Sensor device for an operator input device

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor device (10) for an operator input device, having a capacitive sensor (11) and a contact switch (12), the capacitive sensor (11) having a first sensor electrode (11A) and at least one second sensor electrode (11B), which are designed and arranged relative to one another such that they form a sensor capacitance between them, the sensor capacitance being able to be varied by applying an operating force (F) to the sensor device (10), the contact switch (12) having a first electrical contact element (12A) and a second electrical contact element (12B), which are designed and arranged relative to one another such that, in the state without operating force, an electrical connection between the first electrical contact element (12A) and the second electrical contact element (12B) is broken, and the electrical connection between the first electrical contact element (12A) and the second electrical contact element (12B) can be established by applying an operating force (F) in the actuation direction which is greater than a defined contact closure force, and one of the sensor electrodes (11A, 11B, 12B) of the capacitive sensor (11, 21) forms one of the two electrical contact elements (12A, 12B) of the contact switch (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sensor device for an operator input device, the sensor device comprising a capacitive sensor and a contact switch. The capacitive sensor has a first sensor electrode and at least one second sensor electrode, which are designed and arranged relative to each other such that they form a sensor capacitance therebetween, which can be caused by applying an operating force to the sensor device to induce a change in the sensor capacitance. The contact switch has a first electrical contact element and a second electrical contact element, which are designed and arranged relative to each other such that the electrical connection between the first and second electrical contact elements is disconnected in the absence of an operating force. The electrical connection between the first and second electrical contact elements can be established by applying an operating force greater than a defined contact closing force in the actuation direction. Background Technology

[0002] General sensor devices, particularly combined sensor devices designed as described above, are known in principle from the prior art, which have a capacitive sensor and a contact switch. In general sensor devices known from the prior art, the capacitive sensor and the contact switch are usually formed by separate components, especially when the capacitive sensor is designed as a force sensor.

[0003] For similar sensor devices, see references KR20190023171, DE102014019241, or US2011 / 0011650. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In this context, the object of the present invention is to provide an alternative sensor device, particularly an improved sensor device, especially a simpler and more compact sensor device.

[0005] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by a sensor device as described below. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims, specification, and drawings. The wording of the claims forms part of the content of the specification through express reference.

[0006] The sensor device for an operator input device according to the invention comprises a capacitive sensor and a contact switch. The capacitive sensor has a first sensor electrode and at least one second sensor electrode, which are designed and arranged relative to each other such that they form a sensor capacitance therebetween, which can be caused by applying an operating force to the sensor device to induce a change in the sensor capacitance. The contact switch has a first electrical contact element and a second electrical contact element, which are designed and arranged relative to each other such that the electrical connection between the first electrical contact element and the second electrical contact element is disconnected in the absence of an operating force. The electrical connection between the first electrical contact element and the second electrical contact element can be established by applying an operating force greater than a defined contact closing force in the actuation direction.

[0007] The sensor device according to the invention is characterized in that one of the sensor electrodes of the capacitive sensor forms one of the two electrical contact elements of the contact switch, particularly the first sensor electrode or the second sensor electrode.

[0008] The combined use of one of the sensor electrodes of the capacitive sensor as an electrical contact element enables the provision of a particularly compact combined sensor device that incorporates both a capacitive sensor and a contact switch. In particular, this invention makes it possible to provide a sensor device that requires fewer components compared to sensor devices known from the prior art that are substantially similar or comparable in function.

[0009] In an advantageous configuration of the sensor device according to the invention, the capacitive sensor is a capacitive force sensor, that is, by means of which the force, in particular the operating force applied to the sensor device, can be determined capacitively.

[0010] The sensor device is particularly preferably designed and configured to use a capacitive sensor to detect the operating force applied to the operator input device during the functional state used in the operator input device, especially the operating force applied to the operator input device perpendicular to the user interface.

[0011] The sensor device according to the invention is designed and configured specifically for an operator input device, which preferably has a user interface and is particularly preferably actuated by applying a pressure force to the user interface, particularly by applying an operating force perpendicular to the actuation direction of the user interface. The sensor device is particularly preferably designed to be arranged below the user interface in the operating device, such that the operating force applied to the user interface can be transmitted to the sensor device through or by means of the user interface. The operator input device may be, for example, a touch display, or have one or more touch control elements.

[0012] In the context of this invention, the term "contact closing force" is understood to mean at least a sufficiently large operating force to bring the first electrical contact element and the second electrical contact element into contact, thereby establishing an electrical connection.

[0013] In the context of this invention, "state without operating force" is understood to mean a state in which no operating force is applied to the sensor device, that is, a state in which no operating force is applied, and therefore an inactive state.

[0014] In an advantageous configuration of the sensor device according to the invention, the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode are designed and arranged relative to each other such that, in the absence of an operating force, they are arranged at a defined distance from each other, and by applying an operating force to the sensor device, the distance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode can be changed, thereby particularly preferably causing a change in the sensor capacitance.

