Operating device

Abstract

This invention relates to an operating device having a cover with a button area and a sensor device for detecting the operating state of the button area, wherein the cover is at least partially elastically deformable and / or movable under pressure in the button area. The invention proposes that the sensor device utilizes a tactile switch in the area of ​​the button area behind the back side of the cover. The tactile switch has a pressing head on its side facing the cover, at least one detector connector coupled to the pressing head, a metal cover on its side facing the cover, and a grounding connector connected to the metal cover. The sensor circuit connected to at least one detector connector and the grounding connector can then detect the operating state of the pressing head and the capacitance between the metal cover and the user's operating element on the user side of the cover, thereby identifying the operating state of the button area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an operating device, particularly a multifunctional operating device, especially for electronic household appliances. Background Technology

[0002] Different types of operating elements with different operating modes are known for operating devices. For electronic household appliances, operating elements are known in the form of touch-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive buttons (so-called "contact control") and force-operable buttons, which can be implemented with different structures and operating modes. Depending on the application, it is also advantageous to use multifunctional operating devices, in which multiple different operating states can be distinguished. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is to provide a multifunctional operating device with the simplest possible construction and manufacturability.

[0004] The task is accomplished by the operating device according to the invention.

[0005] The operating device of the present invention includes a cover plate having a user side facing the user and a back side away from the user, and a key area in which the cover plate is at least partially elastically deformable and / or movable from the user side by pressure; and a sensor device for detecting the operating state of the key area. The sensor device includes a tactile switch disposed behind the back side of the cover plate in the area of ​​the key area, wherein the tactile switch has: a pressing head on the side of the tactile switch facing the cover plate, wherein the pressing head is pressable into the tactile switch by pressure from the key area; at least one detector connector coupled to the pressing head; a metal cover on the side of the tactile switch facing the cover plate; and a grounding connector connected to the metal cover. The sensor device further includes a sensor circuit connected to the at least one detector connector to detect the operating state of the pressing head, and connected to the grounding connector to detect the capacitance between the metal cover and a user's actuating element (e.g., a user's finger) located on the user side of the cover plate.

[0006] According to the present invention, a tactile switch with a metal cover serving as an EMV shield is used in an operating device. Such tactile buttons are known in principle to those skilled in the art and are readily available in practice. The invention is not limited to any particular construction of the tactile switch except for the presence of the EMV shield. The pressing head of the tactile switch preferably contacts the button area in its resting position (i.e., without pressure actuation of the button area), but a small distance may exist in the resting position, which is then quickly eliminated upon pressure actuation of the button area. Pressure actuation of the button area causes pressure on the pressing head of the tactile switch, thereby pressing the pressing head into the tactile switch, i.e., depending on the implementation of the tactile switch, for example, by pushing it in as a fixed block, tilting it as a fixed block, or elastically deforming it. The pressing head is preferably pre-tightened in its resting position so that it disengages from the tactile switch upon termination of pressure actuation. The grounding terminal of the EMV shield is used for grounding in the conventional use of the tactile switch, which is why the term is used herein, even though it is used differently in the present invention.

[0007] In principle, the operating state of the press head can be detected in the normal manner and method of a tactile switch. According to the embodiment of the tactile switch, this can be achieved, for example, by closing the circuit when the press head is pressed in and opening the connection in the circuit when the press head is released again. The inventors have discovered that the metal cover of the tactile switch, which serves as an EMV shield, can additionally function as a sensor electrode in a capacitive sensor system. This capacitive sensor system then detects the capacitance between the metal cover and the user's operating element, thereby inferring contact and / or proximity to the button area. Through this particular use of the tactile switch, the multifunctionality of the operating device can be achieved without additional sensor components, utilizing this multifunctionality to identify contact and / or proximity to the button area (“contact control”) on the one hand, and pressure manipulation of the button area on the other hand. The sensor circuit for detecting the parameter can, for example, have at least two sensor circuit sections, each configured to detect one of the parameters.

[0008] Preferably, the pressing head of the tactile switch is disposed between the metal cover and the back side of the cover plate and is non-conductive. In this way, the pressing head in the capacitive sensor system can act as a dielectric, allowing the cover plate to also selectively conduct electricity in the area of ​​the button area; that is, the operating device of the present invention can also be used in combination with, for example, a metal cover plate. Conversely, if the pressing head is conductive and therefore does not function as a dielectric—which is also possible within the scope of the present invention—the cover plate is at least partially non-conductive in the area of ​​the button area, thereby allowing the button area to act as a dielectric in the capacitive sensor system.

