US3573532A - Electroluminescent display device having etched character electrodes - Google Patents

Electroluminescent display device having etched character electrodes Download PDF

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US3573532A
US3573532A US731191A US3573532DA US3573532A US 3573532 A US3573532 A US 3573532A US 731191 A US731191 A US 731191A US 3573532D A US3573532D A US 3573532DA US 3573532 A US3573532 A US 3573532A
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layer
character
electrically conductive
electrode
transparent
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Gerald Boucher
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Lockheed Corp
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Sanders Associates Inc
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G09EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09FDISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F9/00Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements
    • G09F9/30Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements
    • G09F9/302Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements characterised by the form or geometrical disposition of the individual elements
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05BELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B33/00Electroluminescent light sources
    • H05B33/12Light sources with substantially two-dimensional radiating surfaces
    • H05B33/26Light sources with substantially two-dimensional radiating surfaces characterised by the composition or arrangement of the conductive material used as an electrode

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  • An electroluminescent device is pro- Holk l/6O vided, in which a substrate of the display is comprised of Field of hara ter electrode external onnecting means for facilitat. 108; 315/169 (TX), 169; 317/234 (27); 40/13 ing connections to external apparatus and a plurality of inter- (M); 136/86 connecting means between the character el ectrodes and external connecting means.
  • the character electrodes, interconnecting means and external connecting means form one inelf being a monolithic tegral unit, with the display device its structure.
  • This invention relates to a means for providing a visual display in which any of many predetermined display patterns, such as letters, numbers, graphs or symbols can be selectively illuminated, and more particularly, to such displays in which an electroluminescent phosphor layer disposed between two electrode layers, a transparent electrode and a preformed character electrode, is excited by an electric field causing the associated phosphor area to luminesce thereby illuminating the selected character.
  • a metallic configuration electrode or character electrode composed of steel, aluminum, gold, copper, or other electrically conducting material is bonded to the electroluminescent phosphor layer.
  • the metallic configuration electrode may be used as the backing surface of the display or a layer of dielectric material may be laminated to the electrode surface.
  • an electrical potential is applied between the metallic configuration electrode and the transparent electrode creating an electric field across the phosphor layer, thus, producing visible light which identifies the characters to be displayed.
  • electrical connections must be made to the transparent electrode and the character electrode(s).
  • the character electrode pattern, the insulating material, and the interconnecting conductive members provide a rugged substrate for the phosphor layer and the transparent electrode;
  • the electrode patterns, the transparent electrode, the electroluminescent phosphor layer, and the interconnecting conductive members to the external electronic circuits form a monolithic structure.
  • these objectives are achieved by forming the character electrodes and electrical interconnecting circuits thereto as an integral component of the substrate of the electroluminescent display. That is, the character electrodes, the electrical circuit paths within the substrate and the conductive members which extend through the insulative material that surrounds and separates the character electrodes and the circuit paths are molecularly united without the necessity of soldering or the like when formed by a printed circuit process, and form an integral unit. In this manner, the passive elements of the display are formed as part of the substrate which supports the active elements of the display and thereby provide a durable, rugged display.
  • FIG. I is a schematic view of various types of character electrodes
  • FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the character electrodes, and their associated printed circuit interconnecting means, and
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a complete electroluminescent display.
  • FIGS. present an enlarged view of the electroluminescent display for clarity and illustration purposes only.
  • the dimensions of a finished display are greatly reduced in surface area and depth.
  • the number of character electrodes, the number of conductive members between circuit levels, and the number of associated electrical interconnecting circuit paths and terminals have been limited for illustration purposes only.
  • FIG. ll there is. shown an electroluminescent display having various types of preformed permanent character electrodes 112 (a-e) comprising various symbols, designs, etc.
  • the electrode segments may be formed into a circular pattern 12a whereby the radial segments can represent, for example, a metal dial or the hands of a clock.
  • the character electrode ll2b represents a letter of the alphabet.
  • a seven segment presentation is illustrated by 12c such that any illuminated number from zero to nine may be produced by energizing the proper segments.
  • a l4-segment presentation 124 can with proper energization of the seg ments, provide any number of letter of the alphabet.
  • substrate III includes connection means 113 to connect the permanent character electrodes 12 (a-e) to external apparatus.
  • Connection means 13 may consist of eyelets, protruding pins or other known methods or combinations thereof to provide an electrical connection for external apparatus.
  • FIG. 2 there is shown a partial electroluminescent display (substrate 1111) showing the character electrodes, associated printed circuits, and interconnecting means.
  • connection means 13 used to facilitate connections to external apparatus.
