DE102020108704A1 - Sensor device for an operator input device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sensor device (10) for an operator input device, comprising a capacitive sensor (11) and a contact switch (12), the capacitive sensor (11) having a first electrically conductive sensor electrode (11A) and at least one second electrically conductive sensor electrode (11B) ), which are designed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that they form a sensor capacitance between them, whereby a change in the sensor capacitance can be brought about by applying an operating force (F) to the sensor device (10), the contact switch (12) having a first electrical Contact element (12A) and a second electrical contact element (12B) which are designed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that an electrical connection between the first electrical contact element (12A) and the second electrical contact element (12B) is separated in an operating force-free state, and wherein by applying a Be service force (F) in the actuation direction, which is greater than a defined contact closing force, an electrical connection between the first electrical contact element (12A) and the second electrical contact element (12B) can be established, and one of the sensor electrodes (11A, 11B, 12B) of the capacitive sensor (11, 21) forms one of the two electrical contact elements (12A, 12B) of the contact switch (12).

Description

The present invention relates to a sensor device for an operator input device, the sensor device having a capacitive sensor and a contact switch. The capacitive sensor has a first electrically conductive sensor electrode and at least one second electrically conductive sensor electrode, which are designed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that they form a sensor capacitance between them, whereby a change in the sensor capacitance can be brought about by applying an operating force to the sensor device . The contact switch has a first electrical contact element and a second electrical contact element, which are designed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that an electrical connection between the first electrical contact element and the second electrical contact element is separated in an operating force-free state. By applying an operating force in the actuating direction that is greater than a defined contact closing force, an electrical connection can be established between the first electrical contact element and the second electrical contact element.

Generic sensor devices, in particular combined sensor devices designed as described above, which have both a capacitive sensor and a contact switch, are generally known from the prior art, with the generic sensor devices known from the prior art usually having the capacitive sensor and the contact switch are each formed from separate components, especially in the case of capacitive sensors that are designed as force sensors.

For similar sensor devices, for example, refer to KR 20190023171 , the DE 10 2014 019 241 or the US 2011/0011650 referenced.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative sensor device, in particular an improved sensor device, in particular a simpler and more compactly constructed sensor device.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a sensor device having the features according to patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the figures. The wording of the claims is made part of the content of the description by express reference.

A sensor device according to the invention for an operator input device has a capacitive sensor and a contact switch, the capacitive sensor having a first electrically conductive sensor electrode and at least one second electrically conductive sensor electrode, which are designed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that they form a sensor capacitance between them, whereby a change in the sensor capacitance can be brought about by applying an operating force to the sensor device. The contact switch has a first electrical contact element and a second electrical contact element, which are designed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that an electrical connection between the first electrical contact element and the second electrical contact element is separated in an operating force-free state. By applying an operating force in the actuating direction that is greater than a defined contact closing force, an electrical connection can be established between the first electrical contact element and the second electrical contact element.

A sensor device according to the present invention is characterized in that one of the sensor electrodes of the capacitive sensor forms one of the two electrical contact elements of the contact switch, in particular the first sensor electrode or the second sensor electrode.

The joint use of one of the sensor electrodes of the capacitive sensor also as an electrical contact element makes it possible to provide a particularly compact combined sensor device with a capacitive sensor and a contact switch. The present invention makes it possible, in particular, to provide a sensor device which requires fewer components compared to a sensor device known from the prior art that is fundamentally similar or comparable in functionality.

In an advantageous embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention, the capacitive sensor is a capacitive force sensor, i.e. a sensor by means of which a force can be capacitively determined, in particular an operating force applied to the sensor device.

Particularly preferably, the sensor device is designed and set up to use the capacitive sensor to detect an operating force applied to the operating input device in a functional state of use in an operating input device, in particular an operating force that is applied to the operating input device perpendicular to a user interface.

A sensor device according to the present invention is designed and set up in particular for use in an operator input device, which preferably has an operator interface and is particularly preferably operable by applying a pressure operator to the operator interface, in particular by applying an operator in an operating direction that is perpendicular to User interface extends, wherein the sensor device is particularly preferably designed to be arranged below the user interface in the control device, in particular such that an operating force applied to the user interface can be transferred to the sensor device via the user interface or by means of the user interface. An operator input device can, for example, be a touch display or the like or have one or more touch operator controls.

In the context of the present invention, the term “contact closing force” is understood to mean an operating force which is at least so great that the first electrical contact element and the second electrical contact element touch each other in such a way that an electrical connection is established.

In the context of the present invention, an “operating force-free state” is understood to mean a state in which no operating force acts on the sensor device, i.e. a state that is not acted upon by an operating force, that is, an inactivated state.

In an advantageous embodiment of a sensor device according to the present invention, the first electrically conductive sensor electrode and the second electrically conductive sensor electrode are designed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that they are arranged in an operating force-free state at a defined distance from one another and by applying an operating force to the Sensor device, the distance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode can be changed, whereby a change in the sensor capacitance can particularly preferably be brought about.

