Electroluminescent lamp membrane switch

Abstract

A combined monolithic electroluminescent lamp (52) and membrane switch (50) is manufactured by continuous printing. Graphic indicia (56) are imprinted on a deformable substrate (66). An electroluminescent lamp (52) is imprinted on the graphic indicia layer (56) and a membrane switch (50) is formed on the lamp. The monolithic switch (50) has a layer (120) for sensing switch actuation by means including resistance change, capacitance change, or magnetic field change.

Description

[0001] related application [0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 438,182, filed May 22, 2006, entitled "Electroluminescent Lamp Membrane Switch," which in turn is U.S. Patent Application No. 11, filed June 9, 2005 / 148216 (now a continuation of US Patent No. 7,049,536 issued May 23, 2006). technical field [0003] The present disclosure relates to membrane switches, and more particularly, to an integrated electroluminescent lamp system and membrane switch that reduce labor costs and cycle times for membrane switch manufacture. Background technique [0004] Conventional membrane switches are typically fabricated individually by laminating several separate components together with interposed double-sided adhesive sheets. The steps of die cutting, lamination, and assembly are repeated many times during the manufacturing process, resulting in labor-intensive and slow processing. Typical elements of a conventional membrane switch ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This is because the patterned layer interferes with the electrical connection of the often used ITO conductive layer on the substrate and / or the patterned layer may contaminate other transparent conductive layers other than ITO that may be used

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