Switch and switch module

Abstract

In a switch (10), a backing material (20) having a first electrode part (41), a spacer (60), and an outer material (30) having a second electrode part (51) are layered in the above order. The first electrode part (41) is formed on the backing material (20) by sewing with needle thread and bobbin thread. Whichever of the needle thread and the bobbin thread forming the first electrode part (41) is exposed to a higher degree on the surface facing the second electrode part (51) is a conductive thread. The second electrode part (51) is formed on the outer material (30) by sewing with needle thread and bobbin thread. Whichever of the needle thread and the bobbin thread forming the second electrode part (51) is exposed to a higher degree on the surface facing the first electrode part (41) is a conductive thread.

Description

Switches and Switch Modules

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a switch and a switch module including a switch.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a woven fabric switch. The woven fabric switch disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an electrode portion in which a conductive material is impregnated into a woven fabric having conductive threads woven therein.

[0003] JP 2011-233441 A

[0004] The switch having an electrode portion made of a solidified conductive material as in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of decorativeness.

[0005] A switch according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a lining having a first electrode portion, a spacer, and a front surface having a second electrode portion, the lining, the spacer, and the front surface being layered in this order. The spacer is made of a non-conductive elastic material and is interposed between the lining and the front surface such that the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion face each other with a gap therebetween. The first electrode portion is formed on the lining by sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread. Of the upper thread and the lower thread forming the first electrode portion, the thread that is exposed on a surface facing the second electrode portion to a greater extent than the surface opposite the surface facing the second electrode portion is a conductive thread. The second electrode portion is formed on the front surface by sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread. Of the upper thread and the lower thread forming the second electrode portion, the thread that is exposed on a surface facing the first electrode portion to a greater extent than the surface opposite the surface facing the first electrode portion is a conductive thread.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a switch. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the switch of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the switch of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional structure taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a circuit including the switch of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a switch module including the switch of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a connection between the switch and the conductive braided cord in the switch module of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a connection between the switch and the conductive braided cord in the switch module of FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of use of the switch of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of use of the switch of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of use of the switch of FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is an action diagram when the switch of FIG. 1 is pressed.

[0007] A switch and a switch module including the switch according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, conductive thread refers to a thread that is conductive. A thread made of a known conductive fiber can be used as the conductive thread. Non-conductive thread is a thread that does not conduct electricity and includes common natural fibers and chemical fibers. Non-conductive threads have a wider variety of thread colors and materials than conductive threads, making them easier to create decorative aesthetics. The sewing using the upper and lower threads is, for example, machine sewing using the upper and lower threads. There are no particular restrictions on the sewing machine used, and it may be a regular sewing machine or an embroidery machine. Furthermore, "sewing" includes both sewing and embroidery.

[0008] 1 to 3, the switch 10 includes a lining 20 having a first electrode portion 41, a spacer 60, and an outer material 30 having a second electrode portion 51. The first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 51 are formed by stitching, as described below. The second electrode portion 51 and the spacer 60 form a pressing portion P that can be pressed by a user of the switch 10.

[0009] 2, the switch 10 has a lining 20, a spacer 60, and a surface 30 laminated in this order. The spacer 60 is interposed between the lining 20 and the surface 30 so that the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 51 face each other with a gap therebetween.

[0010] 1 and 3, in the switch 10, the lining 20 and the outer fabric 30 are sewn together with, for example, a sewing thread 80. The spacer 60 is positioned by being sewn around its periphery with the sewing thread 80. The sewing thread 80 may be, for example, a non-conductive thread.

[0011] The switch 10 may include a first terminal 43 formed on the lining 20. The switch 10 may include a second terminal 53 formed on the outer surface 30. The second terminal 53 is preferably disposed at a position that does not overlap with the first terminal 43 in the stacking direction of the lining 20 and the outer surface 30. For example, the second terminal 53 is disposed at a position rotated relative to the first terminal 43 around the first electrode portion 41.

[0012] In the switch 10, for example, the first terminal 43 is electrically connected to the first electrode portion 41. The switch 10 may also include a first wiring portion 42 that electrically connects the first terminal 43 and the first electrode portion 41 to each other, as shown in FIG.

[0013] In the switch 10, for example, the second terminal 53 is electrically connected to the second electrode portion 51. The switch 10 may include, for example, a second wiring portion 52 that electrically connects the second terminal 53 and the second electrode portion 51 to each other, as shown in FIGS.

[0014] <Lining and Outer Fabric> Examples of the lining 20 and the outer fabric 30 include woven fabric, knitted fabric, nonwoven fabric, and resin sheet. The lining 20 and the outer fabric 30 are insulating. The outer fabric 30 preferably has stretchability.

[0015] Hereinafter, of the two surfaces of the lining 20, the surface facing the outer fabric 30 will be referred to as the inner lining surface 21, and the opposite surface will be referred to as the outer lining surface 22. Of the two surfaces of the outer fabric 30, the surface facing the lining 20 will be referred to as the inner lining surface 31, and the opposite surface will be referred to as the outer lining surface 32.

[0016] There are no particular limitations on the shapes of the lining 20 and the outer fabric 30. There are no particular limitations on the sizes of the lining 20 and the outer fabric 30 as long as the spacer 60 can be accommodated between the lining 20 and the outer fabric 30, but for example, the size of the outer fabric 30 and the size of the lining 20 are equal to each other.

