EP2600064B1 - Operating device - Google Patents

Operating device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2600064B1
EP2600064B1 EP12193881.5A EP12193881A EP2600064B1 EP 2600064 B1 EP2600064 B1 EP 2600064B1 EP 12193881 A EP12193881 A EP 12193881A EP 2600064 B1 EP2600064 B1 EP 2600064B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sensor
sensor means
operating device
area
unit
Prior art date
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EP12193881.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2600064A2 (en
EP2600064A3 (en
Inventor
Francisco Javier Ester Sola
Carlos Vicente Mairal Serrano
Julio Rivera Peman
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BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
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BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
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Publication of EP2600064A2 publication Critical patent/EP2600064A2/en
Publication of EP2600064A3 publication Critical patent/EP2600064A3/en
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Publication of EP2600064B1 publication Critical patent/EP2600064B1/en
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24C—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES ; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F24C7/00—Stoves or ranges heated by electric energy
    • F24C7/08—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F24C7/082—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices on ranges, e.g. control panels, illumination
    • F24C7/083—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices on ranges, e.g. control panels, illumination on tops, hot plates

Definitions

  • An operating device with touch-sensitive sensor areas is known from the prior art, with exactly one sensor means designed as an electrode being functionally assigned to each sensor area.
  • EP 2 144 372 A1 discloses a control device with a shape-changing or elastic control panel with at least one piezo sensor element under the control panel, the piezo sensor unit being arranged on a rear side of a printed circuit board.
  • the object of the invention is, in particular, to provide an operating device with an advantageously extended operating functionality.
  • the object is achieved by the features of claim 1, while advantageous refinements and developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.
  • An operating device is proposed with at least one first sensor surface having a first operating function, at least one second sensor surface having a second operating function, at least one first Sensor means, which is functionally assigned to at least the first sensor surface and at least the second sensor surface, and at least one first inactive region of the first sensor means in at least one surface region outside the first sensor surface and the second sensor surface.
  • the operating device is preferably provided for use in a domestic appliance, in particular a hob.
  • an “operating function” is to be understood in particular as a control command for the domestic appliance which is clearly assigned to a sensor surface and which can be issued by touching and / or approaching the sensor surface.
  • the operating function can be, in particular, a selection of a heating zone, an increase or decrease in a heating level or a selection of a timer function.
  • a “sensor surface” is to be understood as a preferably marked surface which is designed as a user interface and can be operated by touching and / or approaching it.
  • the sensor surface is preferably formed in a panel unit, which can be embodied in particular in one piece with a hob plate of the hob.
  • a “sensor means” is to be understood to mean a means which is intended to detect a contact with and / or an approach to a sensor surface functionally assigned to the sensor means and to transmit a corresponding control signal to a control unit of the domestic appliance.
  • “Provided” is to be understood in particular to be specially programmed and / or designed and / or equipped.
  • the fact that a sensor means is “functionally assigned” to a first and a second sensor surface is to be understood in particular to mean that the sensor means is intended to contact both the first and the second sensor surface and / or to approach both the first and the second to detect the second sensor surface.
  • the sensor means preferably has at least one first partial area, which is arranged in a vertical view of the first sensor surface behind the first sensor surface.
  • the sensor means has at least one second partial area, which is arranged in a vertical view of the second sensor surface behind the second sensor surface.
  • an “inactive area” of a sensor means a surface area of the diaphragm unit in which the sensor means is inactive, although the sensor means is arranged below the surface area. Including that an inactive area "in at least one If the surface area is arranged outside of two sensor areas, it should be understood in particular that the inactive area is arranged in at least one surface area which is different from the two sensor areas.
  • Such an embodiment enables an advantageously expanded operating functionality.
  • a variety of parts can advantageously be reduced, as a result of which a manufacturing outlay and costs can be reduced.
  • Operating security can advantageously be increased by the inactive area, since incorrect readout signals can advantageously be avoided when the screen unit is touched and / or approached to the screen unit in an area outside the sensor areas.
  • the operating device comprises at least one third sensor surface having a third operating function and at least one second sensor means which is functionally assigned to at least the second sensor surface and at least the third sensor surface. Accordingly, both the first sensor means and the second sensor means are assigned to the second sensor surface.
  • the second sensor surface thus forms a virtual user interface. In this way, an operating functionality can advantageously be increased further.
  • the operating device has at least one second inactive region of the second sensor means in at least one surface region outside the second sensor surface and the third sensor surface.
  • the operating device has at least one control unit which is intended to trigger the second operating function when the first operating function and the third operating function are selected simultaneously by an operator.
  • a “control unit” is to be understood in particular to mean an electronic unit which is intended to control and / or regulate control units, in particular the sensor surfaces, and / or output units, in particular a plain text display and / or a loudspeaker.
  • the control unit preferably comprises a computing unit and in particular, in addition to the computing unit, a storage unit with a control and / or regulating program stored therein.
  • the control unit is preferably at least partially formed in one piece with a control and / or regulating unit of the domestic appliance, which is intended to control and / or regulate at least one main functional unit, in particular a heating unit or a cooling unit, of the domestic appliance.
  • a virtual sensor surface can be created, to which in particular no separate sensor means is assigned.
  • a multitude of different operating devices can only be realized by reprogramming the control unit and correspondingly designing sensor means.
  • a number of sensor means can be retained, whereby costs can be reduced, in particular also in the case of different versions of household appliances.
  • an inexpensive control unit with relatively few connections for sensor means can be used.
  • the sensor means are designed as electrodes.
  • an “electrode” is to be understood in particular to mean an electrically conductive and preferably flat component.
  • an “electrically conductive” component in particular a component with a specific electrical conductivity of at least 5 ⁇ 10 5 ( ⁇ m) -1 , in particular of at least 10 6 ( ⁇ m) -1 and preferably of at least 2 ⁇ 10 6 ( ⁇ m) - 1 at 20 ° C.
  • the electrodes are preferably arranged on a surface of an electrically insulating unit, in particular a unit made of a glass ceramic, and are preferably applied.
  • An “electrically insulating” unit is to be understood in particular to mean a unit with a specific electrical resistance of at least 10 8 ⁇ m, in particular at least 10 10 ⁇ m and advantageously at least 10 12 ⁇ m at 20 ° C. In this way, a simple and inexpensive operating device can be provided.
  • the electrodes are preferably designed as electrically conductive coatings of an electrically insulating unit, as a result of which modifications in the configuration of the sensor means can be made particularly simple and a variety of products can be enlarged by advantageously simple adaptations.
  • the operating device comprises a first shielding unit, which at least substantially shields the first sensor means from touching and / or approaching in the first inactive area. Furthermore, the operating device additionally comprises a second shielding unit, which the second sensor means at least in the second inactive area against contact and / or proximity Shields essentially.
  • a shielding unit “at least essentially shields” a sensor means from touching and / or approaching in its inactive region is to be understood to mean that touching the inactive region, in particular a region of the diaphragm unit above the sensor means, and / or an approach to the Inactive area, in particular to an area of the diaphragm unit above the sensor means, due to the shielding unit, such a small change in at least one parameter assigned to the sensor means causes this change to be ignored by the control unit.
  • the shielding unit is in particular designed as a unit that differs from an electronic circuit board and / or the panel unit, and in particular is intended to at least substantially influence an electrical field emanating from the sensor means when the inactive region, in particular a region of the panel unit, is touched above the sensor means, and / or an approach to the inactive area, in particular to an area of the diaphragm unit above the sensor means.
  • a "substantial influence" on the electrical field emanating from the sensor means is to be understood in particular as a change in the electrical field which is recorded by the control unit as a triggering event, in particular a selection of an operating function.
  • the shielding unit can be designed as a dielectric component, which is preferably arranged between the sensor means and the inactive region. Furthermore, the shielding unit can be designed as an electrically conductive and grounded component in an environment of the sensor means. In this way, an inactive area can advantageously be provided in a simple manner.
  • the sensor means in the area of the second sensor surface are designed as mutually interlocking, it can be ensured that touching and / or approaching the second sensor surface always leads to simultaneous triggering of the first and third operating functions.
  • the fact that “the sensor means in the region of the second sensor surface are designed to interlock with one another” should in particular be understood to mean that at least one of the sensor means at least partially encompasses the other sensor means.
  • a center of gravity of the second sensor surface is spaced from a connecting straight line which is through a center of gravity of the first sensor surface and a center of gravity of the third sensor surface.
  • a "center of gravity" of a sensor surface is to be understood in particular as a center of gravity.
  • the center of gravity of the second sensor surface is preferably at least 5 mm, in particular at least 10 mm, preferably at least 15 mm and particularly advantageously at least 20 mm from the connecting straight line. This advantageously enables existing operating devices to be expanded to include additional virtual sensor areas.
  • a domestic appliance in particular a hob
  • an operating device according to the invention.
  • an advantageously expanded operating functionality can be provided for a domestic appliance and in particular for a hob.