  • connection means I3 are incorporated as part of substrate 11 are well known in the art.
  • the formation of the substrate 11 starts with a sheet of copper (to be formed into pillars or lands I4 and circuit paths 16) that is preferably thick enough such that operations may be performed on it without the need of a supporting device.
  • the copper sheet is thoroughly cleaned, coated with a light sensitive resist, dried and covered with a film mask which locates the upstanding conductive members or lands 14.
  • the copper layer is then exposed to light (preferably ultraviolet), developed, rinsed, dried, dyed if desired, dried and touched up, and etched to a predetermined controlled depth to form the desired upstanding portions or lands.
  • the surface is then flushed, dried and the exposed resist removed. It is then again rinsed and dried.
  • a layer of epoxy fiber glass I or other insulating material is laminated over and surrounding the upstanding conductive members or lands 14. The surface of the insulating material is then sanded, ground, or otherwise thinned down to remove the excess epoxy to leave the uppermost surface of the lands l4 exposed and cleaned.
  • This method for providing lands I4 is similar to that set forth with more particularity in my U.S. Pat. No. 3,374,l29, assigned to the assignee of this application.
  • the surfaces of the lands 14 will be molecularly united to the character electrodes I2 of FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the opposing surface of the sheet of copper I0 is resist coated, washed, exposed to light, developed, rinsed, dried, dyed if desired, dried and touched up, and etched to form an appropriate printed circuit layer 16. This surface is then cleaned and a layer of epoxy fiber glass 17 or other insulating material is laminated thereover.
  • the surface of the laminate with the exposed conducting members or lands 14 is then cleaned, and activated by being dipped in hydrocloric acid, dipped in a suitable catalyst, rinsed, dipped in a copper mix solution, dipped in fluoboric acid, electroplated with copper to form a layer, rinsed and dried.
  • the copper layer which will be formed into the character electrodes '12, is then cleaned, coated with a light sensitive resist, dried and covered with a film mask to locate the permanent electrode characters.
  • This copper layer is then exposed to light, developed, rinsed, dried, dyed if desired, dried and touched up, and etched to form the desired patterns which are the second or permanent electrode characters. such as electrode segment [2e illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • the character electrodes 12 are made by a printed circuit process, the electrodes may be formed into any form imaginable and, therefore, the use of the display is almost without limit.
  • the electrode segments 12 (a-e) in this embodiment are located within the same plane and, therefore, spacing therebetween is selected to minimize any tendency for an electrical breakdown.
  • a layer of insulative material may be placed around and over the electrodes and the surface then ground, sanded or otherwise thinned down to expose the uppermost surface of the electrode segments 12.
  • a base is thereby provided to which is applied a uniform layer of phosphor material (not shown in FIG. 2).
  • a uniform layer of phosphor material ensures that each character is illuminated with the same degree of brightness.
  • each character electrode I2 may have a multiple of interconnection contacts.
  • segment (a) of the character electrode 12c, FIG. 2 may be integrally connected by a multiple of printed circuit leads l8 and 19 to more than one external connecting means 13.
  • the printed circuit leads may be interconnected between segments of various character electrodes.
  • the connecting means 13 may be eyelets which extend through the electroluminescent panel, illustrated as 13b, FIG. 2 or the connecting means 13 may be eyelets which only appear on one side of the electroluminescent panel such as 13a, FIG. 2. In any event, the method of inserting these eyelets is well known.
  • the electroluminescent display described herein attains the goals set forth in the objects of the inventIOI'l.
  • the embodiment of the invention described herein has one circuit layer 16 beneath the permanent character electrode 12. This concept, however, is not limited to any particular number of printed circuit levels, for as many levels may be formed as deemed necessary by following the steps outlined above.
  • connection means 13 for the electroluminescent display are illustrated as surrounding the electrode segment (see 12a of FIG. I) or positioned along the perimeter of the display device (see l2b-l2e, FIG. 1), their placement is not restricted to these two locations, but will depend on the associated interconnecting leads to the electrical apparatus. Also, the connection means 13 is not restricted to protruding pins or eyelet types, but for example, may be in the shape of an exposed tab or any other known means. The connection means 13, however, do not extend through or come in contact with the dielectric layer 21, phosphor layer 22, transparent electrode 23, or the cover coating 25 (see FIG. 3). If the connection means 13 should come in contact with the transparent electrode 23 in particular, then a direct electrical circuit would exist between the transparent electrode 23 and the character electrodes 12 and the phosphor layer would not luminesce.
  • a dielectric breakdown layer 21 of barium titanate intermixed with a dielectric resin binder is applied over the layer of character electrodes I2.