[0017] The lining 20 may have a first exposed portion 23. The outer fabric 30 may have a second exposed portion 33. The first exposed portion 23 and the second exposed portion 33 may be formed as notches, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 . The first exposed portion 23 and the second exposed portion 33 may be formed as holes. The first exposed portion 23 and the second exposed portion 33 may be the same as or different from each other in shape, size, etc.

[0018] The switch 10 is sewn together with the lining 20 and the outer fabric 30 overlapping each other so that the position of the first exposed portion 23 aligns with the position of the second terminal 53 in the stacking direction of the lining 20 and the outer fabric 30. The switch 10 is sewn together with the lining 20 and the outer fabric 30 overlapping each other so that the position of the second exposed portion 33 aligns with the position of the first terminal 43 in the stacking direction of the lining 20 and the outer fabric 30.

[0019] Because the first exposed portion 23 is formed on the lining 20, when the switch 10 is viewed from the surface formed by the lining 20 (lining outer surface 22), the second terminal 53 formed on the outer surface 30 is exposed through the first exposed portion 23.

[0020] Because the second exposed portion 33 is formed on the outer surface 30, when the switch 10 is viewed from the surface formed by the outer surface 32 of the outer surface 30, the first terminal 43 formed on the lining 20 is exposed through the second exposed portion 33.

[0021] [First electrode portion] The first electrode portion 41 is formed on the lining 20 by sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread. Therefore, the thread that forms the first electrode portion 41 is exposed on both the lining inner surface 21 and the lining outer surface 22. There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the first electrode portion 41, as long as it can be formed by sewing.

[0022] Of the upper thread and lower thread forming the first electrode portion 41, the thread that is exposed to a greater extent on the surface facing the second electrode portion 51 than on the surface opposite the surface facing the second electrode portion 51 is a conductive thread.

[0023] In this embodiment, the first electrode portion 41 is formed on the lining 20 by sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread while the inner lining surface 21 is facing upward. Therefore, of the upper and lower threads forming the first electrode portion 41, the thread that faces the second electrode portion 51, i.e., the thread that is more exposed to the inner lining surface 21, is the upper thread. Then, of the upper and lower threads forming the first electrode portion 41, a conductive thread is used for the upper thread so that the thread that is more exposed to the inner lining surface 21 is a conductive thread. In other words, the stitches on the side of the first electrode portion 41 that faces the second electrode portion 51 are formed with a conductive thread.

[0024] The above embodiment in which the thread that is more exposed to the lining inner surface 21 is the upper thread is the result of sewing with the upper thread and the lower thread with the lining inner surface 21 as the front surface. There are no particular restrictions on the front and back of the lining 20 when sewing. In contrast to the above, if sewing with the upper thread and the lower thread is performed with the lining outer surface 22 facing up, the thread that is more exposed to the lining inner surface 21 becomes the lower thread, unlike the above. In this case, a conductive thread is used as the lower thread of the upper and lower threads that form the first electrode portion 41, so that the thread that is more exposed to the lining inner surface 21 becomes the conductive thread.

[0025] The relationship between the front and back of the lining 20 and the conductive thread will be described below, starting with the procedure for forming the first electrode portion 41 on the lining 20. In one example of a method for manufacturing the switch 10, first, the first electrode portion 41 is formed on the lining 20. Then, the second electrode portion 51 is formed on the outer surface 30. Next, the lining 20 on which the first electrode portion 41 is formed, the spacer 60, and the outer surface 30 on which the second electrode portion 51 is formed are laminated together.

[0026] When the first electrode portion 41 is formed on the lining 20 by sewing with the upper thread and the lower thread, the threads constituting the first electrode portion 41 are exposed on both surfaces of the lining 20 on which the first electrode portion 41 is formed. At least one of the upper thread and the lower thread is exposed on one surface of the lining 20. At least one of the upper thread and the lower thread is exposed on the other surface of the lining 20.

[0027] Here, when the first electrode portion 41 is formed on the lining 20 by sewing using a conductive thread as the upper thread, the surface of the lining 20 on which the first electrode portion 41 is formed, on which the conductive upper thread is mostly exposed, is the front surface of the lining 20. When manufacturing the switch 10 using the lining 20 on which the first electrode portion 41 is formed in this manner, the lining 20, the spacer 60, and the outer material 30 are laminated so that the front surface of the lining 20 faces the spacer 60. That is, in this case, the front surface of the lining 20 corresponds to the inner surface 21 of the lining.

[0028] On the other hand, when the first electrode portion 41 is formed on the lining 20 by sewing using a conductive thread as the bobbin thread, the surface of the lining 20 on which the first electrode portion 41 is formed, on which the conductive bobbin thread is mostly exposed, is the back surface of the lining 20. When manufacturing the switch 10 using the lining 20 on which the first electrode portion 41 is formed in this manner, the lining 20, the spacer 60, and the outer material 30 are laminated so that the back surface of the lining 20 faces the spacer 60. That is, in this case, the back surface of the lining 20 corresponds to the inner surface 21 of the lining.