  • FIG 1 shows a domestic appliance 40a designed as a hob 42a with an operating device according to the invention in a plan view.
  • the hob 42a comprises a hob plate 44a.
  • the hob plate 44a comprises a base plate 45a, which consists in particular of a glass ceramic.
  • the hob plate 44a has markings 47a, of which in Fig. 1 only one is designated and which are preferably arranged on an upper side 46a of the base plate 45a.
  • the markings 47a identify sensor surfaces 10a, 12a, 18a of the operating device.
  • the hob plate 44a has markings 48a, of which in Fig. 1 only one is designated and which are preferably also arranged on the upper side 46a of the base plate 45a.
  • Markings 48a identify heating zones 49a (only one of which is designated).
  • the hob plate 44a is arranged horizontally in an operational state.
  • the hob plate 44a is provided in an operational state for setting up cooking utensils for heating them.
  • the hob 42a comprises heating units, preferably induction heating units, which are arranged in a known manner below the heating zones 49a (in Fig. 1 not shown).
  • the operating device comprises a first sensor surface 10a, a second sensor surface 12a and a third sensor surface 18a.
  • the sensor surfaces 10a, 12a, 18a are marked by the markings 47a on the upper side 46a of the base plate 45a of a partial area 52a of the hob plate 44a.
  • the section 52a of the hob plate 44a is part of the operating device.
  • a first operating function is triggered by touching the first sensor surface 10a.
  • a second operating function is triggered by touching the second sensor surface 12a.
  • a third operating function is triggered by touching the third sensor surface 18a.
  • the operating functions can be, for example, a selection and / or selection of a heating zone 49a and / or a heating output for a heating zone 49a and / or a timer function and / or a cooking program.
  • the first sensor surface 10a and the second sensor surface 12a are separated by a first inactive region 16a, which extends in a surface region 17a of the hob plate 44a.
  • the second sensor surface 12a and the third sensor surface 18a are separated by a second inactive region 22a, which extends in a surface region 23a of the hob plate 44a. In the surface areas 17a, 23a, the operating device is insensitive to contact.
  • the operating device further comprises a control unit 24a for controlling operating inputs and outputs (in Fig. 1 shown in dashed lines).
  • the control unit 24a is integrated in a control and regulating unit 50a of the hob 42a arranged below the hob plate 44a (in FIG Fig. 1 shown in dashed lines).
  • the control and regulating unit 50a of the hob 42a is in particular provided to control and / or regulate the heating units.
  • Figure 2 shows a partial view of the operating device with the hob plate 44a disassembled when viewing an underside opposite the upper side 46a 54a of the base plate 45a of the hob plate 44a.
  • the sensor surfaces 10a, 12a, 18a are circular and in particular have a diameter of 15 mm (in Fig. 2 shown in dashed lines, since they are arranged on the top 46a of the base plate 45a).
  • a focal point 32a of the second sensor surface 12a is spaced apart from a connecting straight line 34a which runs through a focal point 36a of the first sensor surface 10a and a focal point 38a of the third sensor surface 18a.
  • the operating device comprises a first sensor means 14a designed as an electrode 26a and a second sensor means 20a designed as an electrode 28a.
  • the sensor means 14a, 20a are designed as electrically conductive coatings 56a, 58a of the underside 54a of the base plate 45a. Any coating 56a, 58a which appears to be useful to a person skilled in the art can be used as the coating 56a, 58a, in particular a coating 56a, 58a applied by a screen printing method and / or cathode sputtering.
  • the first sensor means 14a is functionally assigned to the first sensor surface 10a and the second sensor surface 12a.
  • the first sensor means 14a has a circular area below the first sensor surface 10a, which in particular has a somewhat smaller diameter than the first sensor surface 10a.
  • the first sensor means 14a has a convex hexagonal region below the second sensor surface 12a, the surface area of which is in particular approximately half as large as the surface of the second sensor surface 12a. Between the areas below the first sensor surface 10a and the second sensor surface 12a, the first sensor means 14a is linear and in particular straight.
  • the second sensor means 20a is functionally assigned to the second sensor surface 12a and the third sensor surface 18a.
  • the second sensor means 20a has a circular area below the third sensor surface 18a, which in particular has a somewhat smaller diameter than the third sensor surface 18a.
  • the second sensor means 20a has a partially concave hexagonal region below the second sensor surface 12a, the surface area of which is in particular approximately half as large as the surface of the second sensor surface 12a. Between the areas below the second The sensor surface 12a and the third sensor surface 18a, the second sensor means 20a is linear and in particular provided with a kink.
  • the sensor means 14a, 20a are designed in the area of the second sensor surface 12a as mutually interlocking.
  • the second sensor means 20a encompasses the first sensor means 14a partially in the area of the second sensor surface 12a.
  • the circular regions of the first sensor means 14a and the second sensor means 20a are each electrically conductively coupled to a sensor unit in a known manner (in FIG Fig. 2 not shown), in particular via elastic and electrically conductive elements, preferably conductive rubbers.
  • the sensor units register a change in an electrical field which is emitted by the sensor means 14a, 20a or which ends at the sensor means 14a, 20a and is induced by an operator's finger, in particular, coming closer to the sensor means 14a, 20a.
  • touching of the first sensor surface 10a and the third sensor surface 18a can be detected, in particular by the operator's finger.
  • the first operating function is triggered by the control unit 24a.
  • the control unit 24a triggers the third operating function accordingly.
  • the second sensor surface 12a is a virtual sensor surface 60a, to which in particular no separate sensor unit is assigned.
  • the control unit 24a registers a simultaneous actuation of the first sensor surface 10a and the third sensor surface 18a and evaluates this in particular as an actuation of the second sensor surface 12a. The control unit 24a then triggers the second operating function.
  • the operating device comprises a first shielding unit 30a which at least substantially shields the first sensor means 14a from touching the first inactive area 16a.
  • a first shielding unit 30a which at least substantially shields the first sensor means 14a from touching the first inactive area 16a.
  • the operating device comprises a second shielding unit 62a, which at least essentially shields the second sensor means 20a from contact in the second inactive area 22a.
  • the shielding units 30a, 62a each comprise a dielectric shielding element 64a, 66a.
  • the dielectric shielding element 64a is arranged in a region opposite the first inactive region 16a between the underside 54a of the base plate 45a and the first sensor means 14a.
  • the dielectric shielding element 66a is arranged in a region opposite the second inactive region 22a between the underside 54a of the base plate 45a and the second sensor means 20a.
  • the dielectric shielding elements 64a, 66a are designed as electrically insulating coatings 68a, 70a. Any coating 68a, 70a that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art can be used as the coating 68a, 70a, in particular a coating 68a, 70a applied by a screen printing method, preferably a ceramic coating 68a, 70a.
  • a thickness of the dielectric coatings 68a, 70a perpendicular to a main plane of extension of the base plate 45a is preferably between 100 ⁇ m and 200 ⁇ m.
  • FIG 3 shows a partial view of a further operating device of a cooktop 42b when the cooktop plate 44b is disassembled when looking at a bottom 54b of a base plate 45b of the cooktop plate 44b.
  • the operating device comprises shielding units 30b, 62b, which have electrically conductive and grounded shielding elements 64b, 66b.
  • the electrically conductive and grounded shielding element 64b is arranged in a region opposite a first inactive region 16b between the underside 54a of the base plate 45b and a first sensor means 14b. Additional electrical insulation 72b is provided between the shielding element 64b and the first sensor means 14b.
  • the electrically conductive and grounded shielding element 66b is arranged in a region opposite a second inactive region 22b between the underside 54b of the base plate 45b and a second sensor means 20b. Electrical insulation 74b is also additionally provided between the shielding element 66b and the second sensor means 20b.
  • the electrically conductive and grounded shielding elements 64b, 66b are designed as electrically conductive coatings 68b, 70b. Any coating 68b, 70b that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art can be used as the coating 68b, 70b, in particular a coating 68b, 70b applied by a screen printing method and / or by cathode sputtering.
  • the ground lines of the shielding elements 64b, 66b can be designed as electrically conductive coatings.
  • the electrical insulations 72b, 74b are designed as electrically insulating coatings 76b, 78b. Any coating 76b, 78b that appears useful to a person skilled in the art can be used as the coating 76b, 78b, in particular a coating 76b, 78b applied by a screen printing method, preferably a ceramic coating 76b, 78b.
  • a thickness of the electrically insulating coatings 76b, 78b perpendicular to a main extension plane of the base plate 45b is preferably between 10 ⁇ m and 50 ⁇ m.
  • FIG. 4 shows a partial view of a further alternative operating device of a cooktop 42c with the cooktop plate 44c disassembled when viewing an underside 54c of a base plate 45c of the cooktop plate 44c.
  • the control device comprises a first shielding unit 30c and a second shielding unit 62c.
  • the first shielding unit 30c has two electrically conductive and grounded shielding elements 64c, which are arranged at a distance from a first sensor means 14c.
  • the shielding elements 64c are arranged on both sides and viewed relative to a main extension plane of the base plate 45c next to the first sensor means 14c.
  • the shielding elements 64c are at a minimum distance between 0.5 mm and 1 mm from the first sensor means 14c at each point.
  • the second shielding unit 62c likewise has two electrically conductive and grounded shielding elements 66c, which are arranged at a distance from a second sensor means 20c.
  • the shielding elements 66c are arranged on both sides and viewed relative to a main plane of extension of the base plate 45c next to the second sensor means 20c.
  • the shielding elements 66c are at a minimum distance between 0.5 mm and 1 mm from the second sensor means 20c at each point.
  • the electrically conductive and grounded shielding elements 64c, 66c are designed as electrically conductive coatings 68c, 70c.
  • any coating 68c, 70c that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art can be used as the coating 68c, 70c, in particular a coating 68c, 70c applied by a screen printing method and / or by cathode sputtering.
  • the ground lines of the shielding elements 64c, 66c can be designed as electrically conductive coatings.
  • the base plate 45c is initially provided on the underside 54c over a large area and preferably completely with an electrically conductive and preferably metallic coating.
  • This coating can be applied in particular by physical vapor deposition and preferably by cathode-ray atomization. Areas of the coating are then removed in order to cover the in Fig. 4 structures shown, in particular the sensor means 14c, 20c, the shielding elements 64c, 66c and the grounding lines.
  • Ablation can take place, for example, by means of laser ablation.

