Patent Publication Number: US-2003222508-A1

Title: Switch

Description:
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/273,429 filed on Oct. 16, 2002. 
    
    
     
       [0002] The invention relates to a switch and particularly to, although not exclusively limited to, a switch which requires no physical contact with a circuit.  
       [0003] Switches for electrical circuits normally comprise a physical break in the circuit which allows an operator to complete the circuit by actuating an appropriate lever. Conventional electric light switches are an example of such an arrangement where an insulated lever is connected to a break in the circuit and actuation of the lever completes the circuit to allow the light to be activated. Such switches have several drawbacks. Firstly, because the switch is a mechanical interface with the circuit the switch is subject to wear and may eventually fail. More importantly, conventional light switches cannot be used in environments where there is a likelihood that conductive material could cause either shorting of the circuit or an electric shock hazard. An example of such an environment would be a bathroom where there is a likelihood that the user may have wet hands when activating the switch. That presents significant risks of electric shock to the user. Consequently, such switches are not used in bathrooms and the switch is either arranged outside the bathroom or alternatively the switch is located in the ceiling and is actuated by means of a pull string.  
       [0004] Electronic switches, such as dimmers, have an arrangement of mechanical knobs that are used to set a reference trigger voltage to an electronic device located within the switch, such as a Triac, which connects AC power to the electric circuit when the reference voltage is reached or exceeded. Other implementations of the dimmer switch use a metallic or conductive faceplate, which provides a physical connection to the circuit located within the dimmer switch. When the face plate is touched it completes a circuit which affects an oscillator frequency or a mains hum detector which is then used to trigger an electronic device, such as a Triac, to connect AC power to the electric circuit. The power delivered to the electric circuit can be varied by increasing the length of time that the hand is held to the faceplate, or by reducing the reference voltage to the trigger device.  
       [0005] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved switch.  
       [0006] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a switch device comprising a face plate and a single switch oscillator having a capacitive component, the capacitive component having a first capacitor plate arranged adjacent the face plate, the face plate preventing electrical contact between the user and the oscillator whereby an object placed adjacent the face plate acts as a second capacitor plate thereby altering the frequency of the oscillator, control means being provided to sense the change in frequency and to actuate the switch in response to such a change.  
       [0007] In that way a non-mechanical switch is provided which enables a circuit to be switched without physical contact by the user since the switch activation presence can be the physical proximity of, for example the user&#39;s hand, to the switch oscillator. There is no requirement for physical contact with the device since physical proximity of the user&#39;s hand with the switch oscillator will change the switch oscillator fundamental frequency which will activate the switch. The object could be an inanimate object such as a stick and there is no need for the object to be conductive. The object could be a hand of the user. Proximity of any object to the switch oscillator will cause stray capacitance in the oscillator and hence change the oscillator characteristics and operating frequency.  
       [0008] The switch can operate as a conventional on/off switch, or dimmer switch or provide other programmable functions without the need for a physical connection to the electric circuit located within the switch, thereby removing the risk of electric shock and allowing the switch to be used in locations otherwise precluded to an AC switch.  
       [0009] Because the switching is non-mechanical, the possibility of the switch arcing is eliminated. That renders the switch safe for use in areas of explosion hazard, for example petrol station forecourts, and places where flammable gas is used or stored.  
       [0010] The plate is preferably made from electrically insulating material. In that way the risk of electric shock is eliminated. The face plate is preferably arranged so that it can be retrofit to existing switch mountings. Alternatively, the face plate may be designed as a bespoke plate.  
       [0011] The detection of the shift in frequency of the switch oscillator is achieved within the micro controller by software, which is designed to filter out anv noise spikes or frequency drift caused by manufacture or humidity or temperature increases or decreases.  