[0029] When the first electrode portion 41 is formed on the lining 20 using conductive threads for both the upper and lower threads, the upper or lower thread that is more exposed on the front surface of the lining 20 and the lower or upper thread that is more exposed on the back surface of the lining 20 are both conductive threads. In this case, the surface that faces the spacer 60 may be either the front surface or the back surface of the lining 20.

[0030] An example of the first electrode portion 41 will be specifically described using Fig. 4. The first electrode upper thread 41U, which is the upper thread forming the first electrode portion 41, is a conductive thread. The first electrode lower thread 41L, which is the lower thread forming the first electrode portion 41, may be, for example, a non-conductive thread or a conductive thread.

[0031] In the first electrode portion 41, for example, on the inner surface 21 of the lining, the first electrode upper thread 41U continuously comes out to the surface through a sewing hole, and on the outer surface 22 of the lining, the first electrode lower thread 41L continuously comes out to the surface through a loop of the first electrode upper thread 41U.

[0032] [First Terminal] The first terminal 43 is formed on the lining 20 by, for example, sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread. The shape of the first terminal 43 is not particularly limited as long as it can be formed by sewing.

[0033] Of the upper thread and bobbin thread forming the first terminal 43, the thread that is exposed to a greater extent on the lining inner surface 21 than on the lining outer surface 22 is a conductive thread. In this embodiment, of the upper thread and bobbin thread forming the first terminal 43, the thread that is exposed to a greater extent on the lining inner surface 21 is the upper thread.

[0034] An example of the first terminal 43 will be specifically described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional structure of the switch 10 around the first terminal 43. A first terminal upper thread 43U, which is an upper thread forming the first terminal 43, is a conductive thread.

[0035] The first terminal lower thread 43L, which is the lower thread forming the first terminal 43, may be, for example, a non-conductive thread or a conductive thread. In the first terminal 43, for example, the first terminal upper thread 43U on the inner lining surface 21 continuously protrudes to the surface through a stitching hole, and the first terminal lower thread 43L on the outer lining surface 22 continuously protrudes to the surface through a loop of the first terminal upper thread 43U.

[0036] [First Wiring Portion] The first wiring portion 42 is formed on the lining 20 by, for example, sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread. For example, at least one of the upper thread and the lower thread forming the first wiring portion 42 is a conductive thread.

[0037] The shape of the first wiring portion 42 is not particularly limited, and the first terminal 43 and the first electrode portion 41 may be connected in a straight line, or the first terminal 43 and the first electrode portion 41 may be connected by a shape that appropriately combines straight lines and curves.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first electrode portion 41, the first wiring portion 42, and the first terminal 43 are formed of a continuous thread. Specifically, the first wiring portion 42 and the first terminal 43 are formed on the lining 20 continuous with the first electrode portion 41 by sewing with a pair of threads continuous with the upper and lower threads forming the first electrode portion 41. Therefore, the first electrode upper thread 41U and the first terminal upper thread 43U are continuous conductive threads. Therefore, it can be said that the first electrode portion 41 and the first terminal 43 are electrically connected to each other. Similarly, the first electrode lower thread 41L and the first terminal lower thread 43L are continuous threads.

[0039] [Second Electrode Portion] The second electrode portion 51 is formed on the outer fabric 30 by sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread. The shape of the second electrode portion 51 is not particularly limited as long as it can be formed by sewing.

[0040] Of the upper thread and lower thread forming the second electrode portion 51, the thread that is exposed to a greater extent on the surface facing the first electrode portion 41 than on the surface opposite the surface facing the first electrode portion 41 is a conductive thread.

[0041] In this embodiment, of the upper thread and lower thread forming the second electrode portion 51, the lower thread is the thread that is more likely to be exposed on the surface facing the first electrode portion 41, i.e., on the inner surface 31 of the outer fabric. As with the lining 20 described above, there are no particular restrictions on the orientation of the outer fabric 30 when sewing.

[0042] An example of the second electrode portion 51 will be specifically described using Figure 4. The second electrode lower thread 51L, which is the lower thread forming the second electrode portion 51, is a conductive thread. The second electrode upper thread 51U, which is the upper thread forming the second electrode portion 51, is preferably, for example, a non-conductive thread. The second electrode upper thread 51U may also be a conductive thread.

[0043] In the second electrode portion 51, for example, on the outer surface 32 of the outer fabric, the second electrode upper thread 51U continuously comes out to the surface through a sewing hole, and on the inner surface 31 of the outer fabric, the second electrode lower thread 51L continuously comes out to the surface through a loop of the second electrode upper thread 51U.

[0044] [Second Terminal] The second terminal 53 is formed on the outer fabric 30 by, for example, sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread. The shape of the second terminal 53 is not particularly limited as long as it can be formed by sewing.

[0045] Of the upper thread and bobbin thread forming the second terminal 53, the thread that is exposed more frequently on the inner surface 31 of the outer surface than on the outer surface 32 of the outer surface is a conductive thread. In this embodiment, of the upper thread and bobbin thread forming the second terminal 53, the thread that is exposed more frequently on the inner surface 31 of the outer surface is a bobbin thread.

[0046] An example of the second terminal 53 will be specifically described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional structure of the switch 10 around the second terminal 53. The second terminal lower thread 53L, which is the lower thread forming the second terminal 53, is a conductive thread.

