EP1287538B1 - Illuminated switch element - Google Patents

Illuminated switch element Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1287538B1
EP1287538B1 EP01940555A EP01940555A EP1287538B1 EP 1287538 B1 EP1287538 B1 EP 1287538B1 EP 01940555 A EP01940555 A EP 01940555A EP 01940555 A EP01940555 A EP 01940555A EP 1287538 B1 EP1287538 B1 EP 1287538B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
layer
switch element
carrier foil
carrier
foil
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP01940555A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1287538A1 (en
Inventor
Marc Schmiz
Paul Schockmel
Aloyse Schoos
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
IEE International Electronics and Engineering SA
Original Assignee
IEE International Electronics and Engineering SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by IEE International Electronics and Engineering SA filed Critical IEE International Electronics and Engineering SA
Publication of EP1287538A1 publication Critical patent/EP1287538A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1287538B1 publication Critical patent/EP1287538B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/78—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by the contacts or the contact sites
    • H01H13/785—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by the contacts or the contact sites characterised by the material of the contacts, e.g. conductive polymers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2201/00—Contacts
    • H01H2201/022—Material
    • H01H2201/032—Conductive polymer; Rubber
    • H01H2201/036—Variable resistance
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/016—Protection layer, e.g. for legend, anti-scratch
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/002—Legends replaceable; adaptable
    • H01H2219/018—Electroluminescent panel
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/002—Legends replaceable; adaptable
    • H01H2219/018—Electroluminescent panel
    • H01H2219/02—Electroluminescent panel programmable
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2300/00—Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
    • H01H2300/01—Application power window

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an illuminated switching element, in particular a switching element in foil construction.
  • Switching elements in film construction such. Membrane switches, film pressure sensors or the like, generally comprise at least two substantially elastic film layers, which are arranged at a certain distance from each other. This happens e.g. by means of a spacer, which is arranged around the active region of the switching element around and on which the two film layers are glued with their respective edges. In the active region of the switching element, different contact arrangements are applied to the film layers between which an electrical contact is made when the two film layers are compressed, so that the switching element is triggered. As the pressure on the foil layers decreases, they again assume their spaced position relative to one another due to their elasticity and the electrical contact between the different contact arrangements is interrupted.
  • Such a switching element has a very low installation height and is characterized in particular by the diverse possibilities of shaping the button. As a result, such switching elements are particularly well suited for use in the areas in which a low structural size and a flexible design of the buttons is required.
  • switching elements When switching elements are used in areas in which varying light conditions are to be expected, switching elements are preferably designed in such a way that their button, which is visible to the outside, is illuminated from behind. In conventional switches, this backlight is often achieved in that the switch button of the switch is at least partially made of a transparent plastic and is illuminated from behind by a light bulb. Alternatively, the space behind the switch button be illuminated via a light guide. However, such a configuration of the switch lighting is not applicable to a switching element in foil construction due to the desired low installation height.
  • the document US-A-4,812,831 describes a lighted membrane keypad, bel a film screen is applied to a membrane keypad,
  • the membrane keyboard comprises an upper carrier foil and a lower carrier foil, which are arranged by means of a spacer at a certain distance from each other.
  • On the lower carrier film two electrode structures are spaced apart from each other, which are contacted upon actuation of the switching element by a layer applied to the underside of the upper carrier film layer of a conductive material.
  • a shielding grid made of an electrically conductive ink is first applied.
  • an adhesive layer is applied, by means of which a fluorescent screen unit is glued to the keyboard.
  • the luminescent screen unit comprises a phosphor layer of a phosphor material applied to a polyester layer and a plurality of electrodes which are arranged on the underside of this polyester layer. Above the fluorescent screen unit, another film labeled with graphic characters is arranged by means of an adhesive layer.
  • the document EP-A-0 996 131 describes an illuminated switching element with two laminated carrier foils, between which contact arrangements are mounted such that upon compression of the carrier foils an electrical contact between the contact arrangements is made.
  • a fluorescent screen unit is laminated by means of a spacer made of a double-sided adhesive film.
  • the phosphor unit in turn comprises a lower insulating film, a first electrode layer, a dielectric layer, a phosphor layer, a second electrode layer, and an upper transparent insulating layer, which are stacked on each other in this order.
  • the document US-A-6,069,444 describes an input device with a printed circuit board on which a plurality of contact arrangements are applied.
  • a switching position with a plurality of triggering elements is arranged such that upon hitting a vertical actuating force at least two of the contact arrangements are short-circuited by a trigger element.
  • a fluorescent screen unit is arranged above the switching position.
  • This luminescent screen unit comprises a lower carrier foil on which connecting lines for a plurality of luminescent units are applied.
  • the luminous units each comprise, from top to bottom, a transparent carrier layer, a first transparent electrode layer, a phosphor center layer, a dielectric layer and a bottom electrode layer.
  • Document DE-A-0 763 838 describes a membrane switch with a dome spring in which a luminescent screen unit is mounted inside the dome on the top of an insulating film.
  • the fluorescent screen unit comprises a phosphor layer and a dielectric layer.
  • Object of the present invention is therefore to propose an illuminated switching element in foil construction.
  • a switching element according to claim 1 in film construction comprises a first carrier foil and a second carrier foil, which are arranged at a certain distance from each other. At least one foil-type luminescent screen unit is applied on the side of the first carrier foil facing away from the second carrier foil. According to the present invention, therefore, a film-like fluorescent screen unit is externally applied to the switching element.
  • the luminescent screen unit can be applied, for example, to the side of the switching element facing the user, so that when the luminescent screen unit is electrically actuated, the side of the switching element facing the user is illuminated. To this Way, the user-operable shading surface of the switching element is easy to locate even in low light conditions for the user.
  • the luminescent screen unit can be applied on the side of the switching element facing away from the user so that the switching element is illuminated from the rear.
  • the effective button may be backlit, or a particular, eg, annular, area around the button, or a combination of the two.
  • a film-like, flexible screen unit has a very small thickness, so that a shadow element according to the invention is further characterized by a particularly low installation height. by virtue of the high flexibility of such a film-like fluorescent screen unit, the response of the switching element is also affected only insignificantly.
  • the foil-type luminescent screen unit preferably has a capacitor structure with a dielectric luminous means embedded between two contactable electrode layers. When an alternating electrical voltage is applied between the two electrode layers, an alternating electric field is generated which excites the light source to emit light.
  • the lighting means generally comprises a powdery substance which phosphoresces at a certain wavelength, e.g. Phosphorus.
  • the color of the emitted light can be influenced by the composition of the light source.
  • the luminescent screen unit has a first electrode layer, a dielectric layer, a luminous means layer and a second electrode layer, which are applied to one another in this order.
  • the first electrode layer can be applied, for example, on a suitable carrier foil, while a light-permeable covering layer is applied to the second electrode layer.
  • Such an element can for example be laminated onto the first carrier film.
  • the first electrode layer is applied directly to the side of the first carrier foil facing away from the second carrier foil.
  • the carrier foil of the luminescent screen unit is saved, on the other hand, the step for laminating the luminescent screen unit to the first carrier foil is omitted in the production of the illuminated sensor. It should be noted that the saving of the carrier foil of the fluorescent screen unit leads to a reduction of the thickness of the switching element and an optimization of the tripping behavior.
  • the electrode layer facing away from the first carrier foil, ie, the one later User-facing electrode layer preferably transparent.
  • Such a translucent electrode layer comprises, for example, a suitable carrier film which has a coating of indium zinc oxide or of a conductive polymer on the side facing the luminous means layer.
  • the light-transmissive electrode layer is laminated, for example, to the luminous means layer.
  • the translucent electrode layer has a conductive material which is printed on the luminous means layer.
  • the conductive material can be applied to the light-emitting layer in the form of a conductive ink, for example.
  • Such a configuration has the advantage that the application of the electrode layer, e.g. in a screen printing process, is very simple and can be done for example on the same systems on which the electrode structures of the switching element are applied to the carrier films.
  • the electrode layer applied to the first carrier foil of the switching element is preferably also printed on the carrier foil. It may, for example, comprise a printed silver layer or a graphite layer.
  • the dielectric layer and the luminous means layer, the latter, for example in the form of an ink containing an illuminant, can also be printed on the lower electrode layer in a screen printing process. In this way, the entire layer structure of the luminescent screen unit can be produced on screen-printing systems, the handling of which is known to the manufacturer of switching elements in foil construction precisely.
  • the light-emitting layer can be applied in such a way that it has the form of a graphic symbol which is assigned to a specific switching function, for example the actuation of a window regulator in a vehicle.
  • a specific switching function for example the actuation of a window regulator in a vehicle.
  • the luminous means layer has a plurality of individually controllable areas.
  • a graphical symbol or image information can be displayed, which corresponds to a specific switching function.
  • the individually controllable areas of the light-emitting layer are preferably arranged in grid form in rows and columns, so that the light-screening unit displays a screen on which different symbols can be displayed in a luminous manner depending on the activation of certain areas.
  • Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous when the switching function of a switching element as in a menu control can be changed.
  • a graphic symbol can simply be printed by means of a dark ink on the translucent electrode layer or a covering layer arranged above it.
  • the icon for the user can be seen as a contrast in front of the illuminated background of the fluorescent screen unit.
  • the actual switching element can be constructed, for example, such that it operates in a short circuit mode, the so-called "shunt mode".
  • the switching element has two contact arrangements, which are applied at a certain distance from each other on one of the two carrier films, wherein the contact arrangements are applied to the side of the carrier film, which faces the other carrier film.
  • the switching element On the side of the other carrier foil facing the two contact arrangements, the switching element then has a triggering element such that the triggering element contacts the two contact arrangements when the two carrier foils are compressed.
  • the triggering element comprises a simple conductive layer, e.g. made of silver.
  • the switching element is a simple switch with two discrete states.
  • the triggering element has a pressure-sensitive layer, e.g. made of a semiconductor material, on.
  • the switching element is a pressure sensor, a so-called foil pressure sensor.
  • the switching element is constructed such that it works in the so-called "through-mode".
  • it has two contact arrangements, of which one is applied to each of the two carrier foils, such that the two contact arrangements face each other and during Compressing the two carrier films are contacted with each other.
  • the switching element may represent a simple discrete switch or a foil pressure sensor. In the latter case, for example, a layer of a pressure-sensitive material is arranged between the first and the second contact arrangement.
  • the switching element according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in a switch module of a motor vehicle.
  • all switch elements are generally illuminated so that the driver can easily locate and operate the various buttons even at night driving.
  • the switching elements according to the invention Due to the ever increasing demands on the design of interior fittings, the installation space available for the required switch elements in modern vehicles is shrinking.
  • the switching elements according to the invention with their small thickness better meet the needs than the conventional switch.
  • the flexibility of the switching elements according to the invention makes it possible to adapt the switch elements to rounded shapes in the vehicle interior, so that overall when using the switching elements according to the invention new possibilities arise in the selection of a suitable installation location for a required switch module.
  • the switching element 10 comprises a first and a second carrier foil 12 and 14, which are laminated together by means of a spacer 16, for example a double-sided adhesive foil.
  • a spacer 16 for example a double-sided adhesive foil.
  • the spacer 16 has a recess 20, so that in this area the two carrier films 12 and 14 are spaced apart.
  • contact arrangements 22 and 24 are arranged on the inner side of the carrier films 12 and 14, between which an electrical contact is produced when the two carrier films are compressed.
  • the contact arrangements 22 and 24 may comprise, for example, electrode structures, wherein at least one of the contact arrangements additionally comprises a layer of a pressure-sensitive material.
  • the contact arrangements are applied to the corresponding surfaces of the carrier films, for example, before the carrier films are laminated together in a screen printing process.
  • a fluorescent screen unit 26 is applied to the first carrier film.
  • a dielectric in a layer 30 is applied, on which in turn a Leuchtmittei Mrs 32 is applied.
  • a second Elektraden Anlagen 34 is applied, so that a capacitor structure is formed in which upon application of an alternating voltage between the two electrode layers 28 and 34, an alternating electric field is generated, which excites the Leuchtmfttel to shine.
  • Covered is the capacitor structure thus produced by means of a cover layer 36, which electrically isolates the structure on the one hand to the outside and on the other hand protects against mechanical damage and against environmental influences.
  • the layers 28 to 36 are preferably each applied in a screen-printing process to the underlying layer. Such a method allows a simple way an individual shape design of the individual layers.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Electronic Switches (AREA)
  • Electroluminescent Light Sources (AREA)