[0015] The sensor device according to the invention is particularly preferably designed and arranged such that, by applying an operating force in the actuation direction—that is, in a direction perpendicular to the user interface of the corresponding operator input device to which the sensor device is targeted—the distance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode can be changed, particularly reduced, and a change in sensor capacitance can be caused. For this purpose, the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode are preferably arranged opposite to each other.

[0016] In principle, capacitive sensors can also have more than two sensor electrodes, wherein the sensor device according to the invention preferably has a first sensor electrode and a second sensor electrode, particularly arranged opposite to the first sensor electrode. In this case, each of the first and second sensor electrodes can be designed as multiple parts, or formed by a group of multiple individual electrodes or electrode segments. Therefore, higher spatial resolution can be achieved if desired. This configuration of the sensor device according to the invention also allows for redundant detection or evaluation.

[0017] Alternatively, the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode can also be arranged adjacent to each other, especially in a common plane. In this case, the change in sensor capacitance can be caused, particularly preferably, by a change in another capacitive active element, particularly preferably by a capacitive active actuation element and / or a capacitive active electrical contact element, for example by a conductive actuation electrode and / or by a conductive contact element.

[0018] In a particularly advantageous configuration of the sensor device according to the invention, the first and / or second sensor electrodes of the capacitive sensor are designed as actuating electrodes, particularly the first sensor electrode, and can be moved and / or their shape changed by applying an operating force relative to the other sensor electrode, particularly the second sensor electrode, particularly reversibly, such that a change in the distance between the first and second sensor electrodes can be caused, particularly a decrease in the distance. More preferably, only one of the two sensor electrodes of the capacitive sensor is designed as an actuating electrode. That is, more preferably, only one of the sensor electrodes of the capacitive sensor is correspondingly movable or deformable. As a result, a capacitively detectable change in the distance between the first and second sensor electrodes can be achieved with a particularly simple configuration of the sensor device.

[0019] In another advantageous configuration of the sensor device according to the invention, particularly in development, the actuating electrode of the capacitive sensor specifically forms one of the two electrical contact elements of the contact switch, particularly the first electrical contact element. As a result, a sensor device that is particularly easy to configure and adjust or set can be provided, and therefore a particularly advantageous sensor device can be provided.

[0020] In another advantageous configuration of the sensor device according to the invention, particularly during development, the actuating electrode is designed to be particularly flat and flexible, and is housed within the sensor device such that applying an operating force can cause the actuating electrode to bend, or can cause a change in curvature that already exists in the absence of an operating force, thereby changing, in particular reducing, the distance between the first and second sensor electrodes, and causing a change in the sensor capacitance. This allows for the provision of a particularly simple sensor device that not only allows for accurate and reliable capacitive distance detection, but also allows for the reliable establishment of an electrical contact or connection between the first and second electrical contact elements by applying a sufficiently large operating force, particularly greater than the required contact closure force.

[0021] In this case, the actuating electrode can be a planar structure, i.e., a flat electrode, or a conductive structure applied to and / or incorporated into a planar carrier material, such that the conductive structure extends at least partially over a defined region. For example, instead of a planar electrode, the actuating electrode can also have conductive lines applied to or incorporated into the carrier material in a zigzag pattern or similar fabric-like manner.

[0022] The actuation electrode is particularly preferably designed such that the detected distance change can be used to clearly infer the applied operating force. To this end, the actuation electrode is specifically designed such that the application of the operating force, particularly in the actuation direction, repeatedly and reproducibly causes a defined, particularly elastic and therefore reversible deformation, and thus causes a defined change in the distance between the actuation electrode and another sensor electrode.

[0023] Particularly preferably, an operating force / deformation-displacement curve can be determined for the actuation electrode and stored in the sensor device, particularly as a feature map, interpolation function, parameterization function, etc. in the sensor device. Also particularly preferably, the stored operating force / deformation-displacement curve can be used to determine the operating force applied to the sensor device based on the capacitively detected distance or the capacitively detected change in distance between the actuation electrode and another sensor electrode.

[0024] In a particularly advantageous configuration of the sensor device according to the invention, in its functional mounting state within the operator input device, the sensor electrodes, intended to be arranged facing the user interface, are preferably designed as actuating electrodes. This allows the operating force applied to the user interface of the operator input device to be transmitted particularly easily to the actuating electrodes, and thus allows for a particularly simple and compact configuration of the sensor device.

[0025] In another advantageous configuration of the sensor device according to the invention, particularly in development, the actuating electrode is preferably fastened at least partially along its circumference at its outer edge, particularly only at its edge, wherein the actuating electrode is particularly a fast-acting disc, and is particularly preferably dome-shaped or dome-shaped when no operating force is applied. The actuating electrode may also be fastened along its entire circumference in the sensor device, not just partially; in this case, the actuating electrode may, in principle, be fastened to the sensor device from only one side, for example by welding or bonding, or may be clamped from both sides, for example, in a manner similar to an eardrum, similar to the skin of a drum in a tension ring. For this purpose, the edge or edge portion may preferably extend in a plane that extends particularly parallel to the user interface relative to the functional mounting state in the operator input device.

