A TRANSPARENT SWITCH ARRAY

摘要

A transparent switch array is disclosed that includes a relatively flexible or pliant sheet having a number of vertically-extending conductive column elements mounted in spaced apart parallel relationship with a relatively rigid backplate that includes a number of horizontally extending conductive row elements so that the intersecting row and column elements, in effect, form a matrix of rectangular touch-pressure activated switches. A relatively thin, flat electrical cable that is interposed between two edge regions of the backplate and the flexible sheet provides a portion of the peripheral backplate-flexible sheet spacing, with thin adhesive strips establishing the interelement spacing along the other two border regions. An array of small transparent elastomeric dots or beads that are deposited on one surface of the pliant sheet in effect outline the individual switch elements and maintain the pliant sheet in noncontacting, closely spaced orientation with the backplate. Compressive U-shaped spring clips, spaced along the periphery of the switch array, maintain the components in proper position and ensure good electrical contact between the conductive row and column elements and solderless connections between the electrical cable and the conductive elements of the backplate and the flexible sheet.