Abstract

A foil style switching element includes a first carrier foil and a second carrier foil arranged at a certain distance from one another and a plurality of contact arrangements arranged between the first and the second carrier foils. The contact arrangements are arranged on the first and second carrier foils so that an electric contact between the contact arrangements is generated when the first and the second carrier foil are pressed together. A foil style luminescent screen unit applied on a side of the first carrier foil facing away from the second carrier foil, the luminescent screen unit includes a first electrode layer, a dielectric layer, a luminescent matter layer and a second electrode layer. The first electrode layer of the foil style luminescent screen unit is applied directly on the first carrier foil which faces away from the second carrier foil.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein beleuchtetes Schaltelement, insbesondere ein Schaltelement in Folienbauweise.The present invention relates to an illuminated switching element, in particular a switching element in foil construction.

Schaltelemente in Folienbauweise, wie z.B. Membranschalter, Foliendrucksensoren o.รค., umfassen im allgemeinen mindestens zwei im wesentlichen elastische Folienschichten, die in einem gewissen Abstand zueinander angeordnet sind. Dies geschieht z.B. mittels eines Abstandhalters, der um den aktiven Bereich des Schaltelementes herum angeordnet ist und auf den die beiden Folienschichten mit ihren jeweiligen Rรคndern aufgeklebt sind. In dem aktiven Bereich des Schaltelementes sind auf die Folienschichten verschiedene Kontaktanordnungen aufgebracht zwischen denen beim Zusammendrรผcken der beiden Folienschichten ein elektrischer Kontakt hergestellt wird, so dass das Schaltelement ausgelรถst wird. Beim Nachlassen des Drucks auf die Folienschichten nehmen diese aufgrund ihrer Elastizitรคt wiederum ihre beabstandete Position zueinander ein und der elektrische Kontakt zwischen den verschiedenen Kontaktanordnungen wird unterbrochen.Switching elements in film construction, such. Membrane switches, film pressure sensors or the like, generally comprise at least two substantially elastic film layers, which are arranged at a certain distance from each other. This happens e.g. by means of a spacer, which is arranged around the active region of the switching element around and on which the two film layers are glued with their respective edges. In the active region of the switching element, different contact arrangements are applied to the film layers between which an electrical contact is made when the two film layers are compressed, so that the switching element is triggered. As the pressure on the foil layers decreases, they again assume their spaced position relative to one another due to their elasticity and the electrical contact between the different contact arrangements is interrupted.

