DE202013011516U1 - Touch and / or proximity sensitive input device - Google Patents

Abstract

Touch-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive input device, in particular for an electronic household appliance, comprising: a cover plate (10) which is at least partially electrically insulating and whose operating side (12) facing a user of the input device has an operating surface (14, 49; 52, 62) ) Are defined; a capacitive sensor element (20; 54, 64) which is at least partially electrically conductive and is arranged on a side of the cover plate (10) facing away from the operating side (12), corresponding to the operating surface (14, 49; 52, 62); a carrier plate (28) which is arranged on a side of the capacitive sensor element (20; 54, 56) facing away from the cover plate (10) and on which an electrical contact field is provided; and an electrical contact element (30) which is arranged between the electrical contact field of the carrier plate (28) and the capacitive sensor element (20; 54, 64) in order to make the capacitive sensor element (20; 54, 64) electrically conductive with the electrical contact field of the To connect the carrier plate (28), wherein the cover plate (10) is designed at least partially spatially structured, and wherein the capacitive sensor element (20; 54, 56) has a sensor section (21) which is located on its control surface (14, 49; 52, 62) defines a sensor surface (22) which runs essentially parallel to the operating surface (14, 49; 52, 62) of the cover plate (10), and a contact section (23) on its side facing away from the cover plate (10) defines a contact surface (24) which runs essentially parallel to the carrier plate (28).

Description

The present invention relates to a contact-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive input device, in particular with a capacitive operating principle and in particular for an electronic household appliance as well as an electronic household appliance with such an input device.

In many electrical or electronic devices, especially in household appliances such as stoves, hobs, microwave ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators and the like, touch and / or proximity sensitive touch switches or touch or proximity switches are often used, which by a simple Touching or approaching by a user, for example, triggering a certain switching operation and / or changing a device setting ("touch control").

In the case of a capacitive switch, a capacitive sensor element of electrically conductive material together with, for example, a user's finger, forms a capacitance therebetween (often in the form of a cover plate of electrically insulating material), corresponding to the actuation of the switch, i. H. the touching or non-touching or approaching or not approaching a control panel associated with the capacitive sensor element is variable. The change in the capacitance value of the capacitive sensor element has a corresponding effect on an output signal of the sensor circuit, which can be processed and evaluated by evaluation electronics in order to possibly interpret an actuation of the capacitive switch.

In conventional capacitive touch and / or proximity switches, as for example from the DE 10 2005 053 792 B4 , of the DE 10 2007 050 654 A1 or the DE 10 2010 036 237 A1 are known, the capacitive sensor element is designed as a plate-shaped member which is electrically connected via a spiral spring element made of metal with an electrical contact pad on the support plate. Such a construction is particularly suitable for input devices in which the cover plate or control panel is formed substantially flat and the support plate is substantially parallel to this. However, there is an increasing demand, particularly for design reasons, for such input devices to be used in conjunction with spatially structured (ie curved, curved, cambered, etc.) control panels.

The invention has for its object to provide an improved touch and / or approach sensitive input device. The improved input device should be able to ensure a good signal yield and a good electrical connection to the evaluation especially in spatially structured control panels.

This object is achieved by a touch-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive input device with the features of claim 1. Particularly preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The touch-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive input device of the invention comprises: a cover plate which is at least partially electrically insulating and whose operating side facing a user of the input device defines an operating surface; a capacitive sensor element, which is at least partially electrically conductive and is arranged on a side facing away from the operating side of the cover plate corresponding to the operating surface; a support plate which is arranged on a side facing away from the cover plate of the capacitive sensor element and on which an electrical contact field is provided; and an electrical contact element which is arranged between the electrical contact field of the carrier plate and the capacitive sensor element in order to connect the capacitive sensor element in an electrically conductive manner to the electrical contact field of the carrier plate. The cover plate is configured at least partially spatially structured. For this reason, the capacitive sensor element has a sensor section which defines on its side facing the operating surface a sensor surface which extends substantially parallel to the operating surface of the cover plate, and a contact portion which defines on its side facing away from the cover plate, a contact surface which is substantially parallel to the support plate runs on.