Particularly preferably, a sensor device according to the present invention is designed and set up in such a way that by applying an operating force in the actuating direction, ie in a direction perpendicular to a user interface of a corresponding operating input device for which the sensor device is provided, the distance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode can be changed, in particular can be reduced, and a change in the sensor capacitance can be effected. For this purpose, the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode are preferably arranged opposite one another.

In principle, a capacitive sensor can also have more than two sensor electrodes, a sensor device according to the invention preferably having a first sensor electrode and a second sensor electrode, in particular arranged opposite the first sensor electrode. Each of the first and second sensor electrodes can be designed in several parts or can be formed by a group of several individual electrodes or electrode segments. In this way, a higher spatial resolution can be achieved if necessary. Such a configuration of a sensor device according to the invention also enables redundant detection or evaluation.

The first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode can alternatively also be arranged next to one another, in particular in a common plane, in which case a change in the sensor capacitance can particularly preferably be brought about by changing another capacitively effective element, particularly preferably through a capacitively effective actuating element and / or by a capacitively active electrical contact element, for example by an electrically conductive actuating electrode and / or by an electrically conductive contact element.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a sensor device according to the present invention, in particular the first sensor electrode and / or the second sensor electrode of the capacitive sensor is designed as an actuation electrode, in particular the first sensor electrode, and by applying an operating force relative to the other sensor electrode, in particular to the second sensor electrode, movable in such a way and / or changeable in shape by applying an operating force, in particular reversibly, that a change in the distance, in particular a reduction in the distance, can be brought about between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode, with only one of the two sensor electrodes being particularly preferred capacitive sensor is designed as an actuating electrode. That is to say, it is particularly preferred that only one of the sensor electrodes of the capacitive sensor can be moved or deformed accordingly. In this way, a capacitively detectable change in distance between the first and second sensor electrodes can be made possible with a particularly simple configuration of the sensor device.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a sensor device according to the present invention, in particular in a further development, the actuating electrode of the capacitive sensor in particular forms one of the two electrical ones Contact elements of the contact switch, in particular the first electrical contact element. This makes it possible to provide a sensor device that is particularly simple to design and easy to adjust or adjust, and thus a particularly advantageous sensor device.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a sensor device according to the present invention, in particular in a further development, the actuating electrode is particularly flat and is so flexible and / or flexurally elastic and accommodated in the sensor device that a curvature of the actuating electrode can be brought about by applying an operating force or a in an operating force-free state already existing curvature can be changed, so that the distance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode changes, in particular reduced, and a change in the sensor capacitance is effected. In this way, a particularly simple sensor device can be provided, which not only enables precise and reliable capacitive distance detection, but also a reliable establishment of an electrical contact or an electrical connection between the first electrical contact element and the second electrical contact element by applying a sufficiently large operating force, which is in particular greater than a required contact closing force.

The actuating electrode can be a planar structure, that is, for example, a planar electrode, or an electrically conductive structure applied to a planar carrier material and / or incorporated into a carrier material in such a way that the electrically conductive structure extends at least partially over a defined area expands. For example, instead of a flat electrode, the actuating electrode can also have an electrically conductive wire which is applied to a carrier material in a meander shape or similar to a fabric or which is incorporated in a carrier material in a meander shape or similar to a fabric.

Particularly preferably, the actuating electrode is designed in such a way that a detected change in distance can clearly indicate an applied operating force. For this purpose, the actuation electrode is designed in such a way that the application of an operating force, in particular in the actuation direction, repeatedly and reproducibly leads to a defined, in particular elastic and thus reversible deformation and thus to a defined change in distance between the actuation electrode and the other sensor electrode.

Particularly preferably, an operating force deformation path curve can be determined for the actuating electrode, which can be stored in the sensor device in particular as a characteristic map, as an interpolation function, as a parameterized function or the like in the sensor device, with the aid of a stored operating force deformation path curve being particularly preferred as a function of a capacitively detected distance or a capacitively detected change in distance between the actuating electrode and the other sensor electrode, the operating force applied to the sensor device can be determined.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention, the sensor electrode, which is intended to be arranged facing the user interface in a functional installation state in an operator input device, is designed as an actuating electrode. This enables a particularly simple transfer of an operating force applied to the operator interface of an operator input device to the actuating electrode and thus a particularly simple and compact design of the sensor device.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention, in particular in a further development, the actuating electrode is preferably attached to its outer edge, in particular only to its edge, at least in sections along its circumference in the sensor device, the actuating electrode being in particular a snap disk and preferably in an operator-free state, in particular, has a dome-shaped or dome-shaped shape. The actuating electrode can also be fastened along its entire circumference in the sensor device instead of only in sections, whereby the actuating electrode can in principle either be fastened in the sensor device from only one side, e.g. by soldering or gluing or the like, or can be clamped on both sides , for example like a drumhead like the skin of a drum in a tension ring. For this purpose, the edge or the edge sections can preferably extend in a plane which, in relation to a functional installation state in an operator input device, runs in particular parallel to an operator interface.