       [0012] To reduce the effect of frequency shifting in the switch oscillator due to manufacture, or an increase or decrease in temperature, the frequency from the oscillator is continually recalculated at a fixed period by the micro controller. The software within the micro-controller also preferably automatically detects the frequency of the mains supply to which it is connected. via an AC Zero detector circuit which allows the switch to be connected to mains supplies with differing frequencies. The software alters the firing signal to an AC trigger circuit based on the mains frequency calculated and therefore can automatically provide the correct firing pulses for the trigger circuit no matter what AC mains frequency is being generated.  
       [0013] Preferably, the components of the switching device are arranged on a printed circuit board.  
       [0014] In another embodiment several such switching devices may be arranged on a single circuit board adjacent a single face plate. In such a case the face plate may have markings thereon to illustrate where a user should touch the face plate in order to activate particular individual switching devices.  
       [0015] In one embodiment the switching device can be used to switch a light circuit.  
       [0016] In such a case various control functions can be effected by means of the switch controlled by software in the light circuit. For example, gradual ramping up of current to the light to preserve bulb life, a dimmer facility, random light switching or timed light switching can also be provided. In addition, a comfort lamp function where the light is progressively dimmed to a nursery light level may be provided.  
       [0017] Also timed gradual lighting up may be provided to act as an alarm to wake the user.  
       [0018] In a further embodiment, where the switch is connected to the light circuit, the switch includes an integrated smoke detector system which is electronically integrated with the light circuit corresponding to the switch. The smoke detector system comprises a smoke detector element and a sounder which are located within the switch. Upon detection of smoke, the sounder and the corresponding light circuit are activated.  
       [0019] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a wall mounted mains light switch having a smoke detector therein.  
       [0020] The switch may include a passive infra red (PIR) pyro sensor element or other movement and heat sensing device which, with the sounder, acts as a burglar alarm/deterrent.  
       [0021] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a mains light switch including a transmitter for sending outgoing signals along a mains electricity cable, a receiver for receiving incoming signals from the mains electricity cable and a control device arranged to process the incoming and outgoing signals.  
       [0022] Such a system allows the light switch units according to the third aspect of the invention to communicate with each other. Previous mains communication systems have relied on a central mains processor and all signals pass through the mains processor., Thus a substantial capital outlay is required to install a mains communication system in an average house. The switches made in accordance with the third aspect of the invention all carry the control device, such as a microprocessor. Thus each switch can act as a master. That enables extremely straightforward retrofitting of the system since there is no need for an expensive mains control processor. In a most preferred embodiment a switch having all of the features of the first, second and third aspects of the invention is provided.  
       [0023] In a preferred embodiment of any of the above aspects the switch may be connected to a pad capable of vibrating on application of electrical power. In that way, a hard of hearing user may be alerted to, for example, a fire in the house. The user may place the pad under their pillow at night or on a chair during the day. The vibration of the pad acts as a warning to the hard of hearing user. Alternatively, or in addition to the pad, each switch may be arranged to strobe lights in a room or to sound an integral buzzer.  
       [0024] Another alternative embodiment of switch includes a microphone arranged to receive sound from the room in which it is located. In that embodiment the signal received by the microphone may be transmitted via the mains cable to another light switch on the circuit. The signal can be played through a speaker on the other switch. In that way, a nursery intercom system may be provided. In a preferred embodiment the control unit in the switch may alter the light settings according to the sound level in the room. Thus, the light may be arranged to dim gradually to a gentle glow but to ramp up gradually in response to increased noise level, such as a baby crying. Instead of the actual sound from the room being played through the other switch, a noise level indicator may be provided, such as a series of LED&#39;s which are progressively illuminated as noise level increases. An alarm may be provided which sounds when the noise exceeds a certain level.  
       [0025] The aforementioned vibration pad could be provided in connection with the above embodiment to alert hard of hearing parents to a distressed child.  
       [0026] In the most preferred embodiment each switch incorporates the features of the first, second and third aspects of the invention, thereby providing a contactless switch which can be used in all areas, which provides smoke detection and which can communicate with other such switches down mains electricity cable.  
