EP2633535B1 - Switch control panel - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a switch panel according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Such a switch panel may have one or more switching elements for manual operation. The switch panel can be used in particular in a motor vehicle.

Such a control panel has an actuating surface for manual action by means of an element by the user. In particular, the element may be the finger of a human hand, with the aid of which the actuation of the switching elements of the control panel takes place. The actuating surface acts together with a sensor such that the sensor generates a signal on approach of the element to the actuating surface and / or upon contact of the actuating surface by means of the element and / or pressure of the element by means of the actuating surface. The signal is used for switching and / or triggering a function associated with the respective switching element in the switch operating panel in the manner of a switching signal.

As sensors in a conventional manner electrical switches, snaps o. The like. Used. These are directly movable switching elements. These require mechanical contact between the actuating surface and the sensor, which in turn leads to wear, for example. In addition, to operate the Switching elements corresponding movable actuators required, which protrude from the surface of the control panel, so that the risk of ingress of pollutants in the control panel to the actuators. Furthermore, these conventional switching elements are cost-intensive and limited in their functionality.

From the US 2009/0140994 A1 Furthermore, a switch panel is known in which the actuating surface is provided with lattice-like arranged electrical conductor tracks, so that due to the change in capacitance, the touched by the user's finger on the actuating surface position can be determined. By further pressing on the actuating surface, an electrical switching element is switched, which in turn triggers the respective position on the actuating surface associated function in the motor vehicle. The switch panel thus used in addition to the capacitive sensor in turn a conventional electrical switching element.

Furthermore, in the US 2009/0057124 A1 a switch panel is provided, which is provided with a capacitive sensor or Hall effect sensors for signal generation. Finally shows the EP 0 254 966 A2 a membrane keeper that uses strain gauges to generate signals.

The invention has for its object to further develop the switch panel in terms of an operative connection without mechanical contact between the actuating surface and the sensor. Preferably, the switch panel should be further developed such that the risk of penetration of pollutants reduced and the reliability is thus increased. More preferably, the switch panel is to be further developed with regard to a cost-effective sensor. Still more preferably, the switch panel is to be further developed for enhanced functionality.

In particular, even subsequent requirements should be met. The pressure detection without mechanical contact between the components in a control panel without directly movable switching element, such as electrical switch, snap-action o. The like., Should be realized. The sensitivity and / or path change should be adjustable. An increase in the service life of the control panel, especially with regard to the number of actuations, should be achieved. The influence of the manufacturing tolerances of the individual components in the direction of actuation (Z direction) should be minimized. Furthermore, a simple assembly should be achieved.

In particular, the realization of the sensor, so the pressure detection, in control panels without conventional switching elements, such as switches, snaps o. The like., Take place.

In particular, the realization of the proximity detection on panels with and / or without ausleuchtbare areas should be done.

This object is achieved in a generic switch panel by the characterizing features of claim 1.

When switching panel according to the invention, the actuating surface forms a substantially closed surface. Advantageously, penetration of pollutants on the closed surface is prevented, so that the reliability of the control panel is increased. By using sensors that interact only with the actuating surface, can be dispensed with directly movable switching elements. The sensor consists of a Hall sensor, wherein a magnetized element can be in operative connection with the actuating surface, such that the magnetized element is movable corresponding to a movement of the actuating surface. The change in the magnetic field at the Hall sensor during movement of the magnetized element can be evaluated to generate the signal. Created is thus a concept for the pressure detection to operate the switch panel by means of a Hall sensor. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Conveniently, the switch panel on a housing for receiving the actuating surface, so that the switch panel can be made as a separate, pre-assembled component. The switch panel can then be mounted in a simple manner in the vehicle. The housing may be configured such that the actuating surface constitutes a termination located on one side of the housing and thus forms a substantially closed surface on the housing.

In an expedient and compact embodiment, the actuating surface comprises a diaphragm, optionally a diaphragm carrier and a carrier part. In a simple manner, it is advisable that an actuator is arranged on the actuating surface, wherein the actuator may be located on the support part, and wherein expediently then on the side facing away from the actuating surface of the actuator, the magnetized element may be arranged. Furthermore, the Hall sensor can be arranged on a circuit board located in the housing in a simple manner.

In a further embodiment, the realization of the sensor, so the pressure detection, in control panels without conventional switching elements, such as switches, snaps o. The like. By the sensor is supplemented with a strain gauge (DMS). Thus, DMS (strain gauges) are used in a control panel as a sensor. The sensor can thus be in operative connection with the actuating surface stand that the action of the element on the actuating surface causes a deformation of the strain gauge. The change in the electrical resistance caused by the deformation in the strain gauge can then be evaluated to generate the signal.