With such an actuating electrode, on the one hand, a sufficient distance between two sensor electrodes for a capacitive distance sensor can be achieved in a tight installation space and, on the other hand, an actuating electrode can be provided in a simple manner with a defined operating force / deformation path curve which, with little operating force, provides a sufficient, elastic and thus reversible deformation allows to close the contact switch.

The actuating electrode is particularly preferably designed in such a way that it already has a curved shape without operating force, in particular is convex, i.e. it rises towards the user interface or slopes downwards away from the user interface.

A sensor device with a particularly simple design and with a harmonious operating feeling can be provided if the actuating electrode has, in particular, a projection surface that is essentially in the form of a circular disk. That is to say, when a projection surface in the form of a circular disk is obtained when the actuating electrode is projected into a plane, in particular with a substantially circular base surface.

For a particularly simple transmission of the operating force from the user interface to the actuating electrode, a sensor device according to the invention is preferably designed in such a way that the actuating electrode can be arranged with its center, in particular with the tip of its curvature, directly below the user interface, in particular reaching up to the user interface.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a sensor device according to the present invention, in particular in a further development, at least one of the two sensor electrodes of the capacitive sensor is also designed as a reference electrode, in particular the second sensor electrode, and is arranged stationary in the sensor device and preferably in its shape and / or Position cannot be changed by applying an operating force, ie in particular designed and arranged in the sensor device in such a way that it is unchangeable in position and shape and thus does not move or deform when an operating force is applied. In this way, a stationary reference electrode can be provided for the distance measurement in a particularly simple manner.

The other of the two sensor electrodes, in particular the reference electrode, is preferably also flat, the reference electrode extending in a further advantageous embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention, in particular in a further development, preferably in a plane plane, in particular in such a way that it extends in a Functional installed state of the sensor device in an operating device with an operating surface, to which an operating force can be applied to operate the operating device, extends parallel to the operating surface, in particular both in a condition free of operating force and in a condition acted upon by an operating force in an operating direction. This makes it possible to provide a particularly compact sensor device that is particularly compact underneath a user interface and that is sensitive and responsive or easy to operate.

In one possible embodiment of a sensor device, the reference electrode, in particular like the actuating electrode, can be a flat structure, ie for example a flat electrode, or else an electrically conductive structure applied in this way to a flat carrier material and / or worked into a carrier material in this way, that the electrically conductive structure extends at least partially over a defined area. For example, instead of a flat electrode, the reference electrode can also have an electrically conductive wire which is applied to a carrier material in a meander shape or similar to a fabric or which is incorporated in a carrier material in a meander shape or similar to a fabric.

Preferably, the reference electrode or a carrier material or carrier element on which the reference electrode is applied, in particular in contrast to the actuating electrode, is designed to be rigid and / or arranged to be rigid, for example fastened to a rigid carrier device, e.g. a carrier plate such as, in particular, a printed circuit board or the like.

A particularly advantageous sensor device is obtained when the reference electrode is arranged in a functional installation state of the sensor device in an operating input device on a side of the actuating electrode facing away from the operating surface.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a sensor device according to the present invention, in particular in a further development, the reference electrode is preferably designed at least substantially in the shape of a circular ring, in particular as an annular disk that is completely closed in the circumferential direction or as a slotted annular disk with a first annular disk edge and a second annular disk edge. In this way, on the one hand, a very compact sensor device can be provided and, on the other hand, a sensor device which enables precise, capacitive distance measurement.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a sensor device according to the present invention, in particular in a further development, the reference electrode is, based on a functional installation state of the sensor device in an operator input device with a User interface, in particular arranged on a side of the actuating electrode facing away from the user surface and preferably with its center below a center of the actuating electrode, in particular concentrically to the actuating electrode. In this way, on the one hand, a very compact sensor device can be provided and, on the other hand, a sensor device which enables precise, capacitive distance measurement.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a sensor device according to the present invention, in particular in a further development, the sensor device also has a contact element electrode which forms the other electrical contact element, in particular the second electrical contact element, the contact element electrode preferably also being flat and in particular with the Reference electrode is arranged in one plane. This makes it possible to provide a sensor device which enables precise, capacitive distance measurement and, at the same time, shared use of the actuating electrode as an electrical contact element, and this also with a particularly space-saving and compact arrangement of the individual electrodes.

Alternatively, in particular if the first sensor electrode are not arranged opposite one another, but next to one another, in particular in a plane next to one another, the contact element electrode can also be designed as an electrically conductive contact element and / or actuating electrode and by applying an operating force relative to the first sensor electrode and / or the second The sensor electrode can be moved in such a way and / or its shape and / or position can be changed by applying an operating force in such a way that a change in the sensor capacitance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode can be brought about.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a sensor device according to the present invention, in particular in a further development, the contact element electrode is arranged in a central region of the reference electrode, the contact element electrode being in particular in the form of a circular disk. This enables a particularly space-saving and compact arrangement of the individual electrodes. The reference electrode can in particular be designed as a closed circular disk, preferably with only one electrode connection, or as a slotted circular disk with preferably one or two electrode connections.