Ein solches Schaltelement weist eine sehr geringe Einbauhรถhe auf und zeichnet sich insbesondere durch die vielfรคltigen Mรถglichkeiten der Formgebung der Schaltflรคche aus. Hierdurch eigenen sich derartige Schaltelemente besonders gut fรผr den Einsatz in den Bereichen, in denen ein geringes BaumaรŸ und eine flexible Formgestaltung der Schaltflรคchen erforderlich ist.Such a switching element has a very low installation height and is characterized in particular by the diverse possibilities of shaping the button. As a result, such switching elements are particularly well suited for use in the areas in which a low structural size and a flexible design of the buttons is required.

Beim Einsatz von Schaltelementen in Bereichen, in denen mit variierenden Lichtverhรคltnissen zu rechnen ist, werden Schaltelemente bevorzugt derart ausgestaltet, dass ihre nach auรŸen sichtbare Schaltflรคche von hinten beleuchtet ist. Bei herkรถmmlichen Schaltern wird diese Hintergrundbeleuchtung hรคufig dadurch erreicht, dass die Schaltertaste des Schalters zumindest teilweise aus einem durchsichtigen Kunststoff hergestellt ist und von hinten durch eine Glรผhbirne angestrahlt wird. Alternativ kann der Bauraum hinter der Schaltertaste รผber einen Lichtleiter erhellt werden. Eine derartige Ausgestaltung der Schalterbeleuchtung ist jedoch bei einem Schaltelement in Folienbauweise aufgrund der erwรผnschten geringen Einbauhรถhe nicht anzuwenden.When switching elements are used in areas in which varying light conditions are to be expected, switching elements are preferably designed in such a way that their button, which is visible to the outside, is illuminated from behind. In conventional switches, this backlight is often achieved in that the switch button of the switch is at least partially made of a transparent plastic and is illuminated from behind by a light bulb. Alternatively, the space behind the switch button be illuminated via a light guide. However, such a configuration of the switch lighting is not applicable to a switching element in foil construction due to the desired low installation height.

Das Dokument US-A-4,812,831 beschreibt eine beleuchtete Folientastatur, bel der ein Folien leuchtschirm auf eine Folientastatur aufgebracht ist, Die Folientastatur umfasst eine obere Trรคgerfolie und eine untere Trรคgerfolie, die mittels eines Abstandhalters in einem gewissen Abstand zueinander angeordnet sind. Auf der unteren Trรคgerfolie sind zwei Elektrodenstrukturen beabstandet zueinander aufgebracht, die bei Betรคtigung des Schaltelementes durch eine auf die Unterseite der oberen Trรคgerfolie aufgebrachte Schicht aus einem leitfรคhigen Material kontaktiert werden. Auf der Oberseite der oberen Trรคgerfolie ist zunรคchst ein Abschirmgitter aus einer elektrisch leitfรคhigen Tinte aufgebracht. Auf diesem Abschirmgitter ist eine Klebstoffschicht aufgebracht, mittels der eine Leuchtschirmeinheit auf der Tastatur aufgeklebt ist. Die Leuchtschirmeinheit umfasst eine auf einer Polyesterschicht aufgebrachte Leuchtmittelschicht aus einem Phosphormaterial und mehrere Elektroden die auf der Unterseite dieser Polyesterschicht angeordnet sind. Oberhalb der Leuchtschirmeinheit ist eine weitere mit graphischen Zeichen beschriftete Folie mittels einer Klebstoffschicht angeordnet.The document US-A-4,812,831 describes a lighted membrane keypad, bel a film screen is applied to a membrane keypad, The membrane keyboard comprises an upper carrier foil and a lower carrier foil, which are arranged by means of a spacer at a certain distance from each other. On the lower carrier film, two electrode structures are spaced apart from each other, which are contacted upon actuation of the switching element by a layer applied to the underside of the upper carrier film layer of a conductive material. On the upper side of the upper carrier film, a shielding grid made of an electrically conductive ink is first applied. On this Abschirmgitter an adhesive layer is applied, by means of which a fluorescent screen unit is glued to the keyboard. The luminescent screen unit comprises a phosphor layer of a phosphor material applied to a polyester layer and a plurality of electrodes which are arranged on the underside of this polyester layer. Above the fluorescent screen unit, another film labeled with graphic characters is arranged by means of an adhesive layer.

Das Dokument EP-A-0 996 131 beschreibt ein beleuchtetes Schaltelement mit zwei zusammenlaminierten Trรคgerfolien, zwischen denen Kontaktanordnungen derart angebracht sind, dass beim Zusammendrรผcken der Trรคgerfolien ein elektrischer Kontakt zwischen den Kontaktanordnungen hergestellt wird. Auf der oberen Trรคgerfolie ist eine Leuchtschirmeinheit mittels einem Abstandhalter aus einer doppelseitigen Klebefolie auflaminiert. Die Leuchtschirmeinheit ihrerseits umfasst eine untere Isolierfolie, eine erste Elektrodenschicht, eine Dielektrikumsschicht, eine Leuchtmittelschicht, eine zweite Elektrodenschicht und eine obere transparente Isolierschicht, die in dieser Reihenfolge aufeinander aufgebracht sind.The document EP-A-0 996 131 describes an illuminated switching element with two laminated carrier foils, between which contact arrangements are mounted such that upon compression of the carrier foils an electrical contact between the contact arrangements is made. On the upper carrier film, a fluorescent screen unit is laminated by means of a spacer made of a double-sided adhesive film. The phosphor unit in turn comprises a lower insulating film, a first electrode layer, a dielectric layer, a phosphor layer, a second electrode layer, and an upper transparent insulating layer, which are stacked on each other in this order.

Das Dokument US-A-6,069,444 beschreibt ein Eingabegerรคt, mit einer gedruckten Schaltung, auf der mehrere Kontaktanordnungen aufgebracht sind.The document US-A-6,069,444 describes an input device with a printed circuit board on which a plurality of contact arrangements are applied.

Oberhalb der gedruckten Schaltung ist eine Schaltlage mit mehreren Auslรถseelementen derart angeordnet, dass beim Auftreffen einer senkrechten Betรคtigungskraft mindestens zwei der Kontaktanordnungen durch ein Auslรถselement kurz geschlossen werden. Oberhalb der Schaltlage ist eine Leuchtschirmeinheit angeordnet. Diese Leuchtschirmeinheit umfasst eine untere Trรคgerfolie, auf der Anschlussleitungen fรผr mehrere Leuchteinheiten aufgebracht sind. Die Leuchteinheiten umfassen jeweils von oben nach unten eine transparente Trรคgerschicht, eine erste transparente Elektrodenschicht, eine Leuchtmittetschicht, eine Dielektrikumsschicht und eine untere Elektrodenschicht.Above the printed circuit, a switching position with a plurality of triggering elements is arranged such that upon hitting a vertical actuating force at least two of the contact arrangements are short-circuited by a trigger element. Above the switching position a fluorescent screen unit is arranged. This luminescent screen unit comprises a lower carrier foil on which connecting lines for a plurality of luminescent units are applied. The luminous units each comprise, from top to bottom, a transparent carrier layer, a first transparent electrode layer, a phosphor center layer, a dielectric layer and a bottom electrode layer.

Das Dokument DE-A-0 763 838 beschreibt einen Folienschalter mit einer Domfeder, bei dem eine Leuchtschirmeinheit innerhalb der Domteder auf der Oberseite einer isolierenden Folie aufgebracht ist. Die Leuchtschirmeinheit umfasst eine Phosphorschicht und eine Diefektrikumsschicht.Document DE-A-0 763 838 describes a membrane switch with a dome spring in which a luminescent screen unit is mounted inside the dome on the top of an insulating film. The fluorescent screen unit comprises a phosphor layer and a dielectric layer.

