit. A problem with this design is it allows for little over-travel, which is needed if the switch is to be applied to apertures in which the moving element takes some time to electromechanically reverse its closing motion, such as car windows.
EP 0,353,332 describes a safety contact rail which has a hollow rubber section with a bezel-like or knife edge rib inside, where the surface of the rib and the counter-surface of the hollow rubber section are electrically conducting but are separated by areas of the hollow rubber section that are made of insulating material. When pressure is applied to the contact rail in an appropriate direction, the rib is brought into contact with the electrically conductive countersurface and a switching pulse results.
A problem with previous pressure-sensitive switches is that their switching efficiency is highly dependent on the angle at which the pressure is applied. As entrapments can occur at varying angles, it is highly desirable for the switch to be operable at a range of pressure angles. Furthermore, if a switch with an externally circular cross-section is operable over a 3600 range, it can then be inserted into a circular channel in any orientation, and thus greatly simplify the fitting procedure.
The aim of the present invention is to provide a pressure-sensitive switch which is operable by light pressure, which allows a relatively large degree of low-pressure over-travel and which is sensitive to pressures over a 3600 operation range.
The present invention relates to a pressuresensitive switch which comprises a elongate hollow body suitable for insertion in a channel extending longitudinally in an elongate sealing member, the body having regions formed of an electrically insulating material and having two or more spaced-apart regions formed of an electrically conductive material and capable of forming part of an electrical circuit, with two such spaced-apart regions being separated from each other by regions formed of electrically insulating material, the arrangement being such that, upon an external force being applied to the switch, the body deforms so that one electrically conductive region may contact another electrically conductive region thereby in use closing the circuit; wherein the hollow body has a generally circular external cross-section and is suitable for insertion at any random orientation in a generally circular channel of the sealing member; wherein in use, after the electrically conductive regions contact each other, the force may continue to deform the hollow body during a limited period of overtravel during which the electrically conductive regions continue to abut each other; and wherein the shape and location of the electrically conductive regions are such that the maximum degree of deformation of the hollow body, as measured by the amount of travel between two parallel planar surfaces abutting diametrically opposed regions of the hollow body and being moved towards each other, before the circuit is closed, does not vary too significantly in dependence upon the particular angular orientation of the switch between the parallel planar surfaces.
It is preferable if, when the electrically conductive regions continue to abut each other, they abut each other in a stationary face-to-face manner.
Preferably the maximum degree of deformation varies by no more than 35%.
More preferably the maximum degree of deformation varies by no more than 25.
Yet more preferably the maximum degree of deformation varies by no more than 15%.
Conveniently the switch also includes electrical conductors, in the form of elongate metal elements, in the electrically conductive regions.
In a first preferred embodiment there is provided a switch wherein one of the regions made from electrically conductive material includes a projection which extends into the hollow, beyond the centre of the body, and terminates before it reaches the opposing side of the body, and wherein the other region made from electrically conductive material is positioned on the inner surface of the hollow body such that it opposes the first region and is formed into an arcuate shape which covers approximately 1800 of the inner surface of the body and terminates in two short projections which extend into the hollow towards the projection of the first region.