[0009] The operating device preferably also includes a control unit for manipulating the sensor device and evaluating measurement signals from the sensor device. The control unit is configured to identify pressure manipulation of the key area based on the operating state of the press head detected by the sensor circuit via the at least one detector connector. Furthermore, depending on the implementation or application of the operating device, the control unit (i) is configured to identify contact or proximity of the operating element to the key area based on capacitance detected by the sensor circuit via a ground connector; or (ii) is configured to identify contact of the operating element to the key area based on capacitance detected by the sensor circuit via a ground connector; or (iii) is configured to identify proximity of the operating element to the key area based on capacitance detected by the sensor circuit via a ground connector. For example, the control unit and the sensor circuit can be interconnected as separate components or integrated into a common component.

[0010] In the design of this invention, the sensor circuit can operate in a first sensor mode for detecting the capacitance between the metal cover and the user's operating element, and in a second sensor mode for detecting the operating state of the press head. In this case, the control unit is preferably configured such that the sensor circuit first operates in the first sensor mode and switches to the second sensor mode after detecting contact or proximity of the operating element to the button area in the first sensor mode.

[0011] In the design of this invention, the tactile switch has a tactile feedback element coupled to a pressing head, as is common for tactile switches. The pressing head then preferably contacts the back side of the cover plate in the area of ​​the button area, at least during pressure operation. As a result, when the user applies pressure to the button area, tactile feedback that can be felt by the user is generated in the button area of ​​the cover plate. The user can thus directly identify that they have correctly operated the device.

[0012] In the design of this invention, the operating device further includes a support plate, which is arranged at a distance from the cover plate on the back side of the cover plate, wherein the tactile switch is mounted (directly or indirectly) on the support plate. The support plate is preferably a circuit board. The sensor circuit is also preferably mounted on the support plate.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the operating device further includes a shape-stabilized distance retainer disposed in an area outside the button area between the cover plate and the support plate. In this way, the elastic deformability / movability of the cover plate is limited to the button area and excessive pressure actuation of the tactile switch's push-button is avoided. In this embodiment, the tactile switch is directly mounted on the support plate. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cover plate of the operating device is, for example, constituted by an operating panel.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, the operating device further includes a frame block in which the tactile switch is received and the frame block is mounted on the support plate, and the frame block forms a cover plate with a button area on its side facing away from the support plate. In this embodiment, the tactile switch is indirectly mounted on the support plate via the frame block. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the frame block may, for example, extend into an opening in the operation panel.

[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, the cover plate may be at least partially translucent within and / or around the key area. In this case, the operating device preferably also includes at least one illumination device arranged behind the back side of the cover plate (e.g., on the support plate, if present). The at least one illumination device is preferably operable by a control unit, preferably based on the detected operating state of the key area. Thus, the key area may be backlit with different colors and / or different light intensities upon approach, contact, and pressing, thereby informing the user of the detected operating state. Alternatively, the key area may be illuminated, for example, after approach is detected, thereby allowing the user to better identify the key area to be operated. In the embodiment with the frame block described above, in this design, the frame block may, for example, have at least one light guide section through which light emitted by the at least one illumination device can be guided to the area of ​​the key area.

[0016] The subject matter of this invention also includes an electronic household appliance equipped with one or more of the operating devices of this invention as described above. Examples of electronic household appliances include laundry appliances (washing machines, dryers, etc.), dishwashers, refrigeration and / or freezing appliances (refrigerators, freezers, etc.), stoves, microwave ovens, range hoods, etc.

[0017] However, the operating device of the present invention is not limited to this application. The operating device can also be alternatively used in other electronic devices, such as those in vehicles. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of preferred, non-limiting embodiments with the aid of the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, most of the details are shown schematically:

[0019] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the operating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 or Figure 3 The circuit diagram of the sensor device of the operating device; and

[0021] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the operating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Now refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first embodiment of the operating device is described in more detail.

[0023] The operating device has a cover 10, which may be, for example, the operating panel of the device. The cover 10 can, in principle, be made of any material. The cover 10 has a user side (or outer side) 10a facing the user. Figure 1 The upper part) and the back (or inside) away from the user 10b (in Figure 1 (Lower part). Furthermore, the cover plate 10 also contains a button area 12 for operation by a user using a manipulation element (e.g., a user's finger) 13. The cover plate 10, in the area of ​​the button area 12, is subjected to pressure 14 from the user side 10a towards the back side 10b (that is, in...). Figure 1 (From the middle downward) It can be elastically deformed or alternatively elastically moved.

[0024] A support plate 16 is located behind the back side 10b of the cover plate 10, at a certain distance from the cover plate 10. The support plate is preferably a circuit board and is preferably positioned substantially parallel to the cover plate 10. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a shape-stable distance retainer 18 is arranged between the cover plate 10 and the support plate 16 in the area adjacent to the keypad area 12. The distance retainer 18 is designed, for example, to be annularly surrounding the keypad area 12. The distance retainer 18 limits the deformation of the cover plate 10 when a force 14 is applied from the user side 10a to the area of ​​the keypad area 12. Additionally, the distance retainer 18 can be used as a mounting element for the support plate 16 behind the cover plate 10.