       [0027] In a further embodiment of the invention each switch includes some or all of the above mentioned functions, such as PIR sensing, nursery light level adjustment, nursery intercom, hard of hearing alert facility and/or any of the light control functions mentioned above, such as bulb life preservation, dimming, comfort lamp or random switching. The switch may be programmed with specific functions prior to installation. Alternatively, a selector may be provided so that the user may select the function required after installation. The selector may be a numbered dial or in a preferred version an LCD display may be provided with different switching areas allowing the user to cycle through lists of functions displayed on the display and to select specific functions.  
       [0028] The switch preferably comprises a microprocessor controller located within the, and attached to, the buildings mains wiring system. The microprocessor awaits one or more signal from the smoke detector system or PIR sensor to alert it to an alarm function. The microprocessor then operates, as well as the sounders and light circuits, functions such as the activation of a digital communicator or auto dialler to alert a central monitoring station or a designated key holder. The microprocessor may also operate a monitoring and control panel that indicates the type and source of any activation of any of the switches. The switches can, through the microprocessor, contact by telephone or other electronic means the controller and order it to activate any programmable functions which are attached. 
     
    
    
     [0029] A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: FIG. 1 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a contactless switch in accordance with the first aspect of invention, and FIG. 2 shows a more detailed schematic of the switch of FIG. 1; and FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a series of switches in accordance with the first, second and third aspects of the invention.  
     [0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 a contactless switch  10  comprises a sensor part  12  and a switch part  14 .  
     [0031] The sensor part  12  comprises a face plate  16 , a switch sensing oscillator  18  responsive to a switch activating presence adjacent the face plate  16 , a microprocessor  20  and a power circuit  22  which supplies power to the switch  10 .  
     [0032] The switch part  14  comprises a mains zero crossing circuit  24  which sends a signal  26  to the micro processor  20  when the zero crossing of the AC mains is detected, and a semiconductor power switch  28 .  
     [0033] The circuitry of the sensor part and switch part  14  is mounted on a printed circuit board  30  (PCB) The switch sensing oscillator  18  and other components are mounted on a printed circuit board  30 .  
     [0034] The plate  16  is made from an electrically insulating material. The plate  16  has a front surface  32  and a rear surface  34 . The plate  16  is mounted such that its front surface  32  faces an operator and its rear surface  34  faces the printed circuit board (PCB)  30  and. in particular, the switch sensing oscillator  18 . The face plate  16  is designed to fit pre-existing switch mountings.  
     [0035] The switch sensing oscillator  18  is an oscillator of known type, which comprises a resistive component  36  connected to a sensing plate  38 . The oscillator  18  has a fundamental frequency determined by its components. The sensing plate  38  comprises one capacitor plate connected electrically to the resistive component  36 . The plate  38  is mounted to the rear surface  34  of the face plate  16 . The face plate  16  acts as the dielectric for the sensing plate  38 . Consequently, the sensing plate  38  acts as a capacitor which allows the oscillator to generate an output signal at a predetermined frequency. The sensing plate  38  is connected to the rear of the faceplate  16  such that it cannot be contacted by an operator approaching the front surface  32 .  
     [0036] In use, the operator of the switch places his hand adjacent the front surface  34  of the face plate  16 . The hand of the operator acts as the second plate of the capacitor, the sensing plate  38  acting as the first plate. Consequently, the capacitance of the sensing plate  38 /face plate  16  arrangement is changed significantly by the presence of the hand of the operator. That, in turn, alters the frequency of the output signal of the oscillator  18 .  
     [0037] The output from the oscillator  18  is fed to a micro controller  20  which measures and calibrates the frequency received. The software in the micro controller  20  filters the signal received and decides if the switch is to be switched on or switched off.  
     [0038] The sensing plate  38  is formed from a conductive rubber. The plate  38  includes a spur  40  which projects from the plate  38  and connects the plate  38  to the printed circuit board  30 . The advantage of the rubber spur is that it provides a resilient connection from plate  38  to PCB  30  which can conveniently be integrally moulded with the plate  38 .  