In a second preferred embodiment there is provided a switch wherein one of the regions made from electrically conductive material includes a projection which extends into the hollow, terminating before it reaches the centre of the body, and wherein the other region made from electrically conductive material is positioned on the inner surface of the hollow body such that it opposes the first region and is formed into an arcuate shape which covers approximately 1200 of the inner surface of the body and terminates in two projections which extend into the hollow towards the projection of the first region.
In a third preferred embodiment there is provided a switch wherein one of the regions made from electrically conductive material includes a projection which extends into the hollow and terminates before it reaches the opposing surface of the body, with the projection being predominantly L-shaped when viewed in cross-section, and wherein the other region made from electrically conductive material is positioned on the inner surface of the hollow body such that it opposes the first region and is formed into an arcuate shape which covers approximately 1800 of the body.
In a fourth preferred embodiment there is provided a switch wherein both of the regions made from electrically conductive material include projections which extend into the hollow, terminate before reaching the centre of the body and then extend laterally in both directions, such that the projections are substantially T-shaped when viewed in cross-section and are positioned within the hollow such that they oppose one another, and wherein one of the regions made from electrically conductive material is also formed into an arcuate shape which extends along the inner surface of the hollow body and extends over more than 1800 of the inner surface.
In a fifth preferred embodiment there is provided a switch wherein both of the regions made from electrically conductive material are arcuate and extend over at least 900 of the hollow body and include a projection at one end which extends into the hollow, and terminates before it reaches the opposing side of the body, such that inside the hollow, the two projections are substantially parallel when viewed in cross-section.
In a sixth preferred embodiment there is provided a switch wherein one of the regions made from electrically conductive material includes a projection which extends into the hollow, beyond the centre of the body, terminating before it reaches the opposing side of the body, and then extends laterally in both directions such that the projection is substantially Tshaped when viewed in cross-section, and wherein the other region made from electrically conductive material is positioned on the inner surface of the hollow body such that it opposes the first region and is formed into an arcuate shape which covers more than 1800 of the inner surface of the body.
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which Figures 1 to 6 show cross-sections through preferred embodiments of a pressure-sensitive switch in accordance with the present invention.
Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a pressure-sensitive switch, which comprises an elongate hollow body 10 which has a circular external configuration and which has at least one region (in this case only a single region) formed from an electrically insulating material 11 and two spacedapart regions formed from an electrically conducting material 13. The electrically conductive regions 13 enclose wires 14 which run longitudinally thorough the switch and connect with an external circuit. The arrangement is such that when an external force is applied to the switch from any direction, the body 10 deforms so that the electrically conductive regions 13 are brought together causing a short-circuit.
Figures 2 to 6 show alternative pressure-sensitive switches in which the components numbered 20 to 24, 30 to 34, and so on correspond respectively to the components of Figure 1 numbered 10 to 14.
There is thus provided a pressure-sensitive switch which can be applied to the edge of apertures closable by an electric motor which is sensitive to pressure from all angles, and which allows a considerable degree of over-travel after the switch connection is made, without serious risk of damaging any trapped object.