Description

Aus dem Stand der Technik ist eine Bedienvorrichtung mit berührungsempfindlichen Sensorflächen bekannt, wobei jeder Sensorfläche genau ein als eine Elektrode ausgebildetes Sensormittel funktionell zugeordnet ist.An operating device with touch-sensitive sensor areas is known from the prior art, with exactly one sensor means designed as an electrode being functionally assigned to each sensor area.

In EP 2 144 372 A1 ist eine Bedieneinrichtung mit einem formveränderlichen bzw. elastischen Bedienfeld mit mindestens einem Piezo-Sensorelement unter dem Bedienfeld offenbart, wobei die Piezo-Sensoreinheit auf einer Rückseite einer Leiterplatte angeordnet ist.In EP 2 144 372 A1 discloses a control device with a shape-changing or elastic control panel with at least one piezo sensor element under the control panel, the piezo sensor unit being arranged on a rear side of a printed circuit board.

Aus EP 3 309 647 A2 ist eine Bedieneinrichtung für ein Elektrogerät mit einem Bedien-Feld bekannt, wobei unter dem Bedien-Feld mehrere kapazitive Sensorelemente für einen kapazitiven Berührungs- bzw. Näherungsschalter in einer fortlaufenden Reihe zur Bildung eines länglichen Sliders angeordnet sind.Out EP 3 309 647 A2 An operating device for an electrical device with an operating field is known, several capacitive sensor elements for a capacitive touch or proximity switch being arranged in a continuous row under the operating field to form an elongated slider.

Aus US 2009/009491 A1 ist ein mit einem Sensor Array ausgestatteter Blendenvorsprung zur elektronischen Nachbildung eines mechanischen Drehwählers bekannt.Out US 2009/009491 A1 a diaphragm projection equipped with a sensor array for the electronic simulation of a mechanical rotary selector is known.

Aus DE 10 2005 049802 A1 ist eine Haushaltsgerätebedienvorrichtung mit einem berührungsempfindlichen, ringförmigen Sensorfeld bekannt, das zwei ineinandergreifende Sensorflächen aufweist.Out DE 10 2005 049802 A1 a household appliance operating device with a touch-sensitive, ring-shaped sensor field is known, which has two interlocking sensor surfaces.

Die Aufgabe der Erfindung besteht insbesondere darin, eine Bedienvorrichtung mit einer vorteilhaft erweiterten Bedienfunktionalität bereitzustellen. Die Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch die Merkmale des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst, während vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen und Weiterbildungen der Erfindung den Unteransprüchen entnommen werden können.The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide an operating device with an advantageously extended operating functionality. The object is achieved by the features of claim 1, while advantageous refinements and developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

Es wird eine Bedienvorrichtung vorgeschlagen mit zumindest einer eine erste Bedienfunktion aufweisenden ersten Sensorfläche, wenigstens einer eine zweite Bedienfunktion aufweisenden zweiten Sensorfläche, zumindest einem ersten Sensormittel, welches funktionell wenigstens der ersten Sensorfläche und zumindest der zweiten Sensorfläche zugeordnet ist, und wenigstens einem ersten Inaktivbereich des ersten Sensormittels in wenigstens einem Oberflächenbereich außerhalb der ersten Sensorfläche und der zweiten Sensorfläche. Vorzugsweise ist die Bedienvorrichtung zu einem Einsatz in einem Hausgerät, insbesondere einem Kochfeld, vorgesehen. Unter einer "Bedienfunktion" soll in diesem Zusammenhang insbesondere ein eindeutig einer Sensorfläche zugeordneter Steuerbefehl für das Hausgerät verstanden werden, welcher durch Berührung der und/oder durch Annäherung an die Sensorfläche erteilbar ist. Bei der Bedienfunktion kann es sich insbesondere um eine Auswahl einer Heizzone, um eine Erhöhung oder Erniedrigung einer Heizstufe oder um eine Auswahl einer Timerfunktion handeln. Unter einer "Sensorfläche" soll eine vorzugsweise markierte Oberfläche verstanden werden, welche als Bedienoberfläche ausgebildet ist und durch eine Berührung und/oder eine Annäherung bedienbar ist. Vorzugsweise ist die Sensorfläche in einer Blendeneinheit ausgebildet, welche insbesondere einstückig mit einer Kochfeldplatte des Kochfelds ausgeführt sein kann.An operating device is proposed with at least one first sensor surface having a first operating function, at least one second sensor surface having a second operating function, at least one first Sensor means, which is functionally assigned to at least the first sensor surface and at least the second sensor surface, and at least one first inactive region of the first sensor means in at least one surface region outside the first sensor surface and the second sensor surface. The operating device is preferably provided for use in a domestic appliance, in particular a hob. In this context, an “operating function” is to be understood in particular as a control command for the domestic appliance which is clearly assigned to a sensor surface and which can be issued by touching and / or approaching the sensor surface. The operating function can be, in particular, a selection of a heating zone, an increase or decrease in a heating level or a selection of a timer function. A “sensor surface” is to be understood as a preferably marked surface which is designed as a user interface and can be operated by touching and / or approaching it. The sensor surface is preferably formed in a panel unit, which can be embodied in particular in one piece with a hob plate of the hob.

Unter einem "Sensormittel" soll hier und im Folgenden ein Mittel verstanden werden, welches dazu vorgesehen ist, eine Berührung einer und/oder eine Annäherung an eine dem Sensormittel funktionell zugeordnete Sensorfläche zu detektieren und ein entsprechendes Steuersignal an eine Steuereinheit des Hausgeräts zu übermitteln. Unter "vorgesehen" soll insbesondere speziell programmiert und/oder ausgelegt und/oder ausgestattet verstanden werden. Darunter, dass ein Sensormittel einer ersten und einer zweiten Sensorfläche "funktionell zugeordnet ist", soll insbesondere verstanden werden, dass das Sensormittel dazu vorgesehen ist, eine Berührung sowohl der ersten als auch der zweiten Sensorfläche und/oder eine Annäherung an sowohl die erste als auch die zweite Sensorfläche zu detektieren. Vorzugsweise weist das Sensormittel zumindest einen ersten Teilbereich auf, welcher in einer senkrechten Betrachtung auf die erste Sensorfläche hinter der ersten Sensorfläche angeordnet ist. Ferner weist das Sensormittel wenigstens einen zweiten Teilbereich auf, welcher in einer senkrechten Betrachtung auf die zweite Sensorfläche hinter der zweiten Sensorfläche angeordnet ist. Unter einem "Inaktivbereich" eines Sensormittels soll in diesem Zusammenhang ein Oberflächenbereich der Blendeneinheit verstanden werden, in welchem das Sensormittel inaktiv ist, obwohl das Sensormittel unterhalb des Oberflächenbereichs angeordnet ist. Darunter, dass ein Inaktivbereich "in wenigstens einem Oberflächenbereich außerhalb" zweier Sensorflächen angeordnet ist, soll insbesondere verstanden werden, dass der Inaktivbereich in wenigstens einem Oberflächenbereich angeordnet ist, welcher von den zwei Sensorflächen verschieden ist.Here and below, a “sensor means” is to be understood to mean a means which is intended to detect a contact with and / or an approach to a sensor surface functionally assigned to the sensor means and to transmit a corresponding control signal to a control unit of the domestic appliance. “Provided” is to be understood in particular to be specially programmed and / or designed and / or equipped. The fact that a sensor means is “functionally assigned” to a first and a second sensor surface is to be understood in particular to mean that the sensor means is intended to contact both the first and the second sensor surface and / or to approach both the first and the second to detect the second sensor surface. The sensor means preferably has at least one first partial area, which is arranged in a vertical view of the first sensor surface behind the first sensor surface. Furthermore, the sensor means has at least one second partial area, which is arranged in a vertical view of the second sensor surface behind the second sensor surface. In this context, an “inactive area” of a sensor means a surface area of the diaphragm unit in which the sensor means is inactive, although the sensor means is arranged below the surface area. Including that an inactive area "in at least one If the surface area is arranged outside of two sensor areas, it should be understood in particular that the inactive area is arranged in at least one surface area which is different from the two sensor areas.

Durch eine solche Ausgestaltung kann eine vorteilhaft erweiterte Bedienfunktionalität ermöglicht werden. Insbesondere kann eine Teilevielfalt vorteilhaft verkleinert werden, wodurch ein Herstellungsaufwand und Kosten reduziert werden können. Durch den Inaktivbereich kann eine Bediensicherheit vorteilhaft gesteigert werden, da falsche Auslesesignale bei einer Berührung der Blendeneinheit und/oder einer Annäherung an die Blendeneinheit in einem Bereich außerhalb der Sensorflächen vorteilhaft vermieden werden können.Such an embodiment enables an advantageously expanded operating functionality. In particular, a variety of parts can advantageously be reduced, as a result of which a manufacturing outlay and costs can be reduced. Operating security can advantageously be increased by the inactive area, since incorrect readout signals can advantageously be avoided when the screen unit is touched and / or approached to the screen unit in an area outside the sensor areas.

Ferner umfasst die Bedienvorrichtung zumindest eine eine dritte Bedienfunktion aufweisende dritte Sensorfläche und wenigstens ein zweites Sensormittel, welches funktionell wenigstens der zweiten Sensorfläche und zumindest der dritten Sensorfläche zugeordnet ist. Der zweiten Sensorfläche sind demzufolge sowohl das erste Sensormittel als auch das zweite Sensormittel zugeordnet. Die zweite Sensorfläche bildet somit eine virtuelle Bedienoberfläche. Hierdurch kann eine Bedienfunktionalität weiter vorteilhaft gesteigert werden.Furthermore, the operating device comprises at least one third sensor surface having a third operating function and at least one second sensor means which is functionally assigned to at least the second sensor surface and at least the third sensor surface. Accordingly, both the first sensor means and the second sensor means are assigned to the second sensor surface. The second sensor surface thus forms a virtual user interface. In this way, an operating functionality can advantageously be increased further.