     [0039] When the switch is switched on the software within the micro controller  20  analyses the signal  26  from the alternating current zero crossing detector  24  and calculates when the trigger signal  42  is sent to the semiconductor power switch  28 , which comprises a Triac, that switches on the external circuit  29 . While the switch is switched on the software within the micro controller  20  will continue to analyse the signal  26  from the alternating current zero crossing detector  24  and to generate the required trigger signal  42  for the semiconductor power switch  28  thereby keeping the external circuit  29  switched on. When the switch is switched off no signals  42  are sent to the semiconductor power switch  28  thereby keeping the external circuit  29  switched off.  
     [0040] A feedback circuit  48  is connected to a voltage generation circuit  22 . which provides sufficient power to operate the circuit in the sensor part  12  and switch part  14  while the contactless switch is switched on or off.  
     [0041] Changes in the environmental conditions (i. e. a change in the temperature and/or pressure) can cause a change in the fundamental frequency of the switch-sensing oscillator  18 . The software in the micro controller  20  recalculates the fundamental frequency of the switch oscillator  18  every fixed interval and therefore the switch re-calibrates itself to reduce drift within the oscillator circuit  18 .  
     [0042] When the contactless switch is first connected to the mains supply the software within the micro controller  20  calculates the frequency of the alternating voltage that it is connected to. This allows the switch to be used in countries that have differing AC frequencies (i. e. 50 Hz or 60 Hz).  
     [0043] The external circuit  29  may be a mains light circuit and may operate an incandescent bulb or a low voltage bulb, a fluorescent bulb or a lower energy bulb.  
     [0044] The feedback circuit  48  is connected, for example via a capacitor (not shown), to the sensor part  12  and provides sufficient power to operate circuitry in the sensor part  12 .  
     [0045] Changes in the environmental conditions (ie. a change in the temperature and/or pressure) can cause a change in the fundamental frequency of the switch sensing oscillator  18 .  
     [0046] The non-conductive nature of the plate  16  means that the contactless switch  10  of the present invention does not expose the user to an electric shock hazard.  
     [0047] Consequently, the present invention is particularly useful where a risk of electric shock exists, for example in bathrooms, kitchens, shower enclosures, steam rooms etc.  
     [0048] Where control of a d. c. circuit is desired the semiconductor power switch  28  may comprise a transistor.  
     [0049] The printed circuit board  30  may have a plurality of sensor parts  12  and switch parts  14  positioned on it, thus making multiple switching possible from a single plate  16 . Inked printed text and/or margins could be applied to the front surface  32  of the plate  16  sharing the various touch positions. The rear surface  34  may be fitted with one or more low intensity light emitting indicators which illuminate, thereby making the plate  16  visible in darkness.  
     [0050] A further embodiment of the design includes a safety circuit which prevents an electric shock to a person replacing a lamp or touching the two conducting prongs within the lamp holder.  
     [0051] With the inclusion of software-controlled micro circuitry further control functions are incorporated. For example, when the external circuit is a light circuit, a tungsten lamp life extender, auto or resettable lamp brightness control, auto lamp turn off after pre-set time expires, random light turn on/off, slow fadeout control for childrens bedrooms function are incorporated.  
     [0052] When the external circuit  29  is a light circuit and the light itself is a tungsten lamp, the control circuit will gradually increase the voltage supplied to the lamp. In that way, cold inrush current is reduced and early burn-out of the lamp is prevented.  
     [0053] A dimmer is provided to enable control of the intensity of the lamp. By maintaining the hand over the plate  16  for a predetermined period, a dimmer mode is activated. Maintaining the hand in place results in successive dimming of the lamp. The hand can then be removed from the switch when the desired lamp intensity is reached.  
     [0054] In the present embodiment further functions are incorporated and may be indicated to the user by means of pulsing the lamp on and off. To enter a programming mode to access such functions the lamp is turned off and the hand is maintained over the plate  16  for a predetermined period. The circuit will then enter auto-turn off programming mode. Each lamp pulse indicates a one minute delay before auto turn-off whereby the lamp will switch itself off automatically after the preset number of minutes have elapsed beyond switching on of the lamp.  