Aufgabe der ErfindungObject of the invention

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es folglich, ein beleuchtetes Schaltelement in Folienbauweise vorzuschlagen.Object of the present invention is therefore to propose an illuminated switching element in foil construction.

Allgemeine Beschreibung der ErfindungGeneral description of the invention

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemรครŸ gelรถst durch ein Schaltelement gemรครŸ Anspruch 1. Ein solches erfindungsgemรครŸes Schaltelement in Folienbauweise umfasst eine erste Trรคgerfolie und eine zweite Trรคgerfolie, die in einem gewissen Abstand zueinander angeordnet sind. Auf der der zweiten Trรคgerfolie abgewandten Seite der ersten Trรคgerfolie ist dabei mindestens eine folienartige Leuchtschirmeinheit aufgebracht. GemรครŸ der vorliegenden Erfindung wird demnach eine folienartige Leuchtschirmeinheit auรŸen auf das Schaltelement aufgebracht. Die Leuchtschirmeinheit kann dabei beispielsweise auf der dem Anwender zugewandten Seite des Schaltelementes aufgebracht werden, so dass bei einer elektrischen Ansteuerung der Leuchtschirmeinheit, die dem Anwender zugewandte Seite des Schaltelementes beleuchtet ist. Auf diese Weise ist die vom Anwender zu betรคtigende Schattflรคche des Schaltelementes auch bei schlechten Lichtverhรคltnissen fรผr den Anwender leicht zu orten. Alternativ kann die Leuchtschirmeinheit auf der dem Anwender abgewandten Seite des Schaltelementes aufgebracht werden, so dass das Schaltelement von hinten beleuchtet wird. In diesem Fall kann beispielsweise lediglich die wirksame Schaltflรคche von hinten durchleuchtet werden, oder ein bestimmter, z.B. ringfรถrmiger, Bereich um die Schaltflรคche herum, oder eine Kombination der beiden.This object is achieved by a switching element according to claim 1. Such a switching element according to the invention in film construction comprises a first carrier foil and a second carrier foil, which are arranged at a certain distance from each other. At least one foil-type luminescent screen unit is applied on the side of the first carrier foil facing away from the second carrier foil. According to the present invention, therefore, a film-like fluorescent screen unit is externally applied to the switching element. In this case, the luminescent screen unit can be applied, for example, to the side of the switching element facing the user, so that when the luminescent screen unit is electrically actuated, the side of the switching element facing the user is illuminated. To this Way, the user-operable shading surface of the switching element is easy to locate even in low light conditions for the user. Alternatively, the luminescent screen unit can be applied on the side of the switching element facing away from the user so that the switching element is illuminated from the rear. In this case, for example, only the effective button may be backlit, or a particular, eg, annular, area around the button, or a combination of the two.

Es ist anzumerken, dass eine folien artige , flexible Leuchtschirmeinheit eine sehr geringe Dicke aufweist, so dass ein erfindungsgemรครŸes Schattelement sich weiterhin durch eine besonders geringe Einbauhรถhe auszeichnet. Aufgrund der hohen Flexibilitรคt einer solchen folienartigen Leuchtschirmeinheit, wird รผberdies das Ansprechverhalten des Schaltelementes nur unwesentlich beeintrรคchtigt.It should be noted that a film-like, flexible screen unit has a very small thickness, so that a shadow element according to the invention is further characterized by a particularly low installation height. by virtue of the high flexibility of such a film-like fluorescent screen unit, the response of the switching element is also affected only insignificantly.

Die folienartige Leuchtschirmeinheit weist vorzugsweise eine Kondensatorstruktur auf mit einem dielektrischen Leuchtmittel, das zwischen zwei kontaktierbaren Elektrodenschichten eingebettet ist. Beim Anlegen einer elektrischen Wechselspannung zwischen den beiden Elektrodenschichten wird ein elektrisches Wechselfeld erzeugt, das das Leuchtmittel zum Abstrahlen von Licht anregt.The foil-type luminescent screen unit preferably has a capacitor structure with a dielectric luminous means embedded between two contactable electrode layers. When an alternating electrical voltage is applied between the two electrode layers, an alternating electric field is generated which excites the light source to emit light.

Das Leuchtmittel umfasst im allgemeinen eine pulverfรถrmige Substanz, die mit einer gewissen Wellenlรคnge phosphoresziert, wie z.B. Phosphor. Die Farbe des abgestrahlten Lichtes kann dabei รผber die Zusammensetzung des Leuchtmittels beeinflusst werden.The lighting means generally comprises a powdery substance which phosphoresces at a certain wavelength, e.g. Phosphorus. The color of the emitted light can be influenced by the composition of the light source.

In einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung weist die Leuchtschirmeinheit eine erste Elektrodenschicht, eine Dielektrikumsschicht, eine Leuchtmittelschicht und eine zweite Elektrodenschicht auf, die in dieser Reihenfolge aufeinander aufgebracht sind. Die erste Elektrodenschicht kann dabei beispielsweise auf einer geeigneten Trรคgerfolie aufgebracht sein, wรคhrend auf der zweiten Elektrodenschicht eine lichtdurchlรคssige Abdeckschicht aufgebracht ist. Ein solches Element kann beispielsweise auf die erste Trรคgerfolie auflaminiert werden.In a preferred embodiment, the luminescent screen unit has a first electrode layer, a dielectric layer, a luminous means layer and a second electrode layer, which are applied to one another in this order. The first electrode layer can be applied, for example, on a suitable carrier foil, while a light-permeable covering layer is applied to the second electrode layer. Such an element can for example be laminated onto the first carrier film.

In einer besonders vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung ist die erste Elektrodenschicht unmittelbar auf die der zweiten Trรคgerfolie abgewandten Seite der ersten Trรคgerfolie aufgebracht. Hierdurch wird einerseits die Trรคgerfolie der Leuchtschirmeinheit eingespart andererseits entfรคllt bei der Herstellung des beleuchteten Sensors der Schritt zum Auflaminieren der Leuchtschirmeinheit auf die erste Trรคgerfolie. Hierbei ist anzumerken, dass das Einsparen der Trรคgerfolie der Leuchtschirmeinheit zu einer Reduzierung der Dicke des Schaltelementes und einer Optimierung des Auslรถseverhaltens fรผhrt.In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the first electrode layer is applied directly to the side of the first carrier foil facing away from the second carrier foil. In this way, on the one hand, the carrier foil of the luminescent screen unit is saved, on the other hand, the step for laminating the luminescent screen unit to the first carrier foil is omitted in the production of the illuminated sensor. It should be noted that the saving of the carrier foil of the fluorescent screen unit leads to a reduction of the thickness of the switching element and an optimization of the tripping behavior.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung, bei der die Leuchtschirmeinheit auf der dem Anwender zugewandten Seite des Schaltelementes aufgebracht ist, ist die der ersten Trรคgerfolie abgewandte Elektrodenschicht, d.h. die dem spรคteren Anwender zugewandte Elektrodenschicht, vorzugsweise lichtdurchlรคssig. Hierdurch wird die Lichtausbeute des beleuchteten Schaltelementes wesentlich erhรถht.In an advantageous embodiment, in which the luminescent screen unit is mounted on the side of the switching element facing the user, the electrode layer facing away from the first carrier foil, ie, the one later User-facing electrode layer, preferably transparent. As a result, the luminous efficacy of the illuminated switching element is substantially increased.