[0026] Using this actuation electrode, on the one hand, sufficient distance between two sensor electrodes for a capacitive distance sensor can be achieved in a small installation space; on the other hand, an actuation electrode with a defined operating force / deformation-displacement curve can be provided in a simple manner, which allows sufficient elasticity and therefore reversible deformation with a small operating force to allow the contact switch to close.

[0027] Particularly preferably, the actuation electrode is configured in this case such that it already has a curved shape, particularly a convex curve, in the absence of an operating force, that is, it bends upward toward the user interface or downward away from the user interface.

[0028] If the actuating electrode has a projection surface that is essentially in the form of a disk, a sensor device with a particularly simple configuration and harmonious operating feel can be provided. That is, when the actuating electrode is projected into a plane, a projection surface that is essentially in the form of a disk is obtained, especially a base region that is essentially circular.

[0029] In order to transfer the operating force from the user interface to the actuating electrode in a particularly simple manner, the sensor device according to the invention is preferably designed such that the actuating electrode can be arranged such that its center, in particular its curved tip, is directly below the user interface, in particular reaching the user interface.

[0030] In another advantageous configuration of the sensor device according to the invention, particularly in development, at least one of the two sensor electrodes of the capacitive sensor is also designed as a reference electrode, especially the second sensor electrode, and is arranged in a fixed manner within the sensor device, and preferably cannot be changed in shape and / or position by applying an operating force; that is, it is specifically designed and arranged in the sensor device such that it is immutable in position and shape, and therefore will not move or deform when an operating force is applied. As a result, a fixed reference electrode for distance measurement can be provided in a particularly simple manner.

[0031] The other of the two sensor electrodes, particularly the reference electrode, is preferably also designed to be flat. In another advantageous configuration of the sensor device according to the invention, and particularly in development, the reference electrode preferably extends in a flat plane, so that in the functionally mounted state of the sensor device in an operating device with a user interface, it extends parallel to the user interface, particularly in the absence of an operating force and in the presence of an operating force applied along the actuation direction, to actuate the operating device. As a result, a particularly compact sensor device can be provided, especially one that is flat below the user interface and is responsive or easy to operate.

[0032] In particular, like the actuating electrode, in one possible configuration of the sensor device, the reference electrode can be a planar structure, that is, for example, a flat electrode, or have a conductive structure applied to and / or incorporated into a planar carrier material, such that the conductive structure extends at least partially over a defined region. For example, instead of a planar electrode, the reference electrode can also have conductive lines applied to or incorporated into the carrier material in a zigzag pattern or similar to a fabric.

[0033] In particular, in contrast to the actuating electrode, the reference electrode or the carrier material or carrier element on which the reference electrode is applied is preferably designed and / or arranged in a rigid manner, for example, fastened to a rigid carrier device, such as a carrier plate, for example, especially a printed circuit board.

[0034] A particularly advantageous sensor device is obtained when the reference electrode is arranged on the side of the actuation electrode away from the user interface, in the functional installation state of the sensor device in the operator input device.

[0035] In another advantageous configuration of the sensor device according to the invention, particularly in development, the reference electrode is preferably in the form of at least substantially a circular annular disk, especially as an annular disk that is completely closed in the circumferential direction or as a slotted annular disk having a first annular disk edge and a second annular disk edge. This provides, on the one hand, a very compact sensor device, and on the other hand, a sensor device that allows for accurate capacitive distance measurement.

[0036] In another advantageous configuration of the sensor device according to the invention, particularly during development, based on the functional installation state of the sensor device in a user input device with a user interface, the reference electrode is specifically arranged on the side of the actuation electrode opposite to the user interface, and preferably its center is lower than the center of the actuation electrode, particularly concentric with the actuation electrode. In this way, on the one hand, a very compact sensor device can be provided, and on the other hand, a sensor device that allows for accurate capacitive distance measurement can be provided.

[0037] In another advantageous configuration of the sensor device according to the invention, particularly in development, the sensor device also has a contact element electrode that forms another electrical contact element, particularly a second electrical contact element. The contact element electrode is preferably also of a flat design and is arranged in a plane with, in particular, a reference electrode. As a result, a sensor device can be provided that allows for accurate capacitive distance measurement while simultaneously sharing an actuation electrode as an electrical contact element, and this also features a particularly space-saving and compact arrangement of a single electrode.

[0038] Alternatively, particularly if the first and second sensor electrodes are not arranged opposite each other, but adjacent to each other, especially adjacent to each other in a plane, the contact element electrodes can also be designed as conductive contact elements and / or actuating electrodes, and can be moved by applying an operating force relative to the first sensor electrode and / or the second sensor electrode and / or their shape and / or position can be changed by applying an operating force, such that a change in the sensor capacitance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode can be caused.