A control panel, for example of an electronic household appliance, may be substantially planar or spatially structured (eg, curved, curved, cambered, etc.). In order to achieve the best possible signal yield, the sensor surfaces of the capacitive sensor elements should follow the shape of the control panel, ie be spaced as evenly as possible from its user-facing operating side. On the other hand, the capacitive sensor elements must be electrically conductively connected to the electrical contact pads of a carrier plate in order to be connected to an evaluation electronics. In order to meet these requirements even with a (at least partially) spatially structured cover plate or control panel In the inventive input device, the capacitive sensor element has a sensor section which defines on its side facing the operating surface a sensor surface adapted to the operating surface of the cover plate, and a contact section which defines a contact surface adapted to the carrier plate on its side facing away from the cover plate. on. By this measure, the functionalities of the capacitive sensor and the electrical contact can be optimally adjusted independently. Thus, in any design of the control panel reliable sensors and a simple and secure electrical contact can be ensured. Preferably, for the electrical contact elements simply configured components, in particular standard components, such as simple stamped and bent parts can be used. The - depending on the spatial configuration of the control panel - more or less complex spatial arrangement of sensor and contact can be moved in an advantageous manner in the spatial structure of the sensor element. This sensor element can preferably be manufactured as a simple injection molded part. Overall, the input device of the invention can be assembled from simple components and yet be adapted to complex spatial structures of a control panel.

The carrier plate is in this context preferably a printed circuit board or a plastic plate. The carrier plate is preferably formed as a stable plate body, but may also be flexible and / or be present only in film thickness. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an evaluation is arranged on the support plate, which is electrically connected to the electrical contact element. In connection with the present invention, the evaluation electronics are used, in particular, for processing and evaluating the output signals detected at the sensor element in order to determine an actuation of the switch (by touching or approaching the operating surface of the cover plate). Distinguish from this evaluation is the control, for example, of the household appliance, in which the input device of the invention can be installed, with which the transmitter is connected and which can be arranged together with the transmitter on the support plate or elsewhere in the household appliance. In some applications, the transmitter may also preferably be integrated in this controller.

In this context, the side facing the user (operating side) or the remote side of a component is intended to designate that side which, in the installed state of the input device (for example in an electronic household appliance), faces the user (ie points outwards) or faces away (FIG. ie pointing inwards).

The input device has at least one capacitive sensor element, i. H. one or more sensor elements. Depending on the number of sensor elements (and associated control surfaces, contact elements, etc.), the input device may in this context have one or more touch-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive switches with a capacitive measuring principle.

The capacitive sensor element is at least partially electrically conductive. The sensor element is preferably made of or coated with a conductive plastic material, a metallic material or the like. The sensor element is preferably produced as an injection-molded part, stamped part, extruded part or the like. The capacitive sensor element with sensor portion and contact portion is preferably formed integrally or composed of integrally connected components.

The cover plate is at least partially electrically insulating, so that it acts as a dielectric between the sensor element and, for example, a finger of a user. It is preferably made of an electrically insulating material. Alternatively, an electrically insulating element is additionally provided on the user-facing side of the cover plate. The cover plate is preferably made of a plastic material (eg PC, PMMA), glass, a glass ceramic or the like. The cover plate is preferably made as an injection molded part. The cover plate is preferably a rigid, d. H. dimensionally stable component. The cover plate preferably forms the control panel, for example, an electronic home appliance or can preferably be used behind a control panel or in a recess in a control panel.

The orientation of the contact surface of the contact portion of the sensor element is basically independent of the orientation of the sensor surface of the sensor portion of the sensor element in the input device of the invention. In the case of a spatially structured cover plate, the contact surface in particular does not run parallel to the sensor surface. Rather, the sensor surface of the sensor element is adapted to the control panel, for example, the electronic home appliance, while the contact surface of the sensor element is adapted to the support plate of the input device.