Eine solche lichtdurchlรคssige Elektrodenschicht umfasst beispielsweise eine geeignete Trรคgerfolie, die auf der der Leuchtmittelschicht zugewandten Seite eine Beschichtung aus Indium-Zink-Oxyd oder aus einem leitfรคhigen Polymer aufweist. In diesem Fall ist die lichtdurchlรคssige Elektrodenschicht beispielsweise auf die Leuchtmittelschicht auflaminiert.Such a translucent electrode layer comprises, for example, a suitable carrier film which has a coating of indium zinc oxide or of a conductive polymer on the side facing the luminous means layer. In this case, the light-transmissive electrode layer is laminated, for example, to the luminous means layer.

In einer alternativen Ausgestaltung weist die lichtdurchlรคssige Elektrodenschicht ein leitfรคhiges Material auf, das auf die Leuchtmittelschicht aufgedruckt ist. Das leitfรคhige Material kann beispielsweise in Form einer leitfรคhigen Tinte auf die Leuchtmittelschicht aufgebracht werden. Eine derartige Ausgestaltung weist den Vorteil auf, dass das Aufbringen der Elektrodenschicht z.B. in einem Siebdruckverfahren, sehr einfach ist und beispielsweise auf den gleichen Anlagen erfolgen kann, auf denen auch die Elektrodenstrukturen des Schaltelementes auf die Trรคgerfolien aufgebracht werden.In an alternative embodiment, the translucent electrode layer has a conductive material which is printed on the luminous means layer. The conductive material can be applied to the light-emitting layer in the form of a conductive ink, for example. Such a configuration has the advantage that the application of the electrode layer, e.g. in a screen printing process, is very simple and can be done for example on the same systems on which the electrode structures of the switching element are applied to the carrier films.

Es ist anzumerken, dass auch die auf die erste Trรคgerfolie des Schaltelementes aufgebrachte Elektrodenschicht vorzugsweise auf die Trรคgerfolie aufgedruckt wird. Sie kann beispielsweise eine aufgedruckte Silberschicht oder eine Graphitschicht umfassen. Auch die Dielektrikumsschicht und die Leuchtmittelschicht, letztere beispielsweise in Form einer leuchtmittelhaltigen Tinte, kรถnnen in einem Siebdruckverfahren auf die untere Elektrodenschicht aufgedruckt werden. Auf diese Weise kann der gesamte Schichtenaufbau der Leuchtschirmeinheit auf Siebdruckanlagen hergestellt werden, deren Handhabung bei dem Hersteller fรผr Schaltelemente in Folienbauweise genaustens bekannt sind.It should be noted that the electrode layer applied to the first carrier foil of the switching element is preferably also printed on the carrier foil. It may, for example, comprise a printed silver layer or a graphite layer. The dielectric layer and the luminous means layer, the latter, for example in the form of an ink containing an illuminant, can also be printed on the lower electrode layer in a screen printing process. In this way, the entire layer structure of the luminescent screen unit can be produced on screen-printing systems, the handling of which is known to the manufacturer of switching elements in foil construction precisely.

Ein weiterer Vorteil des Aufdruckens der verschiedenen Schichten liegt in der Flexibilitรคt hinsichtlich der Formgebung der einzelnen Schichten. So kann beispielsweise die Leuchtmittelschicht derart aufgebracht werden, dass sie die Form eines graphischen Symbols aufweist, das einer bestimmten Schaltfunktion, z.B. dem Betรคtigen eines Fensterhebers in einem Fahrzeug, zugeordnet ist. Hierdurch kรถnnen mehrere Schaltelemente, die zusammen in einem Schaltmodul angeordnet sind, individuell gekennzeichnet werden, so dass sich der Anwender bei der Auswahl der zu der gewรผnschten Schaltfunktion gehรถrenden Schaltflรคche an den graphischen Symbolen orientieren kann.Another advantage of printing the various layers lies in the flexibility with regard to the shaping of the individual layers. Thus, for example, the light-emitting layer can be applied in such a way that it has the form of a graphic symbol which is assigned to a specific switching function, for example the actuation of a window regulator in a vehicle. This allows multiple switching elements together in a switching module are arranged, are individually marked, so that the user can orient himself in the selection of the belonging to the desired switching function button on the graphical symbols.

In einer alternativen Ausgestaltung weist die Leuchtmittelschicht mehrere individuell ansteuerbare Bereiche auf. Bei dieser Ausgestaltung kann durch gezieltes Ansteuern gewisser Bereiche der Leuchtmittelschicht ein graphisches Symbol bzw. eine Bildinformation dargestellt werden, das einer bestimmten Schaltfunktion entspricht. Die individuell ansteuerbaren Bereiche der Leuchtmittelschicht sind vorzugsweise rasterfรถrmig in Zeilen und Spalten angeordnet, so dass die Leuchtschirmeinheit einen Bildschirm darstellt, auf der je nach Ansteuerung gewisser Bereich unterschiedliche Symbole leuchtend dargestellt werden kรถnnen. Eine solche Ausgestaltung ist insbesondere dann vorteilhaft, wenn die Schaltfunktion eines Schaltelementes wie bei einer Menรผsteuerung verรคndert werden kann.In an alternative embodiment, the luminous means layer has a plurality of individually controllable areas. In this embodiment, by targeted driving certain areas of the light-emitting layer, a graphical symbol or image information can be displayed, which corresponds to a specific switching function. The individually controllable areas of the light-emitting layer are preferably arranged in grid form in rows and columns, so that the light-screening unit displays a screen on which different symbols can be displayed in a luminous manner depending on the activation of certain areas. Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous when the switching function of a switching element as in a menu control can be changed.

Es ist anzumerken, dass neben den geschilderten Mรถglichkeiten einer Kennzeichnung der Schaltflรคche weitere Kennzeichnungvarianten bestehen. So kann beispielsweise ein graphisches Symbol einfach mittels einer dunklen Tinte auf die lichtdurchlรคssige Elektrodenschicht bzw. eine darรผber angeordnete Abdeckschicht gedruckt werden. In diesem Fall ist das Symbol fรผr den Anwender als Kontrast vor dem erleuchteten Hintergrund der Leuchtschirmeinheit zu erkennen.It should be noted that in addition to the described possibilities of marking the button further labeling variants exist. For example, a graphic symbol can simply be printed by means of a dark ink on the translucent electrode layer or a covering layer arranged above it. In this case, the icon for the user can be seen as a contrast in front of the illuminated background of the fluorescent screen unit.

Das eigentliche Schaltelement kann beispielsweise derart aufgebaut sein, dass es in einem Kurzschlussmodus, dem sogenannten "shunt mode" arbeitet. Bei einer solchen Ausgestaltung weist das Schaltelement zwei Kontaktanordnungen auf, die in einem gewissen Abstand zueinander auf einer der beiden Trรคgerfolien aufgebracht sind, wobei die Kontaktanordnungen auf der Seite der Trรคgerfolie aufgebracht sind, die der anderen Trรคgerfolie zugewandt ist. Auf der den beiden Kontaktanordnungen zugewandten Seite der anderen Trรคgerfolie weist das Schaltelement dann ein Auslรถseelement derart auf, dass das Auslรถseelement beim Zusammendrรผcken der beiden Trรคgerfolien die beiden Kontaktanordnungen miteinander kontaktiert.The actual switching element can be constructed, for example, such that it operates in a short circuit mode, the so-called "shunt mode". In such an embodiment, the switching element has two contact arrangements, which are applied at a certain distance from each other on one of the two carrier films, wherein the contact arrangements are applied to the side of the carrier film, which faces the other carrier film. On the side of the other carrier foil facing the two contact arrangements, the switching element then has a triggering element such that the triggering element contacts the two contact arrangements when the two carrier foils are compressed.