[0025] In the area of ​​button area 12, a tactile switch 20 is arranged on the carrier plate 16. The tactile switch 20 is preferably mounted on the carrier plate 16 and is located within the distance holder 18. The tactile distance holder 20 is a standard product of a tactile distance holder equipped with an EMV shield.

[0026] As in Figure 1As shown, the tactile switch 20 specifically has a pressing head 21, which is positioned directly (i.e., preferably also in a stationary state without pressure on the button area 10, without any distance from the cover plate) behind the back side 10b of the cover plate 10 in the area of ​​the button area 12. Therefore, the pressing head 21 is also pressurized under the pressure 14 on the user side 10a of the button area 12, thereby pressing the pressing head into the tactile switch 20. Depending on the embodiment of the tactile switch 20, the pressing head 21 can be pushed in as a fixing block, inserted as a fixing block, or elastically deformed. The pressing head 21 is in effective connection with the switching element 22, so that the switching element 22 is operated by the pressed-in pressing head 21. Figure 2 As shown, the switching element 22 can, for example, connect the first switch contact 23a and the second switch contact 23b of the circuit to close or open it.

[0027] Furthermore, the tactile switch 20 has at least one detector connector 24, 25, at which the state of the switching element 22 can be detected, thereby detecting the operating state of the pressing head 21. The at least one detector connector 24, 25 is connected to a sensor circuit 30 or a first sensor circuit section 30a, whereby the first sensor circuit section can detect the operating state of the pressing head 21. In this embodiment, a first switch contact 23a is connected to the detector output connector 24, and a second switch contact 23b is connected to the detector input connector 25. The first sensor circuit section 30a can detect whether current flows through the circuit, depending on the state of the switching element 22. When current flows from the detector input connector 25 through the switch contacts 23a, 23b electrically connected by the switching element 22 to the detector output connector 24, the first sensor circuit section 30a can detect that the pressing head 21 is pressed in. Conversely, when no current is present, the first sensor circuit section 30a detects that the pressing head 21 is in its resting position.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the tactile switch 20 also includes, by standard, a tactile feedback element 26. When the press head 21 is pressed in, the tactile feedback element 26 generates tactile feedback on the press head 21. This tactile feedback is transmitted to the button area 12 through contact between the press head 21 and the button area 12, so that the tactile feedback can be detected by the user. The user can clearly identify that the user has correctly operated / pressed the button area 12.

[0029] As already mentioned, the haptic switch 21 is equipped with an EMV shield. The EMV shield is formed by a metal cover 28, which is located particularly on the side of the haptic switch 20 facing the cover plate 10. This metal cover 28 is connected to a grounding terminal 29, which grounds the metal cover in common applications of the haptic switch 20 to achieve the shielding effect. However, when using the haptic switch 20 according to the invention, the metal cover 28 serves as a sensor electrode for a capacitive sensor system, and the grounding terminal 29 is connected to the sensor circuit 30, or the second sensor circuit section 30b. The second sensor circuit section 30b can therefore detect the capacitance between the metal cover 28 and the user's actuating element 13 on the user side 10a of the cover plate 10. Depending on the material selection, the pressing head 21 of the haptic switch 20 and / or the button area 12 of the cover plate 10 serve as the dielectric between the metal cover 28 and the actuating element (e.g., the user's finger) 13. That is, at least one element of the metal cover 28 and the button area 12 must be non-conductive.

[0030] As in Figure 1 As indicated, sensor circuit 30, or rather, two sensor circuit portions 30a and 30b, are connected to control unit 32. Control unit 32 operates sensor circuit 30 and evaluates the measurement signals from sensor circuit 30. Sensor circuit 30, or sensor circuit portions 30a and 30b, can be selectively integrated into control unit 32 or connected to control unit 32 as separate components. Sensor circuit 30, or rather, sensor circuit portions 30a and 30b, are preferably mounted on carrier plate 16; control unit 32 can also be mounted on carrier plate 16 or placed separately.

[0031] The control unit 32 is configured to identify pressure actuation of the button area 12 based on the operating state of the press head 21 detected by the first sensor circuit section 30a as described above. The control unit 32 is also configured to detect contact or proximity of the actuating element 13 to the button area 12 based on the capacitance detected by the second sensor circuit section 30b as described above. The control unit 32 transmits this evaluation result to the controller of the device, on which the operating device is provided.