In this context, the electrical contact element designates a constructive element which is suitable for an electrically conductive Establish connection between two components or contact fields. The contact element is preferably formed from an electrically conductive material (preferably metal) and / or coated electrically conductive. The electrical contact element is preferably designed and / or arranged elastically in a connecting direction between the cover plate and the carrier plate. Preferably, the electrical contact element is designed as a spring element, preferably as a leaf spring element. Preferably, the electrical contact element is designed as a Z, S, C or spiral spring element. Since the contact surface of the sensor element extends substantially parallel to the carrier plate, an electrically conductive connection between sensor and evaluation electronics can be produced here with simple electrical contact elements. This electrical contact is independent of the respective spatial structure (ie curved, curved, cambered, etc.) of the cover or control panel reliably realized.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of capacitive sensor elements are provided, whose contact portions define contact surfaces which extend in a common contacting plane substantially parallel to the carrier plate. Due to the parallelism of contact surface and carrier plate can be used for realizing several touch and / or proximity sensitive switch in the input device preferably the same or similar contact elements that can be highly economically equipped and loaded in the assembled state of the input device (essentially) the same.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, on the side facing away from the operating side of the cover plate, a receiving device is provided which at least partially accommodates the capacitive sensor element in order to position the sensor element, in particular to position correctly relative to the operating surface of the cover plate. The receiving device preferably also serves to fix the capacitive sensor element, for example by gluing, pressing, latching, clipping or the like in the receiving device. The receiving device is preferably formed integrally with the cover plate (eg molded on) or integrally attached thereto (eg adhesively bonded).

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one light source is arranged on the support plate, at least one luminous surface is defined on the operating side of the cover plate and a Lichtleitelement between the support plate and the cover plate arranged to the light emitted from the at least one light source to the at least to lead a luminous area. With this embodiment of the input device, the operating surface can be optically marked on the operating side of the cover plate and / or information can be displayed to the user of the input device. This information may, for example, be an operating state of the household appliance, an operating state of the input device, a current value of a variable that can be set via the input device, etc. The at least one light-emitting means is in this context preferably selected from a light-emitting diode or a light-emitting diode group.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one luminous surface is positioned within the operating surface and the capacitive sensor element has an opening through which the light-guiding element is guided. In another preferred embodiment variant, the operating surface is designed as a backlit operating surface and the light-guiding element extends at least partially between the capacitive sensor element and the cover plate. In yet another preferred embodiment variant, the at least one luminous area is positioned outside the operating area and the light-guiding element is arranged next to the capacitive sensor element.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a preferably at least partially translucent design plate is arranged on the operating side of the cover plate and / or on the side facing away from the operating side of the cover plate. The design plate is preferably designed as at least partially transparent disc or foil. The design plate is preferably made of a plastic material. The design plate is preferably designed to be preferably electrically insulating. The design plate is preferably at least partially received or inserted in a recess in the cover plate.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a hood-shaped cap is arranged on the operating side of the cover plate, which defines on its outer peripheral surface extending transversely to the operating side of the cover plate operating surface. The basic shape of the hood-shaped cap is preferably cylindrical. In the hood-shaped cap, an annular recess is provided, in which a plurality of capacitive sensor elements are arranged spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the cap, the contact surfaces extend substantially parallel to the control surface. The hood-shaped cap forms a touch and / or proximity sensitive rotary knob, which is rotatably mounted on the cover plate, so that the cover plate must not be broken.

In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, the hood-shaped cap also defines on its end face facing away from the cover plate, a further operating surface. Within the annular arrangement of the plurality of capacitive sensor elements, a further capacitive sensor element is accordingly arranged, the contact surface of which extends substantially parallel to the further operating surface. The further control surface thus provides a contact-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive switch with which, for example, a setting selected by means of the rotary knob can be confirmed.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrical contact element on its side facing the contact surface of the sensor element on a contact portion which is designed to at least partially penetrate into the contact surface of the sensor element. Conductive plastics often form non-conductive or poorly conductive layers when sprayed on the surface. The conductive particles introduced into the plastic are homogeneously distributed in the granules, but segregate at the surface due to the process parameters and process conditions. Especially with elastic contact elements with a small spring force, this can be a problem for the electrically conductive connection. With the special configuration of the contact element, the electrically conductive contact element penetrates at least partially into the contact surface of the sensor element and thus ensures an electrically conductive connection to the electrically conductive layers of the contact section. This can preferably be achieved by scoring or cutting the contact surface of the sensor element in order to pierce the poorly conducting layers of the contact section. In preferred embodiments of the contact element, this can be achieved by adapting the position of the punching burr or forming a cutting or scoring edge on the contact section of the electrical contact element. Alternatively or additionally, the contact surface of the sensor element can also be roughened, for example by an erosion structure of the contact section or a mechanical roughening.

The invention also provides an electronic household appliance with at least one touch-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive input device of the invention described above. The household (large) appliance is preferably a laundry treatment appliance (eg washing machine, tumble dryer, etc.), a dishwasher, a hob, a stove, a refrigerator and / or freezer or the like.

