Illuminated vehicle remote entry device

• US 6,980,095 B2
• Filed: 03/17/2004
• Issued: 12/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/17/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Original Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Inventors: Wright, James B., Pagano, Leonard E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): PHAM, LAM P
• Application Number:
  US10/802,307
• Publication Number:
  US 20050205402A1
• Time in Patent Office: 650 Days
• Field of Search: 340/426.36, 345168-169, 345/36, 345 76- 83, 400479-490, 361/683, 361/687
• US Class Current: 340/426.36
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00222 by more than one push button
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00944 Details of construction or manufacture
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2009/186 using an electroluminiscent panel
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/0235 specially adapted for remote control, e.g. of audio or video apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/182 Illumination of the symbols or distinguishing marks H01H9/181 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 345/905 Display device with housing structure

Abstract

A remote keyless entry electroluminiescent (EL) device includes at least one depressible button segment for activating a vehicle function. The entry device includes an upper housing with at least one aperture in the upper housing. An EL film is integral to the upper housing for illuminating at least one display area. A printed circuit board is disposed under the upper housing. An electrical contact is provided for supplying a power source from the printed circuit board to the EL film for illumination. A lower housing is adjoined to the upper housing, the upper housing and the lower housing encasing the printed circuit board wherein the EL film is in-molded as part of the upper housing for forming a single component.

Claims

1. A remote keyless entry electroluminiescent (EL) device including at least one depressible button segment for activating a vehicle function, said entry device comprising:

an upper housing, said upper housing including at least one aperture;

an EL film integral to said upper housing for illuminating at least one display area;

a printed circuit board disposed under said upper housing;

an electrical contact for supplying a power source from said printed circuit board to said EL film for illumination; and

a lower housing joined to said upper housing, to encase said printed circuit board;

wherein said EL film is in-molded as part of a top exterior surface of said upper housing for forming a single component.

2. The EL device of claim 1 wherein said EL film is injection molded onto said upper housing.

3. The EL device of claim 1 wherein said EL film is in-molded to said upper housing to form a continuous surface area.

4. The EL device of claim 3 wherein said at least one depressible button segment is formed over said at least one aperture.

5. The EL device of claim 4 wherein said display area is disposed on said at least one button segment.

6. The EL device of claim 1 wherein said display area comprises a graphical display.

7. The EL device of claim 6 wherein said graphical display is illuminated by at least one phosphor ink.

8. The EL device of claim 1 further comprising a graphic display, wherein said display area comprises an area outlining said graphical display.

9. The EL device of claim 1 further comprising a graphical display, wherein said display area comprises said graphical display and an area outside of said graphical display.

10. The EL device of claim 1 wherein said at least one button segment comprises a depressible button, said depressible button extends through said aperture, said upper casing and said depressible button are attached by a connecting element.

11. The EL device of claim 10 wherein said connecting element comprises a rubberized pad.

12. The EL device of claim 11 wherein said EL film is disposed on a region around said depressible button, said region provides illumination for background lighting to said depressible button.

13. The EL device of claim 1 wherein said electrical contact comprises a zero insertion force connector.

14. The EL device of claim 1 wherein said electrical contact comprises a spring contact.

15. The EL device of claim 1 wherein said electrical contact includes a crimp style connector.

16. The EL device of claim 1 wherein said electrical contact includes a conductive epoxy, said conductive epoxy compressible between said printed circuit board and said EL film.