     [0055] Random light turn on/off for security purposes follows the steps above for controlling the lamp. The hand, etc is maintained for a predetermined period past the minimum dimness of the lamp and then each lamp pulse indicates a one hour delav before turn on, allowing a repeatable sequence to be maintained for each  24  hour sequence until disabled.  
     [0056] A comfort lamp function provides a progressive dimming overtime to a warm comfort lamp level. The function is set from switching the lamp on by maintaining the hand over the face plate until one delayed step in lamp level occurs then removing the hand. Over approximately a five hour period, which can be altered if desired, lamp will dim down to a pre-set brightness level to allow just a warm comfort lamp to remain on.  
     [0057] All of the above functions are programmed by the user touching the face plate and the various control options are presented sequentially. Alternatively, the face plate  16  may include a dial to cycle through control options or an LCD display which indicates which function/functions are active and allows selection of such functions from a displayed list.  
     [0058] A plurality of light switches  10  as described above may be incorporated into a mains light circuit system  50  as shown in FIG. 3.  
     [0059] In FIG. 3 four light switches  10  are shown as part of a mains light circuit system  50 .  
     [0060] Each switch  10  comprises a switch as described in FIG. 1 which allows contactless switching of a light  52 . Each switch  10  includes a microprocessor control  54  which incorporates the switching part  14  of the contactless switch  10  and which also provides control functions for the light circuit and other systems to be described below. Each switch  10  also incorporates a mains electricity cable signal transmitter/receiver  56  which allows signals  58  to be sent and received along a mains electricity cable  60  (shown in broken lines).  
     [0061] Each switch  10  also includes a smoke detector assembly  62  which communicates with the control  54 . The smoke detector assembly  62  comprises a detector (not shown) and a sounder, such as a buzzer (also not shown).  
     [0062] The left-hand most switch  10  as viewed in FIG. 3 has an integral microphone  64 , although a socket for a separate external microphone could be used instead.  
     [0063] The right-hand most switch  10  as viewed in FIG. 3 receives a lead  66  for a vibration pad  68 .  
     [0064] The switch  10  may also include a series of coloured LED&#39;s on the face plate  16  and/or an LCD display also on the face plate  16 . Each switch  10  can function as a programmable light switch allowing the lighting functions described above to be implemented in each room. In addition, the smoke detectors  62  in each light switch act as an integrated alarm system for a building in which the mains light circuit system  50  is installed. In particular, the smoke detector  62  is arranged to sense smoke particles passing through the face plate  16  of the switch  10 . In the event that smoke is detected then the sounder in the smoke detector system  62  is activated and an alert signal is passed to the microprocessor control  54 . The microprocessor control  54  then activates the lighting in a room where smoke is detected.  
     [0065] Additionally, the microprocessor control  54  causes transmitter  56  to send an alert signal  58  along the mains cable  60  to other such switches  10  in the mains light circuit system  50 . On receipt of an alert signal indicating smoke detection in a room the respective microprocessor controls  54  of the other switches  10  cause the sounder of the smoke detector system  62  to sound and strobe the lights . 52  in the respective rooms. The light  52  in the smoke affected area may remain fully on. Alternatively, the light in the room which is affected by smoke may strobe and the other lights may simply be raised to full light levels to illuminate the area. Another function that is envisaged is that selective areas may be illuminated in order to indicate the direction of an escape route to the occupants of the building while lights in the affected room will continue to strobe so that emergency services can quickly locate the affected areas. In a most preferred embodiment the microprocessor control  54  can forward a signal to telephone apparatus to send an automatic emergency signal to the emergency services indicating the nature and location of the emergency.  