In einer einfachen Variante dieser Ausgestaltung weist das Auslรถseelement eine einfache leitfรคhige Schicht z.B. aus Silber auf. In diesem Fall ist das Schaltelement ein einfacher Schalter mit zwei diskreten Zustรคnden. In einer bevorzugten Variante hingegen weist das Auslรถseelement eine drucksensible Schicht, z.B. aus einem Halbleitermaterial, auf. In dieser Variante stellt das Schaltelement einen Drucksensor, einen sogenannten Foliendrucksensor dar.In a simple variant of this embodiment, the triggering element comprises a simple conductive layer, e.g. made of silver. In this case, the switching element is a simple switch with two discrete states. In a preferred variant, however, the triggering element has a pressure-sensitive layer, e.g. made of a semiconductor material, on. In this variant, the switching element is a pressure sensor, a so-called foil pressure sensor.

In einer anderen Ausgestaltung ist das Schaltelement derart aufgebaut, dass es in dem sogenannten "through modus" arbeitet In dieser Ausgestaltung weist es zwei Kontaktanordnungen auf, von denen jeweils eine auf jeder der beiden Trรคgerfolien aufgebracht ist, derart dass sich die beiden Kontaktanordnungen gegenรผberliegen und beim Zusammendrรผcken der beiden Trรคgerfolien miteinander kontaktiert werden. Auch bei dieser Ausgestaltung kann das Schaltelement einen einfachen diskreten Schalter oder einen Foliendrucksensor darstellen. Im letzteren Fall ist beispielsweise zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Kontaktanordnung eine Schicht aus einem drucksensiblen Material angeordnet.In another embodiment, the switching element is constructed such that it works in the so-called "through-mode". In this embodiment, it has two contact arrangements, of which one is applied to each of the two carrier foils, such that the two contact arrangements face each other and during Compressing the two carrier films are contacted with each other. Also in this embodiment, the switching element may represent a simple discrete switch or a foil pressure sensor. In the latter case, for example, a layer of a pressure-sensitive material is arranged between the first and the second contact arrangement.

Es ist anzumerken, dass sich das erfindungsgemรครŸe Schaltelement besonders zur Verwendung in einem Schaltermodul eines Kraftfahrzeugs eignet. In diesem Anwendungsbereich sind im allgemeinen alle Schalterelemente beleuchtet, so dass der Fahrer die verschiedenen Schaltflรคchen auch bei Nachtfahrten leicht orten und betรคtigen kann.It should be noted that the switching element according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in a switch module of a motor vehicle. In this application, all switch elements are generally illuminated so that the driver can easily locate and operate the various buttons even at night driving.

Aufgrund der stรคndig wachsenden Anforderungen an das Design der Inneneinrichtungen, schrumpft bei modernen Fahrzeugen der fรผr die benรถtigten Schalterelemente zur Verfรผgung stehende Einbauraum. Hier kรถnnen die erfindungsgemรครŸen Schaltelemente mit ihrer geringen Dicke die Bedรผrfnisse besser erfรผllen als die herkรถmmlichen Schalter. รœberdies ermรถglicht die Flexibilitรคt der erfindungsgemรครŸen Schaltelemente eine Anpassung der Schalterelemente an gerundete Formen im Fahrzeuginnenraum, so dass sich insgesamt bei der Verwendung der erfindungsgemรครŸen Schaltelemente neue Mรถglichkeiten bei der Wahl eines geeigneten Einbauorts fรผr ein benรถtigtes Schaltermodul ergeben.Due to the ever increasing demands on the design of interior fittings, the installation space available for the required switch elements in modern vehicles is shrinking. Here, the switching elements according to the invention with their small thickness better meet the needs than the conventional switch. Moreover, the flexibility of the switching elements according to the invention makes it possible to adapt the switch elements to rounded shapes in the vehicle interior, so that overall when using the switching elements according to the invention new possibilities arise in the selection of a suitable installation location for a required switch module.

Ein weiterer Vorteil ergibt sich aus der Tatsache, dass nunmehr beleuchtete Drucksensoren zur Verfรผgung stehen. Durch den Einsatz solcher Foliendrucksensoren kรถnnen vรถllig neue Schaltfunktionen realisiert werden, die mit den herkรถmmlichen Schaltern nicht mรถglich waren. So ist beispielsweise eine Steuerung eines elektrischen Fensterhebers mรถglich, bei der sich ein Seitenfenster umso schneller รถffnet, je fester der dazugehรถrige Schalter, i.e. ein Foliendrucksensor, gedrรผckt wird. Eine weitere neue Schaltfunktion wird mit der Verwendung von Foliendrucksensoren ermรถglicht, die als Linearpotentiometer ausgestaltet sind. Ein solches Linearpotentiometer umfasst einen Drucksensorstreifen, der ein Signal erzeugt, das von dem Ort des Auslรถsens abhรคngt. Mit diesem Schaltelement kann ein Seitenfenster oder ein Schiebedach je nach Ort des Auslรถsens des Sensors bis zu einer bestimmten Stelle geรถffnet werden.Another advantage arises from the fact that now illuminated pressure sensors are available. Through the use of such film pressure sensors completely new switching functions can be realized, which were not possible with the conventional switches. For example, it is possible to control a power window in which a side window opens more quickly the tighter the associated switch, i. a film pressure sensor is pressed. Another new switching function is possible with the use of film pressure sensors, which are designed as linear potentiometer. Such a linear potentiometer comprises a pressure sensor strip that generates a signal that depends on the location of the triggering. With this switching element, a side window or sunroof can be opened depending on the location of the triggering of the sensor up to a certain point.

Beschreibung anhand der FigurenDescription based on the figures

Im folgenden wird eine Ausgestaltung der Erfindung anhand der beiliegenden Figur 1 beschrieben, die einen Querschnitt durch eine Ausgestaltung eines beleuchteten Schaltelementes darstellt.In the following an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying Figure 1, which illustrates a cross section through an embodiment of an illuminated switching element.

Das Schaltelement 10 umfasst eine erste und eine zweite Trรคgerfolie 12 und 14, die mittels eines Abstandhalters 16, zum Beispiel einer doppelseitigen Klebefolie, zusammen laminiert sind. In dem aktiven Bereich 18 des Sensors 10 weist der Abstandhalter 16 eine Ausnehmung 20 auf, so dass sich in diesem Bereich die beiden Trรคgerfolien 12 und 14 beabstandet gegenรผberstehen.The switching element 10 comprises a first and a second carrier foil 12 and 14, which are laminated together by means of a spacer 16, for example a double-sided adhesive foil. In the active region 18 of the sensor 10, the spacer 16 has a recess 20, so that in this area the two carrier films 12 and 14 are spaced apart.