The contact element electrode is preferably arranged on a side of the actuating electrode facing away from the user interface, based on a functional installation state of the sensor device in an operator input device, in particular if the actuating electrode is a snap-action disk and / or is dome-shaped or dome-shaped.

Alternatively, for example, the actuating electrode can also be planar or plate-shaped and the contact element electrode can be dome-shaped or dome-shaped. In a further alternative, possible embodiment, however, one and the same electrode can also be the actuating electrode and the contact element electrode at the same time (cf. in particular that in FIG 8th shown embodiment).

In a further advantageous embodiment of a sensor device according to the present invention, in particular in a further development, the actuating electrode has at least one electrode connection and is in particular 1-channel, ie comprises only one electrode segment, the reference electrode and / or the contact element electrode preferably 1-channel or multi-channel, in particular 2-channel with two separate electrode segments, each electrode segment forming a channel having at least one electrode connection, preferably two electrode connections.

If there are two electrode connections on one of the electrodes, they are preferably arranged in such a way, in particular in each case in such a way at one end of the electrode segment, that a continuity test can be carried out to detect an electrode break. Preferably, the sensor device, in particular a control and evaluation device, which the sensor device preferably also has, is also designed and set up to carry out a corresponding continuity test of at least one electrode with two electrode connections. This means that higher security requirements can be met. In particular, an improved diagnosis is possible. With 2-channel electrodes, redundant state measurements of the sensor device are also possible.

With a 2-channel reference electrode, for example, a distance can be detected redundantly, while with a corresponding 2-channel configuration and arrangement of the contact element electrode, the establishment of the electrical contact between the first contact element and the second contact element can be detected redundantly.

In many cases, a reference electrode designed as a slotted annular disk can be particularly advantageous, preferably with a first electrode connection, in particular arranged on or in the area of the first annular disk edge and with a second electrode connection, in particular arranged on or in the region of the second edge of the annular disk.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a sensor device according to the present invention, in particular in a further development, the capacitive sensor, as already mentioned at the beginning, is in particular a force sensor, wherein the capacitive sensor device is particularly preferably also designed and set up to measure a current sensor capacitance and / or to detect a change in the sensor capacitance, to evaluate it and, depending on the detected sensor capacitance, to determine an applied operating force and to generate an operating signal. For this purpose, the sensor device, in particular the capacitive force sensor, particularly preferably has a correspondingly designed and configured sensor capacitance detection and evaluation device. In this way, a particularly advantageous and, above all, particularly versatile sensor device can be provided, in particular a sensor device with which a high level of functional reliability can be achieved. The force sensor makes it possible, for example, to distinguish accidental contact, which is characterized by a low operating force, from a deliberate touch, which is usually characterized by a considerably greater, applied operating force.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a sensor device according to the present invention, in particular in a further development, the sensor device is designed and set up to use the capacitive sensor to detect whether the contact switch is in an unactuated initial state, ie a zero position, or in an actuated state . This enables the contact switch to be “monitored” in a simple manner, in particular without further additional components. In this way, in particular, a sensor device can be provided with which a high level of functional reliability can be achieved.

Preferably, a distance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode can be detected and evaluated and a state of the contact switch can be recognized as an unactuated initial state, ie as a zero position, this being recognized in particular when the distance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode is greater as a defined zero position distance. In this way, the unactuated initial state of the contact switch can be recognized particularly reliably.

Accordingly, alternatively or additionally, an actuation state can preferably be recognized with the aid of the capacitive sensor, the sensor device preferably being designed and set up to recognize this when the distance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode is zero, ie when an electrical contact is made or an electrical connection between the first electrical contact element and the second electrical contact element. In this way, the actuation state of the contact switch can be recognized particularly reliably.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, in particular in a further development, an additional condition for the actuation state can be that a detected operating force must also be greater than a defined operating force threshold value. In this way, the actuation state of the contact switch can be recognized particularly reliably. In particular, in this way it is particularly easy to distinguish between accidental contact or contact caused by an error from a desired contact brought about by an operator input.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a sensor device according to the present invention, in particular in a further development, the sensor device is also designed and set up when an electrical connection between the first electrical contact element and the second electrical contact element is separated, a capacitive coupling between the actuating electrode and of the contact element electrode or between the contact element electrode designed as an actuating electrode and the other contact element or a change in the capacitive coupling between them, in particular redundant to a sensor capacitance and / or a change in the sensor capacitance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode of the capacitive sensor . As a result, the distance or, in the case of a force sensor, an applied operating force, can be detected particularly precisely and redundantly, at least at times, in particular without further additional components, but simply with the aid of the contact element electrode of the contact switch. The possibility of redundant detection means that a sensor device with a particularly high level of functional reliability can be provided.

Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. All of the features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the recognizable features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures are not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in others Combinations or can be used alone, provided that this is technically feasible.

• 1 einen Halbschnitt durch ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Sensorvorrichtung in perspektivischer Darstellung,
• 2 eine Draufsicht auf Teile der Sensorvorrichtung aus 1,
• 3 eine Draufsicht auf Teile der Sensorvorrichtung aus 1 ähnlich wie in 2, jedoch mit teilweise transparenter Betätigungselektrode,
• 4 eine Draufsicht auf die Referenzelektrode und die Kontaktelementelektrode der Sensorvorrichtung aus den 1 bis 3,
• 5 ein zugehöriges Bedienkraft-Verformungsweg-Diagramm der Betätigungselektrode der Sensorvorrichtung aus den 1 bis 3,
• 6 eine Draufsicht auf die Referenzelektrode und die Kontaktelementelektrode eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Sensorvorrichtung,
• 7 eine Draufsicht auf die Referenzelektrode und die Kontaktelementelektrode eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Sensorvorrichtung, und
• 8 einen Halbschnitt durch ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Sensorvorrichtung in perspektivischer Darstellung.

The invention will now be explained in more detail on the basis of several preferred exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, components with the same function having the same reference symbols for the sake of better understanding. Show:

• 1 a half section through a first embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention in a perspective view,
• 2 a plan view of parts of the sensor device 1 ,
• 3 a plan view of parts of the sensor device 1 similar to in 2 , but with partially transparent actuating electrode,
• 4th a plan view of the reference electrode and the contact element electrode of the sensor device from FIG 1 until 3 ,
• 5 an associated operating force-deformation path diagram of the actuating electrode of the sensor device from FIG 1 until 3 ,
• 6th a plan view of the reference electrode and the contact element electrode of a second embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention,
• 7th a plan view of the reference electrode and the contact element electrode of a third embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention, and
• 8th a half-section through a further embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention in a perspective view.

the 1 until 4th show in various views a first exemplary embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention 10 , whereby 1 a half section through the sensor device 10 shows in perspective. 2 shows a plan view of parts of this sensor device 10 . 3 also shows a plan view, similar to FIG 2 , but with partially transparent actuating electrode 11A . 4th shows a plan view of only one reference electrode 11B and a contact element electrode 12B the sensor device 10 .

This sensor device 10 has a first sensor electrode 11 A, a second sensor electrode 11B and a third electrically conductive electrode 12B on, the second sensor electrode 11B and the third electrode 12B on a rigid support plate 21 in the form of a printed circuit board 21 are applied and are arranged in a common plane.

The first sensor electrode 11A is flat and flexible or flexible, in a particularly advantageous manner in particular as a snap disk 11A made of sheet metal, with the snap disk 11A together with the second sensor electrode 11B a sensor capacitance as part of a capacitive sensor 11 forms, in this case as part of a capacitive force sensor 11 . The snap disk 11A is in particular used as an actuating electrode 11A formed and by applying an operator F. so changeable in their shape, in particular elastically and reversibly deformable, that by applying an operating force F. a change in a distance d between the snap disk 11A and the second sensor electrode 11B can be effected.

There is also the snap disk 11A Dome-shaped or dome-shaped, in particular with a substantially circular base area, wherein the snap disk 11A in an operator-free state as shown in 1 is shown, is formed slightly curved and only in sections at its outer edges 13th in the circumferential direction via fastening electrodes 16 on the carrier plate 21 attached and electrically with an evaluation and detection device, not shown here, of the sensor device 10 is electrically connected.

The second sensor electrode 11B of the capacitive force sensor 11 serves as a reference electrode 11B or as a fixed reference electrode 11B for distance measurement and is rigid and immutable on the carrier plate in terms of its position as well as its position and shape 21 attached. Via connecting cables 17th and 19th (see. 2 until 4th ) is the reference electrode 11B with the evaluation and detection device of the sensor device already mentioned above and not shown here 10 electrically connected.

Now, as in 1 symbolized by the arrow, an operator F. in one direction of actuation on the snap disk 11A applied, the snap disk deforms 11A , in particular elastic and reversible and in such a way that, above all, its curvature is reduced or the dome is flattened. This reduces the height of the dome, which immediately reduces the distance d to the reference electrode 11 Takes. This change in distance can be carried out by means of the evaluation and detection device of the sensor device which has already been mentioned above and is not shown here 10 can be capacitively recorded and evaluated.

In this exemplary embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention 10 with a force sensor 11 as a capacitive sensor 11 the evaluation and detection device is accordingly designed to be capacitive on the basis of the detected distance d between the snap disk 11A and the reference electrode, which is rigid in its position, shape and location and is designed or arranged to be rigid 11B on the applied operator F. to close or to determine this.