Des Weiteren weist die Bedienvorrichtung wenigstens einen zweiten Inaktivbereich des zweiten Sensormittels in wenigstens einem Oberflächenbereich außerhalb der zweiten Sensorfläche und der dritten Sensorfläche auf. Hierdurch kann eine Zuverlässigkeit einer Bedienung und damit eine Bediensicherheit weiter gesteigert werden.Furthermore, the operating device has at least one second inactive region of the second sensor means in at least one surface region outside the second sensor surface and the third sensor surface. As a result, reliability of operation and thus operational safety can be further increased.

Ferner wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Bedienvorrichtung zumindest eine Steuereinheit aufweist, welche dazu vorgesehen ist, bei gleichzeitiger Anwahl der ersten Bedienfunktion und der dritten Bedienfunktion durch einen Bediener die zweite Bedienfunktion auszulösen. Unter einer "Steuereinheit" soll insbesondere eine elektronische Einheit verstanden werden, die dazu vorgesehen ist, Bedieneinheiten, insbesondere die Sensorflächen, und/oder Ausgabeeinheiten, insbesondere eine Klartextanzeige und/oder einen Lautsprecher, zu steuern und/oder zu regeln. Vorzugsweise umfasst die Steuereinheit eine Recheneinheit und insbesondere zusätzlich zur Recheneinheit eine Speichereinheit mit einem darin gespeicherten Steuer- und/oder Regelprogramm.It is further proposed that the operating device has at least one control unit which is intended to trigger the second operating function when the first operating function and the third operating function are selected simultaneously by an operator. A “control unit” is to be understood in particular to mean an electronic unit which is intended to control and / or regulate control units, in particular the sensor surfaces, and / or output units, in particular a plain text display and / or a loudspeaker. The control unit preferably comprises a computing unit and in particular, in addition to the computing unit, a storage unit with a control and / or regulating program stored therein.

Vorzugsweise ist die Steuereinheit zumindest teilweise einstückig mit einer Steuer- und/oder Regeleinheit des Hausgeräts ausgebildet, welche dazu vorgesehen ist, wenigstens eine Hauptfunktionseinheit, insbesondere eine Heizeinheit oder eine Kühleinheit, des Hausgeräts zu steuern und/oder zu regeln. Hierdurch kann eine virtuelle Sensorfläche geschaffen werden, welcher insbesondere kein separates Sensormittel zugeordnet ist. Somit kann lediglich durch eine Umprogrammierung der Steuereinheit und eine entsprechende Ausgestaltung von Sensormitteln eine Vielzahl von unterschiedlichen Bedienvorrichtungen realisiert werden. Eine Anzahl von Sensormitteln kann beibehalten werden, wodurch Kosten reduziert werden können, insbesondere auch bei verschiedenen Ausführungen von Hausgeräten. Ferner kann eine kostengünstige, über verhältnismäßig wenig Anschlüsse für Sensormittel verfügende Steuereinheit zum Einsatz kommen.The control unit is preferably at least partially formed in one piece with a control and / or regulating unit of the domestic appliance, which is intended to control and / or regulate at least one main functional unit, in particular a heating unit or a cooling unit, of the domestic appliance. In this way, a virtual sensor surface can be created, to which in particular no separate sensor means is assigned. Thus, a multitude of different operating devices can only be realized by reprogramming the control unit and correspondingly designing sensor means. A number of sensor means can be retained, whereby costs can be reduced, in particular also in the case of different versions of household appliances. Furthermore, an inexpensive control unit with relatively few connections for sensor means can be used.

Erfindungsgemäß sind die Sensormittel als Elektroden ausgebildet. Unter einer "Elektrode" soll in diesem Zusammenhang insbesondere ein elektrisch leitfähiges und vorzugsweise flächiges Bauteil verstanden werden. Unter einem "elektrisch leitfähigen" Bauteil soll insbesondere ein Bauteil mit einer spezifischen elektrischen Leitfähigkeit von zumindest 5×105 (Ωm)-1, insbesondere von wenigstens 106 (Ωm)-1 und vorzugsweise von mindestens 2×106 (Ωm)-1 bei 20°C verstanden werden. Die Elektroden sind vorzugsweise an einer Oberfläche einer elektrisch isolierenden Einheit, insbesondere einer Einheit aus einer Glaskeramik, angeordnet und vorzugsweise aufgebracht. Unter einer "elektrisch isolierenden" Einheit soll insbesondere eine Einheit mit einem spezifischen elektrischen Widerstand von mindestens 108 Ωm, insbesondere wenigstens 1010 Ωm und vorteilhaft zumindest 1012 Ωm bei 20°C verstanden werden. Hierdurch kann eine einfache und kostengünstige Bedienvorrichtung bereitgestellt werden. Vorzugsweise sind die Elektroden als elektrisch leitfähige Beschichtungen einer elektrisch isolierenden Einheit ausgebildet, wodurch Abwandlungen in der Ausgestaltung der Sensormittel besonders einfach ermöglicht werden können und eine Produktvielfalt durch vorteilhaft einfache Anpassungen vergrößert werden kann.According to the invention, the sensor means are designed as electrodes. In this context, an “electrode” is to be understood in particular to mean an electrically conductive and preferably flat component. Under an "electrically conductive" component, in particular a component with a specific electrical conductivity of at least 5 × 10 5 (Ωm) -1 , in particular of at least 10 6 (Ωm) -1 and preferably of at least 2 × 10 6 (Ωm) - 1 at 20 ° C. The electrodes are preferably arranged on a surface of an electrically insulating unit, in particular a unit made of a glass ceramic, and are preferably applied. An “electrically insulating” unit is to be understood in particular to mean a unit with a specific electrical resistance of at least 10 8 Ωm, in particular at least 10 10 Ωm and advantageously at least 10 12 Ωm at 20 ° C. In this way, a simple and inexpensive operating device can be provided. The electrodes are preferably designed as electrically conductive coatings of an electrically insulating unit, as a result of which modifications in the configuration of the sensor means can be made particularly simple and a variety of products can be enlarged by advantageously simple adaptations.

Erfindungsgemäß umfasst die Bedienvorrichtung eine erste Abschirmeinheit, welche das erste Sensormittel gegenüber einer Berührung und/oder Annäherung im ersten Inaktivbereich zumindest im Wesentlichen abschirmt. Des Weiteren umfasst die Bedienvorrichtung zusätzlich eine zweite Abschirmeinheit, welche das zweite Sensormittel gegenüber einer Berührung und/oder Annäherung im zweiten Inaktivbereich zumindest im Wesentlichen abschirmt. Darunter, dass eine Abschirmeinheit ein Sensormittel gegenüber einer Berührung und/oder Annäherung in dessen Inaktivbereich "zumindest im Wesentlichen abschirmt", soll verstanden werden, dass eine Berührung des Inaktivbereichs, insbesondere eines Bereichs der Blendeneinheit oberhalb des Sensormittels, und/oder eine Annäherung an den Inaktivbereich, insbesondere an einen Bereich der Blendeneinheit oberhalb des Sensormittels, aufgrund der Abschirmeinheit eine derart kleine Änderung wenigstens eines dem Sensormittel zugeordneten Parameters bewirkt, dass diese Änderung von der Steuereinheit ignoriert wird. Bei Ausbildung eines Sensormittels als Elektrode ist die Abschirmeinheit insbesondere als eine von einer Elektronikplatine und/oder der Blendeneinheit differierende Einheit ausgebildet und insbesondere dazu vorgesehen, zumindest eine wesentliche Beeinflussung eines von dem Sensormittel ausgehenden elektrischen Felds bei einer Berührung des Inaktivbereichs, insbesondere eines Bereichs der Blendeneinheit oberhalb des Sensormittels, und/oder einer Annäherung an den Inaktivbereich, insbesondere an einen Bereich der Blendeneinheit oberhalb des Sensormittels, zu unterbinden. Unter einer "wesentlichen Beeinflussung" des von dem Sensormittel ausgehenden elektrischen Felds soll insbesondere eine Änderung des elektrischen Felds verstanden werden, welche von der Steuereinheit als ein auslösendes Ereignis, insbesondere eine Anwahl einer Bedienfunktion, erfasst wird. Die Abschirmeinheit kann als ein dielektrisches Bauteil ausgebildet sein, welches vorzugsweise zwischen dem Sensormittel und dem Inaktivbereich angeordnet ist. Ferner kann die Abschirmeinheit als elektrisch leitfähiges und geerdetes Bauteil in einer Umgebung des Sensormittels ausgebildet sein. Hierdurch kann vorteilhaft einfach ein Inaktivbereich bereitgestellt werden.According to the invention, the operating device comprises a first shielding unit, which at least substantially shields the first sensor means from touching and / or approaching in the first inactive area. Furthermore, the operating device additionally comprises a second shielding unit, which the second sensor means at least in the second inactive area against contact and / or proximity Shields essentially. The fact that a shielding unit “at least essentially shields” a sensor means from touching and / or approaching in its inactive region is to be understood to mean that touching the inactive region, in particular a region of the diaphragm unit above the sensor means, and / or an approach to the Inactive area, in particular to an area of the diaphragm unit above the sensor means, due to the shielding unit, such a small change in at least one parameter assigned to the sensor means causes this change to be ignored by the control unit. When a sensor means is designed as an electrode, the shielding unit is in particular designed as a unit that differs from an electronic circuit board and / or the panel unit, and in particular is intended to at least substantially influence an electrical field emanating from the sensor means when the inactive region, in particular a region of the panel unit, is touched above the sensor means, and / or an approach to the inactive area, in particular to an area of the diaphragm unit above the sensor means. A "substantial influence" on the electrical field emanating from the sensor means is to be understood in particular as a change in the electrical field which is recorded by the control unit as a triggering event, in particular a selection of an operating function. The shielding unit can be designed as a dielectric component, which is preferably arranged between the sensor means and the inactive region. Furthermore, the shielding unit can be designed as an electrically conductive and grounded component in an environment of the sensor means. In this way, an inactive area can advantageously be provided in a simple manner.