  • Adjacent to and above the dielectric breakdown layer 21, a phosphor layer 22 is applied by any suitable process, such by spraying, silk screening or other known methods.
  • the phosphor layer 22 comprises any electroluminescent phosphor material in which the phosphors are energizablc by electric fields to produce visible light, and accordingly are termed field responsive."
  • the electroluminescent material may comprise zinc sulfide activated by copper and coactivated by chlorine, but any other suitable electroluminescent material may be substituted therefor.
  • the phosphor may also be intermixed with a suitable light-transmitting dielectric material.
  • the first electrode 23 Adjacent to the phosphor layer is the first electrode 23.
  • the first electrode 23 consists of a thin, light-transmitting, electrically conducting material which is coated as a thin film on a fibrous glass sheet or other vitreous body by, for example, iridizing.
  • An example of suitable materials employed are tin oxide, stannic oxide, or indium oxide.
  • the transparent electrically conductive layer 23 usually is one sheet covering all of the character electrodes I2 but, if necessary, it may be applied in sections such as to cover each character electrode individually.
  • a conductive lead 24, FIG. 3, is bonded to the light-permeable, electrically conductive electrode.
  • connection means for example, a tab may be soldered thereto and brought out from the body of the display.
  • a voltage potential, applied between the transparent electrode and any one character electrode 112 causes the as sociated phosphor material to luminesce, thereby illuminating the display 20.
  • the connection to the character electrode R2 is made at a connection means t3 (not illustrated in this FIG.) as shown in H0. 2.
  • the transparent electrode 23 and surrounding areas, if any may be covered with a layer 25 of transparent plastic glass or other suitable bondable material.
  • the instant display device is not limited in the size in which it can be fabricated, it is particularly adapted for small displays.
  • the compactness of the display has as its practical limitation the observers ability to visually perceive and distinguish the characters of the display, while the largeness of the display area is guided by practical considerations.
  • Another advantage of my invention is the wafer-thin thickness of the display. This thinness makes the display device particularly adaptable for use in areas where relatively bulky displays present design packaging problems.
  • any one of the character electrodes 12 or combination of character electrodes 112 may be energized to illuminate the electroluminescent display device 20. This is done by applying a volt age potential between the transparent electrode 23 at conductive lead M, and any one or combination of character electrodes l2.
  • the electroluminescent display of this invention has efficiently attained the objectives previously set forth. That is, the external connection means 113, the circuit layer 116, the upstanding conductive members or lands M, and the character electrode segments 112 are molecularly united so as to form one integral electrical circuit; and this integral structure combined with the insulative material which is formed around the electrical elements and is flush with the uppermost surface of the character electrodes llZ provides a very durable, rugged substrate for the display that is not present when a piece of transparent glass is used as the substrate.
  • a display device produced by this method is wafer-thin in size and light in weight permitting usage where these factors are important. Also, it is apparent that my invention provides a simplified and economical construction of a monolithic electroluminescent display.
  • An electroluminescent character display device compris .ing:
  • a substrate subassembly including first and second etched circuits, said second etched circuit formed in the shape of desired characters, a layer insulating said circuits, and at least one solid electrically conductive member extending through said insulating layer, being integrally formed with and molecularly united to said first and second circuits such as to have a homogeneous grain structure therewith;
  • Apparatus as recited in claim 1 further including:
  • At least one electrically conductive member molecularly united to and having a homogeneous grain structure with said first etched circuit and traversing said insulating layer to an exterior surface thereof.
  • Apparatus as recited in claim ll further including:
  • a layer of dielectric material disposed between said second etched circuit and said field. responsive electroluminescent phosphor layer.
  • Apparatus as recited in claim 1 further including:

Abstract

An electroluminescent display device is provided, in which a substrate of the display is comprised of character electrodes, external connecting means for facilitating connections to external apparatus and a plurality of interconnecting means between the character electrodes and external connecting means. The character electrodes, interconnecting means and external connecting means form one integral unit, with the display device itself being a monolithic structure.

Description

XX 9 m UN 3 Gerald Boucher Hudson, NH. 731,191 May 22, 1968 Patented Apr. 6, 1971 Sanders Associates, Inc. Nashua, NH.
HAVING ETCHED CHARACTER ELECTRODES 4 Claims, 3 Drawing Figs.