For this purpose, as in this exemplary embodiment, a sensor device according to the invention is preferably in the evaluation and detection device 10 , which is in particular a sensor capacitance evaluation and detection device, one of the snap disk 11A assigned operating force deformation path map, as it is exemplified in 5 is shown.

By means of this, a covered deformation path or a change in distance resulting therefrom as a result of the application of an operating force can be made F. on the snap disk 11A clearly the applied operator F. be assigned. Ie by means of this can with the help of a detected distance d , in particular with the aid of a detected change in distance, it can be clearly determined how great the operating force is F. must have been to this distance d or to effect this change in distance.

As with 5 is recognizable, corresponds for example to a around the way s2 reduced distance d an angry operator F2 and one by one way s1 reduced distance d an angry operator F1 .

In addition to the capacitive force sensor 11 has the sensor device according to the invention 10 also a contact switch 12th on, which is a first electrical contact element 12A and a second electrical contact element 12B which are designed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that the sensor device is in an operating force-free state 10 like him in 1 shown, an electrical connection between the first electrical contact element 12A and the second electrical contact element 12B is separated, but by applying an operator F. in the actuation direction, which is greater than a defined contact closing force, an electrical connection between the first electrical contact element 12A and the second electrical contact element 12B can be produced.

In the embodiment shown, the contact closing force corresponds to the operating force F2 which is achieved in particular when the distance d around the way s2 has been reduced (cf. 5 ).

According to the invention in this embodiment, a sensor device 10 according to the present invention at least one contact element 12A , 12B , in this case the first contact element 12A through one of the sensor electrodes 11A , 11B of the capacitive sensor 11 formed, in which case the actuating electrode 11A or the snap disk 11A the first contact element 12A of the contact switch 12th forms.

The second electrical contact element 12B of the contact switch 12th is used in this sensor device 10 however, from a third electrode 12B , in particular from a separate contact element electrode 12B , educated.

How particularly with the 3 and 4th is clearly visible is the reference electrode 11B of the capacitive force sensor 11 in this sensor device 10 it is designed in the shape of an annular disk and with its center Z2 concentric to the center Z1 the snap disk 11A arranged, in particular with their center Z2 immediately below the dome of the snap disk 11A . The reference electrode 11B is in this case designed as a slotted annular disc with a first annular disc edge 14th and a second ring disk edge 15th , to which each has a first electrode connection E1 or via a second electrode connection E2 one connection cable each 17th respectively. 19th is connected, via which the reference electrode 11B is electrically connected to the evaluation and detection device already mentioned at the beginning.

The contact element electrode 12B of the contact switch 12th is in this embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention 10 Circular disk-shaped, ie in particular not slotted, but also with its center Z3 concentric to the snap disk 11A arranged (and in this case also concentric to the reference electrode 11B ). Via another electrode connection E3 and a connecting cable 18th is the contact element electrode 12B also with the evaluation and detection device of the sensor device 10 electrically connected.

The reference electrode 11B and the contact element electrode 12B are each flat and arranged in a common and planar plane and in particular both on the carrier plate 21 attached in such a way that when an operator is applied F. does not change its position, shape or location.

The annular disk-shaped design of the reference electrode 11B and the circular disk-shaped configuration of the contact element electrode 12B enable a particularly compact design of a sensor device according to the invention 10 , in particular the arrangement of the contact element electrode 12B in one free of electrode material Central area or in the recessed, ie without electrode material, center of the reference electrode 11B .

The sensor device 10 is designed in particular in such a way that in a functional installed state of the sensor device 10 in an operator input device (not shown here) with an operator interface to which an operator can access F. can be applied to actuate the operator input device, the reference electrode 11B and / or the contact element electrode 12B , especially including the carrier plate 21 , extend parallel to the user interface. I. E. in particular, the sensor device 10 with their carrier plate 21 and the electrodes attached to it 11B and 12B be arranged parallel to a user interface in an operator input device.

The two electrode connections E1 and E2 the reference electrode 11B , which are located in particular at the outer ends or at the ring disc edges 14th and 15th of the reference electrode FB enable a continuity test of the reference electrode to be carried out 11B , as it is basically known from the prior art and with which, for example, a break in the reference electrode 11B can be detected.

The contact element electrode 12B has in this sensor device 10 only a single electrode connection E3 on and, accordingly, only one associated connection line 18th . Basically, however, as for example in 6th shown, which is a top view of the reference electrode 11B and the contact element electrode 12B of a second embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention 10 shows the configuration of the contact element electrode 12B as a 2-end electrode possible with two electrode connections each E3 and E4, which each have an associated connection line 18th respectively. 20th an electrical connection to the evaluation and detection device of the sensor device 10 enable, so that also for the contact element electrode 12B In principle, a continuity test becomes possible and an electrode break can generally be diagnosed.

