Patent · US Expired

Touch switch with illuminated sensor element surface and light guides

US6664489B2 · kind B2 · utility

94Cited by

10References

33Claims

0Family size

Assignee

E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbH · DE

Inventors

Andreas Kleinhans · Bretten, DE
Wilfried Schilling · Gondelsheim, DE

Key dates

Filing date	May 1, 2002
Grant date	Dec 16, 2003
Priority date	—
Expiry date	May 1, 2022

Classification

Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
CPC primaryH03K2217/96079
WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A sensor element and a touch switch arrangement have a sensor surface, which engages on the underside of a control surface. The sensor surface is at least partly light-transmitting and is illuminated from below by a LED as the light source. A Funnel-shaped, closed light guide structure is provided, which guides or conducts the light from the LED to the sensor surface or shield against the environment. The light guide structure can additionally have further function(s) such as securing in position or electrical contacting of the sensor surface.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.