[0039] In another advantageous configuration of the sensor device according to the invention, particularly in development, the contact element electrode is arranged in the central region of the reference electrode, and the contact element electrode is specifically designed in the form of a disk. This allows for a particularly space-saving and compact arrangement of individual electrodes. The reference electrode can be specifically designed as a closed disk, preferably with only one electrode connection, or as a slotted disk, preferably with one or two electrode connections.

[0040] Based on the functional installation state of the sensor device in the operator input device, the contact element electrode is preferably arranged on the side of the actuation electrode facing away from the user interface, especially if the actuation electrode is a fast-acting disc and / or dome-shaped or dome-shaped.

[0041] However, alternatively, the actuation electrode may also be a flat or plate-shaped design, and the contact element electrode may be dome-shaped or dome-shaped.

[0042] However, in another possible alternative configuration, the same electrode can also serve as both an actuation electrode and a contact element electrode (see in particular). Figure 8 (Exemplary embodiments shown).

[0043] In another advantageous configuration of the sensor device according to the invention, particularly in development, the actuating electrode has at least one electrode connection, and is particularly a single-channel design, that is, only one electrode segment, while the reference electrode and / or contact element electrode are preferably single-channel or multi-channel designs, particularly a dual-channel design with two separate electrode segments, each electrode segment forming a channel with at least one electrode connection, preferably two electrode connections.

[0044] If two electrode connections exist on each electrode, they are preferably arranged, particularly at one end of the electrode segment in each case, so that continuity testing can be performed to detect electrode breakage. The sensor device, especially the sensor device preferably also having control and evaluation devices, is preferably also designed and configured to perform a corresponding continuity test on at least one electrode with two electrode connections. As a result, higher safety requirements can be met. In particular, improved diagnostics are possible. Redundancy detection of the sensor device can also be performed using dual-channel electrodes.

[0045] For example, distance can be redundantly detected using a dual-channel reference electrode, while the establishment of electrical contact between the first and second contact elements can be redundantly detected using a corresponding dual-channel design and arrangement of the contact element electrodes.

[0046] In many cases, a reference electrode designed as a slotted annular disk may be particularly advantageous, preferably having a first electrode connection, particularly arranged in the region or area of ​​the edge of the first annular disk, and a second electrode connection, particularly arranged in the region or area of ​​the edge of the second annular disk.

[0047] In a particularly advantageous configuration of the sensor device according to the invention, especially in development, as already mentioned at the beginning, the capacitive sensor, particularly a force sensor, is particularly preferably also designed and configured to detect and evaluate changes in current sensor capacitance and / or sensor capacitance, and to determine the applied operating force and generate an operating signal based on the detected sensor capacitance. Particularly preferably, the sensor device, particularly the capacitive force sensor, also has a correspondingly designed and configured sensor capacitance detection and evaluation device. As a result, a particularly advantageous and especially versatile sensor device can be provided, particularly one capable of achieving a high level of functional reliability. For example, the force sensor makes it possible to distinguish between an accidental touch characterized by a low operating force and an intentional touch typically characterized by a significantly greater applied operating force.

[0048] In another advantageous configuration of the sensor device according to the invention, particularly during development, the sensor device is designed and configured to use a capacitive sensor to detect whether the contact switch is in an unactuated initial state, i.e., zero position, or in an actuated state. This allows for "monitoring" the contact switch in a simple manner, especially without any additional components. In this way, in particular, a sensor device can be provided that enables a high level of functional reliability.

[0049] Preferably, for this purpose, the distance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode can be detected and evaluated, and the state of the contact switch can be detected as an unactuated initial state, i.e., a zero position, particularly when the distance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode is greater than a defined zero position distance. Therefore, the unactuated initial state of the contact switch can be detected with particular reliability.

[0050] Therefore, alternatively or additionally, the actuation state can be detected by means of a capacitive sensor, the sensor device preferably being designed and configured to detect this when the distance between the first and second sensor electrodes is zero, that is, when an electrical contact is formed and an electrical connection is established between the first and second electrical contact elements. As a result, the actuation state of the contact switch can be detected with particular reliability.

[0051] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, especially during development, the additional condition for the actuation state can be that the detected operating force must also be greater than a defined operating force threshold. As a result, the actuation state of the contact switch can be detected with particular reliability. In particular, in this way, it is especially easy to distinguish between accidental or erroneous contact and desired contact caused by operator input.

[0052] In another advantageous configuration of the sensor device according to the invention, particularly during development, the sensor device is also designed and configured to detect and evaluate capacitive coupling between the actuating electrode and the contact element electrode, or between the contact element electrode designed as the actuating electrode and another contact element, when the electrical connection between the first and second electrical contact elements is broken, or to detect and evaluate changes in capacitive coupling between them, particularly with respect to changes in sensor capacitance and / or sensor capacitance between the first and second sensor electrodes of a capacitive sensor, redundantly detecting and evaluating changes in capacitive coupling between them. Therefore, distance, or the applied operating force in the case of a force sensor, can be detected particularly accurately and at least temporarily redundantly, especially without other additional components, but simply by means of the contact element electrodes of a contact switch. Due to the possibility of redundant detection, a sensor device with a particularly high level of functional reliability can be provided.