In addition, the reference electrode 11B and / or the contact element electrode 12B instead of just a single electrode segment, as in the first two exemplary embodiments from 1 until 6th , alternatively and as an example for the reference electrode 11B in 7th shown from several electrode segments 11B-1 , 11B-2 be composed, each electrode segment 11B-1 respectively. 11B-2 forms a separate (signal or sensor) channel. Ie with the in 7th The example shown is the reference electrode 11B accordingly designed with 2 channels, with a first electrode segment 11B-1 forms a first channel and a second electrode segment 11B-2 a second channel. In this embodiment, the two electrode segments 11B-1 and 11B-2 only one electrode connection at a time E1 respectively. E2 and are each via a corresponding connection cable 17th respectively. 19th electrically connected to the evaluation and detection device. It is also conceivable, however, to design the individual electrode segments in each case with two ends, that is to say to provide two electrode connections per electrode segment, so that also for the individual electrode segments 11B-1 and 11B-2 a continuity test becomes possible.

The division of an electrode into several electrode segments 11B-1 , 11B-2 has the advantage that on the one hand spatially resolved capacitive detection is possible as well as redundant detection of the distance d or with a contact element electrode divided into several segments 12B a redundant detection of whether the contact switch 12th is open or closed.

8th shows a half-section through a further exemplary embodiment of a sensor device 10 'according to the invention in a perspective illustration, with the electrodes in this sensor device 10' according to the invention 11B and 12B in this case the capacitive force sensor 21 form and form the sensor capacitance between them, the electrode 11B in particular, the first sensor electrode and the electrode 12B the second sensor electrode.

By applying an operator F. on the snap disk 11A which is also the first contact element in this case 12A forms, there can be a change in the sensor capacitance between electrodes 11B and the electrode 12B be effected.

The snap disk 11A is also used as an electrode in this example 11A formed, in this case simultaneously as an actuating electrode and as a contact element electrode 12A while the electrode 12B in this case the second sensor electrode 12B forms instead of the contact element electrode.

As in the exemplary embodiment 1 , as long as an electrical connection between the first electrical contact element and the second electrical contact element is separated, a capacitive coupling or a change in this between the electrode 11A , ie the snap disk 11A , and the electrode 12B redundant to the sensor capacitance or a change in this between the two sensor electrodes 11B and 12B are recorded.

In addition to the various designs and configuration options described, a large number of further modifications are possible, in particular of a constructive type, without departing from the scope of protection of the patent claims.

List of reference symbols

10

sensor device according to the invention

11.21

capacitive force sensor

12th

Contact switch

11A

first sensor electrode / actuation electrode / snap disk

11B-1

first part / channel of the second sensor electrode / reference electrode

11B-2

first part / channel of the second sensor electrode / reference electrode

11B

second sensor electrode / reference electrode

12A

first contact element

12B

second contact element / contact element electrode

13th

Edge of the first sensor electrode / actuating electrode / snap disk

14th

first ring disc edge

15th

second ring disc edge

16

Fixing electrode

17th

Connecting cable

18th

Connecting cable

19th

Connecting cable

20th

Connecting cable

22nd

Carrier plate / circuit board

d

Distance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode

E1

Electrode connection

E2

Electrode connection

E3

Electrode connection

F.

Operator

F1, F2

associated, applied operator

s

Actuation travel covered by which the defined distance has changed

s1, s2

Actuating travel value covered

Z1

Center of the first sensor electrode / actuating electrode / snap disk

Z2

Center of the second sensor electrode / reference electrode

Z3

Center of the contact element electrode

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• KR 20190023171 [0003]
• DE 102014019241 [0003]
• US 2011/0011650 [0003]

Claims (16)