[0047] The second terminal upper thread 53U, which is the upper thread forming the second terminal 53, is preferably, for example, a non-conductive thread. The second electrode upper thread 51U may be a conductive thread. In the second terminal 53, for example, the second terminal lower thread 53L continuously emerges from the surface of the inner surface 31 of the outer fabric through a stitched hole, and the second terminal upper thread 53U continuously emerges from the surface of the outer surface 32 of the outer fabric through a loop of the second terminal lower thread 53L.

[0048] [Second Wiring Portion] The second wiring portion 52 is formed on the outer fabric 30 by, for example, sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread. For example, at least one of the upper thread and the lower thread forming the second wiring portion 52 is a conductive thread.

[0049] The shape of the second wiring portion 52 is not particularly limited, and the second terminal 53 and the second electrode portion 51 may be connected in a straight line, or the second terminal 53 and the second electrode portion 51 may be connected by a shape that appropriately combines straight lines and curves. Note that the second wiring portion 52 is preferably disposed at a position that does not overlap with the first wiring portion 42 in the stacking direction of the lining 20 and the outer fabric 30.

[0050] In this embodiment, the second electrode portion 51, the second wiring portion 52, and the second terminal 53 are formed of a continuous thread. Specifically, the second wiring portion 52 and the second terminal 53 are formed on the outer fabric 30 so as to be continuous with the second electrode portion 51 by sewing with a pair of threads that are continuous with the upper and lower threads that form the second electrode portion 51. Therefore, the second electrode lower thread 51L and the second terminal lower thread 53L are continuous conductive threads. Therefore, it can be said that the second electrode portion 51 and the second terminal 53 are electrically connected to each other. Similarly, the second electrode upper thread 51U and the second terminal upper thread 53U are continuous threads.

[0051] <Spacer> As shown in FIG. 2, an example of the spacer 60 is made up of a non-conductive spacer body 61 made of an elastic body, and a conductive elastic body 70 .

[0052] The spacer body 61 has a through-hole 62 formed therein. The through-hole 62 penetrates the spacer body 61 in the stacking direction of the lining 20 and the outer fabric 30. The spacer body 61 is interposed between the lining 20 and the outer fabric 30 so that the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 51 face each other with a gap at the position of the through-hole 62. The spacer body 61 is formed, for example, in an annular shape by providing the through-hole 62. The term "annular" used in this description refers to any structure that forms a loop, i.e., a continuous shape with no ends, as well as a structure that has an overall loop shape with a C-shaped gap. "Annular" shapes include, but are not limited to, circles, ellipses, and polygons with pointed or rounded corners.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 4, the conductive elastic body 70 is disposed in the through hole 62. When no force that elastically deforms the conductive elastic body 70 is applied to the conductive elastic body 70, the conductive elastic body 70 is not in contact with at least one of the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 51. In this embodiment, the length of the conductive elastic body 70 disposed in the through hole 62 is shorter than the length of the through hole 62 in the stacking direction of the lining 20 and the outer fabric 30. Therefore, the conductive elastic body 70 is in contact with the first electrode portion 41 but is not in contact with the second electrode portion 51.

[0054] [Conductive Elastic Body] The conductive elastic body 70 includes an elastic, non-conductive base material and a conductive material dispersed in the base material.

[0055] The substrate may be any material as long as it is non-conductive and elastic, and examples thereof include synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, elastic polymer, foam, etc. Specific examples of the substrate include silicone rubber, polyurethane foam, etc.

[0056] Examples of conductive materials include carbon materials, metal oxide materials, and metal materials. Examples of carbon materials include carbon black and carbon nanotubes. Examples of metal oxides include zinc oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, and magnesium oxide. Examples of metals include aluminum, iron, zinc, copper, and silver.

[0057] The shape of the conductive material is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include particles and fibers, but conductive particles are preferred as the conductive material. Carbon black is particularly preferred as the conductive material.

[0058] In addition to the above, the conductive elastic body 70 may be made of ionically conductive rubber or the like. As an example, the conductive elastic body 70 is always conductive. It is preferable that the conductive elastic body 70 exhibits variable resistance, in which the resistance value changes continuously depending on the magnitude of the applied force when a force that elastically deforms the conductive elastic body 70 is applied to the conductive elastic body 70.

[0059] The conductive elastic body 70 does not necessarily have to be conductive at all times, but may be non-conductive when no force is applied and conductive while a force equal to or greater than a specified value is applied.

[0060] The conductive elastic body 70 is in a non-conductive state when no force is applied, and may exhibit variable resistance such that when a force that causes the conductive elastic body 70 to elastically deform is applied to the conductive elastic body 70, the resistance value changes continuously depending on the magnitude of the applied force.

[0061] 5 shows an example of a circuit 200 using a switch 10. The circuit 200 includes a power supply 210. The circuit 200 also includes a control device 220. The switch 10 is interposed between the power supply 210 and the control device 220. Leads for connecting the switch 10 to the circuit 200 can be connected to a first terminal 43 and a second terminal 53 of the switch 10.

[0062] 5, a configuration including the switch 10 and a lead portion for connecting the switch 10 to the circuit 200 is referred to as a switch module 100. The lead portion connected to the first terminal 43 is referred to as a first lead portion 110. The lead portion connected to the second terminal 53 is referred to as a second lead portion 120.