[0053] Further features of the invention are provided by the claims, drawings, and description of the drawings. All features and combinations of features mentioned in the foregoing description, as well as the identifiable features and combinations of features mentioned and / or shown individually in the following description of the drawings, can be used not only in the respective specified combinations, but also in other combinations or individually. Attached Figure Description

[0054] The invention will now be explained in more detail based on several preferred exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein, for better understanding, components having the same function have the same reference numerals. In the drawings:

[0055] Figure 1 A half-section perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of the sensor device according to the present invention is shown.

[0056] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A plan view of the components of the sensor device.

[0057] Figure 3 It shows something similar to Figure 2 of Figure 1 A partial plan view of the sensor device, but with partially transparent actuation electrodes;

[0058] Figure 4 It shows Figures 1 to 3 A plan view of the reference electrode and contact element electrodes of the sensor device.

[0059] Figure 5 It shows Figures 1 to 3 The relevant operating force / deformation-displacement diagram of the actuator electrode of the sensor device;

[0060] Figure 6 A plan view of the reference electrode and contact element electrode of a second exemplary embodiment of the sensor device according to the present invention is shown.

[0061] Figure 7 A plan view of a reference electrode and a contact element electrode according to a third exemplary embodiment of the sensor device according to the present invention is shown, and

[0062] Figure 8 A half-section of another exemplary embodiment of the sensor device according to the present invention is shown in perspective view. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Figures 1 to 4 Different views of a first embodiment of the sensor device 10 according to the present invention are shown, wherein Figure 1 A perspective view of a half-section of the sensor device 10 is shown. Figure 2 A plan view of a portion of the sensor device 10 is shown. Figure 3 It also shows something similar to Figure 2 The plan view shows the actuation electrode 11A, but it is partially transparent. Figure 4 Only a plan view of the reference electrode 11B and the contact element electrode 12B of the sensor device 10 is shown.

[0064] The sensor device 10 has a first sensor electrode 11A, a second sensor electrode 11B and a third conductive electrode 12B, wherein the second sensor electrode 11B and the third electrode 12B are applied to a rigid carrier plate 21 in the form of a printed circuit board 21 and are arranged in a common plane.

[0065] The first sensor electrode 11A has a flat and flexible design, particularly advantageously as a fast-acting disc 11A made of a metal sheet, wherein the fast-acting disc 11A, together with the second sensor electrode 11B, forms a sensor capacitor as part of a capacitive sensor 11, in this case as part of a capacitive force sensor 11. The fast-acting disc 11A is specifically designed as an actuating electrode 11A, and its shape can be changed by applying an operating force F, particularly elastically and reversibly deforming, such that the application of the operating force F can cause a change in the distance d between the fast-acting disc 11A and the second sensor electrode 11B.

[0066] Therefore, the quick-acting disc 11A is dome-shaped or dome-shaped, particularly having a basically circular base area, wherein the quick-acting disc 11A is slightly bent when there is no operating force, such as Figure 1 As shown, it is only partially fastened to the carrier plate 21 in the circumferential direction at its outer edge 13 by fastening electrode 16, and electrically connected to the evaluation and detection device (not shown here) of the sensor device 10.

[0067] The second sensor electrode 11B of the capacitive force sensor 11 serves as a reference electrode 11B for distance measurement or as a fixed reference electrode 11B. It is rigid and fastened to the carrier plate 21, and its positioning, location, and shape are immutable. The reference electrode 11B is connected via connecting lines 17 and 19 (see...). Figures 2 to 4 The aforementioned evaluation and detection device (not shown here) is electrically connected to the sensor device 10.

[0068] like Figure 1 As indicated by the middle arrow, if an operating force F is applied to the fast disk 11A along the actuation direction, the fast disk 11A deforms, specifically elastically and reversibly, causing its curvature to decrease or its dome to flatten. This reduces the height of the dome, resulting in an immediate decrease in the distance d from the reference electrode 11B. This change in distance can be capacitively detected and evaluated by the previously mentioned evaluation and detection device (not shown here) of the sensor device 10.

[0069] In this exemplary embodiment of the sensor device 10 according to the invention, which has a force sensor 11 as a capacitive sensor 11, the evaluation and detection device is accordingly designed to infer or determine the applied operating force F using a capacitively detected distance d between the fast disc 11A and the reference electrode 11B, the distance being immutable in its positioning, shape and location and having a rigid design and arrangement.