Sensor device (10, 10 ') for an operator input device, comprising: - a capacitive sensor (11, 21) and - a contact switch (12), the capacitive sensor (11, 21) having a first electrically conductive sensor electrode (11A; 11B) and has at least one second electrically conductive sensor electrode (11B; 12B) which are designed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that they form a sensor capacitance between them, a change in the sensor capacitance being able to be brought about by applying an operating force (F) to the sensor device (10) , wherein the contact switch (12) has a first electrical contact element (12A) and a second electrical contact element (12B) which are designed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that an electrical connection between the first electrical contact element (12A) and the second electrical contact element (12B) is separated, and wherein by applying an operating force ft (F) in the actuation direction, which is greater than a defined contact closing force, an electrical connection can be established between the first electrical contact element (12A) and the second electrical contact element (12B), characterized in that one of the sensor electrodes (11A, 11B, 12B) of the capacitive sensor (11, 21) forms one of the two electrical contact elements (12A, 12B) of the contact switch (12). Sensor device (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the first electrically conductive sensor electrode (11A) and the second electrically conductive sensor electrode (11B) are designed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that they are arranged in an operating force-free state at a defined distance (d) from one another and by applying a Operating force (F) on the sensor device (10), the distance (d) between the first sensor electrode (11A) and the second sensor electrode (11B) can be changed. Sensor device (10) according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the first sensor electrode (11 A) and / or the second sensor electrode (11B) of the capacitive sensor (11) is designed as an actuating electrode and by applying an operating force (F) relative to the other sensor electrode (11B, 11 A) is movable in such a way and / or its shape can be changed by applying an operating force (F) in such a way that a change in the distance (d) between the first sensor electrode (11A) and the second sensor electrode (11B) can be brought about. Sensor device (10) according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the actuating electrode (11A) of the capacitive sensor (11) forms one of the two electrical contact elements (12A, 12B) of the contact switch (12), in particular the first electrical contact element (12A). Sensor device (10) according to Claim 3 or 4th , characterized in that the actuating electrode (11A) is flat and so flexible and / or flexurally elastic and is received in the sensor device (10) that a curvature of the actuating electrode (11A) can be brought about by applying an operating force (F) or a in an operating force-free state already existing curvature can be changed, so that the distance (d) between the first sensor electrode (11A) and the second sensor electrode (11B) changes and a change in the sensor capacitance is effected. Sensor device (10) according to one of the Claims 3 until 5 , characterized in that the actuating electrode (11A) is attached to its outer edge (13) at least in sections along its circumference in the sensor device (10), the actuating electrode (11A) being in particular a snap disk (11A). Sensor device (10, 10 ') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the two sensor electrodes (11A, 11B, 12A, 12B) of the capacitive sensor (11) is also designed as a reference electrode, in particular the second sensor electrode (11B, 12B), and is arranged in a stationary manner in the sensor device (10, 10 ') and its shape and / or position cannot be changed by applying an operating force (F). Sensor device (10, 10 ') according to Claim 7 , characterized in that the reference electrode (11B, 12B) is flat and extends in a flat plane, preferably in such a way that it extends in a functional installed state of the sensor device (10, 10 ') in an operator input device with an operator interface to which an operating force (F) can be applied for actuation, extends parallel to the operating surface. Sensor device (10, 10 ') according to Claim 7 or 8th , characterized in that the reference electrode (11B) is designed essentially in the form of a circular ring disk, in particular as a ring disk completely closed in the circumferential direction or as a slotted ring disk with a first ring disk edge (14) and a second ring disk edge (15). Sensor device (10) according to one of the Claims 7 until 9 , characterized in that the reference electrode (11B), based on a functional installation state of the sensor device (10) in an operator input device with a User interface, is arranged on a side of the actuating electrode (11A) facing away from the user interface with its center (Z2) below a center (Z1) of the actuating electrode (11A), in particular concentric to the actuating electrode (11A). Sensor device (10, 10 ') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (10) furthermore has a contact element electrode (12B, 12A) which forms the other electrical contact element (12B, 12A), in particular the second electrical contact element ( 12B, 12A), the contact element electrode (12B) preferably also being flat and in particular arranged in one plane with the reference electrode (11B) or as an actuating electrode (12A) and by applying an operating force (F) relative to the first sensor electrode (11B ) and the second sensor electrode (12B) can be moved in such a way and / or their shape can be changed by applying an operating force (F) in such a way that a change in the sensor capacitance between the first sensor electrode (11B) and the second sensor electrode (12B) can be brought about. Sensor device (10) according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the contact element electrode (12B) is arranged in a central region (Z2) of the reference electrode (11B), the contact element electrode (12B) being in particular in the form of a circular disk. Sensor device (10) according to one of the Claims 3 until 12th , characterized in that the actuation electrode (11A) has at least one electrode connection (E1, E2) and is in particular 1-channel, the reference electrode (11B) and / or the contact element electrode (12B) being in particular 1-channel or multi-channel, in particular has two channels and two electrode segments (11B-1, 11B-2). Sensor device (10, 10 ') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capacitive sensor (11, 21) is a force sensor, the sensor device (10, 10'), in particular the capacitive sensor (11, 21), for this purpose is designed and set up to detect and evaluate a current sensor capacitance and / or a change in the sensor capacitance and to determine an applied operating force (F) as a function of the detected sensor capacitance. Sensor device (10, 10 ') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (10, 10') is designed and set up to use the capacitive sensor (11, 21) to detect whether the contact switch (12) is is in an unactuated initial state or in an actuated state. Sensor device (10, 10 ') according to Claim 3 in connection with one of the Claims 11 until 15th , characterized in that the sensor device (10, 10 ') is further designed and set up when an electrical connection between the first electrical contact element (12A) and the second electrical contact element (12B) is separated, a capacitive coupling between the actuating electrode formed sensor electrode (11A) and the contact element electrode (12B) or between the contact element electrode (12A) designed as an actuating electrode and the other contact element (12B) or a change in the capacitive coupling between them to detect and evaluate, in particular redundant to a sensor capacitance and / or a change in the sensor capacitance between the first sensor electrode (11A; 11B) and the second sensor electrode (11B; 12B) of the capacitive sensor (11, 21).

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