Method for manufacturing low cost electroluminescent (EL) illuminated membrane switches
US6698085B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49156
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for manufacturing low cost electroluminescent (EL) illuminated membrane switches is disclosed. The method includes the first step of die cutting, embossing or chemically etching the metal foil surface of a metal foil bonded, light transmitting flexible electrical insulation to simultaneously form one or more front capacitive electrodes, membrane switch contacts and electrical shunt, electrical distribution means and electrical terminations that together comprise a flexible printed circuit panel. This continuous flexible printed circuit substrate is then coupled to a precisely positioned indexing system. Next, the front metal foil capacitive electrodes are coated with a light transmissive electrically conductive layer. Then, a layer of electroluminescent phosphor is applied to the electrically conductive layer, a layer of capacitive dielectric is applied insulating the phosphor layer, a rear capacitive electrode is then applied over the capacitive dielectric layer, thus forming an electroluminescent lamp portion. Next, a transparent dielectric coating is applied to the entire surface of the lamp and substrate with open portions exposing electrical terminations, switch conta…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.