[0063] An example of the switch module 100 will be described with reference to Figures 6, 7, and 8. The first lead portion 110 and the second lead portion 120 are not particularly limited as long as they are conductive wires. For example, lead wires may be used as the first lead portion 110 and the second lead portion 120. A conductive braid formed by braiding conductive threads may also be used as the first lead portion 110 and the second lead portion 120.

[0064] [Conductive Braided Cord] The conductive braided cord may be formed from one thread or two or more threads. When the conductive braided cord is formed by braiding two or more threads, all of the threads constituting the conductive braided cord do not have to be conductive threads. It is sufficient that one or more of the threads constituting the conductive braided cord are conductive threads.

[0065] The conductive knitted cord is, for example, a "knitted cord made with several knitting needles." More specifically, it is a "string with a plain knit structure made with several knitting needles." There is no particular limit to the number of knitting needles, but the more knitting needles there are, the thicker the knitted cord will be. The number of knitting needles is, for example, three. A string with such a plain knit structure is sometimes called a lily knit. Note that plain knitting is also called stockinette knitting or jersey knitting.

[0066] As an example, a conductive braid is formed by flat-knitting a conductive thread into a tubular shape. A tubular shape is a structure having a circumferential wall with a circular cross section. In a conductive braid, the braiding structure corresponds to the circumferential wall. The term "annular" used in this description refers to any structure that forms a loop, i.e., a continuous shape without ends. "Annular" shapes include circles, ellipses, and polygons with sharp or rounded corners. "Annular" shapes are not limited to the above shapes.

[0067] 7 shows an example in which the first lead portion 110, which is a first conductive braid, is connected to the first terminal 43. The connection portion of the first lead portion 110 with the first terminal 43 can be disposed in the second exposed portion 33.

[0068] In the switch module 100, it is sufficient that the conductive thread forming the first terminal 43 is in contact with the first lead portion 110. For example, the first lead portion 110 can be connected to the first terminal 43 by sewing the first lead portion 110 to the first terminal 43. In this case, the thread used to sew the first lead portion 110 may be conductive or non-conductive. Note that this thread is not shown in FIG. 7. As another example, the first lead portion 110 can be connected to the first terminal 43 by adhesively bonding the first lead portion 110 to the first terminal 43.

[0069] 8 shows an example in which the second lead portion 120, which is a second conductive braid, is connected to the second terminal 53. The connection portion of the second lead portion 120 with the second terminal 53 can be disposed in the first exposed portion 23.

[0070] In the switch module 100, it is sufficient that the conductive thread forming the second terminal 53 is in contact with the second lead portion 120. As in the case of the first lead portion 110, the second lead portion 120 may be sewn to the second terminal 53, or the second lead portion 120 may be glued to the second terminal 53.

[0071] <Applications of the Switch and Switch Module> Application modes of the switch 10 and switch module 100 will be described using Figures 9, 10, and 11. The application modes of the switch 10 and switch module 100 are not limited to the modes shown below. Note that the lead portions 110 and 120 are not shown in Figures 9, 10, and 11.

[0072] 9, for example, the switch 10 can be attached to a fabric material 91. The fabric material 91 is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include woven fabric, knitted fabric, nonwoven fabric, resin sheet, etc. Specific examples of the fabric material 91 include fabrics that form clothing, upholstery materials for vehicle seats, upholstery materials for vehicle interiors, etc.

[0073] 9 , the lining outer surface 22 is attached to the front surface of the fabric material 91. For example, the switch 10 may be sewn to the fabric material 91, or the switch 10 may be glued to the fabric material 91. When the switch 10 is sewn to the fabric material 91, the lining 20 and the outer fabric 30 may be sewn together together with the fabric material 91 by a sewing thread 80 that sews the lining 20 and the outer fabric 30 together.

[0074] 10, the switch 10 can also be attached to a fabric material 92. The fabric material 92 has a mounting hole 93. The size of the mounting hole 93 is such that the spacer 60 can be fitted therein, for example.

[0075] 10 , the pressing portion P of the switch 10 is inserted into the mounting hole 93 from the back side of the fabric material 92. The outer surface 32 of the outer surface is attached to the back surface of the fabric material 92. As in the example shown in FIG. 9 , the switch 10 may be sewn to the fabric material 92 with a sewing thread (not shown), or the switch 10 may be glued to the fabric material 92.

[0076] In the example shown in Fig. 11, instead of using the fabric material 91 as shown in Fig. 9, the lining 20 of the switch 10 also serves as the fabric material. In this case, the lining 20 is a fabric constituting clothing, a covering material for a vehicle seat, a covering material for a vehicle interior, etc. With this configuration, for example, clothing, etc. can be integrated with the switch 10.

[0077] <Operation of this embodiment> The switch 10 of this embodiment switches between a non-conductive state and a conductive state as follows: In the switch 10, the conductive thread forming the second electrode portion 51 faces the conductive thread forming the first electrode portion 41. When no force is applied to the switch 10, the second electrode portion 51 is not electrically connected to the first electrode portion 41.

[0078] The action of the switch 10 when the pressing portion P is pressed will be described using Figure 12. In Figure 12, the force F1 pressing the pressing portion P is indicated by a hollow arrow. In Figure 12, the upper and lower threads forming the second electrode portion 51 and the upper and lower threads forming the first electrode portion 41 are not shown.