Claims (13)

1. A pressure-sensitive switch which comprises a elongate hollow body suitable for insertion in a channel extending longitudinally in an elongate sealing member, the body having regions formed of an electrically insulating material and having two or more spaced-apart regions formed of an electrically conductive material and capable of forming part of an electrical circuit, with two such spaced-apart regions being separated from each other by regions formed of electrically insulating material, the arrangement being such that, upon an external force being applied to the switch, the body deforms so that one electrically conductive region may contact another electrically conductive region thereby in use closing the circuit; wherein the hollow body has a generally circular external cross-section and is suitable for insertion at any random orientation in a generally circular channel of the sealing member; wherein in use, after the electrically conductive regions contact each other, the force may continue to deform the hollow body during a limited period of overtravel during which the electrically conductive regions continue to abut each other; and wherein the shape and location of the electrically conductive regions are such that the maximum degree of deformation of the hollow body, as measured by the amount of travel between two parallel planar surfaces abutting diametrically opposed regions of the hollow body and being moved towards each other, before the circuit is closed, does not vary too significantly in dependence upon the particular angular orientation of the switch between the parallel planar surfaces.
2. A switch according to claim 1, wherein when the electrically conductive regions continue to abut each other they abut each other in a stationary face to-face manner.
3. A switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the maximum degree of deformation varies by no more than 35%.
4. A switch according to claim 3, wherein the maximum degree of deformation varies by no more than 25%.
5. A switch according to claim 4, wherein the maximum degree of deformation varies by no more than 15%.
6. A switch according to any preceding claim, which also includes electrical conductors, in the form of elongate metal elements, in the electrically conductive regions.
7. A switch according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the regions made from electrically conductive material includes a projection which extends into the hollow, beyond the centre of the body and terminates before it reaches the opposing side of the body, and wherein the other region made from electrically conductive material is positioned on the inner surface of the hollow body such that it opposes the first region and is formed into an arcuate shape which covers approximately 1800 of the inner surface of the body and terminates in two short projections which extend into the hollow towards the projection of the first region.
8. A switch according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the regions made from electrically conductive material includes a projection which extends into the hollow terminating before it reaches the centre of the body, and wherein the other region made from electrically conductive material is positioned on the inner surface of the hollow body such that it opposes the first region and is formed into an arcuate shape which covers approximately 1200 of the inner surface of the body and terminates in two projections which extend into the hollow towards the projection of the first region.
9. A switch according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the regions made from electrically conductive material includes a projection which extends into the hollow and terminates before it reaches the opposing surface of the body, with the projection being predominantly L-shaped when viewed in cross-section, and wherein the other region made from electrically conductive material is positioned on the inner surface of the hollow body such that it opposes the first region and is formed into an arcuate shape which covers approximately 1800 of the body.
10. A switch according to any preceding claim, wherein both of the regions made from electrically conductive material include projections which extend into the hollow, terminate before reaching the centre of the body and then extend laterally in both directions, such that the projections are substantially T-shaped when viewed in cross-section and are positioned within the hollow such that they oppose one another, and wherein one of the regions made from electrically conductive material is also formed into an arcuate shape which extends along the inner surface of the hollow body and extends over more than 1800 of the inner surface.
11. A switch according to any preceding claim, wherein both of the regions made from electrically conductive material are arcuate and extend over at least 900 of the hollow body and include a projection at one end which extends into the hollow, and terminates before it reaches the opposing side of the body, such that inside the hollow, the two projections are substantially parallel when viewed in crosssection.
12. A switch according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the regions made from electrically conductive material includes a projection which extends into the hollow, beyond the centre of the body, terminating before it reaches the opposing side of the body, and then extends laterally in both directions such that the projection is substantially T-shaped when viewed in cross-section, and wherein the other region made from electrically conductive material is positioned on the inner surface of the hollow body such that it opposes the first region and is formed into an arcuate shape which covers more than 1800 of the inner surface of the body.
13. A switch substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as illustrated in, any one of Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.
13. A switch substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as illustrated in, any one of Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.
Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows
1. A pressure-sensitive switch which comprises a elongate hollow body suitable for insertion in a channel extending longitudinally in an elongate sealing member, the body having regions formed of an electrically insulating material and having two, but only two, spaced-apart regions formed of an electrically conductive material and capable of forming part of an electrical circuit, with two such spacedapart regions being separated from each other by regions formed of electrically insulating material, the arrangement being such that, upon an external force being applied to the switch, the body deforms so that one electrically conductive region may contact another electrically conductive region thereby in use closing the circuit; wherein the hollow body has a generally circular external cross-section and is suitable for insertion at any random orientation in a generally circular channel of the sealing member; wherein in use, after the electrically conductive regions contact each other, the force may continue to deform the hollow body during a limited period of overtravel during which the electrically conductive regions continue to abut each other; and wherein the shape and location of the electrically conductive regions are such that the maximum degree of deformation of the hollow body, as measured by the amount of travel between two parallel planar surfaces abutting diametrically opposed regions of the hollow body and being moved towards each other, before the circuit is closed, does not vary too significantly in dependence upon the particular angular orientation of the switch between the parallel planar surfaces.
2. A switch according to claim 1, wherein when the electrically conductive regions continue to abut each other they abut each other in a stationary face to-face manner.
3. A switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the maximum degree of deformation varies by no more than 35W.
4. A switch according to claim 3, wherein the maximum degree of deformation varies by no more than 25k.
5. A switch according to claim 4, wherein the maximum degree of deformation varies by no more than 15%.
6. A switch according to any preceding claim, which also includes electrical conductors, in the form of elongate metal elements, in the electrically conductive regions.
7. A switch according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the regions made from electrically conductive material includes a projection which extends into the hollow, beyond the centre of the body and terminates before it reaches the opposing side of the body, and wherein the other region made from electrically conductive material is positioned on the inner surface of the hollow body such that it opposes the first region and is formed into an arcuate shape which covers approximately 1800 of the inner surface of the body and terminates in two short projections which extend into the hollow towards the projection of the first region.
8. A switch according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the regions made from electrically conductive material includes a projection which extends into the hollow terminating before it reaches the centre of the body, and wherein the other region made from electrically conductive material is positioned on the inner surface of the hollow body such that it opposes the first region and is formed into an arcuate shape which covers approximately 1200 of the inner surface of the body and terminates in two projections which extend into the hollow towards the projection of the first region.
9. A switch according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the regions made from electrically conductive material includes a projection which extends into the hollow and terminates before it reaches the opposing surface of the body, with the projection being predominantly L-shaped when viewed in cross-section, and wherein the other region made from electrically conductive material is positioned on the inner surface of the hollow body such that it opposes the first region and is formed into an arcuate shape which covers approximately 1800 of the body.
10. A switch according to any preceding claim, wherein both of the regions made from electrically conductive material include projections which extend into the hollow, terminate before reaching the centre of the body and then extend laterally in both directions, such that the projections are substantially T-shaped when viewed in cross-section and are positioned within the hollow such that they oppose one another, and wherein one of the regions made from electrically conductive material is also formed into an arcuate shape which extends along the inner surface of the hollow body and extends over more than 1800 of the inner surface.
11. A switch according to any preceding claim, wherein both of the regions made from electrically conductive material are arcuate and extend over at least 900 of the hollow body and include a projection at one end which extends into the hollow, and terminates before it reaches the opposing side of the body, such that inside the hollow, the two projections are substantially parallel when viewed in crosssection.
12. A switch according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the regions made from electrically conductive material includes a projection which extends into the hollow, beyond the centre of the body, terminating before it reaches the opposing side of the body, and then extends laterally in both directions such that the projection is substantially T-shaped when viewed in cross-section, and wherein the other region made from electrically conductive material is positioned on the inner surface of the hollow body such that it opposes the first region and is formed into an arcuate shape which covers more than 1800 of the inner surface of the body.
GB9706191A 1997-03-25 1997-03-25 Pressure-sensitive switch Withdrawn GB2323709A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9706191A GB2323709A (en) 1997-03-25 1997-03-25 Pressure-sensitive switch

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9706191A GB2323709A (en) 1997-03-25 1997-03-25 Pressure-sensitive switch

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9706191D0 GB9706191D0 (en) 1997-05-14
GB2323709A true GB2323709A (en) 1998-09-30

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ID=10809846

Family Applications (1)

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GB9706191A Withdrawn GB2323709A (en) 1997-03-25 1997-03-25 Pressure-sensitive switch

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102005028739C5 (en) * 2005-06-21 2012-08-16 Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems Gmbh Safety edge, in particular as anti-pinch protection for a motor vehicle

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB465069A (en) * 1935-11-02 1937-04-30 Stanley Saunders Improvements in or relating to electric contact making devices
GB996167A (en) * 1962-11-15 1965-06-23 North Western Specialities Ltd Improvements in electric contact cables

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB465069A (en) * 1935-11-02 1937-04-30 Stanley Saunders Improvements in or relating to electric contact making devices
GB996167A (en) * 1962-11-15 1965-06-23 North Western Specialities Ltd Improvements in electric contact cables

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102005028739C5 (en) * 2005-06-21 2012-08-16 Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems Gmbh Safety edge, in particular as anti-pinch protection for a motor vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9706191D0 (en) 1997-05-14

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