Touch switch with flexible, intermediate conductive spacer as sensor button

Abstract

A touch contact switch has a sensor key or button with a spatially extended, electrically conductive foam or flexible plastic or rubber body. The switch is operated by contact or approach. The sensor button essentially forms one pole of a capacitor and is electrically connected to an evaluating circuit of the touch contact switch, wherein switching is initiated as a result of a capacitance change in consequence of approach or contact. The sensor button can be bonded directly on a mounting plate of the associated electrical evaluating circuit or can be engaged by a pin or the like. The body can be flush to the underside of a cover, which forms or contains the contact surface. The body can include an opening along the longitudinal axis in which is insertable a LED.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.