Appl. No. [22] Filed 1 Assignee Inventor United States Patent [54] ELECTROLUMINESCENT DISPLAY DEVICE An electroluminescent device is pro- Holk l/6O vided, in which a substrate of the display is comprised of Field of hara ter electrode external onnecting means for facilitat. 108; 315/169 (TX), 169; 317/234 (27); 40/13 ing connections to external apparatus and a plurality of inter- (M); 136/86 connecting means between the character el ectrodes and external connecting means. The character electrodes, interconnecting means and external connecting means form one inelf being a monolithic tegral unit, with the display device its structure.
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 11/1966 Dickson et al.
ELECTROLIUMIINESCENT DIISEEAY DEVICE IHIAVIING ETCI-IIER CHARACTER ELECTRODES FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a means for providing a visual display in which any of many predetermined display patterns, such as letters, numbers, graphs or symbols can be selectively illuminated, and more particularly, to such displays in which an electroluminescent phosphor layer disposed between two electrode layers, a transparent electrode and a preformed character electrode, is excited by an electric field causing the associated phosphor area to luminesce thereby illuminating the selected character.
THE PRIOR ART In the field of electroluminescent display assemblies, it is conventional practice to make the exterior glass or other transparent material the substrate of the display. Such substrates, while rigid, provide a display that is heavy and relatively fragile. ln completing the structure of these conventional displays, a tin oxide coating or any other light-transmitting electrically conductive material is applied to one surface of the glass plate thus forming the transparent electrode. An electroluminescent phosphor layer which may be comprised of a dielectric material such as glass or plastic having dispersed therein particles of an electric field responsive phosphor is placed adjacent the transparent electrode. The dielectric material and the phosphor can be applied as separate layers. A metallic configuration electrode or character electrode composed of steel, aluminum, gold, copper, or other electrically conducting material is bonded to the electroluminescent phosphor layer. The metallic configuration electrode may be used as the backing surface of the display or a layer of dielectric material may be laminated to the electrode surface.
In the operation of devices such as described above, an electrical potential is applied between the metallic configuration electrode and the transparent electrode creating an electric field across the phosphor layer, thus, producing visible light which identifies the characters to be displayed. In order to apply this power, electrical connections must be made to the transparent electrode and the character electrode(s).
This requirement necessitates that electrical connections be made to very thin metallic electrodes. From a manufacturing viewpoint, the task of making relatively fragile electrical connections coupled with the relative weakness of the electroluminescent displays, because a glass surface is used as the substrate, presents many problems.
The solution to the problem of providing solid electrical connections to the character electrodes lies in forming a substrate in which the character electrodes and interconnecting means are an integral part thereof. In providing such a substrate, the relative weakness of the display is also eliminated because the outer glass surface no longer fulfills this function.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION From the foregoing, it will be understood that among the objects of this invention are the following:
to provide an electroluminescent display in which the character electrode pattern, the insulating material, and the interconnecting conductive members provide a rugged substrate for the phosphor layer and the transparent electrode;
to provide an electroluminescent display which is light in weight, compact, rugged and more reliable than heretofore available;
to provide an electroluminescent display in which the use of soldered joints or conductive cement between the electrode segments and the electrical connection leads are eliminated;
to provide an electroluminescent display in which the bonding of the individual electrode areas to the electroluminescent phosphor layer is eliminated;
to provide an electroluminescent display that is relatively free of production problems and is inexpensive to manufacture;
to provide an electroluminescent display in which the electrode patterns, the transparent electrode, the electroluminescent phosphor layer, and the interconnecting conductive members to the external electronic circuits form a monolithic structure.
In accordance with this invention, these objectives are achieved by forming the character electrodes and electrical interconnecting circuits thereto as an integral component of the substrate of the electroluminescent display. That is, the character electrodes, the electrical circuit paths within the substrate and the conductive members which extend through the insulative material that surrounds and separates the character electrodes and the circuit paths are molecularly united without the necessity of soldering or the like when formed by a printed circuit process, and form an integral unit. In this manner, the passive elements of the display are formed as part of the substrate which supports the active elements of the display and thereby provide a durable, rugged display.
For a clearer understanding of the nature and objects of my invention, reference may be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a schematic view of various types of character electrodes;
FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the character electrodes, and their associated printed circuit interconnecting means, and
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a complete electroluminescent display.
It will be understood that these FIGS. present an enlarged view of the electroluminescent display for clarity and illustration purposes only. The dimensions of a finished display are greatly reduced in surface area and depth. Also, the number of character electrodes, the number of conductive members between circuit levels, and the number of associated electrical interconnecting circuit paths and terminals have been limited for illustration purposes only.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG. ll, there is. shown an electroluminescent display having various types of preformed permanent character electrodes 112 (a-e) comprising various symbols, designs, etc.