Wenn die Sensormittel im Bereich der zweiten Sensorfläche als gegenseitig ineinandergreifend ausgebildet sind, kann sichergestellt werden, dass eine Berührung der und/oder eine Annäherung an die zweite Sensorfläche jeweils stets zu einem gleichzeitigen Auslösen der ersten und der dritten Bedienfunktion führt. Darunter, dass "die Sensormittel im Bereich der zweiten Sensorfläche als gegenseitig ineinandergreifend ausgebildet sind", soll insbesondere verstanden werden, dass wenigstens eines der Sensormittel das andere Sensormittel zumindest teilweise umgreift.If the sensor means in the area of the second sensor surface are designed as mutually interlocking, it can be ensured that touching and / or approaching the second sensor surface always leads to simultaneous triggering of the first and third operating functions. The fact that “the sensor means in the region of the second sensor surface are designed to interlock with one another” should in particular be understood to mean that at least one of the sensor means at least partially encompasses the other sensor means.

In einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung wird vorgeschlagen, dass ein Schwerpunkt der zweiten Sensorfläche von einer Verbindungsgeraden beabstandet ist, welche durch einen Schwerpunkt der ersten Sensorfläche und einen Schwerpunkt der dritten Sensorfläche verläuft. Unter einem "Schwerpunkt" einer Sensorfläche soll insbesondere ein Flächenschwerpunkt verstanden werden. Vorzugsweise ist der Schwerpunkt der zweiten Sensorfläche von der Verbindungsgeraden zumindest 5 mm, insbesondere wenigstens 10 mm, vorzugsweise mindestens 15 mm und besonders vorteilhaft zumindest 20 mm beabstandet. Hierdurch kann vorteilhaft eine Erweiterung bestehender Bedienvorrichtungen um weitere, virtuelle Sensorflächen ermöglicht werden.In a further embodiment of the invention it is proposed that a center of gravity of the second sensor surface is spaced from a connecting straight line which is through a center of gravity of the first sensor surface and a center of gravity of the third sensor surface. A "center of gravity" of a sensor surface is to be understood in particular as a center of gravity. The center of gravity of the second sensor surface is preferably at least 5 mm, in particular at least 10 mm, preferably at least 15 mm and particularly advantageously at least 20 mm from the connecting straight line. This advantageously enables existing operating devices to be expanded to include additional virtual sensor areas.

Des Weiteren wird ein Hausgerät, insbesondere ein Kochfeld, mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung vorgeschlagen. Hierdurch kann für ein Hausgerät und insbesondere für ein Kochfeld eine vorteilhaft erweiterte Bedienfunktionalität bereitgestellt werden.Furthermore, a domestic appliance, in particular a hob, with an operating device according to the invention is proposed. As a result, an advantageously expanded operating functionality can be provided for a domestic appliance and in particular for a hob.

Weitere Vorteile ergeben sich aus der folgenden Zeichnungsbeschreibung. In der Zeichnung sind drei Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung dargestellt. Die Zeichnung, die Beschreibung und die Ansprüche enthalten zahlreiche Merkmale in Kombination.Further advantages result from the following description of the drawing. In the drawing, three embodiments of the invention are shown. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination.

Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
ein als Kochfeld ausgebildetes Hausgerät mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung in einer Draufsicht,
Fig. 2
die Bedienvorrichtung mit dielektrischen Abschirmeinheiten in einer vergrößerten Darstellung,
Fig. 3
eine weitere Bedienvorrichtung mit elektrisch leitfähigen und geerdeten Abschirmeinheiten in einer vergrößerten Darstellung und
Fig. 4
eine weitere Bedienvorrichtung mit alternativen elektrisch leitfähigen und geerdeten Abschirmeinheiten in einer vergrößerten Darstellung.
Show it:
Fig. 1
a plan view of a domestic appliance with a control device according to the invention,
Fig. 2
the operating device with dielectric shielding units in an enlarged view,
Fig. 3
a further control device with electrically conductive and grounded shielding units in an enlarged view and
Fig. 4
a further control device with alternative electrically conductive and grounded shielding units in an enlarged view.

Figur 1 zeigt ein als ein Kochfeld 42a ausgebildetes Hausgerät 40a mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung in einer Draufsicht. Das Kochfeld 42a umfasst eine Kochfeldplatte 44a. Die Kochfeldplatte 44a umfasst eine Grundplatte 45a, welche insbesondere aus einer Glaskeramik besteht. Ferner weist die Kochfeldplatte 44a Markierungen 47a auf, von denen in Fig. 1 lediglich eine bezeichnet ist und welche vorzugsweise an einer Oberseite 46a der Grundplatte 45a angeordnet sind. Durch die Markierungen 47a sind Sensorflächen 10a, 12a, 18a der Bedienvorrichtung gekennzeichnet. Des Weiteren weist die Kochfeldplatte 44a Markierungen 48a auf, von denen in Fig. 1 lediglich eine bezeichnet ist und welche vorzugsweise ebenfalls an der Oberseite 46a der Grundplatte 45a angeordnet sind. Durch die Markierungen 48a sind Heizzonen 49a gekennzeichnet (von denen wiederum lediglich eine bezeichnet ist). Die Kochfeldplatte 44a ist in einem betriebsbereiten Zustand horizontal angeordnet. Die Kochfeldplatte 44a ist in einem betriebsbereiten Zustand zu einem Aufstellen von Gargeschirr zu dessen Beheizung vorgesehen. Hierzu umfasst das Kochfeld 42a Heizeinheiten, vorzugsweise Induktionsheizeinheiten, welche in bekannter Weise unterhalb der Heizzonen 49a angeordnet sind (in Fig. 1 nicht dargestellt). Figure 1 shows a domestic appliance 40a designed as a hob 42a with an operating device according to the invention in a plan view. The hob 42a comprises a hob plate 44a. The hob plate 44a comprises a base plate 45a, which consists in particular of a glass ceramic. Furthermore, the hob plate 44a has markings 47a, of which in Fig. 1 only one is designated and which are preferably arranged on an upper side 46a of the base plate 45a. The markings 47a identify sensor surfaces 10a, 12a, 18a of the operating device. Furthermore, the hob plate 44a has markings 48a, of which in Fig. 1 only one is designated and which are preferably also arranged on the upper side 46a of the base plate 45a. Markings 48a identify heating zones 49a (only one of which is designated). The hob plate 44a is arranged horizontally in an operational state. The hob plate 44a is provided in an operational state for setting up cooking utensils for heating them. For this purpose, the hob 42a comprises heating units, preferably induction heating units, which are arranged in a known manner below the heating zones 49a (in Fig. 1 not shown).

Die Bedienvorrichtung umfasst eine erste Sensorfläche 10a, eine zweite Sensorfläche 12a und eine dritte Sensorfläche 18a. Die Sensorflächen 10a, 12a, 18a sind durch die Markierungen 47a auf der Oberseite 46a der Grundplatte 45a eines Teilbereichs 52a der Kochfeldplatte 44a markiert. Der Teilbereich 52a der Kochfeldplatte 44a ist Teil der Bedienvorrichtung. Durch Berührung der ersten Sensorfläche 10a wird eine erste Bedienfunktion ausgelöst. Durch Berührung der zweiten Sensorfläche 12a wird eine zweite Bedienfunktion ausgelöst. Durch Berührung der dritten Sensorfläche 18a wird eine dritte Bedienfunktion ausgelöst. Bei den Bedienfunktionen kann es sich beispielsweise um eine An- und/oder Auswahl einer Heizzone 49a und/oder einer Heizleistung für eine Heizzone 49a und/oder einer Timerfunktion und/oder eines Garprogramms handeln. Die erste Sensorfläche 10a und die zweite Sensorfläche 12a sind durch einen ersten Inaktivbereich 16a getrennt, welcher sich in einem Oberflächenbereich 17a der Kochfeldplatte 44a erstreckt. Die zweite Sensorfläche 12a und die dritte Sensorfläche 18a sind durch einen zweiten Inaktivbereich 22a getrennt, welcher sich in einem Oberflächenbereich 23a der Kochfeldplatte 44a erstreckt. In den Oberflächenbereichen 17a, 23a ist die Bedienvorrichtung gegenüber einer Berührung insensitiv.The operating device comprises a first sensor surface 10a, a second sensor surface 12a and a third sensor surface 18a. The sensor surfaces 10a, 12a, 18a are marked by the markings 47a on the upper side 46a of the base plate 45a of a partial area 52a of the hob plate 44a. The section 52a of the hob plate 44a is part of the operating device. A first operating function is triggered by touching the first sensor surface 10a. A second operating function is triggered by touching the second sensor surface 12a. A third operating function is triggered by touching the third sensor surface 18a. The operating functions can be, for example, a selection and / or selection of a heating zone 49a and / or a heating output for a heating zone 49a and / or a timer function and / or a cooking program. The first sensor surface 10a and the second sensor surface 12a are separated by a first inactive region 16a, which extends in a surface region 17a of the hob plate 44a. The second sensor surface 12a and the third sensor surface 18a are separated by a second inactive region 22a, which extends in a surface region 23a of the hob plate 44a. In the surface areas 17a, 23a, the operating device is insensitive to contact.