[0079] 12(a), when the pressing portion P of the switch 10 is pressed, the spacer body 61 elastically deforms, causing the second electrode portion 51 to approach the conductive elastic body 70. In the state shown in FIG. 12(a), the second electrode portion 51 is not yet electrically connected to the first electrode portion 41.

[0080] 12(a), when further force is applied to the pressing portion P, the second electrode portion 51 eventually comes into contact with the conductive elastic body 70, as shown in Fig. 12(b). In this embodiment, the conductive elastic body 70 is always conductive, and therefore, when the second electrode portion 51 comes into contact with the conductive elastic body 70, the second electrode portion 51 is electrically connected to the first electrode portion 41 via the conductive elastic body 70.

[0081] When further force is applied to the pressing portion P from the state shown in Fig. 12(b), the conductive elastic body 70 elastically deforms as shown in Fig. 12(c). The conductive elastic body 70 exhibits variable resistance according to the magnitude of the force applied to the conductive elastic body 70, and therefore the state shown in Fig. 12(c) has a smaller electrical resistance than the state shown in Fig. 12(b).

[0082] Advantages of the Present Embodiment (1) The second electrode portion 51 is formed by sewing with conductive thread, so that the electrode portion can be formed into patterns, figures, symbols, letters, etc. This improves the decorativeness of the switch 10.

[0083] (2) By using a non-conductive thread for the needle thread forming the second electrode portion 51, it is possible to further improve the decorativeness of the switch 10. (3) Because the electrode portions 41, 51, the wiring portions 42, 52, and the terminals 43, 53 can be formed by sewing, it is possible to manufacture the switch 10 having the above configuration without going through complicated processes.

[0084] (4) Since the second electrode portion 51 and the first electrode portion 41 are formed by sewing with conductive thread, the switch 10 is less likely to feel hard when touched compared to when the electrodes are made of hard materials such as metal.

[0085] (5) If the first exposed portion 23 were not formed, the second terminal 53 would be covered by the lining 20 and would not be exposed. When the second terminal 53 is covered by the lining 20 in this manner, it would be difficult to connect the second lead portion 120 to the second terminal 53. Although the upper thread forming the second terminal 53 is exposed on the outer surface 32 of the outer fabric, if a non-conductive thread is used as the upper thread, it would be difficult to connect the second lead portion 120 to the second terminal 53, as described above. On the other hand, if a conductive thread is used as the upper thread, it would be easy to connect the second lead portion 120 to the second terminal 53 on the outer surface 32, but the conductive thread forming the second terminal 53 would be exposed on the surface. Furthermore, if the second lead portion 120 is connected to the second terminal 53 on the outer surface 32, the connection portion between the second terminal 53 and the second lead portion 120 would be exposed on the surface. In this way, if a conductive thread is used for the upper thread, the conductive thread forming the second terminal 53 will be exposed on the surface of the switch 10, and the connection portion between the second terminal 53 and the second lead portion 120 will be exposed on the surface of the switch 10, which creates the problem that the decorativeness cannot be sufficiently improved.

[0086] In this regard, the switch 10 of this embodiment has a first exposed portion 23 that exposes the second terminal 53 provided on the outer surface 30 on the surface of the switch 10 formed by the lining 20. Therefore, the second terminal 53 can be exposed on the side of the switch 10 where the lining 20 is provided via the first exposed portion 23. This makes it easy to connect the second lead portion 120 to the second terminal 53. For example, even if a non-conductive thread is used as the upper thread forming the second terminal 53, it is easy to connect the second lead portion 120 to the second terminal 53. Similarly, the surface of the switch 10 formed by the outer surface 30 has a second exposed portion 33 that exposes the first terminal 43 provided on the lining 20. Therefore, the first terminal 43 can be exposed on the side of the switch 10 where the outer surface 30 is provided via the second exposed portion 33. This makes it easy to connect the first lead portion 110 to the first terminal 43.

[0087] (6) Since the conductive elastic body 70 exhibits variable resistance, it is also possible to detect the magnitude of the force pressing the pressing portion P. In other words, the switch 10 can be applied to a circuit as a pressure sensor.

[0088] (7) The switch module 100 using conductive braids as the leads 110, 120 can be connected to circuits by sewing the conductive braids, resulting in excellent manufacturing efficiency.

[0089] (8) The first electrode portion 41, the first wiring portion 42, and the first terminal 43 are formed of a continuous thread. Similarly, the second electrode portion 51, the second wiring portion 52, and the second terminal 53 are formed of a continuous thread. With this configuration, when manufacturing the switch 10, the electrode portion, the wiring portion, and the terminal can be formed by a continuous sewing operation. This simplifies the process for forming the electrode portion, the wiring portion, and the terminal.

[0090] (Modifications) This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0091] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the size of the outer fabric 30 and the size of the lining 20 are equal to each other is exemplified, but for example, the outer fabric 30 may be larger than the lining 20, or the lining 20 may be larger than the outer fabric 30.

