Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Icon illumination for capacitive touch switch
- Patent Title (中): 电容式触摸开关的图标照明
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Application No.: US12638322Application Date: 2009-12-15
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Publication No.: US08258987B2Publication Date: 2012-09-04
- Inventor: Benedito G. Anorozo
- Applicant: Benedito G. Anorozo
- Applicant Address: US MI Benton Harbor
- Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
- Current Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
- Current Assignee Address: US MI Benton Harbor
- Agency: Barnes & Thornburg, LLP
- Agent Jason S. Burnette
- Main IPC: H03M11/00
- IPC: H03M11/00 ; H03K17/96

Abstract:
A capacitive touch switch is disclosed which includes a substrate having a channel formed between a first surface and a second surface thereof, thereby defining a flexible section of the substrate. The capacitive touch switch also includes an insulating panel having a first face and a second face, the second face adapted to be touched by a user. The capacitive touch switch may further include a capacitive electrode disposed on the flexible section, a light source coupled to the first surface of the flexible section, and one or more spacers secured to the first surface of the flexible section. Either the light source or the one or more spacers cause the flexible section of the substrate to be deflected away from the insulating panel when the substrate and the insulating panel are urged into contact. Deflection of the flexible section creates a gap which allows the light source to illuminate an icon disposed on the insulating panel. A method of manufacturing a capacitive touch switch is also disclosed.
Public/Granted literature
- US20110140935A1 ICON ILLUMINATION FOR CAPACITIVE TOUCH SWITCH Public/Granted day:2011-06-16
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