Die Bedienvorrichtung umfasst ferner eine Steuereinheit 24a zur Steuerung von Bedieneingaben und -ausgaben (in Fig. 1 gestrichelt dargestellt). Die Steuereinheit 24a ist in eine unterhalb der Kochfeldplatte 44a angeordnete Steuer - und Regeleinheit 50a des Kochfelds 42a integriert (in Fig. 1 gestrichelt dargestellt). Die Steuer - und Regeleinheit 50a des Kochfelds 42a ist insbesondere dazu vorgesehen, die Heizeinheiten zu steuern und/oder zu regeln.The operating device further comprises a control unit 24a for controlling operating inputs and outputs (in Fig. 1 shown in dashed lines). The control unit 24a is integrated in a control and regulating unit 50a of the hob 42a arranged below the hob plate 44a (in FIG Fig. 1 shown in dashed lines). The control and regulating unit 50a of the hob 42a is in particular provided to control and / or regulate the heating units.

Figur 2 zeigt eine Teilansicht der Bedienvorrichtung bei demontierter Kochfeldplatte 44a bei Betrachtung einer der Oberseite 46a gegenüberliegenden Unterseite 54a der Grundplatte 45a der Kochfeldplatte 44a. Die Sensorflächen 10a, 12a, 18a sind kreisförmig ausgebildet und weisen insbesondere einen Durchmesser von 15 mm auf (in Fig. 2 gestrichelt dargestellt, da sie an der Oberseite 46a der Grundplatte 45a angeordnet sind). Ein Schwerpunkt 32a der zweiten Sensorfläche 12a ist von einer Verbindungsgeraden 34a beabstandet, welche durch einen Schwerpunkt 36a der ersten Sensorfläche 10a und einen Schwerpunkt 38a der dritten Sensorfläche 18a verläuft. Die Bedienvorrichtung umfasst ein als Elektrode 26a ausgebildetes erstes Sensormittel 14a und ein als eine Elektrode 28a ausgebildetes zweites Sensormittel 20a. Die Sensormittel 14a, 20a sind als elektrisch leitfähige Beschichtungen 56a, 58a der Unterseite 54a der Grundplatte 45a ausgebildet. Als Beschichtung 56a, 58a kann dabei jede, einem Fachmann als sinnvoll erscheinende Beschichtung 56a, 58a zum Einsatz kommen, insbesondere eine durch ein Siebdruckverfahren und/oder eine Kathodenzerstäubung aufgebrachte Beschichtung 56a, 58a. Figure 2 shows a partial view of the operating device with the hob plate 44a disassembled when viewing an underside opposite the upper side 46a 54a of the base plate 45a of the hob plate 44a. The sensor surfaces 10a, 12a, 18a are circular and in particular have a diameter of 15 mm (in Fig. 2 shown in dashed lines, since they are arranged on the top 46a of the base plate 45a). A focal point 32a of the second sensor surface 12a is spaced apart from a connecting straight line 34a which runs through a focal point 36a of the first sensor surface 10a and a focal point 38a of the third sensor surface 18a. The operating device comprises a first sensor means 14a designed as an electrode 26a and a second sensor means 20a designed as an electrode 28a. The sensor means 14a, 20a are designed as electrically conductive coatings 56a, 58a of the underside 54a of the base plate 45a. Any coating 56a, 58a which appears to be useful to a person skilled in the art can be used as the coating 56a, 58a, in particular a coating 56a, 58a applied by a screen printing method and / or cathode sputtering.

Das erste Sensormittel 14a ist der ersten Sensorfläche 10a und der zweiten Sensorfläche 12a funktionell zugeordnet. Das erste Sensormittel 14a weist einen kreisförmigen Bereich unterhalb der ersten Sensorfläche 10a auf, der insbesondere einen etwas kleineren Durchmesser als die erste Sensorfläche 10a aufweist. Das erste Sensormittel 14a weist einen konvexen sechseckigen Bereich unterhalb der zweiten Sensorfläche 12a auf, dessen Flächenerstreckung insbesondere etwa halb so groß ist wie die Fläche der zweiten Sensorfläche 12a. Zwischen den Bereichen unterhalb der ersten Sensorfläche 10a und der zweiten Sensorfläche 12a ist das erste Sensormittel 14a linienartig und insbesondere geradlinig ausgebildet. Das zweite Sensormittel 20a ist der zweiten Sensorfläche 12a und der dritten Sensorfläche 18a funktionell zugeordnet. Das zweite Sensormittel 20a weist einen kreisförmigen Bereich unterhalb der dritten Sensorfläche 18a auf, der insbesondere einen etwas kleineren Durchmesser als die dritte Sensorfläche 18a aufweist. Das zweite Sensormittel 20a weist einen teilweise konkaven sechseckigen Bereich unterhalb der zweiten Sensorfläche 12a auf, dessen Flächenerstreckung insbesondere etwa halb so groß ist wie die Fläche der zweiten Sensorfläche 12a. Zwischen den Bereichen unterhalb der zweiten Sensorfläche 12a und der dritten Sensorfläche 18a ist das zweite Sensormittel 20a linienartig ausgebildet und insbesondere mit einem Knick versehen. Die Sensormittel 14a, 20a sind im Bereich der zweiten Sensorfläche 12a als gegenseitig ineinandergreifend ausgebildet. Das zweite Sensormittel 20a umgreift das erste Sensormittel 14a teilweise im Bereich der zweiten Sensorfläche 12a.The first sensor means 14a is functionally assigned to the first sensor surface 10a and the second sensor surface 12a. The first sensor means 14a has a circular area below the first sensor surface 10a, which in particular has a somewhat smaller diameter than the first sensor surface 10a. The first sensor means 14a has a convex hexagonal region below the second sensor surface 12a, the surface area of which is in particular approximately half as large as the surface of the second sensor surface 12a. Between the areas below the first sensor surface 10a and the second sensor surface 12a, the first sensor means 14a is linear and in particular straight. The second sensor means 20a is functionally assigned to the second sensor surface 12a and the third sensor surface 18a. The second sensor means 20a has a circular area below the third sensor surface 18a, which in particular has a somewhat smaller diameter than the third sensor surface 18a. The second sensor means 20a has a partially concave hexagonal region below the second sensor surface 12a, the surface area of which is in particular approximately half as large as the surface of the second sensor surface 12a. Between the areas below the second The sensor surface 12a and the third sensor surface 18a, the second sensor means 20a is linear and in particular provided with a kink. The sensor means 14a, 20a are designed in the area of the second sensor surface 12a as mutually interlocking. The second sensor means 20a encompasses the first sensor means 14a partially in the area of the second sensor surface 12a.

Die kreisförmigen Bereiche des ersten Sensormittels 14a und des zweiten Sensormittels 20a sind in bekannter Weise jeweils elektrisch leitend an eine Sensoreinheit gekoppelt (in Fig. 2 nicht dargestellt), insbesondere über elastische und elektrisch leitfähige Elemente, vorzugsweise Leitgummis. Die Sensoreinheiten registrieren eine durch eine Annäherung insbesondere eines Fingers eines Bedieners an die Sensormittel 14a, 20a induzierte Veränderung eines von den Sensormitteln 14a, 20a ausgehenden oder an den Sensormitteln 14a, 20a endenden elektrischen Felds. Hierdurch ist eine Berührung der ersten Sensorfläche 10a und der dritten Sensorfläche 18a insbesondere durch den Finger des Bedieners detektierbar. Bei Berührung der ersten Sensorfläche 10a wird durch die Steuereinheit 24a die erste Bedienfunktion ausgelöst. Bei Berührung der dritten Sensorfläche 18a wird durch die Steuereinheit 24a entsprechend die dritte Bedienfunktion ausgelöst. Bei der zweiten Sensorfläche 12a handelt es sich um eine virtuelle Sensorfläche 60a, welcher insbesondere keine eigene Sensoreinheit zugeordnet ist. Bei Berührung der zweiten Sensorfläche 12a registriert die Steuereinheit 24a eine gleichzeitige Betätigung der ersten Sensorfläche 10a und der dritten Sensorfläche 18a und wertet dies insbesondere als eine Betätigung der zweiten Sensorfläche 12a. Daraufhin löst die Steuereinheit 24a die zweite Bedienfunktion aus.The circular regions of the first sensor means 14a and the second sensor means 20a are each electrically conductively coupled to a sensor unit in a known manner (in FIG Fig. 2 not shown), in particular via elastic and electrically conductive elements, preferably conductive rubbers. The sensor units register a change in an electrical field which is emitted by the sensor means 14a, 20a or which ends at the sensor means 14a, 20a and is induced by an operator's finger, in particular, coming closer to the sensor means 14a, 20a. As a result, touching of the first sensor surface 10a and the third sensor surface 18a can be detected, in particular by the operator's finger. When the first sensor surface 10a is touched, the first operating function is triggered by the control unit 24a. When the third sensor surface 18a is touched, the control unit 24a triggers the third operating function accordingly. The second sensor surface 12a is a virtual sensor surface 60a, to which in particular no separate sensor unit is assigned. When the second sensor surface 12a is touched, the control unit 24a registers a simultaneous actuation of the first sensor surface 10a and the third sensor surface 18a and evaluates this in particular as an actuation of the second sensor surface 12a. The control unit 24a then triggers the second operating function.