It is apparent from an examination of the characters 112 (a- -e) that the actual character configuration which can be formed is unlimited. Any shape or pattern may be produced by a printed circuit process thereby providing numerous applications for this display. For example, the electrode segments may be formed into a circular pattern 12a whereby the radial segments can represent, for example, a metal dial or the hands of a clock. The character electrode ll2b represents a letter of the alphabet. A seven segment presentation is illustrated by 12c such that any illuminated number from zero to nine may be produced by energizing the proper segments. A l4-segment presentation 124, can with proper energization of the seg ments, provide any number of letter of the alphabet. Likewise, a 7-segment or fraction presentation He is employed to provide illuminated numerical digits whether as a fraction or as a value in tenths. These configurations are shown by way of example only. In addition, substrate III, as will be subsequently explained, includes connection means 113 to connect the permanent character electrodes 12 (a-e) to external apparatus. Connection means 13 may consist of eyelets, protruding pins or other known methods or combinations thereof to provide an electrical connection for external apparatus.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a partial electroluminescent display (substrate 1111) showing the character electrodes, associated printed circuits, and interconnecting means.
The method of construction of substrate 11 may vary as to the initial steps depending upon the type of connection means 13 used to facilitate connections to external apparatus. In any event, the methods by which connection means I3 are incorporated as part of substrate 11 are well known in the art.
The formation of the substrate 11 starts with a sheet of copper (to be formed into pillars or lands I4 and circuit paths 16) that is preferably thick enough such that operations may be performed on it without the need of a supporting device.
The copper sheet is thoroughly cleaned, coated with a light sensitive resist, dried and covered with a film mask which locates the upstanding conductive members or lands 14. The copper layer is then exposed to light (preferably ultraviolet), developed, rinsed, dried, dyed if desired, dried and touched up, and etched to a predetermined controlled depth to form the desired upstanding portions or lands. The surface is then flushed, dried and the exposed resist removed. It is then again rinsed and dried. A layer of epoxy fiber glass I or other insulating material is laminated over and surrounding the upstanding conductive members or lands 14. The surface of the insulating material is then sanded, ground, or otherwise thinned down to remove the excess epoxy to leave the uppermost surface of the lands l4 exposed and cleaned. This method for providing lands I4 is similar to that set forth with more particularity in my U.S. Pat. No. 3,374,l29, assigned to the assignee of this application. The surfaces of the lands 14 will be molecularly united to the character electrodes I2 of FIGS. 1 and 2.
The opposing surface of the sheet of copper I0 is resist coated, washed, exposed to light, developed, rinsed, dried, dyed if desired, dried and touched up, and etched to form an appropriate printed circuit layer 16. This surface is then cleaned and a layer of epoxy fiber glass 17 or other insulating material is laminated thereover.
The surface of the laminate with the exposed conducting members or lands 14 is then cleaned, and activated by being dipped in hydrocloric acid, dipped in a suitable catalyst, rinsed, dipped in a copper mix solution, dipped in fluoboric acid, electroplated with copper to form a layer, rinsed and dried. The copper layer which will be formed into the character electrodes '12, is then cleaned, coated with a light sensitive resist, dried and covered with a film mask to locate the permanent electrode characters. This copper layer is then exposed to light, developed, rinsed, dried, dyed if desired, dried and touched up, and etched to form the desired patterns which are the second or permanent electrode characters. such as electrode segment [2e illustrated in FIG. 2.
Note that since the character electrodes 12 are made by a printed circuit process, the electrodes may be formed into any form imaginable and, therefore, the use of the display is almost without limit.
The electrode segments 12 (a-e) in this embodiment are located within the same plane and, therefore, spacing therebetween is selected to minimize any tendency for an electrical breakdown. To insure against an electrical breakdown between the electrode segments, a layer of insulative material may be placed around and over the electrodes and the surface then ground, sanded or otherwise thinned down to expose the uppermost surface of the electrode segments 12. A base is thereby provided to which is applied a uniform layer of phosphor material (not shown in FIG. 2). A uniform layer of phosphor material ensures that each character is illuminated with the same degree of brightness.
By utilizing the method, herein described, for producing the interconnecting printed circuits 16 it is possible that each character electrode I2 may have a multiple of interconnection contacts. For example, segment (a) of the character electrode 12c, FIG. 2, may be integrally connected by a multiple of printed circuit leads l8 and 19 to more than one external connecting means 13. Although not illustrated, the printed circuit leads may be interconnected between segments of various character electrodes. For example, if the display was to present certain combinations of letters or numbers then the letters could be interconnected such that only one circuit path needs to be connected to only one external connecting means 13. In this manner, the same character electrode may be shared by more than one external system thereby increasing its usefulness. The connecting means 13 may be eyelets which extend through the electroluminescent panel, illustrated as 13b, FIG. 2 or the connecting means 13 may be eyelets which only appear on one side of the electroluminescent panel such as 13a, FIG. 2. In any event, the method of inserting these eyelets is well known.