The strain gauge can be attached to a spring element in a compact and functionally reliable design, such that the spring element together with the strain gauge is deformed by the action of pressure on the actuating surface. In a simple way, the strain gauge can be glued to the spring element for this purpose. For ease of assembly, the spring element may be located as a resilient region on a hollow body part.

Furthermore, an actuator can be arranged on the actuating surface in a compact manner, such that the action on the actuating surface is transmitted to the spring element by means of the actuator. In particular, this action can be transmitted to the resilient region of the hollow body part. Furthermore, in a simple manner, the hollow body part can be arranged on a circuit board located in the housing.

In yet another embodiment, the sensor has an electrically conductive foil. The electrically conductive film may be arranged in and / or on the actuating surface, such that an electrical field can be generated in the region of the actuating surface by applying an electrical voltage. The change in the electric field caused by the action of the element on the actuating surface, in particular its capacitive change, can be evaluated to generate the signal. For a capacitive detection of the operation of the control panel, for example, for the proximity detection, created.

In an embodiment which extends the functionality of the switch operating panel, the actuating surface can have at least two regions in the manner of switching elements. The electrically conductive foil may likewise have at least two guide regions which are electrically insulated from one another. Preferably, the electrically conductive film is then arranged such that each area on the actuating surface is associated with a guide area. With Help of such an embodiment can be detected in a simple manner, which switching element is actuated by the user.

In a further embodiment, light-emitting diodes, which can be arranged on a circuit board expediently, are located in the housing for illuminating the actuating surface. In a compact manner, a reflector for holding the circuit board may be arranged in the housing. For the purpose of effective and low-loss transmission of light, optical fibers can lead from the light emitting diodes to the actuating surface.

Again, the actuating surface may comprise a diaphragm, optionally a diaphragm support and a support member. In a simple manner, the electrically conductive film by inserting between the diaphragm support and the carrier part, by gluing to the diaphragm support, by encapsulation and / or injection molding by means of the diaphragm support o. The like. Be fixed. In an assembly-friendly and functionally reliable manner, the electrically conductive foil can be electrically contacted by means of a plug, a socket or the like on the printed circuit board.

In a further embodiment, the electrically conductive film for light in the visible to the human eye area or in any other appropriate area, for example in the infrared range, is substantially transparent. Conveniently, then also the screen carrier for visible or other light is substantially transparent. For the purpose of avoiding scattering, loss or the like, the support member may be substantially impermeable to visible or other light.

For particularly preferred embodiments of the switch panel according to the invention is to be determined below.

In order to achieve the stated object, a Hall sensor, for example a one-dimensional Hall sensor (1D sensor) or a three-dimensional Hall sensor (3D sensor) is used. This can be positioned on the circuit board directly or on other components. Above the sensor, a magnetized medium, such as a magnet, is placed. In a path change, which, for example, by an actuation of the User interface, the distance between the magnet and the sensor changes. This path change is evaluated electronically as actuation.

A strain gauge (DMS) is mounted on a resilient element in the control panel. Upon actuation of the user interface by the operator, the resilient element is deformed and thus also the strain gages. The resulting change in resistance of the strain gage can be evaluated.

The capacitive concept for the switching element is realized by means of conductive transparent foil. The attachment and / or installation of the film is by gluing, inserting, molding in the tool o. The like. Possible. Contacting is made on the circuit board by means of a plug and / or a socket and / or any other contacting.

Overall, a concept for the capacitive detection of the operation of the control panel by means of a conductive transparent film is created. The switch panel offers the largest possible area for capacitive detection, whereby the foil can be accommodated directly below the user interface in the illuminable area, with or without display. In this way, the best possible capacitive detection of the operator, for example, by the fingers, and the maximum possible illumination is achieved. The solution also takes up as little space as possible.

The advantages achieved by the invention are in particular that a possibility is created, smallest path changes, and less than 0.01 mm, to safely detect. Advantageously, a control panel with "zero path" is possible. Furthermore, the sensitivity is adjustable. Since no mechanical contact between the components takes place, the influence of the tolerances in the direction of actuation for the switch panel (Z-direction) is greatly minimized. In addition, no mechanical wear occurs. Finally, an SMD assembly of the Hall sensor is possible, which the switch panel is also particularly cost.