[0070] Therefore, the operating force / deformation-displacement diagram assigned to the quick-acting disc 11A is, for example, through... Figure 5 The examples described herein are stored in an evaluation and testing device, preferably as in this exemplary embodiment of the sensor device 10 according to the invention, which is in particular a sensor capacitance evaluation and testing device.

[0071] With the aid of this diagram, since the operating force F is applied to the quick-acting disc 11A, the applied operating force F can be clearly distributed to the covered deformation displacement or the resulting distance change. That is, with the aid of this diagram, the detected distance d, and in particular the detected distance change, can be used to clearly determine how much operating force F must be applied to cause that distance d or that distance change.

[0072] from Figure 5As can be seen from the diagram, the decrease in displacement s2 at distance d corresponds to the applied operating force F2, and the decrease in displacement s1 at distance d corresponds to the applied operating force F1.

[0073] In addition to the capacitive force sensor 11, the sensor device 10 according to the invention also includes a contact switch 12 having a first electrical contact element 12A and a second electrical contact element 12B, which are designed and arranged relative to each other such that, in the absence of an operating force on the sensor device 10, such as Figure 1 As shown, the electrical connection between the first electrical contact element 12A and the second electrical contact element 12B is broken, but the electrical connection between the first electrical contact element 12A and the second electrical contact element 12B can be established by applying an operating force F greater than the defined contact closing force in the actuation direction.

[0074] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the contact closing force corresponds to the operating force F2, which is especially true when the distance d has been reduced by the displacement s2 (see [reference]). Figure 5 ).

[0075] According to the present invention, in this exemplary embodiment of the sensor device 10 according to the present invention, at least one contact element 12A, 12B (in this case, the first contact element 12A) is formed by one of the sensor electrodes 11A, 11B of the capacitive sensor 11, in which case the actuation electrode 11A or the fast-acting disk 11A forms the first contact element 12A of the contact switch 12.

[0076] Conversely, the second electrical contact element 12B of the contact switch 12 in the sensor device 10 is formed by a third electrode 12B, and in particular by a separate contact element electrode 12B.

[0077] from Figure 3 and 4 As can be clearly seen, the reference electrode 11B of the capacitive force sensor 11 in the sensor device 10 is designed in the form of a ring disk, and its center Z2 is arranged concentrically with the center Z1 of the fast-moving disk 11A, specifically, its center Z2 is located directly below the dome of the fast-moving disk 11A. In this case, the reference electrode 11B is designed as a slotted ring disk with a first ring disk edge 14 and a second ring disk edge 15, connected to E1 via the first electrode or to E2 via the second electrode, with connecting lines 17 or 19 connected to each ring disk edge, and the reference electrode 11B is electrically connected to the evaluation and detection device mentioned earlier via connecting lines 17 or 19 respectively.

[0078] In this exemplary embodiment of the sensor device 10 according to the invention, the contact element electrode 12B of the contact switch 12 is designed in the form of a disk, that is, in particular, it is not slotted, but is arranged such that its center Z3 is concentric with the fast-acting disk 11A (and therefore also concentric with the reference electrode 11B in this example). The contact element electrode 12B is also electrically connected to the evaluation and detection device of the sensor device 10 via another electrode connection E3 and connection line 18.

[0079] The reference electrode 11B and the contact element electrode 12B are both flat and arranged in a common flat plane, and in particular, they are both fastened to the carrier plate 21 so that their position, shape or location will not change when an operating force F is applied.

[0080] The configuration of the reference electrode 11B in the form of a ring disk and the contact element electrode 12B in the form of a disc allows for a particularly compact configuration of the sensor device 10 according to the invention, especially the arrangement of the contact element electrode 12B in the central region where there is no electrode material or in the hollow, i.e., central region where there is no electrode material in the reference electrode 11B.

[0081] The sensor device 10 is specifically designed such that, in its functional installation state within an operator input device (not shown) having a user interface, an operating force F can be applied to the user interface to actuate the operator input device. The reference electrode 11B and / or the contact element electrode 12B extend parallel to the user interface, specifically together with the carrier plate 21. That is, in particular, the sensor device 10, having its carrier plate 21 and the electrodes 11B and 12B fastened thereto, can be arranged parallel to the user interface in the user input device.

[0082] The two electrode connections E1 and E2 of the reference electrode 11B are located specifically at the outer end of the reference electrode 11B or the edges 14 and 15 of the annular disk, allowing continuous testing to be performed on the reference electrode 11B, as is known in principle from the prior art, and using it, for example, to detect fractures in the reference electrode 11B.

[0083] In this sensor device 10, the contact element electrode 12B has only a single electrode connection E3, and therefore only one associated connection line 18. However, in principle, as Figure 6As shown in the example, the figure illustrates a plan view of a reference electrode 11B and a contact element electrode 12B according to a second exemplary embodiment of the sensor device 10 according to the present invention. The contact element electrode 12B can be configured as a dual-ended electrode, in each case having two electrode connections E3 and E4, which accordingly allow electrical connection to the evaluation and detection apparatus of the sensor device 10 via corresponding associated connection lines 18 or 20, making in principle possible to test the continuity of the contact element electrode 12B and, in principle, to diagnose electrode breakage.