[0092] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the electrode portion, the wiring portion, and the terminal are formed from a continuous thread has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the electrode portion and the wiring portion may both be formed from a continuous thread, and the terminal may be formed from a thread independent of the thread forming the electrode portion and the wiring portion. Furthermore, for example, the wiring portion and the terminal may both be formed from a continuous thread, and the electrode portion may be formed from a thread independent of the thread forming the wiring portion and the terminal. Alternatively, the electrode portion, the wiring portion, and the terminal may each be formed from a thread independent of each other. By adopting such a configuration, for example, the upper thread forming the electrode portion and the wiring portion may be a conductive thread, and the upper thread forming the terminal may be a non-conductive thread.

[0093] Note that examples of structures "formed with independent threads" include those that can be manufactured through the steps exemplified in (A) or (B) below. (A) After one or more structures are formed using a sewing machine, the thread is temporarily cut. Then, the thread set in the sewing machine is continued to be used to resume forming other structures. In other words, since the thread that was continuous at the start of production is cut during the manufacturing process, the structures formed by sewing are formed with independent threads. (B) Different threads are used in the process of forming at least one structure and the process of forming other structures.

[0094] Even when a structure formed by an independent thread is adopted, the conductive thread forming the structure contacts the conductive thread forming another structure, thereby electrically connecting the structure formed by the independent thread to the other structure. For example, when a terminal is formed by a thread independent of the thread forming the electrode portion and the wiring portion, the conductive thread forming the wiring portion contacts the conductive thread forming the terminal, thereby electrically connecting the electrode portion, the wiring portion, and the terminal to each other.

[0095] The first wiring portion 42 and the second wiring portion 52 are not essential components. For example, the first electrode portion 41 and the first terminal 43 can be connected to each other by forming the first terminal 43 at a position where the first electrode portion 41 is in contact with the first terminal 43. Similarly, the second electrode portion 51 and the second terminal 53 can be connected to each other by forming the second terminal 53 at a position where the second electrode portion 51 is in contact with the second terminal 53.

[0096] In the above embodiment, each thread is illustrated as a single thread, but the number of each thread is not particularly limited. Instead of sewing the lining 20 and the outer fabric 30 together with the sewing thread 80, the lining 20 and the outer fabric 30 may be bonded to each other. For example, adhesive, adhesive tape, heat-sealing tape, etc. may be used for this bonding. Furthermore, when the lining 20 and the outer fabric 30 are resin sheets, the lining 20 and the outer fabric 30 may be directly heat-sealed to each other.

[0097] The spacer main body 61 may be fixed to the lining 20. For example, the spacer main body 61 may be adhered to the lining 20. The conductive elastic body 70 may be fixed to the lining 20. For example, the conductive elastic body 70 may be adhered to the lining 20 with a conductive adhesive.

[0098] The conductive elastic body 70 may be fixed to the outer surface 30. For example, the conductive elastic body 70 may be adhered to the outer surface 30 with a conductive adhesive. A configuration may also be employed in which the conductive elastic body 70 is not in contact with both the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 51. For example, the conductive elastic body 70 is fixed to the inner wall of the spacer main body 61 in a position floating within the through-hole 62. With this configuration, when the pressing portion P is pressed, the second electrode portion 51 first comes into contact with the conductive elastic body 70. When pressed further, the conductive elastic body 70 comes into contact with the first electrode portion 41.

[0099] The conductive elastic body 70 may be omitted. In this case, when the pressing portion P is pressed and the second electrode portion 51 and the first electrode portion 41 come into direct contact with each other, the switch 10 is brought into a conducting state.

[0100] 9 to 11, a configuration in which one switch 10 is attached to a fabric material is illustrated. There is no particular limit to the number of switches 10 that can be attached to a fabric material, and two or more switches 10 may be attached to a single piece of fabric material.

[0101] (Additional Notes) The above embodiment includes the configurations described in the following additional notes. [Supplementary Note 1] A switch comprising a lining having a first electrode portion, a spacer, and an outer fabric having a second electrode portion, the lining, the spacer, and the outer fabric being laminated in this order, wherein the spacer is made of a non-conductive elastic body, the spacer is interposed between the lining and the outer fabric such that the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion face each other with a gap therebetween, the first electrode portion is formed on the lining by sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread, and of the upper thread and the lower thread forming the first electrode portion, the thread which is exposed on a surface facing the second electrode portion to a greater extent than the surface opposite to the surface facing the second electrode portion is a conductive thread, and the second electrode portion is formed on the outer fabric by sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread, and the thread which is exposed on a surface facing the first electrode portion to a greater extent than the surface opposite to the surface facing the first electrode portion is a conductive thread.

[0102] [Appendix 2] The switch described in [Appendix 1], wherein of the upper thread and the lower thread forming the second electrode portion, the thread that is exposed on a surface facing the first electrode portion to a greater extent than the surface opposite to the surface facing the first electrode portion is a conductive thread, and the other thread is a non-conductive thread.

[0103] [Appendix 3] The spacer has: a non-conductive spacer body made of an elastic body, the spacer body having a through hole formed therein, the non-conductive spacer body being interposed between the lining and the outer body so that the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion face each other with a gap at the position of the through hole; and a conductive elastic body that is disposed in the through hole and is not in contact with at least one of the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, and the conductive elastic body includes an elastic non-conductive base material and a conductive material dispersed in the base material.