The invention further provides a method for producing a touch-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive input device, in particular an input device of the invention described above, comprising the steps of: providing an at least partially spatially structured cover plate which is at least partially electrically insulating and one of them User of the input device facing operating side defines a control surface; Arranging a capacitive sensor element, which is at least partially electrically conductive, on a side facing away from the operating side of the cover plate corresponding to the operating surface; and arranging a carrier plate with an electrical contact pad and an electrical contact element on a side facing away from the cover plate of the capacitive sensor element such that the capacitive sensor element is electrically conductively connected to the electrical contact field of the carrier plate. In this case, the capacitive sensor element has a sensor section which defines on its side facing the operating surface a sensor surface which extends substantially parallel to the operating surface of the cover plate, and a contact portion which defines on its side facing away from the cover plate a contact surface which is substantially parallel to the support plate runs, up. With this method, the same advantages as with the input device of the invention described above can be obtained.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of capacitive sensor elements are provided, which are connected to one another with at least one connecting device to form a structural unit. These plurality of capacitive sensor elements are then separated from each other after the step of arranging on the side facing away from the operating side of the cover plate. The connecting device serves as an assembly aid, so that the multiple, possibly differently spatially configured sensor elements during assembly of the input device are easier to handle. The connecting device is preferably selected from an adhesive strip, a film inserted in the injection process, a sprayed connection (for example web, spider or frame shape) or the like. The separation of the connecting device takes place, depending on their configuration, preferably by removing the adhesive strip, cutting through, severing, breaking through or the like. After the separation process, the adjacent sensor elements should preferably no longer touch each other.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the capacitive sensor element is at least partially inserted in a receiving device on the side remote from the operating side of the cover plate to position the sensor element, in particular to position correctly relative to the control surface of the cover plate. With the Recording device, the capacitive sensor element is preferably also fixed, for example by gluing, pressing, locking, clipping or the like. The receiving device is preferably formed integrally with the cover plate (eg molded on) or integrally attached thereto (eg adhesively bonded).

The above and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of preferred, non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In it show, in part schematically:

1 a top perspective view of an input device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

2 a perspective view of a plurality of capacitive sensor elements of the input device of 1 according to an embodiment of the invention;

3 an exploded perspective view of the input device of 1 ;

4 a perspective sectional view of the input device of 1 according to a first cross-sectional direction;

5 a perspective sectional view of the input device of 1 in a second cross-sectional direction;

6 a bottom perspective view of the cover plate of the input device of 1 with inserted sensor elements;

7 a bottom perspective view of the cover plate of the input device of 1 with inserted sensor elements and mounting aid;

8th an exploded perspective view of an input device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

9 a perspective sectional view of the input device of 8th ;

10 an exploded perspective view of an input device according to a third embodiment of the invention;

11 a perspective sectional view of the input device of 10 ; and

12 a top view of the input device of 10 and 11 ,

Referring to 1 to 7 A first exemplary embodiment of a touch-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive input device will now be described in more detail, as it can be used for example in a household (large) device such as a washing machine or a dishwasher.

1 shows a user-facing operator side 12 a spatially structured cover plate or control panel 10 , on whose side facing away from the user capacitive sensor elements 20 are arranged. The cover plate 10 is formed for example of a transparent, electrically insulating plastic, glass or glass ceramic material. The cover plate 10 is preferably formed in one piece and forms a rigid, ie dimensionally stable component. It can be produced, for example, as an injection-molded part.

The capacitive sensor elements 20 are on the cover plate 10 corresponding control surfaces 14 assigned. On the operating page 12 is also a marker 16 the control surfaces 14 applied in the form of a design print. For illumination, marking or status indication are in the area of the control surfaces 14 also preferably small-area lighting surfaces 18 in the control panel 10 integrated.

In 2 are exemplary three capacitive sensor elements 20 shown in more detail. The sensor elements 20 are made for example of an electrically conductive plastic or electrically conductive coated.

The sensor elements 20 each have a block-like sensor section 21 on his cover plate 10 facing side a sensor surface 22 Are defined. In addition, the sensor elements 20 in each case a block or strip-like contact section 23 on his cover plate 10 side facing away from a contact surface 24 Are defined.