The advantages further achieved with the invention consist in particular in the fact that a possibility is created for the sensor technology without conventional switching elements with way to Advantageously, one obtains a control panel with "zero path" and if necessary also with "zero force". Furthermore, there is a saving of space in the control panel. Finally, the equipped with a strain gauge switch panel is also particularly cost.

The advantages achieved even further with the invention are, in particular, that the best possible capacitive detection of the operator, for example of his finger, is realized directly in the illuminable area in the smallest space. Finally, the control panel equipped with an electrically conductive foil is also particularly cost-effective and, moreover, there is a saving of installation space in the control panel.

Fig. 1

ein Schaltbedienfeld für ein Kraftfahrzeug in perspektivischer Ansicht,

Fig. 2

das Bedienfeld aus Fig. 1 in Explosions-Darstellung,

Fig. 3

die Betätigungsfläche des Bedienfelds aus Fig. 2 in Explosions-Darstellung,

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt durch das Bedienfeld aus Fig. 1 im Bereich eines Displays,

Fig. 5

einen Schnitt durch das Bedienfeld aus Fig. 1 im Bereich eines Symbols,

Fig. 6

einen Schnitt durch das Bedienfeld aus Fig. 1 mit Darstellung der Kontaktierung der Leitfolie,

Fig. 7

einen Schnitt durch das Bedienfeld aus Fig. 1 im Bereich des Hallsensors,

Fig. 8

einen Schnitt wie in Fig. 7 mit Darstellung der Betätigung des Hallsensors,

Fig. 9

ein Bedienfeld mit einem Dehnungsmessstreifen als Sensor in einer das Prinzip zeigenden Explosionsdarstellung,

Fig. 10

die Funktionsweise des Sensors aus Fig. 9 sowie eine Schnittdarstellung dieses Sensors und

Fig. 11

einen Schnitt durch das Bedienfeld aus Fig. 1 im Bereich eines Haptik- und/oder Akustik-erzeugenden Elements.

Embodiments of the invention with various developments and refinements are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. Show it

Fig. 1

a switch panel for a motor vehicle in perspective view,

Fig. 2

the control panel off Fig. 1 in exploded view,

Fig. 3

the actuating surface of the control panel off Fig. 2 in exploded view,

Fig. 4

cut through the control panel Fig. 1 in the area of a display,

Fig. 5

cut through the control panel Fig. 1 in the area of a symbol,

Fig. 6

cut through the control panel Fig. 1 with representation of the contacting of the conductive foil,

Fig. 7

cut through the control panel Fig. 1 in the area of the Hall sensor,

Fig. 8

a cut like in Fig. 7 with representation of the operation of the Hall sensor,

Fig. 9

a control panel with a strain gauge as a sensor in an exploded view showing the principle,

Fig. 10

the functioning of the sensor Fig. 9 and a sectional view of this sensor and

Fig. 11

cut through the control panel Fig. 1 in the area of a haptic and / or acoustic element.

In Fig. 1 is a switch panel 1 for a motor vehicle to see with an actuating surface 3, are arranged on the individual areas 2 in the manner of switching elements for triggering and / or operation of various functions in the motor vehicle. For example, the control panel 1 may be one for operating the air conditioning system in the motor vehicle, wherein by means of the switching elements 2, the temperature in the motor vehicle, the ventilation, the windshield fan o. The like. By the user is adjustable. On the actuating surface 3, a function symbol 9 for displaying the triggerable by means of the switching element 2 function and a function display 10 for displaying the state (on / off) of the respective function is arranged for the switching elements 2, wherein the function symbol 9 and the function display 10 are illuminated.

The control panel 1 has a housing 4, on the upper side of the actuating surface 3 is located. Again Fig. 1 can be seen, the actuating surface 3 has a substantially closed surface, whereby the control panel 1 is largely protected from harmful external influences. The switching elements 2 are actuated by the user by means of an element 11 on the corresponding area 2 of the actuating surface 3 acts manually. The element 11 is in particular a finger of the user's human hand.

How to get in Fig. 2 sees, is located in the housing 4, a printed circuit board 5, on the electrical / electronic components 6, for example light emitting diodes for illuminating the actuating surface 3, are arranged. The actuating surface 3 is again on a housing 4, serving as a holder for the circuit board 5 reflector 26th arranged. Of the light emitting diodes 6 lead light guide 37 to the function symbols 9 and light guide 38 to the function indicators 10 on the actuating surface 3, as in Fig. 5 can be seen, in such a way that the light emitted by the light emitting diodes 6 is performed to illuminate the function symbols 9 and / or the function displays 10. Based on Fig. 3 one recognizes further that the actuating surface 3 consists of a diaphragm 24, which represents the actual user interface for the user, a diaphragm support 25 and a further support member 39.

