Membrane touch control panel assembly for an appliance with a glass control panel

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In accordance with the present invention an appliance with a glass control panel is provided with a membrane touch switch control panel assembly which provides the smooth appearance, easy cleanability of a glass capacitive touch panel, and a higher temperature tolerance than that of conventional membrane switch array.
A laminated membrane switch array is disposed on the outer surface of the glass control panel.
The glass panel has a hole formed therein to allow the ribbon cable for the membrane switch array to pass through the panel to control circuitry positioned behind the panel.
A bezel circumscribes the switch array with an inner edge which overlappingly engages the array at its periphery to hold the array in position on the panel with its face exposed to permit user actuation of the membrane switches.
A gasket may be sandwiched between the bezel and the glass panel to provide a seal therebetween.
The outer graphics layer of the membrane switch array is formed of a flexible, resilient temperature resistant material, preferably a hard coat polycarbonate material, capable of withstanding temperature in excess of 220.
degree.
F.