The three sensor elements 20 from 2 have different dimensions and configurations, so their sensor surfaces 22 each precisely on the curved bottom of the control panel 10 abutment and thus substantially parallel to the control surfaces 14 run. By the achieved uniform distance between control surfaces 14 the cover plate 10 and sensor surfaces 22 the sensor elements 20 a good signal yield can be achieved.

Each capacitive sensor element 20 forms together with, for example, a user's finger over the cover plate 10 as a dielectric, a capacitance which corresponds to the activation of the input device, ie touching or not Touching or approaching or not approaching the respective control surface 14 the cover plate 10 is variable. The change in the capacitance value of the capacitive sensor element 20 can at the contact surface 24 of the sensor element 20 tapped and processed and evaluated by a suitable evaluation. The transmitter is in turn connected to a device control or integrated into such.

The transmitter is, for example, on a carrier plate 28 arranged. This carrier plate 28 is behind the cover plate 14 arranged. On the cover plate 10 facing side of the support plate 28 a plurality of electrical contact fields are formed.

Next, the sensor elements 20 the different distance between the cover plate 10 and a carrier plate arranged behind this 28 compensate for a change in the component height adapted to the distance. As in 2 shown, lie the contact surfaces 24 the three sensor elements 20 in a common contacting level 25 , This contacting level 25 runs essentially parallel to the carrier plate 28 , so that an electrical connection between the sensor elements 20 and the carrier plate 28 can be made by simple standard components.

Due to this special embodiment of the capacitive sensor elements 20 In the input device according to the invention, the functionalities of the sensor system on the one hand and the electrical contacting on the other hand can be spatially separated. As a result, the sensors can be optimally adapted to the spatial structure of the respective cover plate or control panel 10 to adjust. In particular, the sensor surfaces 22 the sensor elements 20 in any spatial structures of the cover plate substantially parallel to the operating side 12 run and thus allow a good and uniform signal yield. Regardless, the common contacting level 25 the sensor elements 20 essentially parallel to the carrier plate 28 be aligned, resulting in a simple and reliable electrical contacting of the sensor elements 20 even with simple electrical contact elements 30 allowed.

As in 2 indicated, the sensor elements have 20 In addition, in each case an opening or implementation 36 on, through which a light guide 58 is feasible. In this way, light from one or more bulbs 32 on the carrier plate 28 to the illuminated areas 18 in the operating page 12 the cover plate 10 be directed.

3 to 5 show the overall structure of the touch input device in an exploded view and in two different sectional views, each in a perspective view.

As already mentioned, are on the operating page 12 the spatially structured control panel 10 by design print control surfaces 14 marked. The sensor surfaces 22 of the three touch sensor elements shown 20 are the three-dimensional contour of the underside of the control panel 10 adapted, so that they can fit snugly on the underside of the control panel. On a carrier plate or circuit board 28 are bulbs 32 such as LEDs provided in the light guide elements 34 which can penetrate into the openings 36 in the sensor elements 20 are used.

Further, on the circuit board 28 SMD contact springs as electrical contact elements 30 positioned, which makes an electrically conductive connection between electrical contact pads on the circuit board 28 and the evaluation electronics located thereon on the one hand and the touch sensor elements 20 on the other hand.

Because the common contacting level 25 the capacitive sensor elements 20 essentially parallel to the carrier plate 28 runs, the capacitive sensor elements 20 with their contact surfaces 24 on identical, for example, C-shaped leaf spring elements 30 of an electrically conductive material (eg metal) with the electrical contact fields of the carrier plate 28 be electrically connected. In the assembled state of the input device (see. 4 and 5 ) are designed as leaf springs electrical contact elements 30 slightly compressed, so that they have a good electrical contact with the contact surfaces of the sensor elements via their spring force 20 and the carrier plate 28 form.

In one embodiment, the electrical contact elements 30 with the electrical contact fields of the carrier plate 28 soldered. In another embodiment, the electrical contact elements 30 to the contact sections 23 the sensor elements 20 connected in an integral manner, for example by hot caulking, injection, clipping, attaching, press-fitting or the like.