In dem aktiven Bereich 18 des Sensors sind auf der Innenseite der Trรคgerfolien 12 und 14 Kontaktanordnungen 22 und 24 angeordnet, zwischen denen beim Zusammendrรผcken der beiden Trรคgerfolien ein elektrischer Kontakt hergestellt wird. Die Kontaktanordnungen 22 bzw. 24 kรถnnen beispielsweise Elektrodenstrukturen umfassen, wobei zumindest eine der Kontaktanordnungen zusรคtzlich eine Schicht aus einem druckempfindlichen Material aufweist. Die Kontaktanordnungen werden beispielsweise vor dem Zusammenlaminieren der Trรคgerfolien in einem Siebdruckverfahren auf die entsprechenden Flรคchen der Trรคgerfolien aufgebracht.In the active region 18 of the sensor, contact arrangements 22 and 24 are arranged on the inner side of the carrier films 12 and 14, between which an electrical contact is produced when the two carrier films are compressed. The contact arrangements 22 and 24 may comprise, for example, electrode structures, wherein at least one of the contact arrangements additionally comprises a layer of a pressure-sensitive material. The contact arrangements are applied to the corresponding surfaces of the carrier films, for example, before the carrier films are laminated together in a screen printing process.

Auf der der zweiten Trรคgerfolie 14 abgewandten Seite der erste Trรคgerfolie 12 ist auf der ersten Trรคgerfolie eine Leuchtschirmeinheit 26 aufgebracht. Diese umfasst eine erste Elektrodenschicht 28, z.B. aus Silber oder Graphit, die direkt auf die erste Trรคgerfolie 12 aufgebracht ist. Auf die erste Elektrodenschicht 28 ist ein Dielektrikum in einer Schicht 30 aufgebracht, auf die wiederum eine Leuchtmitteischicht 32 aufgebracht ist. Auf die Leuchtmitteischicht 32 ist eine zweite Elektradenschicht 34 aufgebracht, so dass eine Kondensatorstruktur entsteht, in der bei Anlegen einer Wechselspannung zwischen den beiden Elektrodenschichten 28 und 34 ein elektrisches Wechselfeld generiert wird, das das Leuchtmfttel zum Leuchten anregt.On the side facing away from the second carrier film 14 of the first carrier film 12, a fluorescent screen unit 26 is applied to the first carrier film. This includes a first electrode layer 28, e.g. made of silver or graphite, which is applied directly to the first carrier film 12. On the first electrode layer 28, a dielectric in a layer 30 is applied, on which in turn a Leuchtmitteischicht 32 is applied. On the Leuchtmitteischicht 32, a second Elektradenschicht 34 is applied, so that a capacitor structure is formed in which upon application of an alternating voltage between the two electrode layers 28 and 34, an alternating electric field is generated, which excites the Leuchtmfttel to shine.

Abgedeckt ist die so hergestellte Kondensatorstruktur mittels einer Abdeckschicht 36, die den Aufbau einerseits nach auรŸen hin elektrisch isoliert und andererseits vor mechanischer Beschรคdigung und vor Umwelteinflรผssen schรผtzt.Covered is the capacitor structure thus produced by means of a cover layer 36, which electrically isolates the structure on the one hand to the outside and on the other hand protects against mechanical damage and against environmental influences.

Es ist anzumerken dass die Schichten 28 bis 36 vorzugsweise jeweils in einem Siebdruckverfahren auf die jeweils darrunterliegende Schicht aufgetragen werden. Ein solches Verfahren ermรถglicht auf einfache Weise eine individuelle Formgestaltung der einzelnen Schichten.It should be noted that the layers 28 to 36 are preferably each applied in a screen-printing process to the underlying layer. Such a method allows a simple way an individual shape design of the individual layers.

ReferenzzeichenlisteReference Signs List

1010
Schaltelementswitching element
1212
erste Trรคgerfoliefirst carrier foil
1414
zweite Trรคgerfoliesecond carrier film
1818
Abstandhalterspacer
1818
aktiver Bereichactive area
2020
Ausnehmungrecess
22, 2422, 24
Kontaktanordnungencontact arrangements
2626
LeuchtschirmeinheitLuminescent screen unit
2828
erste Elektrodenschichtfirst electrode layer
3030
Dielektrikumsschichtdielectric
3232
LeuchtmittelschichtPhosphor layer
3434
zweite Elektrodenschichtsecond electrode layer
3636
Abdeckschichtcovering

Claims (15)

  1. Foil style switch element (10) having a first carrier foil (12) and a second carrier foil (14) arranged at a certain distance from one another, wherein between the first and the second carrier foil various contact arrangements (22, 24) are applied to the first (12) and/or second (14) carrier foil between which an electric contact can be generated when the first (12) and the second (14) carrier foil are pressed together, and a foil style luminescent screen unit (26) applied on the side of the first carrier foil (12) facing away from the second carrier foil (14), the luminescent screen unit (26) comprising a first electrode layer (28), a dielectric layer (30), a luminescent matter layer (32) and a second electrode layer (34) which are applied on one another in this order, characterized in that the first electrode layer (28) is applied directly on the first carrier foil (12) which faces away from said second carrier foil (14)
  2. Switch element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the foil style luminescent screen unit (26) comprises a capacitor structure having a dielectric luminescent matter embedded between two contactable electrode layers.
  3. Switch element (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the luminescent matter comprises a phosphorous layer
  4. Switch element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electrode layer facing away from the first carrier foil (12) is transparent
  5. Switch element (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the transparent electrode layer comprises a suitable carrier foil comprising at the side facing the luminescent matter layer a coating of indium-zink-oxide or of a conductive polymer, the transparent electrode layer being laminated onto the luminescent matter layer
  6. Switch element (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the transparent electrode layer comprises a conductive material which is printed onto the luminescent matter layer
  7. Switch element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the luminescent matter layer (32) has the shape of a graphic symbol
  8. Switch element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the luminescent matter layer (32) comprises a plurality of individually drivable regions.
  9. Switch element (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the individually drivable regions of the luminescent matter layer are arranged in a screen-shape in lines and columns
  10. Switch element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the luminescent screen unit (26) comprises a protective layer on the side facing away from the first carrier foil (12).
  11. Switch element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10 having two contact arrangements (22, 24) being applied on one of the two carrier foils (12, 14) at a certain distance from one another, the contact arrangements (22, 24) being applied on the side of the carrier foil which faces the other carrier foil, and a triggering element which is applied on the side of the other carrier foil facing the two contact arrangements such that it brings into contact the two contact arrangements (22, 24) when the two carrier foils (12, 14) are pressed together
  12. Switch element (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the triggering element comprises a pressure-sensitive layer
  13. Switch element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10 having two contact arrangements (22, 24) one of which each is applied to each of the two carrier foils (12, 14), such that the two contact arrangements (22, 24) are facing each other and are brought into contact when the two carrier foils (12, 14) are pressed together
  14. Switch element (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that between the first and the second contact arrangement (22, 24), a layer made of a pressure-sensitive material is arranged.
  15. Use of a switch element (10) according to one of the preceding claims in a switch module of a motor vehicle
EP01940555A 2000-06-09 2001-06-08 Illuminated switch element Expired - Lifetime EP1287538B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
LU90594 2000-06-09
LU90594A LU90594B1 (en) 2000-06-09 2000-06-09 Illuminated switching element
PCT/EP2001/006511 WO2001095357A1 (en) 2000-06-09 2001-06-08 Illuminated switch element

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1287538A1 EP1287538A1 (en) 2003-03-05
EP1287538B1 true EP1287538B1 (en) 2006-08-16

Family

ID=19731908

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01940555A Expired - Lifetime EP1287538B1 (en) 2000-06-09 2001-06-08 Illuminated switch element

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US6875938B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1287538B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2003536213A (en)
AT (1) ATE336794T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2001274090A1 (en)
DE (1) DE50110753D1 (en)
LU (1) LU90594B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2001095357A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (24)