[0104] [Note 4] The garment further comprises: a first terminal formed on the lining by sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread; and a second terminal formed on the outer fabric by sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread, and disposed at a position not overlapping with the first terminal in the stacking direction of the lining and the outer fabric; wherein, of both surfaces of the lining, the surface facing the outer fabric is the inner lining surface, and the surface opposite the inner lining surface is the outer lining surface; of both surfaces of the outer fabric, the surface facing the lining is the inner lining surface, and the surface opposite the inner lining surface is the outer lining surface; of the upper thread and the lower thread forming the first terminal, the thread that is exposed to a greater extent on the inner lining surface than on the outer lining surface is a conductive thread, and the first terminal and the first electrode portion are electrically connected to each other; A switch described in any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 3], wherein the thread of the upper thread and the lower thread forming the second terminal that is exposed on the inner surface of the outer surface of the outer material to a greater extent than the proportion of the thread exposed on the outer surface of the outer material is a conductive thread, and the second terminal and the second electrode portion are electrically connected to each other; the lining has a first exposed portion that exposes the second terminal provided on the outer material on the surface of the switch formed by the lining; and the outer material has a second exposed portion that exposes the first terminal provided on the lining on the surface of the switch formed by the outer material.

[0105] [Appendix 5] The switch described in any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 3] further comprising: a first terminal formed on the lining by sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread; and a second terminal formed on the outer fabric by sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread, wherein the first terminal and the first electrode portion are electrically connected to each other; and the second terminal and the second electrode portion are electrically connected to each other.

[0106] [Supplementary Note 6] A switch module comprising: the switch according to [Supplementary Note 4] or [Supplementary Note 5]; a first lead portion connected to the first terminal; and a second lead portion connected to the second terminal.

[0107] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10...Switch 20...Lining 23...First exposed portion 30...Outer material 33...Second exposed portion 41...First electrode portion 41U...First electrode upper thread 41L...First electrode lower thread 42...First wiring portion 43...First terminal 43U...First terminal upper thread 43L...First terminal lower thread 51...Second electrode portion 51U...Second electrode upper thread 51L...Second electrode lower thread 52...Second wiring portion 53...Second terminal 53U...Second terminal upper thread 53L...Second terminal lower thread 60...Spacer 61...Spacer body 62...Through hole 70...Conductive elastic body 100...Switch module 110...First lead portion 120...Second lead portion P...Pressing portion

Claims

1. A switch comprising a lining having a first electrode portion, a spacer, and an outer fabric having a second electrode portion, the lining, the spacer, and the outer fabric being laminated in this order, wherein the spacer is made of a non-conductive elastic body, the spacer is interposed between the lining and the outer fabric so that the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion face each other with a gap between them, the first electrode portion is formed on the lining by sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread, and of the upper thread and the lower thread forming the first electrode portion, the thread that is exposed on the surface facing the second electrode portion to a greater extent than the surface opposite the surface facing the second electrode portion is a conductive thread, and the second electrode portion is formed on the outer fabric by sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread, and the thread that is exposed on the surface facing the first electrode portion to a greater extent than the surface opposite the surface facing the first electrode portion is a conductive thread.

2. A switch as described in claim 1, wherein of the upper thread and lower thread forming the second electrode portion, the thread that is exposed to a greater extent on the surface facing the first electrode portion than on the surface opposite the surface facing the first electrode portion is a conductive thread, and the other thread is a non-conductive thread.

3. The switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spacer comprises: a non-conductive spacer body made of an elastic body, the spacer body having a through-hole formed therein, the spacer body being interposed between the lining and the outer body so that the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion face each other with a gap at the position of the through-hole; and a conductive elastic body that is disposed in the through-hole and is not in contact with at least one of the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, and the conductive elastic body includes an elastic non-conductive base material and a conductive material dispersed in the base material.

4. A garment further comprising: a first terminal formed on the lining by sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread; and a second terminal formed on the outer fabric by sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread, and positioned so as not to overlap with the first terminal in the stacking direction of the lining and the outer fabric; wherein, of both surfaces of the lining, the surface facing the outer fabric is the inner lining surface, and the surface opposite the inner lining surface is the outer lining surface; of both surfaces of the outer fabric, the surface facing the lining is the inner surface of the outer fabric, and the surface opposite the inner surface of the outer fabric is the outer surface; of the upper thread and the lower thread forming the first terminal, the thread that is exposed to a greater extent on the inner lining surface than on the outer lining surface is a conductive thread, and the first terminal and the first electrode portion are electrically connected to each other; The switch described in claim 3, wherein the thread of the upper thread and the lower thread forming the second terminal that is exposed on the inner surface of the outer surface of the outer surface to a greater extent than the other thread is a conductive thread, and the second terminal and the second electrode portion are electrically connected to each other; the lining has a first exposed portion that exposes the second terminal provided on the outer surface to a surface of the switch formed by the lining; and the outer surface has a second exposed portion that exposes the first terminal provided on the lining to a surface of the switch formed by the outer surface.

5. A switch as described in claim 3, further comprising: a first terminal formed on the lining by sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread; and a second terminal formed on the outer material by sewing with an upper thread and a lower thread, wherein the first terminal and the first electrode portion are electrically connected to each other, and the second terminal and the second electrode portion are electrically connected to each other.

6. A switch module comprising: a switch according to claim 4; a first lead portion connected to the first terminal; and a second lead portion connected to the second terminal.

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