In particular, if the electrical contact elements 30 with the electrical contact fields of the carrier plate 28 soldered, they indicate at their contact surfaces 24 the sensor elements 20 each side facing a contact portion which is configured such that it in the assembled state of the input device in the contact surfaces 24 the sensor elements 20 at least partially penetrates. For example, the position of the burr is adapted accordingly or a cutting or scoring edge on the contact portion of the electric contact element 30 educated. Alternatively or additionally, the contact surfaces 24 the contact sections 23 the capacitive sensor elements 20 also be roughened, for example by an erosion structure of the contact sections 23 or a mechanical roughening of the contact surfaces 24 ,

With such a configuration of the electrical contact elements 30 penetrate in the assembled state of the input device due to the spring force of the electrically conductive contact elements 30 at least partially in the contact surfaces 24 the sensor elements 20 and thus ensure an electrically conductive connection to the electrically conductive layers of the contact portions 23 by making the contact surfaces 24 the contact sections 24 cut or scrape around the possibly poorly conductive layers of the contact sections 23 to pierce.

As in 5 are shown, which are the illuminated areas 18 facing end portions of the light guide elements 34 in recesses in the back of the cover plate 10 added. These end portions of the light guide elements 34 also have a radial extension in the assembled state of the input device between the cover plate 10 and the sensor elements 20 is held.

6 shows the spatially structured control panel 10 from its bottom (the operating side 12 opposite side). By the of the electrical contact springs 30 resulting mechanical stress is an air gap between the sensor surfaces 22 the capacitive sensor elements 20 and the back of the cover plate 10 minimal. At the same time, the touch sensor elements 20 the contour of the back of the cover plate 10 following in a frame-shaped recording 26 be inserted. This recording 26 is for example on the cover plate 10 molded and thus formed integrally with this. The sensor elements 20 can in this recording 26 For example, be pressed, glued, locked, clipped or the like fixed. The fixation or the recording 40 is to be designed so that as complete as possible contact with the sensor surfaces 22 the touch sensor elements 20 on cover plate 10 is achieved with a minimal gap. At the same time, there is a maximum air gap on the lateral surfaces of the touch sensor elements. An assembly of the sensor elements 20 is basically also without recording 26 on the cover plate 10 possible.

In 7 is in turn the underside of the spatially structured control panel 10 with adjoining touch sensor elements 20 shown. The touch sensor elements 20 are here by means of a strip film as a connection device 40 connected with each other. In this strip 40 it is an assembly aid for the sensor elements 20 , The mounting aid 40 summarizes the individual touch sensor elements 20 to a single unit together, eliminating the placement of the control panel 10 can be simplified. To avoid crosstalk of the sensor keys, the touch sensor elements must be separated from each other after assembly, for example by peeling, cutting or cutting through the film 40 , An electrically insulating foil 40 may remain after installation.

The film may be an adhesive strip. As an alternative to a foil could be the mounting aid 40 a web, spider, or frame connection that connects the individual touch sensor elements 20 connects to a unit. The connection between the touch sensor elements 20 is formed, for example, in injection molding together with them. If electrically conductive material is also used for the connection, the connection must be cut or cut after installation.

• – Eine einfache Montage der Sensorelemente 20 einerseits sowie eine einfache Kontaktierung an die Auswerteelektronik.
• – Die Sensorebene und die Auswerteelektronik können räumlich getrennt sein.
• – Das Aufkleben von Sensorflächen hinter der Bedienblende 10 entfällt.
• – Komplexe Stanz-Biegeteile für die elektrischen Kontaktelemente 30 sind nicht mehr notwendig und können durch einfache Standard-Stanz-Biegeteile ersetzt werden.
• – Die räumliche Komplexität der Touch-Sensorik wird in ein Spritzgussteil der Sensorelemente 20 verlagert.
• – Auftrennung der Funktionalitäten von räumlicher Adaption und elektrischer Kontaktierung durch spezialisierte Teile wie Touch-Sensorelement 20 und Standard-Federelemente 30.

With such a touch-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive input device, the following advantages can be achieved:

• - A simple installation of the sensor elements 20 on the one hand and a simple contact to the evaluation.
• - The sensor level and the evaluation can be spatially separated.
• - The gluing of sensor surfaces behind the control panel 10 eliminated.
• - Complex stamped and bent parts for the electrical contact elements 30 are no longer necessary and can be replaced by simple standard stamped and bent parts.
• - The spatial complexity of the touch sensor is in an injection molded part of the sensor elements 20 relocated.
• - Separation of the functionalities of spatial adaptation and electrical contacting by specialized parts such as touch sensor element 20 and standard spring elements 30 ,

The spatial complexity in terms of size and shape is in the executed as injection molded touch sensor elements 20 displaced using a conductive plastic, preferably a thermoplastic material, which is processable in a standard injection molding process. The electrical contact is made with standard spring components 30 which just on the circuit board 28 can be equipped.