The manual action of the finger 11 on the actuating surface 3 is detected by means of a sensor. For this purpose, an electrically conductive film 12 is arranged in and / or on the actuating surface 3, by means of which an electric field is generated in the region of the actuating surface 3 by applying an electrical voltage. The actuating surface 3 interacts with the sensor 12 in such a way that the sensor 12 generates a signal when the element 11 approaches the actuating surface 3 by evaluating the change in the electric field due to the approach of the finger 11, in particular the capacitive change.

How to continue the Fig. 3 The film 12 is arranged such that each region 2 on the actuating surface 3 is assigned such a guide region 13. By evaluating the change in the electric field for a single guide region 13, it is also possible to detect the contact of the actuation surface 3 by means of the finger 11, specifically the touch of the respective switching element 2 on the basis of the respective guide region 13. The actuation surface 3 interacts with the sensor 13 in this way in that, when the corresponding area 2 of the actuating surface 3 is touched by the element 11, the sensor 13 generates a signal by evaluating the change in the electric field for the guide area 13 by the touch of the finger 11, in particular the capacitive change.

Based on Fig. 3 it can be seen that the electrically conductive film 12 is fixed by inserting between the diaphragm support 25 and the support member 39 in the housing 4. Of course, the electrically conductive film 12 by gluing to the Blende carrier 25, by encapsulation and / or injection molding of the electrically conductive film 12 by means of the diaphragm support 25 o. The like. Be attached, but this is not shown further. The diaphragm 24 is at least in the field of view or on the user interface of electrically poor or electrically non-conductive material. The electrically conductive film 12 is electrically contacted by means of a connecting part 51 via a socket 50, a plug or other suitably selected contact connection on the circuit board 5, as can be seen in Fig. 6 sees. If necessary, the control panel 1 in Fig. 4 have shown display 52.

The electrically conductive film 12 is substantially transparent to light in the visible to the human eye area to ensure good illumination of the function icons 9 and / or the function displays 10. Likewise, the aperture support 25 is substantially transparent to visible light. The support member 39, however, is substantially opaque to visible light to prevent scattered radiation in the non-illuminating areas at the aperture 24. If necessary, the electrically conductive film 12 and / or the diaphragm support 25 also be permeable to other radiation, for example for infrared radiation.

As further on the basis of Fig. 2 can be seen, is a magnetized element 14 with the actuating surface 3 in operative connection. This is according to Fig. 7 the magnet 14 is arranged on the side of the actuating surface 3 facing the interior of the housing 4 on an actuator serving as a holder 47, the actuator 47 in turn being part of the carrier part 39. The magnet 14 is associated with a Hall sensor 15, which is located on the circuit board 5 in the housing 4. When pressure is applied by the finger 11 on the actuating surface 3, the actuating surface 3 bends slightly, so that the magnet 14 is moved accordingly, to which the support member 39 is arranged by means of an elastic bearing 53 on the reflector 26. This in Fig. 8 Movement of the magnet 14, which is corresponding to the movement of the actuating surface 3 and represented by the arrow 54, is detected by means of the Hall sensor 15. Thus, the actuating surface 3 cooperates with the sensor 15 such that the sensor 15 generates a signal when pressure is applied to the actuating surface 3 by means of the element 11 by the change of the magnetic field by the magnet 14 is evaluated.

• SMD-Bestückung des Hallsensors 15 ist möglich.
• Kleinste Wegänderungen (unter 0,01 mm) der Betätigungsfläche 3 werden sicher erfasst. Ein Bedienfeld 1 mit "Nullweg" ist möglich. Die Empfindlichkeit ist einstellbar.
• Da kein mechanischer Kontakt zwischen den Bauteilen stattfindet, wird der Einfluss von Toleranzen in Z-Richtung (Betätigungsrichtung) stark minimiert.
• Kein mechanischer Verschleiß.

In the Fig. 3 shown actuating surface 3 and the support member 39 is equipped with magnets 14, the number of design-dependent corresponding to the number of switching elements 2 is selected. Alternatively, the actuating surface 3 may also be designed to be magnetic. Based on Fig. 8 the result is the function of the switching element 2. The path change that results from the operation of the surface of the actuating surface 3 by the operator is detected by means of an evaluation and evaluated as an operation. The Hall sensor 15 thus serves for pressure detection for the actuating surface 3. The advantages of this system consist in:

• SMD assembly of the Hall sensor 15 is possible.
• Smallest path changes (less than 0.01 mm) of the actuating surface 3 are detected safely. A control panel 1 with "zero path" is possible. The sensitivity is adjustable.
• Since no mechanical contact between the components takes place, the influence of tolerances in the Z direction (actuating direction) is greatly minimized.
• No mechanical wear.