[0084] Furthermore, the reference electrode 11B and / or contact element electrode 12B can alternatively and as follows Figure 7 As shown in the example of reference electrode 11B, it consists of multiple electrode segments 11B-1, 11B-2, and not just a single electrode segment, as in... Figures 1 to 6 As in the first two exemplary embodiments, each electrode segment 11B-1 or 11B-2 thus forms a separate (signal or sensor) channel. That is, in Figure 7 In the example shown, the reference electrode 11B is correspondingly designed as a dual-channel electrode, with the first electrode segment 11B-1 forming the first channel and the second electrode segment 11B-2 forming the second channel. In this exemplary embodiment, the two electrode segments 11B-1 and 11B-2 each have only a single electrode connection E1 or E2, and are electrically connected to the evaluation and testing device via corresponding connection lines 17 or 19. However, it is also conceivable that each individual electrode segment could be designed to have two ends, that is, to provide two electrode connections for each electrode segment, so that continuous testing can also be performed on individual electrode segments 11B-1 and 11B-2.

[0085] The advantage of dividing the electrode into multiple electrode segments 11B-1 and 11B-2 is that, on the one hand, spatially resolved capacitive detection is possible, and on the other hand, redundant detection of distance d is possible. Alternatively, when the contact element electrode 12B is divided into multiple segments, redundant detection of whether the contact switch 12 is open or closed is possible.

[0086] Figure 8 A half-section perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the sensor device 10' according to the invention is shown, in which electrodes 11B and 12B in the sensor device 10' according to the invention form a capacitive force sensor 21 and form a sensor capacitance therebetween, wherein electrode 11B forms a first sensor electrode and electrode 12B forms a second sensor electrode.

[0087] By applying an operating force F to the fast disk 11A, which in this case also forms the first contact element 12A, a change in the sensor capacitance between the electrodes 11B and 12B can be caused.

[0088] In this example, the fast-acting disc 11A is also designed as electrode 11A, which in this case serves as both an actuation electrode and a contact element electrode 12A, while electrode 12B in this case forms a second sensor electrode 12B instead of a contact element electrode.

[0089] As in Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment, as long as the electrical connection between the first electrical contact element and the second electrical contact element is broken, the capacitive coupling between electrode 11A (i.e., fast disk 11A) and electrode 12B can be redundantly detected relative to the sensor capacitance or its change between the two sensor electrodes 11B and 12B.

[0090] In addition to the various embodiments and configuration possibilities described, numerous further modifications are possible without departing from the scope of protection of the patent claims, particularly modifications to the structural nature.

[0091] List of reference numerals

[0092] 10. Sensor device according to the present invention

[0093] 11, 21 Capacitive force sensor

[0094] 12 Contact switches

[0095] 11A First sensor electrode / actuator electrode / fast-acting disc

[0096] 11B-1 First section / channel of the second sensor electrode / reference electrode

[0097] 11B-2 First section / channel of the second sensor electrode / reference electrode

[0098] 11B Second Sensor Electrode / Reference Electrode

[0099] 12A First Contact Element

[0100] 12B Second Contact Element / Contact Element Electrode

[0101] 13 Edge of the first sensor electrode / actuator electrode / fast-acting disk

[0102] 14. Edge of the first annular disk

[0103] 15. Edge of the second ring disk

[0104] 16 Fastening Electrodes

[0105] 17. Connecting lines

[0106] 18. Connecting lines

[0107] 19. Connecting lines

[0108] 20 Connecting lines

[0109] 22 Carrier board / circuit board

[0110] d Distance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode

[0111] E1 electrode connection

[0112] E2 electrode connection

[0113] E3 electrode connection

[0114] F Operating force

[0115] The operating forces applied by F1 and F2

[0116] The distance defined by s has changed, covering the actuated displacement.

[0117] The actuation displacement values ​​covered by s1 and s2

[0118] Z1 Center of First Sensor Electrode / Actuation Electrode / Fast-Motion Disc