Referring to 8th and 9 Now, a second embodiment of a touch and / or approach sensitive input device will be described in more detail, as for example in a household (large) device such Example of a washing machine or a dishwasher can be used. The same or corresponding components are identified by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment.

In this second embodiment, instead of small-area lighting surfaces 18 within the control surfaces 14 the cover plate 10 large backlit control surfaces 49 intended.

On the operating page 12 the spatially structured (three-dimensional) control panel 10 There is a transparent or translucent design plate 44 like a slice or a foil. The design plate 44 has design surfaces 46 giving the user the positions of the control surfaces 49 or the sensor surfaces 22 the capacitive sensor elements 20 Show. On the operating page 12 the control panel 10 This can be a recess or recess 42 have, in which the design plate 44 is used.

Around the positions of the sensor surfaces 22 the capacitive sensor elements 20 visually highlight, the control surfaces 49 the control panel 10 or the design surfaces 46 the design plate 44 be backlit areally. For this purpose, the control panel 10 at the positions of the control surfaces 49 For example, recesses, which correspond approximately to the control surfaces and in the light-guiding elements 48 be inserted. The light guide elements 48 each have a radiating portion extending between the cover plate 10 and a sensor element 20 extends, and at least one leg. The light-conducting elements are preferred 48 configured substantially U-shaped, wherein two legs are formed on the radiating portion. The emission section of the light-guiding element 48 follows the contour of the control panel 10 , In this case, the legs of the light guide elements 48 designed such that their lengths, the different distances between the control panel 10 and circuit board 28 , due to the aperture contour, compensate. On the circuit board 28 are bulbs 32 such as LEDs provided over the legs in the light guide elements 48 can radiate. In an alternative embodiment, the control panel 10 and the light-guiding elements 48 formed in one piece, for example as a 2-part part.

Incidentally, the components of the input device correspond to 8th and 9 those of the first embodiment.

Referring to 10 to 12 A description will now be given of a third embodiment of a touch-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive input device, such as may be used in a household (large) appliance such as a washing machine or a dishwasher. The same or corresponding components are identified by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment.

In this third embodiment, the input device is implemented in the manner of a virtual rotary knob.

At the operating side 12 the cover plate 10 is a hood or cylindrical cap 50 formed. The peripheral surface of this cap 50 across to the operating side 12 the cover plate 10 forms the control surface 52 for the user.

In an annular recess 56 in the cylinder jacket of the cap 50 are several touch sensor elements 54 made of electrically conductive plastic circumferentially and spaced from each other. The touch sensor elements can be used for mounting 20 be provided with a mounting aid as described above. The sensor surfaces 22 of these sensor elements 20 point radially outwards, and the contact surfaces 24 of these sensor elements 20 lie in a common contacting level 25 parallel to the carrier plate 28 , The electrically conductive connection of the sensor elements 20 with the transmitter also takes place here via simple electrical spring contact elements 30 ,

To the cap 50 around in the operating page 12 the cover plate 10 For example, circular segment-shaped lighting surfaces 60 be arranged in a circle, which has light guide elements 58 with appropriate bulbs 32 are coupled to the carrier plate. With these illuminated areas 60 For example, a rotary position of the virtual rotary knob can be displayed and / or feedback can be provided on the status of the rotary knob.

At the front of the cap 50 is also a central operating area 62 provided, which is a central touch sensor element 64 assigned. The central control surface 62 can by a design print and / or, for example, a central, small area illuminated area 68 be highlighted.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Cover plate / control panel

12

operating side

14

operating surface

16

mark

18

light area

20

capacitive sensor element

21

sensor section

22

sensor surface

23

Contact section

24

contact area

25

contacting plane

26

admission

28

support plate

30

electrical contact element

32

Lamp

34

light guide

36

perforation

40

Connecting device (as assembly aid)

42

Recess in 12

44

design panel

46

design area

48

light guide

49

backlit control surface

50

Cap of the knob

52

operating surface

54

capacitive sensor elements

56

annular recess in 50

58

light guide

60

luminous areas

62

operating surface

64

capacitive sensor element

65

Recess in 50

66

light guide

68

light area

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been 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.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102005053792 B4 [0004]
• DE 102007050654 A1 [0004]
• DE 102010036237 A1 [0004]