The above-described construction is very rugged, durable, and capable of withstanding excessive external forces without any danger of interrupting the electrical circuits between the connection means 13 and the character electrodes 12. There is little danger that one of the character electrodes 12 be separate from a phosphor layer which has been applied to the electrodes. Thus, the electroluminescent display described herein attains the goals set forth in the objects of the inventIOI'l.
The embodiment of the invention described herein has one circuit layer 16 beneath the permanent character electrode 12. This concept, however, is not limited to any particular number of printed circuit levels, for as many levels may be formed as deemed necessary by following the steps outlined above.
Although the electrical connection means 13 for the electroluminescent display are illustrated as surrounding the electrode segment (see 12a of FIG. I) or positioned along the perimeter of the display device (see l2b-l2e, FIG. 1), their placement is not restricted to these two locations, but will depend on the associated interconnecting leads to the electrical apparatus. Also, the connection means 13 is not restricted to protruding pins or eyelet types, but for example, may be in the shape of an exposed tab or any other known means. The connection means 13, however, do not extend through or come in contact with the dielectric layer 21, phosphor layer 22, transparent electrode 23, or the cover coating 25 (see FIG. 3). If the connection means 13 should come in contact with the transparent electrode 23 in particular, then a direct electrical circuit would exist between the transparent electrode 23 and the character electrodes 12 and the phosphor layer would not luminesce.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a complete structure of an electroluminescent display device 20. A dielectric breakdown layer 21 of barium titanate intermixed with a dielectric resin binder is applied over the layer of character electrodes I2. Adjacent to and above the dielectric breakdown layer 21, a phosphor layer 22 is applied by any suitable process, such by spraying, silk screening or other known methods. The phosphor layer 22 comprises any electroluminescent phosphor material in which the phosphors are energizablc by electric fields to produce visible light, and accordingly are termed field responsive." As a specific example, the electroluminescent material may comprise zinc sulfide activated by copper and coactivated by chlorine, but any other suitable electroluminescent material may be substituted therefor. The phosphor may also be intermixed with a suitable light-transmitting dielectric material.
Adjacent to the phosphor layer is the first electrode 23. The first electrode 23 consists of a thin, light-transmitting, electrically conducting material which is coated as a thin film on a fibrous glass sheet or other vitreous body by, for example, iridizing. An example of suitable materials employed are tin oxide, stannic oxide, or indium oxide. The transparent electrically conductive layer 23 usually is one sheet covering all of the character electrodes I2 but, if necessary, it may be applied in sections such as to cover each character electrode individually. A conductive lead 24, FIG. 3, is bonded to the light-permeable, electrically conductive electrode. This lead is made available for connection to an external power source through a connection means (not shown), for example, a tab may be soldered thereto and brought out from the body of the display. A voltage potential, applied between the transparent electrode and any one character electrode 112, causes the as sociated phosphor material to luminesce, thereby illuminating the display 20. The connection to the character electrode R2 is made at a connection means t3 (not illustrated in this FIG.) as shown in H0. 2. Where it is necessary to protect the panel from the effects of the atmosphere such as moisture or dust, the transparent electrode 23 and surrounding areas, if any, may be covered with a layer 25 of transparent plastic glass or other suitable bondable material.
While the instant display device is not limited in the size in which it can be fabricated, it is particularly adapted for small displays. The compactness of the display has as its practical limitation the observers ability to visually perceive and distinguish the characters of the display, while the largeness of the display area is guided by practical considerations. Another advantage of my invention is the wafer-thin thickness of the display. This thinness makes the display device particularly adaptable for use in areas where relatively bulky displays present design packaging problems.
The operation of the electroluminescent displays is carried out according to methods known in the art; that is, any one of the character electrodes 12 or combination of character electrodes 112 may be energized to illuminate the electroluminescent display device 20. This is done by applying a volt age potential between the transparent electrode 23 at conductive lead M, and any one or combination of character electrodes l2.