[0119] Z2 Center of the second sensor electrode / reference electrode

[0120] Z3 Contact element electrode center

Claims

1. A sensor device for an operator input device, comprising: - Capacitive sensors (11, 21), and - Contact switch (12). The capacitive sensors (11, 21) have a first sensor electrode and at least one second sensor electrode, which are designed and arranged relative to each other to form a sensor capacitance between them. A change in the sensor capacitance can be caused by applying an operating force (F) to the sensor device. The contact switch (12) has a first electrical contact element (12A) and a second electrical contact element (12B), which are designed and arranged relative to each other such that the electrical connection between the first electrical contact element (12A) and the second electrical contact element (12B) is disconnected without any operating force. An electrical connection between the first electrical contact element (12A) and the second electrical contact element (12B) can be established by applying an operating force (F) greater than the defined contact closing force in the actuation direction. in, The first electrical contact element (12A) operates as an actuation electrode (11A), and the second electrical contact element (12B) is formed from contact element electrodes. Among them, one of the first sensor electrodes of the capacitive sensors (11, 21) forms one of the two electrical contact elements (12A, 12B) of the contact switch (12). In this embodiment, the second sensor electrode of the capacitive sensor (11) is designed as a reference electrode and is fixedly arranged in the sensor device, and its shape and / or position cannot be changed by applying an operating force (F). Based on the functional installation state of the sensor device in the operator input device with a user interface, the reference electrode (11B) is arranged on the side of the actuation electrode (11A) away from the user interface, and its center (Z2) is lower than the center (Z1) of the actuation electrode (11A). The reference electrode (11B) is arranged completely below the actuating electrode (11A) and the reference electrode (11B) is in the form of a circular annular disk. The contact element electrode is arranged in the central region (Z2) of the reference electrode (11B) and is arranged in the same plane as the reference electrode (11B).

2. The sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode are designed and arranged relative to each other such that, in the absence of an operating force, they are arranged at a defined distance (d) from each other, and the distance (d) between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode can be changed by applying an operating force (F) to the sensor device.

3. The sensor device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first sensor electrode and / or the second sensor electrode of the capacitive sensor (11) are designed as actuating electrodes and are movable by applying an operating force (F) relative to the other sensor electrode and / or their shape is changeable by applying an operating force (F), such that a change in the distance (d) between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode can be caused.

4. The sensor device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The actuation electrode (11A) of the capacitive sensor (11) forms one of the two electrical contact elements (12A, 12B) of the contact switch (12).

5. The sensor device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The actuation electrode (11A) is flat and designed to be flexible and / or supple, and is housed in the sensor device such that applying an operating force (F) can cause the actuation electrode (11A) to bend, or can cause a change in the curvature that already exists in the absence of an operating force, thereby changing the distance (d) between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode, and causing a change in the sensor capacitance.

6. The sensor device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The actuating electrode (11A) is fixed at least partially along its circumference at its outer edge (13) in the sensor device, wherein the actuating electrode (11A) is a fast-acting disc.

7. The sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reference electrode is flat and extends in a flat plane such that, in the functional installation state of the sensor device in an operator input device with a user interface, it extends parallel to the user interface, and an operating force (F) can be applied to the user interface to actuate the operator input device.

8. The sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The reference electrode (11B) is a completely closed annular disk in the circumferential direction or a slotted annular disk having a first annular disk edge (14) and a second annular disk edge (15).

9. The sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The sensor device also has a contact element electrode that forms another electrical contact element (12B, 12A), the contact element electrode being also flat and arranged in a plane with the reference electrode (11B) or as an actuating electrode, and being movable by applying an operating force (F) relative to the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode and / or its shape being changeable by applying an operating force (F), such that a change in the sensor capacitance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode can be caused.

10. The sensor device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The contact element electrodes are designed in the form of a disk.

11. The sensor device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The actuating electrode (11A) has at least one electrode connection (E1, E2) and is a single-channel design, wherein the reference electrode (11B) and / or the contact element electrode is a single-channel or multi-channel design and has two electrode segments (11B-1, 11B-2).

12. The sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The capacitive sensors (11, 21) are force sensors, wherein the sensor devices are designed and configured to detect and evaluate changes in current sensor capacitance and / or sensor capacitance, and to determine the applied operating force (F) based on the detected sensor capacitance.

13. The sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The sensor device is designed and configured to use the capacitive sensors (11, 21) to detect whether the contact switch (12) is in an unactuated initial state or in an actuated state.

14. The sensor device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sensor device is also designed and configured to detect and evaluate capacitive coupling between a sensor electrode designed as an actuation electrode and a contact element electrode, or between a contact element electrode designed as an actuation electrode and another contact element, or to detect and evaluate changes in capacitive coupling between them when the electrical connection between the first electrical contact element (12A) and the second electrical contact element (12B) is broken.

15. The sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The center (Z2) of the reference electrode (11B) is concentric with the actuation electrode (11A).

16. The sensor device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The actuation electrode (11A) of the capacitive sensor (11) forms a first electrical contact element (12A).

17. The sensor device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The contact element electrode forms a second electrical contact element.

18. The sensor device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The reference electrode (11B) and / or the contact element electrode are dual-channel designs.

19. The sensor device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The capacitive sensors (11, 21) are designed and configured to detect and evaluate changes in current sensor capacitance and / or sensor capacitance.

20. The sensor device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The sensor device is also designed and configured to redundantly detect and evaluate changes in capacitive coupling between a sensor electrode designed as an actuation electrode and a contact element electrode, or between a contact element electrode designed as an actuation electrode and another contact element, with respect to changes in sensor capacitance and / or the sensor capacitance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode of the capacitive sensor.

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