Claims (11)

Touch-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive input device, in particular for a household electronic appliance, comprising: a cover plate ( 10 ), which is at least partially electrically insulating and whose a user of the input device facing operating side ( 12 ) a control surface ( 14 . 49 ; 52 . 62 ) Are defined; a capacitive sensor element ( 20 ; 54 . 64 ), which is at least partially electrically conductive and on one of the operating side ( 12 ) facing away from the cover plate ( 10 ) according to the control surface ( 14 . 49 ; 52 . 62 ) is arranged; a carrier plate ( 28 ) on one of the cover plates ( 10 ) facing away from the capacitive sensor element ( 20 ; 54 . 56 ) is arranged and on which an electric contact field is provided; and an electrical contact element ( 30 ), which between the electrical contact field of the carrier plate ( 28 ) and the capacitive sensor element ( 20 ; 54 . 64 ) is arranged to the capacitive sensor element ( 20 ; 54 . 64 ) electrically conductive with the electrical contact field of the carrier plate ( 28 ), the cover plate ( 10 ) is configured at least partially spatially structured, and wherein the capacitive sensor element ( 20 ; 54 . 56 ) a sensor section ( 21 ), which on its the control surface ( 14 . 49 ; 52 . 62 ) facing side a sensor surface ( 22 ) substantially parallel to the control surface ( 14 . 49 ; 52 . 62 ) of the cover plate ( 10 ) and a contact section ( 23 ), which on its the cover plate ( 10 ) facing away from a contact surface ( 24 ) substantially parallel to the carrier plate ( 28 ) runs. Input device according to claim 1, characterized in that several capacitive sensor elements ( 20 ; 54 ) are provided whose contact sections ( 23 ) Contact surfaces ( 24 ) in a common contacting level ( 25 ) substantially parallel to the carrier plate ( 28 ). Input device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at the operating side ( 12 ) facing away from the cover plate ( 10 ) a receiving device ( 26 ; 56 . 65 ) is provided, the capacitive sensor element ( 20 ; 54 . 64 ) at least partially accommodates. Input device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the carrier plate ( 28 ) at least one light source ( 32 ) is arranged; on the operating page ( 12 ) of the cover plate ( 10 ) at least one luminous area ( 18 . 49 ; 60 . 68 ) is defined, and a light guide ( 34 ; 58 . 66 ) between the carrier plate ( 28 ) and the cover plate ( 10 ) is arranged to the of the at least one light source ( 32 ) emitted light to the at least one luminous area ( 18 . 49 ; 60 . 68 ). Input device according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one luminous surface ( 18 ; 68 ) within the control surface ( 14 ), and the capacitive sensor element ( 20 ; 64 ) an opening ( 36 ), by which the light guide element ( 34 ; 66 ) is guided through. Input device according to claim 4, characterized in that the operating surface ( 49 ) is designed as a backlit operating surface and the light guide ( 48 ) at least partially between the capacitive sensor element ( 20 ) and the cover plate ( 10 ). Input device according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one luminous surface ( 60 ) outside the control surface ( 52 ) is positioned and the light guide ( 58 ) next to the capacitive sensor element ( 54 ) is arranged. Input device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the operating side ( 12 ) of the cover plate ( 10 ) and / or on the side facing away from the operating side of the cover plate ( 10 ) a preferably at least partially translucent design plate ( 44 ) is arranged. Input device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the operating side ( 12 ) of the cover plate ( 10 ) a hood-shaped cap ( 50 ) is arranged, which on its outer peripheral surface extending transversely to the operating side of the cover plate operating surface ( 52 ) defined in the hood-shaped cap ( 50 ) an annular recess ( 56 ), in which a plurality of capacitive sensor elements ( 54 ) are arranged spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the cap, the contact surfaces substantially parallel to the operating surface ( 52 ). Input device according to claim 9, characterized in that the hood-shaped cap ( 50 ) at its the cover plate ( 10 ) facing away from another operating surface ( 62 ), and within the annular arrangement of the plurality of capacitive sensor elements ( 54 ) another capacitive sensor element ( 64 ) is arranged, the contact surface substantially parallel to the other control surface ( 62 ) runs. Electronic household appliance with at least one touch-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive input device according to one of the preceding claims.

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