     [0066] The microphone  64  in the left-hand most switch  10  in FIG. 3 will act as a nursery monitoring system. The switch  10  is installed in the nursery and the microphone will monitor the level of sound in the nursery. Should the level of sound exceed a predetermined level then an alert signal  58  can be sent via mains cable  60  to other light switches  10  on the circuit system  50  and those light switches can be arranged to sound a warning to occupants of the rooms to alert parents to a distressed child. In addition, where the light switch  10  incorporates a series of coloured LED&#39;s the LED&#39;S can be illuminated in sequence indicating increased noise levels in the child&#39;s room. Still further, each switch may include a speaker to play the noise from the child&#39;s room, preferably on demand by the parent so that the nature of the sound can be determined. In that way, erroneous alerts are minimised.  
     [0067] In the switch which is to be arranged in the nursery the light can be programmed with a comfort lamp function mentioned above and the light level can be varied according to the noise level in the room. In particular, if the noise level exceeds a predetermined level then full light levels can be returned so that a parent or carer entering the room to determine the reason for the child&#39;s distress does not have to enter a dark room.  
     [0068] The right-hand most switch  10  shown in FIG. 3 is equipped with a vibration pad which can be used to alert the hard-of-hearing in the event of smoke detection or increased noise levels in a nursery.  
     [0069] Although not shown, each switch may also incorporate a passive infrared movement sensor which will detect movement in and out of a room. Alert signals  58  can be passed from room to room in that way and the aforementioned connection via telecommunications apparatus to the emergency services can also be affected by the appropriate microprocessor control  54 . The smoke detector sounder in the smoke detector  62  can be used as an audible alarm to deter burglars and strobing of the lights can be affected in order to confuse a burglar in a dwelling.  
     [0070] Each switch  10  in the system described acts as its own master. Consequently, there is no need to incorporate a separate communication system which could be by-passed by an intruder. In order to circumvent the present system, every light switch must be destroyed or deactivated in some way or the mains cabling must be cut which is not practicable. The other advantage of the present system is its retrofittability. In particular, as each switch acts as a master individual switches or pairs of switches can be purchased and the system can gradually be built up into a fully integrated system. For example, the user may primarily be interested in the nursery facility so he/she may wish to purchase the microphone equipped switch for the nursery and another switch, for example, a lounge room. Where a hard-of-hearing person is interested in a smoke detector alert they may purchase a switch equipped with a vibration pad and one or more switches for installation in areas which present a fire hazard. Purchase of further switches will not affect the systems operation since each switch acts as a master and simply forwards appropriate alert signals along the mains cable and the alert signals are interpreted on receipt by the microprocessor control of the local switch.  
     [0071] Each microprocessor  54  controller can also operate other functions such as the activation of a digital communicator or autodialler alerting a central monitoring station or a designated keyholder, the operation of internal and external sounders and external security lights or strobe systems. The microprocessor controller may also operate a monitoring and control panel that will indicate the type and source of any activation by any of the attached switches PIR sensors or smoke detection systems.  
     [0072] Each switch  10  can, through its microprocessor controller, be contacted by telephone, computer or other electronic means and be ordered to activate any of the programmable functions that are attached. In the other direction each controller can be used remotely to operate other appliances connected to and programmed in to the switch series.  
     [0073] Other applications of the contactless switch  10  include, switching electric fans, air conditioning, central heating, kitchen appliances, door bells, CNC machine data entry where the environment is oily, vending machines for vend selection, bank cash-point machines numerical keypads mounted behind plastic polycarbonate sheet for vandal resistance, hospital theatre equipment and appliances where hygiene is of paramount importance, access-control in “clean” rooms, public toilets in restaurants and food chains for operating foot-controlled solenoid-operated taps.  
     [0074] The contactless switch  10  could also have automobile applications. This type of switch  10  would provide vehicle console/dashboard designers with unlimited design possibilities. One example is to mount the contactless switch  10  behind the dashboard such that the plate  16  is co-planar with the dash board which is less obtrusive than conventional switches/dials and the absence of protrusions makes it much safer than the conventional dash board in the event of a crash.  
     [0075] In this application, the contactless switch  10  would be normally fitted with bi-coloured l.e.d. indicators and/or an array showing the switch status, i.e. either on or off or made selected, this also would aid finding the switch at low ambient light levels.