* Cited by examiner, โ€  Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2367530B (en) * 2000-10-03 2003-07-23 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd User interface device
US7161460B2 (en) * 2001-09-19 2007-01-09 Iee International Electronics & Engineering S.A. Switching element provided with a foil construction
LU90871B1 (en) * 2001-12-28 2003-06-30 Iee Sarl Flexible keyboard
EP1429355A1 (en) * 2002-12-09 2004-06-16 IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A. Foil-type switching element
EP1429357A1 (en) * 2002-12-09 2004-06-16 IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A. Foil-type switching element with multi-layered carrier foil
EP1437584A1 (en) * 2003-01-07 2004-07-14 IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A. Pressure transducer with elastic sensor layer, the surface of which is micro structured
US7379720B2 (en) * 2003-02-20 2008-05-27 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab Keypad lighting using polymer light emitting devices
DE10326400A1 (en) * 2003-06-12 2004-12-30 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag operating element
EP1544048A1 (en) * 2003-12-17 2005-06-22 IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A. Device for the classification of seat occupancy
GB0403854D0 (en) * 2004-02-20 2004-03-24 Pelikon Ltd Switches
JPWO2006006503A1 (en) * 2004-07-12 2008-04-24 ไฟก่ถŠใƒใƒชใƒžใƒผๆ ชๅผไผš็คพ Method for manufacturing pushbutton switch cover member and pushbutton switch cover member
EP1715350A1 (en) * 2005-04-20 2006-10-25 IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A. Impact sensor system for pedestrian protection
US8110765B2 (en) * 2005-06-09 2012-02-07 Oryon Technologies, Llc Electroluminescent lamp membrane switch
US20060291186A1 (en) * 2005-06-09 2006-12-28 Oryon Technologies, Llc Electroluminescent lamp with graphical overlay
US7049536B1 (en) * 2005-06-09 2006-05-23 Oryon Technologies, Llc Electroluminescent lamp membrane switch
US20080202251A1 (en) * 2007-02-27 2008-08-28 Iee International Electronics & Engineering S.A. Capacitive pressure sensor
US8982055B2 (en) * 2008-01-15 2015-03-17 Sony Corporation Wireless mobile communication terminals and methods for forming the same
GB0905214D0 (en) * 2009-03-26 2009-05-13 Pelikon Ltd Electroluminescent displays
DE102011006344B4 (en) 2010-03-31 2020-03-12 Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition Llc Occupant measurement system
US9007190B2 (en) 2010-03-31 2015-04-14 Tk Holdings Inc. Steering wheel sensors
DE102011006649B4 (en) 2010-04-02 2018-05-03 Tk Holdings Inc. Steering wheel with hand sensors
WO2013154720A1 (en) 2012-04-13 2013-10-17 Tk Holdings Inc. Pressure sensor including a pressure sensitive material for use with control systems and methods of using the same
WO2014043664A1 (en) 2012-09-17 2014-03-20 Tk Holdings Inc. Single layer force sensor
TWI672715B (en) * 2019-01-29 2019-09-21 ่‡ดไผธ็ง‘ๆŠ€่‚กไปฝๆœ‰้™ๅ…ฌๅธ Membrane circuit board and keyboard device using the same

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, โ€  Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4532395A (en) * 1983-09-20 1985-07-30 Timex Corporation Electroluminescent flexible touch switch panel
US4812831A (en) * 1987-02-10 1989-03-14 Amp Incorporated Key switch with controllable illumination
US4786767A (en) * 1987-06-01 1988-11-22 Southwall Technologies Inc. Transparent touch panel switch
DE3816182A1 (en) * 1988-05-11 1989-11-23 Beck Gerhard Dipl Ing Fh Membrane switch
US6069444A (en) * 1992-12-16 2000-05-30 Durel Corporation Electroluminescent lamp devices and their manufacture
US5680160A (en) * 1995-02-09 1997-10-21 Leading Edge Industries, Inc. Touch activated electroluminescent lamp and display switch
EP0801517A3 (en) * 1995-07-14 1997-12-10 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Illuminated switch unit
JPH0950728A (en) * 1995-08-07 1997-02-18 Fuji Polymertech Kk Illuminated switch
JPH10149737A (en) * 1996-11-19 1998-06-02 Fujikura Ltd Membrane switch
US5797482A (en) * 1996-11-25 1998-08-25 Metro-Mark, Inc. Electroluminescent keypad
JPH10247434A (en) * 1997-02-28 1998-09-14 Kawaguchiko Seimitsu Kk El luminescence switch
ATE266721T1 (en) 1997-06-04 2004-05-15 Basf Ag GRANULES CONTAINING HIGHLY ACTIVE PHYTASES
JPH1139984A (en) * 1997-07-14 1999-02-12 Teikoku Tsushin Kogyo Co Ltd El light emitting type switch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2001274090A1 (en) 2001-12-17
WO2001095357A1 (en) 2001-12-13
DE50110753D1 (en) 2006-09-28
ATE336794T1 (en) 2006-09-15
JP2003536213A (en) 2003-12-02
US6875938B2 (en) 2005-04-05
LU90594B1 (en) 2001-12-10
US20040108193A1 (en) 2004-06-10
EP1287538A1 (en) 2003-03-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1287538B1 (en) Illuminated switch element
DE19612473B4 (en) Illuminated push button switch unit
DE69732776T2 (en) Electroluminescent lamp and method of manufacture
US4532395A (en) Electroluminescent flexible touch switch panel
EP0763838B1 (en) Illuminated switches
DE102007025433B4 (en) Sheet switch module
DE60205537T2 (en) Keyboard for mobile phone with electroluminescent component
DE60113638T2 (en) ELECTRO-LUMINESCENT FILM AND THESE SWITCHES USED
EP2355356B1 (en) Capacitative touch and/or proximity sensor
DE69216788T2 (en) Display device with electroluminescent lighting
DE2925736C2 (en) Flexible push button switch
DE2900633A1 (en) FLEXIBLE SWITCH
DE69823500T2 (en) ELECTROLUMINESCENT LIGHT
DE102007005882A1 (en) Display has multiple layers, in which controllable display elements are arranged behind one another, where display elements glow in transparent non-state controlled or semi-transparent state controlled manner
WO1996023200A1 (en) Display arrangement, in particular for motor vehicles
DE102010033390A1 (en) Capacitive touch or proximity switch comprises cover plate and touch panel which is provided on cover plate for user, where sensor element comprises plate-shaped sensor section
DE9102919U1 (en) Key layout
DE2235519A1 (en) VISUAL SWITCH
DE102013215719B3 (en) Buttonmodul
DE102020122189A1 (en) Decorative part with a one-piece multifunctional layer formed from solid silicone
DE69828885T2 (en) "Electric Sachlter with illuminated membrane"
DE4206243C2 (en) Membrane switch assembly
EP0580082B1 (en) Optoelectronic device
EP1103943B1 (en) Information optical display device
DE19951218A1 (en) Control or operating element, especially pushbutton for electrical device, such as mobile-phone or laptop, displays active sign or function through transparent cover plate

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20021111

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: SCHOOS, ALOYSE

Inventor name: SCHOCKMEL, PAUL

Inventor name: SCHMIZ, MARC

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060816

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20060816

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060816

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060816

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060816

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 50110753

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20060928

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20061116

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20061116

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20061127

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070116

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
ET Fr: translation filed
GBV Gb: ep patent (uk) treated as always having been void in accordance with gb section 77(7)/1977 [no translation filed]

Effective date: 20060816

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20070518

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A.

Effective date: 20070630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070630

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070630

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20061117

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070630

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20070514

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070608

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20080415

Year of fee payment: 8

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20090228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070608

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080630

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060816

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060816

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100101