In addition to the Hall sensor 15, a strain gauge 55 can be used as a sensor, acting on the bending of the actuating surface 3 deforming, as in Fig. 9 you can see. The strain gauge 55 in turn is in operative connection with the actuating surface 3, such that the action of the element 11 on the actuating surface 3 causes a deformation of the strain gauge 55. This deformation of the strain gauge 55 causes a change in its electrical resistance. The change in the electrical resistance is then in turn evaluated for the generation of the signal.
As in Fig. 10 can be seen, an actuator 56 is disposed on the actuating surface 3. If a force 57 is now exerted on the actuating surface 3 by means of the element 11, this action on the actuating surface 3 is transmitted to a spring element 58 by means of the actuator 56. The strain gauge 55 is attached to the spring element 58, for example, glued to the spring element 58. Due to the action of the pressure force 57 Thus, the spring element 58 is deformed together with the strain gauge 55 accordingly.

How to continue on the basis of Fig. 10 detects, the spring element 58 is located as an elastically resilient region on a hollow body part 59. The strain gauge 55 is mounted in the interior of the hollow body part 59 on the resilient portion 58 and thus protected from harmful influences. The pressure force 57 is thus transmitted by means of the actuator 56 to the resilient portion 58 of the hollow body portion 59 and the resilient portion 58 in turn on the strain gauge 55. The hollow body part 59 is finally arranged on the circuit board 5 located in the housing 4.

The signal generated by the sensors 12, 13, 15, 55 can be evaluated accordingly and then serves for switching and / or triggering the respective function in the motor vehicle in the manner of a switching signal. At least one of the signals generated by the sensors 12, 13, 15, 55 and / or another due to the evaluation of the signals generated by the sensors 12, 13, 15, 55 can continue generating a haptic and / or acoustics for the switch panel 1 cause. For this purpose, a haptic and / or acoustic-generating element 7 (see Fig. 11 ), which is in operative connection with the actuating surface 3. The corresponding signal can now control an actuator 8 for actuating the haptic and / or acoustic-generating element 7.

How to get in Fig. 11 sees, it is the actuator 8 is an electromagnet. The electromagnet 8 has a coil 16 and a movably mounted in the coil 16, acted upon by a spring 48 anchor 17. Now, the actuator 8 is driven, there is a corresponding energization of the coil 16 of the electromagnet 8, which in turn the armature 17 of the electromagnet 8 is moved. The moving armature 17 beats on the leaf spring-like configured haptic and / or acoustic-generating element 7. Due to the impact on the one hand by the haptic and / or acoustic-generating element 7 generates a noise in the manner of a click, which signals the user switching the switching element 2. On the other hand, the impact movement of the armature 17 is transmitted from the haptic and / or acoustic-generating element 7 via an arranged on the inside of the actuating surface 3 plunger 18 on the actuating surface 3, which in turn is felt by the user's finger 11 as a haptic feedback for the switching of the switching element 2.

The invention is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiments. Rather, it also encompasses all expert developments within the scope of the invention defined by the claims. Thus, the switch panel according to the invention can be found not only in control panels for motor vehicles but also in control panels on domestic appliances, audio equipment, video equipment, telecommunications equipment o.

Reference numeral list:

1:

Switching panel / control panel

2:

Range / switching element

3:

actuating surface

4:

casing

5:

circuit board

6:

electrical / electronic component / light emitting diode

7:

Haptic and / or acoustic-generating element

8th:

Actuator / electromagnet / lifting magnet

9:

function icon

10:

function display

11:

Element / finger

12:

(electrically conductive) foil / sensor

13:

Conduction area / sensor

14:

Magnet / magnetised element

15:

Hall sensor / sensor

16:

Coil (from electromagnet)

17:

Anchor (from electromagnet)

18:

tappet

24:

cover

25:

Screen support

26:

reflector

37:

Optical fiber (for function symbol)

38:

Optical fiber (for function display)

39:

support part

47:

Holder / actuator

48:

feather

50:

socket

51:

connecting part

52:

display

53:

(elastic) bearing

54:

arrow

55:

Strain gage / sensor

56:

actuator

57:

Force / pressure force

58:

Spring element / resilient area

59:

Hollow body part

Claims (17)

1. A switch control panel for a motor vehicle with a housing (4) for the accommodation of an actuating surface (3) for manual action by means of an element (11), and with a sensor which interacts with the actuating surface (3) such that the sensor generates a signal when the element (11) approaches the actuating surface (3) and/or when the element (11) contacts the actuating surface (3) and/or when the element (11) applies pressure to the actuating surface (3), wherein the signal is used to switch on and/or trigger a function in the manner of a switch signal and wherein the actuator (47) is arranged on the actuating surface (3), characterized in that the actuating surface (3) forms a substantially closed surface on the housing (4), that the sensor consists of a Hall sensor (15) as well as a magnetized element (14) arranged on the side of the actuator (47) facing away from the actuating surface (3), that the actuating surface (3) sags when the element applies pressure, in such a manner that the magnetized element (14) moves corresponding to the impact of the element (11) on the actuating surface (3), and that the change of the magnetic field is evaluated in the Hall sensor (15) for the generation of the signal when the magnetized element (14) moves.
2. A switch control panel according to Claim 1, characterized in that the sensor is supplemented with a strain gauge (55) fastened to a spring element (58) as well as the actuator (56) transferring the impact of the element (11) on the actuating surface (3) to the spring element (58).
3. A switch control panel according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating surface (3) comprises a diaphragm (24) as well as a carrier part (39).
4. A switch control panel according to claim 3, characterized in that the actuating surface (3) comprises a diaphragm carrier (25).
5. A switch control panel according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the actuator (47) is located on the carrier part (39).
6. A switch control panel according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the Hall sensor (15) is arranged on a printed circuit board (5) located in the housing (4).
7. A switch control panel according to one of Claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the sensor (55) is in operative connection with the actuating surface (3) in such a manner that the impact of the element (11) on the actuating surface (3) effects a deformation of the strain gauge (55), and that the change of the electrical resistance effected by the deformation in the strain gauge (55) is evaluated for the generation of the signal.
8. A switch control panel according to one of Claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the drain gauge (55) is affixed to the spring element (58), in such a manner that the spring element (58) is deformed together with the strain gauge (55) by the impact on the actuating surface (3).
9. A switch control panel according to one of Claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the spring element (58) is located as an elastically flexible area on a hollow body part (59), wherein the impact on the actuating surface (3) is transferred by means of the actuator (56) to the flexible area (58) of the hollow body part (59).
10. A switch control panel according to Claim 9, characterized in that the hollow body part (59) is arranged on the printed circuit board (5) located in the housing (4).
11. A switch control panel according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the sensor has an electrically conductive film (12), that the electrically conductive film (12) is arranged in and/or on the actuating surface (3), in such a manner that by the application of an electrical voltage an electrical field can be generated in the area of the actuating surface (3), and that the capacitive change of the electrical field caused by the impact of the element (11) on the actuating surface (3) is evaluated for the generation of the signal.
12. A switch control panel according to Claim 11, characterized in that the actuating surface (3) has at least two areas (2) in the form of switching elements, that the electrically conductive film (12) has at least two conducting areas (13) electrically insulated from each other, that the electrically conductive film (12) is arranged in such a manner that a conducting area (13) is assigned to each area (2) on the actuating surface (3).
13. A switch control panel according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that in the housing (4) light-emitting diodes (6), which are arranged on the printed circuit board (5) are located for the illumination of the actuating surface (3), and that light conductors (37, 38) lead from the light-emitting diodes (6) to the actuating surface (3).
14. A switch control panel according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a reflector (26) is arranged for mounting the printed circuit board (5) in the housing.
15. A switch control panel according to Claim 14, characterized in that the carrier part (39) is arranged on the reflector (26) by means of an elastic bearing (53).
16. A switch control panel according to Claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the electrically conductive film (12) is fastened by insertion between the diaphragm carrier (25) and the carrier part (39) and/ by adhesive bonding to the diaphragm carrier (25) and/or by over-molding and/or back-molding by means of the diaphragm carrier (25), and that the electrically conductive film (12) is electrically contacted by means of a male connector or a female connector (50) to the printed circuit board (5).
17. A switch control panel according to one of Claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the electrically conductive film (12) is substantially transparent for light in the range visible for the human eye, that the diaphragm carrier (25) is substantially transparent for visible light, and that the carrier part (3) is substantially impermeable for visible light.

Images