Um ein ungewolltes Auslösen der ersten Bedienfunktion bei Berührung des Oberflächenbereichs 17a außerhalb der ersten Sensorfläche 10a und der zweiten Sensorfläche 12a zu verhindern, umfasst die Bedienvorrichtung eine erste Abschirmeinheit 30a, welche das erste Sensormittel 14a gegenüber einer Berührung im ersten Inaktivbereich 16a zumindest im Wesentlichen abschirmt. Um ein ungewolltes Auslösen der dritten Bedienfunktion bei Berührung des Oberflächenbereichs 23a außerhalb der zweiten Sensorfläche 12a und der dritten Sensorfläche 18a zu verhindern, umfasst die Bedienvorrichtung eine zweite Abschirmeinheit 62a, welche das zweite Sensormittel 20a gegenüber einer Berührung im zweiten Inaktivbereich 22a zumindest im Wesentlichen abschirmt. Die Abschirmeinheiten 30a, 62a umfassen jeweils ein dielektrisches Abschirmelement 64a, 66a. Das dielektrische Abschirmelement 64a ist in einem dem ersten Inaktivbereich 16a gegenüberliegenden Bereich zwischen der Unterseite 54a der Grundplatte 45a und dem ersten Sensormittel 14a angeordnet. Das dielektrische Abschirmelement 66a ist in einem dem zweiten Inaktivbereich 22a gegenüberliegenden Bereich zwischen der Unterseite 54a der Grundplatte 45a und dem zweiten Sensormittel 20a angeordnet. Die dielektrischen Abschirmelemente 64a, 66a sind als elektrisch isolierende Beschichtungen 68a, 70a ausgebildet. Als Beschichtung 68a, 70a kann dabei jede, einem Fachmann als sinnvoll erscheinende Beschichtung 68a, 70a zum Einsatz kommen, insbesondere eine durch ein Siebdruckverfahren aufgebrachte Beschichtung 68a, 70a, vorzugsweise eine keramische Beschichtung 68a, 70a. Eine Dicke der dielektrischen Beschichtungen 68a, 70a senkrecht zu einer Haupterstreckungsebene der Grundplatte 45a liegt vorzugsweise zwischen 100 µm und 200 µm.In order to prevent unwanted triggering of the first operating function when the surface area 17a is touched outside the first sensor area 10a and the second sensor area 12a, the operating device comprises a first shielding unit 30a which at least substantially shields the first sensor means 14a from touching the first inactive area 16a. An unwanted triggering of the third operating function when the surface area 23a is touched outside the second sensor surface 12a and the third sensor surface To prevent 18a, the operating device comprises a second shielding unit 62a, which at least essentially shields the second sensor means 20a from contact in the second inactive area 22a. The shielding units 30a, 62a each comprise a dielectric shielding element 64a, 66a. The dielectric shielding element 64a is arranged in a region opposite the first inactive region 16a between the underside 54a of the base plate 45a and the first sensor means 14a. The dielectric shielding element 66a is arranged in a region opposite the second inactive region 22a between the underside 54a of the base plate 45a and the second sensor means 20a. The dielectric shielding elements 64a, 66a are designed as electrically insulating coatings 68a, 70a. Any coating 68a, 70a that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art can be used as the coating 68a, 70a, in particular a coating 68a, 70a applied by a screen printing method, preferably a ceramic coating 68a, 70a. A thickness of the dielectric coatings 68a, 70a perpendicular to a main plane of extension of the base plate 45a is preferably between 100 μm and 200 μm.

In Fig. 3 und 4 sind zwei weitere Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung gezeigt. Die nachfolgenden Beschreibungen beschränken sich im Wesentlichen auf die Unterschiede zwischen den Ausführungsbeispielen, wobei bezüglich gleichbleibender Bauteile, Merkmale und Funktionen auf die Beschreibung der anderen Ausführungsbeispiele, insbesondere von Fig. 1 und 2, verwiesen werden kann. Zur Unterscheidung der Ausführungsbeispiele ist der Buchstabe a in den Bezugszeichen des Ausführungsbeispiels in Fig. 1 und 2 durch die Buchstaben b und c in den Bezugszeichen der Ausführungsbeispiele von Fig. 3 und 4 ersetzt. Bezüglich gleich bezeichneter Bauteile, insbesondere in Bezug auf Bauteile mit gleichen Bezugszeichen, kann grundsätzlich auch auf die Zeichnungen und/oder die Beschreibung der anderen Ausführungsbeispiele, insbesondere von Fig. 1 und 2, verwiesen werden.In 3 and 4 two further exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, with respect to the same components, features and functions being based on the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular of 1 and 2 , can be referenced. To distinguish the exemplary embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment is in 1 and 2 by the letters b and c in the reference numerals of the embodiments of 3 and 4 replaced. With regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference symbols, it is also possible in principle to refer to the drawings and / or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular of 1 and 2 , to get expelled.

Figur 3 zeigt eine Teilansicht einer weiteren Bedienvorrichtung eines Kochfelds 42b bei demontierter Kochfeldplatte 44b bei Betrachtung einer Unterseite 54b einer Grundplatte 45b der Kochfeldplatte 44b. Die Bedienvorrichtung umfasst Abschirmeinheiten 30b, 62b, welche elektrisch leitfähige und geerdete Abschirmelemente 64b, 66b aufweist. Das elektrisch leitfähige und geerdete Abschirmelement 64b ist in einem einem ersten Inaktivbereich 16b gegenüberliegenden Bereich zwischen der Unterseite 54a der Grundplatte 45b und einem ersten Sensormittel 14b angeordnet. Zwischen dem Abschirmelement 64b und dem ersten Sensormittel 14b ist eine zusätzliche elektrische Isolierung 72b vorgesehen. Das elektrisch leitfähige und geerdete Abschirmelement 66b ist in einem einem zweiten Inaktivbereich 22b gegenüberliegenden Bereich zwischen der Unterseite 54b der Grundplatte 45b und einem zweiten Sensormittel 20b angeordnet. Zwischen dem Abschirmelement 66b und dem zweiten Sensormittel 20b ist ebenfalls zusätzlich eine elektrische Isolierung 74b vorgesehen. Die elektrisch leitfähigen und geerdeten Abschirmelemente 64b, 66b sind als elektrisch leitfähige Beschichtungen 68b, 70b ausgebildet. Als Beschichtung 68b, 70b kann dabei jede, einem Fachmann als sinnvoll erscheinende Beschichtung 68b, 70b zum Einsatz kommen, insbesondere eine durch ein Siebdruckverfahren und/oder durch eine Kathodenzerstäubung aufgebrachte Beschichtung 68b, 70b. Ferner können die Erdungsleitungen der Abschirmelemente 64b, 66b als elektrisch leitfähige Beschichtungen ausgebildet sein. Die elektrischen Isolierungen 72b, 74b sind als elektrisch isolierende Beschichtungen 76b, 78b ausgebildet. Als Beschichtung 76b, 78b kann dabei jede, einem Fachmann als sinnvoll erscheinende Beschichtung 76b, 78b zum Einsatz kommen, insbesondere eine durch ein Siebdruckverfahren aufgebrachte Beschichtung 76b, 78b, vorzugsweise eine keramische Beschichtung 76b, 78b. Eine Dicke der elektrisch isolierenden Beschichtungen 76b, 78b senkrecht zu einer Haupterstreckungsebene der Grundplatte 45b liegt vorzugsweise zwischen 10 µm und 50 µm. Figure 3 shows a partial view of a further operating device of a cooktop 42b when the cooktop plate 44b is disassembled when looking at a bottom 54b of a base plate 45b of the cooktop plate 44b. The operating device comprises shielding units 30b, 62b, which have electrically conductive and grounded shielding elements 64b, 66b. The electrically conductive and grounded shielding element 64b is arranged in a region opposite a first inactive region 16b between the underside 54a of the base plate 45b and a first sensor means 14b. Additional electrical insulation 72b is provided between the shielding element 64b and the first sensor means 14b. The electrically conductive and grounded shielding element 66b is arranged in a region opposite a second inactive region 22b between the underside 54b of the base plate 45b and a second sensor means 20b. Electrical insulation 74b is also additionally provided between the shielding element 66b and the second sensor means 20b. The electrically conductive and grounded shielding elements 64b, 66b are designed as electrically conductive coatings 68b, 70b. Any coating 68b, 70b that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art can be used as the coating 68b, 70b, in particular a coating 68b, 70b applied by a screen printing method and / or by cathode sputtering. Furthermore, the ground lines of the shielding elements 64b, 66b can be designed as electrically conductive coatings. The electrical insulations 72b, 74b are designed as electrically insulating coatings 76b, 78b. Any coating 76b, 78b that appears useful to a person skilled in the art can be used as the coating 76b, 78b, in particular a coating 76b, 78b applied by a screen printing method, preferably a ceramic coating 76b, 78b. A thickness of the electrically insulating coatings 76b, 78b perpendicular to a main extension plane of the base plate 45b is preferably between 10 μm and 50 μm.