It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that the electroluminescent display of this invention has efficiently attained the objectives previously set forth. That is, the external connection means 113, the circuit layer 116, the upstanding conductive members or lands M, and the character electrode segments 112 are molecularly united so as to form one integral electrical circuit; and this integral structure combined with the insulative material which is formed around the electrical elements and is flush with the uppermost surface of the character electrodes llZ provides a very durable, rugged substrate for the display that is not present when a piece of transparent glass is used as the substrate. In addition, a display device produced by this method is wafer-thin in size and light in weight permitting usage where these factors are important. Also, it is apparent that my invention provides a simplified and economical construction of a monolithic electroluminescent display.
This invention has been described in conjunction with preformed characters which display numbers, letters, or simple designs. But, it is seen that by extending the concept of using multiple interconnecting printed circuit paths, one can develop a system which when used with an appropriate electronic coding circuits will produce phrases, words, animated cartoons, or moving displays. Thus, the potential applications of this type of display are unlimited Thus, while the abovedescription relates to specific principles of this invention, it is to be understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation thereon, for one skilled in the art may make modification thereto, but still be within the true spirit and scope of this invention as set forth in the appended claims.
lclaim:
ll. An electroluminescent character display device compris .ing:
a substrate subassembly including first and second etched circuits, said second etched circuit formed in the shape of desired characters, a layer insulating said circuits, and at least one solid electrically conductive member extending through said insulating layer, being integrally formed with and molecularly united to said first and second circuits such as to have a homogeneous grain structure therewith;
a transparent layer of electrically conductive material;
a layer of field responsive electroluminescent phosphor material disposed between said second etched circuit and said transparent layer of electrically conductive material; and
an electrical insulating layer disposed upon said transparent layer of elcctrically conductive material.
2. Apparatus as recited in claim 1 further including:
at least one electrically conductive member molecularly united to and having a homogeneous grain structure with said first etched circuit and traversing said insulating layer to an exterior surface thereof.
3. Apparatus as recited in claim ll further including:
a layer of dielectric material disposed between said second etched circuit and said field. responsive electroluminescent phosphor layer.
4. Apparatus as recited in claim 1 further including:
a layer of transparent insulating material bonded to the surface of said transparent electrically conductive layer opposite said phosphor layer.

Claims (4)

1. An electroluminescent character display device comprising: a substrate subassembly including first and second etched circuits, said second etched circuit formed in the shape of desired characters, a layer insulating said circuits, and at least one solid electrically conductive member extending through said insulating layer, being integrally formed with and molecularly united to said first and second circuits such as to have a homogeneous grain structure therewith; a transparent layer of electrically conductive material; a layer of field responsive electroluminescent phosphor material disposed between said second etched circuit and said transparent layer of electrically conductive material; and an electrical insulating layer disposed upon said transparent layer of electrically conductive material.
2. Apparatus as recited in claim 1 further including: at least one electrically conductive member molecularly united to and having a homogeneous grain structure with said first etched circuit and traversing said insulating layer to an exterior surface thereof.
3. Apparatus as recited in claim 1 further including: a layer of dielectric material disposed between said second etched circuit and said field responsive electroluminescent phosphor layer.
4. Apparatus as recited in claim 1 further including: a layer of transparent insulating material bonded to the surface of said transparent electrically conductive layer opposite said phosphor layer.
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US3747175A (en) * 1967-07-07 1973-07-24 Sony Corp Gaseous glow indicator tube formed on a substrate with a plurality of insulating layers
US3824582A (en) * 1971-11-24 1974-07-16 Burroughs Corp Gas panel display apparatus