Figur 4 zeigt eine Teilansicht einer weiteren alternativen Bedienvorrichtung eines Kochfelds 42c bei demontierter Kochfeldplatte 44c bei Betrachtung einer Unterseite 54c einer Grundplatte 45c der Kochfeldplatte 44c. Die Bedienvorrichtung umfasst eine erste Abschirmeinheit 30c und eine zweite Abschirmeinheit 62c. Die erste Abschirmeinheit 30c weist zwei elektrisch leitfähige und geerdete Abschirmelemente 64c auf, welche beabstandet von einem ersten Sensormittel 14c angeordnet sind. Die Abschirmelemente 64c sind zu beiden Seiten und relativ zu einer Haupterstreckungsebene der Grundplatte 45c betrachtet neben dem ersten Sensormittel 14c angeordnet. Die Abschirmelemente 64c weisen an jedem Punkt einen minimalen Abstand zwischen 0,5 mm und 1 mm zu dem ersten Sensormittel 14c auf. Die zweite Abschirmeinheit 62c weist ebenfalls zwei elektrisch leitfähige und geerdete Abschirmelemente 66c auf, welche beabstandet von einem zweiten Sensormittel 20c angeordnet sind. Die Abschirmelemente 66c sind zu beiden Seiten und relativ zu einer Haupterstreckungsebene der Grundplatte 45c betrachtet neben dem zweiten Sensormittel 20c angeordnet. Die Abschirmelemente 66c weisen an jedem Punkt einen minimalen Abstand zwischen 0,5 mm und 1 mm zu dem zweiten Sensormittel 20c auf. Die elektrisch leitfähigen und geerdeten Abschirmelemente 64c, 66c sind als elektrisch leitfähige Beschichtungen 68c, 70c ausgebildet. Als Beschichtung 68c, 70c kann dabei jede, einem Fachmann als sinnvoll erscheinende Beschichtung 68c, 70c zum Einsatz kommen, insbesondere eine durch ein Siebdruckverfahren und/oder durch eine Kathodenzerstäubung aufgebrachte Beschichtung 68c, 70c. Ferner können die Erdungsleitungen der Abschirmelemente 64c, 66c als elektrisch leitfähige Beschichtungen ausgebildet sein. Figure 4 shows a partial view of a further alternative operating device of a cooktop 42c with the cooktop plate 44c disassembled when viewing an underside 54c of a base plate 45c of the cooktop plate 44c. The control device comprises a first shielding unit 30c and a second shielding unit 62c. The first shielding unit 30c has two electrically conductive and grounded shielding elements 64c, which are arranged at a distance from a first sensor means 14c. The shielding elements 64c are arranged on both sides and viewed relative to a main extension plane of the base plate 45c next to the first sensor means 14c. The shielding elements 64c are at a minimum distance between 0.5 mm and 1 mm from the first sensor means 14c at each point. The second shielding unit 62c likewise has two electrically conductive and grounded shielding elements 66c, which are arranged at a distance from a second sensor means 20c. The shielding elements 66c are arranged on both sides and viewed relative to a main plane of extension of the base plate 45c next to the second sensor means 20c. The shielding elements 66c are at a minimum distance between 0.5 mm and 1 mm from the second sensor means 20c at each point. The electrically conductive and grounded shielding elements 64c, 66c are designed as electrically conductive coatings 68c, 70c. Any coating 68c, 70c that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art can be used as the coating 68c, 70c, in particular a coating 68c, 70c applied by a screen printing method and / or by cathode sputtering. Furthermore, the ground lines of the shielding elements 64c, 66c can be designed as electrically conductive coatings.

Bei der Ausgestaltung der Kochfeldplatte 44c gemäß Fig. 4 bietet sich ein Herstellungsverfahren an, bei der die Grundplatte 45c zunächst auf der Unterseite 54c großflächig und vorzugsweise vollständig mit einer elektrisch leitfähigen und vorzugsweise metallischen Beschichtung versehen wird. Diese Beschichtung kann insbesondere durch eine physikalische Gasphasenabscheidung und vorzugsweise durch eine Kathodenstrahlzerstäubung aufgebracht werden. Anschließend werden Bereiche der Beschichtung abgetragen, um die in Fig. 4 gezeigten Strukturen, insbesondere die Sensormittel 14c, 20c, die Abschirmelemente 64c, 66c und die Erdungsleitungen zu erlangen. Eine Abtragung kann beispielsweise mittels einer Laserablation stattfinden. Bezugszeichen 10 Erste Sensorfläche 54 Unterseite 12 Zweite Sensorfläche 56 Beschichtung 14 Erstes Sensormittel 58 Beschichtung 16 Erster Inaktivbereich 60 Virtuelle Sensorfläche 17 Oberflächenbereich 62 Zweite Abschirmeinheit 18 Dritte Sensorfläche 64 Abschirmelement 20 Zweites Sensormittel 66 Abschirmelement 22 Zweiter Inaktivbereich 68 Beschichtung 23 Oberflächenbereich 70 Beschichtung 24 Steuereinheit 72 Isolierung 26 Elektrode 74 Isolierung 28 Elektrode 76 Beschichtung 30 Erste Abschirmeinheit 78 Beschichtung 32 Schwerpunkt 34 Verbindungsgerade 36 Schwerpunkt 38 Schwerpunkt 40 Hausgerät 42 Kochfeld 44 Kochfeldplatte 45 Grundplatte 46 Oberseite 47 Markierung 48 Markierung 49 Heizzone 50 Steuer - und Regeleinheit 52 Teilbereich According to the design of the hob plate 44c Fig. 4 A manufacturing method is suitable in which the base plate 45c is initially provided on the underside 54c over a large area and preferably completely with an electrically conductive and preferably metallic coating. This coating can be applied in particular by physical vapor deposition and preferably by cathode-ray atomization. Areas of the coating are then removed in order to cover the in Fig. 4 structures shown, in particular the sensor means 14c, 20c, the shielding elements 64c, 66c and the grounding lines. Ablation can take place, for example, by means of laser ablation. Reference numerals 10th First sensor area 54 bottom 12th Second sensor area 56 Coating 14 First sensor means 58 Coating 16 First inactive area 60 Virtual sensor area 17th Surface area 62 Second shielding unit 18th Third sensor area 64 Shielding element 20th Second sensor means 66 Shielding element 22 Second inactive area 68 Coating 23 Surface area 70 Coating 24th Control unit 72 insulation 26 electrode 74 insulation 28 electrode 76 Coating 30th First shielding unit 78 Coating 32 main emphasis 34 Straight line 36 main emphasis 38 main emphasis 40 Home appliance 42 Cooktop 44 Cooktop 45 Base plate 46 Top 47 mark 48 mark 49 Heating zone 50 Control and regulation unit 52 Subarea

Claims (10)

  1. Operating device with a first sensor area (10a-c) having a first operating function, with a second sensor area (12a-c) having a second operating function and with a third sensor area (18a-c) having a third operating function, wherein the sensor areas (10a-c, 12a-c, 18a-c) are surfaces which are embodied as user interfaces and are able to be operated by touch and/or by proximity, with a first sensor means (14a-c) and with a second sensor means (20a-c) and wherein the sensor means (14a-c, 20a-c) are embodied as electrodes (26a-c, 28a-c) and the first sensor means (14a-c) and the second sensor means (20a-c) are provided to detect a touching of and/or proximity to the sensor areas (10a-c, 12a-c, 18a-c) and to transmit a corresponding control signal to at least one control unit (24a-c), with at least one first inactive region (16a-c) of the first sensor means (14a-c) in at least one surface region (17a-c) outside of the first sensor area (10a-c) and the second sensor area (12a-c) and with at least one second inactive region (22a-c) of the second sensor means (20a-c) in at least one surface region (23a-c) outside of the second sensor area (12a-c) and the third sensor area (18a-c), characterised in that the first sensor means (14a-c) is functionally assigned at least to the first sensor area (10a-c) and at least to the second sensor area (12a-c) and the second sensor means (20a-c) is functionally assigned at least to the second sensor area (12a-c) and at least to the third sensor area (18a-c), so that the second sensor area (12a-c) forms a virtual user interface, and that each of the inactive regions (16a-c, 22a-c) is a surface region of a panel unit in which the sensor means (14a-c, 20a-c) is inactive, despite the sensor means (14a-c, 20a-c) being arranged below the surface region, and that the operating device comprises a first shielding unit (30a-c), which at least substantially shields the first sensor means (14a-c) from a touch and/or proximity in the first inactive region (16a-c) and comprises a second shielding unit (62a-c), which at least substantially shields the second sensor means (20a-c) from a touch and/or proximity in the second inactive region (22a-c), wherein a touching of the inactive region (16a-c, 22a-c), due to the shielding unit (30a-c, 62a-c), brings about such a small change in at least one parameter assigned to the sensor means (14a-c, 20a-c) that this change is ignored by the control unit (24a-c).
  2. Operating device at least according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one control unit (24a-c) is provided to trigger the second operating function when the first operating function and the third operating function are selected by the user at the same time.
  3. Operating device at least according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the sensor means (14a-c, 20a-c) are embodied as mutually interlocking in the region of the second sensor area (12a-c).
  4. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a centre of mass (32a-c) of the second sensor area (12a-c) is spaced apart from a connecting straight line (34a-c) which runs through a centre of mass (36a-c) of the first sensor area (10a-c) and a centre of mass (38a-c) of the third sensor area (18a-c).
  5. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electrodes (26a-c, 28a-c) are embodied as electrically conductive coatings of an electrically isolated unit.
  6. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the shielding unit (30a-c, 62a-c) is embodied as a unit which differs from an electrical circuit board and/or the panel unit.
  7. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the shielding unit (30a-c, 62a-c) is embodied as a dielectric component.
  8. Operating device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the dielectric component is arranged between the sensor means (14a-c, 20a-c) and the inactive region (16a-c, 22a-c).
  9. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the shielding unit (30a-c, 62a-c) is embodied as an electrically conductive and earthed component in a surrounding area of the sensor means (14a-c, 20a-c).
  10. Household appliance (40a-c), in particular hob (42a-c), with an operating device according to one of claims 1 to 9.
EP12193881.5A 2011-11-29 2012-11-22 Operating device Active EP2600064B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ES201131928 2011-11-29

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EP2600064A2 EP2600064A2 (en) 2013-06-05
EP2600064A3 EP2600064A3 (en) 2017-09-27
EP2600064B1 true EP2600064B1 (en) 2020-04-22

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102014219348B4 (en) 2014-09-24 2021-10-28 E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbH Method for operating an electrical device and operating device

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102005049802A1 (en) * 2005-10-18 2007-04-19 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Appliances operating device
US8766910B2 (en) * 2007-07-04 2014-07-01 Cypress Semiconductor Corporation Capacitive sensing control knob
DE102008033369A1 (en) * 2008-07-08 2010-01-14 E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbH Operating device for an electrical appliance and evaluation method for this operating device
DE102009049559A1 (en) * 2009-10-07 2011-04-14 E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbH Operating device for an electrical appliance

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EP2600064A3 (en) 2017-09-27

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