US3839714A (en) * 1972-12-26 1974-10-01 Ncr Co Plasma display device for selectively displaying several fixed images
US3855500A (en) * 1970-09-01 1974-12-17 Sony Corp Gaseous glow-discharge indicator system
US4075449A (en) * 1975-06-30 1978-02-21 Ngk Spark Plug Co. Ltd. Switch with electroluminescent indicator
US4162422A (en) * 1975-10-31 1979-07-24 Futaba Denshi Kogyo K.K. Composite digital and analogue fluorescent display panel device
JPS54109374A (en) * 1976-12-24 1979-08-27 Futaba Denshi Kogyo Kk Fluorescent display tube
FR2426305A1 (en) * 1978-05-18 1979-12-14 Ypsilantis John IMPROVEMENTS TO DIGITAL DISPLAY DEVICES
US4262291A (en) * 1977-07-01 1981-04-14 Zammit Christopher C Arabic numerical displays using segmented patterns
US4560902A (en) * 1983-07-18 1985-12-24 Kardon Donald R Adhesively bonded electroluminescent system
US5359341A (en) * 1992-04-22 1994-10-25 Tek Electronics Manufacturing Corporation Power supply for sequentially energizing segments of an electroluminescent panel to produce animated displays
US5623273A (en) * 1991-01-30 1997-04-22 Nec Corporation Week-day and/or time display system for a data display radio pager
US5821691A (en) * 1997-03-14 1998-10-13 Durel Corporation EL panel with continuous contacts on back of panel
US6054725A (en) * 1997-09-24 2000-04-25 U.S. Philips Corporation Organic electroluminescent device
US6326735B1 (en) * 2000-02-03 2001-12-04 Ritek Corporation Long-life type colorful electroluminescent display panel
US20050091890A1 (en) * 2003-11-05 2005-05-05 Highly Graphic, Inc. Portable animated illuminated panel display device
US20050275347A1 (en) * 2004-06-09 2005-12-15 Liang Chih P Double-shielded electroluminescent panel
US6998774B1 (en) * 1999-05-20 2006-02-14 Cambridge Consultants Limited Electrically insulated electroluminescent display
US20080265792A1 (en) * 2006-04-03 2008-10-30 Chih-Ping Liang Constant Brightness Control For Electro-Luminescent Lamp
US20110204814A1 (en) * 2010-02-23 2011-08-25 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Inorganic electroluminescence device and method of manufacturing the same

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3747175A (en) * 1967-07-07 1973-07-24 Sony Corp Gaseous glow indicator tube formed on a substrate with a plurality of insulating layers
US3855500A (en) * 1970-09-01 1974-12-17 Sony Corp Gaseous glow-discharge indicator system
US3824582A (en) * 1971-11-24 1974-07-16 Burroughs Corp Gas panel display apparatus
US3839714A (en) * 1972-12-26 1974-10-01 Ncr Co Plasma display device for selectively displaying several fixed images
US4075449A (en) * 1975-06-30 1978-02-21 Ngk Spark Plug Co. Ltd. Switch with electroluminescent indicator
US4162422A (en) * 1975-10-31 1979-07-24 Futaba Denshi Kogyo K.K. Composite digital and analogue fluorescent display panel device
JPS54109374A (en) * 1976-12-24 1979-08-27 Futaba Denshi Kogyo Kk Fluorescent display tube
JPS5441459B2 (en) * 1976-12-24 1979-12-08
US4262291A (en) * 1977-07-01 1981-04-14 Zammit Christopher C Arabic numerical displays using segmented patterns
FR2426305A1 (en) * 1978-05-18 1979-12-14 Ypsilantis John IMPROVEMENTS TO DIGITAL DISPLAY DEVICES
US4560902A (en) * 1983-07-18 1985-12-24 Kardon Donald R Adhesively bonded electroluminescent system
US5623273A (en) * 1991-01-30 1997-04-22 Nec Corporation Week-day and/or time display system for a data display radio pager
US5359341A (en) * 1992-04-22 1994-10-25 Tek Electronics Manufacturing Corporation Power supply for sequentially energizing segments of an electroluminescent panel to produce animated displays
US5821691A (en) * 1997-03-14 1998-10-13 Durel Corporation EL panel with continuous contacts on back of panel
US6054725A (en) * 1997-09-24 2000-04-25 U.S. Philips Corporation Organic electroluminescent device
US6998774B1 (en) * 1999-05-20 2006-02-14 Cambridge Consultants Limited Electrically insulated electroluminescent display
US6326735B1 (en) * 2000-02-03 2001-12-04 Ritek Corporation Long-life type colorful electroluminescent display panel
US20050091890A1 (en) * 2003-11-05 2005-05-05 Highly Graphic, Inc. Portable animated illuminated panel display device
US7065909B2 (en) 2003-11-05 2006-06-27 Highly Graphic, Inc. Portable animated illuminated panel display device
US20050275347A1 (en) * 2004-06-09 2005-12-15 Liang Chih P Double-shielded electroluminescent panel
US7816864B2 (en) 2004-06-09 2010-10-19 Ceelite, Inc. Double-shielded electroluminescent panel
US20080265792A1 (en) * 2006-04-03 2008-10-30 Chih-Ping Liang Constant Brightness Control For Electro-Luminescent Lamp
US7719210B2 (en) 2006-04-03 2010-05-18 Ceelight, Inc. Constant brightness control for electro-luminescent lamp
US20100237804A1 (en) * 2006-04-03 2010-09-23 Ceelite, Inc. Constant brightness control for electroluminescent lamp
US7990362B2 (en) 2006-04-03 2011-08-02 Ceelite, Inc. Constant brightness control for electroluminescent lamp
US20110204814A1 (en) * 2010-02-23 2011-08-25 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Inorganic electroluminescence device and method of manufacturing the same

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