[0032] The operating device therefore incorporates a combination of a capacitive touchscreen sensor and a button sensor by using a tactile switch with EMV shielding. In this way, a multifunctional operating device is achieved, in which different operating states (proximity, contact, force application) can be distinguished.

[0033] In a variant implementation, the control unit 32 can selectively operate the sensor circuit 30 in either a first sensor mode or a second sensor mode. In the first sensor mode, the control unit 32 operates the second sensor circuit section 30b to detect the capacitance between the metal cover 28 and the user's operating element 13. After detecting contact or proximity of the operating element 13 to the button area 12, the control unit 32 then switches to the second sensor mode. In the second sensor mode, the control unit 32 operates the first sensor circuit section 30a to detect the operating state of the press head 21 in order to identify pressure actuation of the button area 12.

[0034] As in Figure 1 As shown, the operating device may also optionally include an optical illumination device 34. For example, the illumination device 34 in the form of an LED is located within a spacer 18 mounted on a support plate 16 next to the tactile switch 20. The cover 10 is constructed to be at least partially translucent in the area within and / or around the button area 12, so that the cover 10 can be clearly backlit for the user. The illumination device 34 is preferably controlled by a control unit 32, preferably based on the detected operating state of the button area 12. For example, the illumination device 34 may be activated when the actuating element 13 is detected approaching the button area 12 and then change its color and / or its intensity upon detection of pressure actuation of the button area 12. In this way, the user is supported in locating the button area 12 to be operated and recognizing its valid operation. The illumination device 34 can also be used to inform the user of the operating status of the operating device or equipment.

[0035] Now refer to Figure 3 The second embodiment of the operating device is described in more detail. Figure 2 The circuitry of the sensor device shown is also suitable for this second embodiment.

[0036] In the second embodiment, the tactile switch 20 is received in a frame block 36. The frame block 36 has one or more mounting rods 37, through which the frame block and therefore the tactile switch 20 are also directly fastened to the support plate 16. The upper side of the frame block 36 opposite to the support plate 16 (in...) Figure 3 The upper middle part forms a cover plate 10 with a button area 12. The frame block 36 can extend into the opening of the operation panel, for example, and thus be accessible to the user.

[0037] The sensing device of this operating device is consistent with the sensing device of the first embodiment. This particularly relates to the structure and operation of the sensor circuit 30, the control unit 32, the pressing head 21, the metal cover 28, and the circuit.

[0038] Figure 3An alternative, existing lighting device 34 is also shown. In this embodiment variation, the frame block 36 preferably also has a light guide section 38 through which light emitted by the lighting device 34 can be guided to the button area 12 and / or the vicinity of the button area 12.

[0039] List of reference numerals

[0040] 10 Cover plate

[0041] 10a User Side

[0042] 10b Dorsal side

[0043] 12-button area

[0044] 13. Manipulating elements (e.g., fingers)

[0045] 14. Pressure

[0046] 16. Carrier boards, especially circuit boards

[0047] 18 Distance Holder

[0048] 20 Tactile Switches

[0049] 21 Press Head

[0050] 22 Switching elements

[0051] 23a First switch contact

[0052] 23b Second switch contact

[0053] 24 Detector output connector

[0054] 25 Detector Input Connector

[0055] 26 Haptic feedback elements

[0056] 28 Metal cover used as EMV shielding

[0057] 29 Grounding connector

[0058] 30 Sensor Circuit

[0059] 30a First Sensor Circuit Section

[0060] 30b Second sensor circuit section

[0061] 32 Control Unit

[0062] 34 Lighting devices

[0063] 36 Frame Blocks

[0064] 37 Mounting rod

[0065] 38 light guide sections

Claims

1. An operating device, the operating device comprising: Cover plate (10), the cover plate having a user side (10a) facing the user and a back side (10b) away from the user, wherein, The cover plate (10) has a button area (12) in which the cover plate is at least partially elastically deformable and / or movable by pressure from the user side (10a); and A sensor device (20-30) for detecting the operating state of the keypad area (12), wherein the sensor device (20-30) has: A tactile switch (20) is arranged behind the back side (10b) of the cover plate (10) in the area of ​​the button area (12), wherein the tactile switch (20) has: A pressing head (21) on the side of the tactile switch facing the cover plate (10) is provided, wherein the pressing head (21) can be pressed into the tactile switch (20) by pressure from the button area (12); At least one detector connector (24, 25) coupled to the pressing head (21); A metal cover (28) on the side of the tactile switch facing the cover plate (10); and The grounding connector (29) connected to the metal cover (28); and A sensor circuit (30) is connected to at least one detector connector (24, 25) to detect the operating status of the pressing head (21) and to a grounding connector (29) to detect the capacitance between the metal cover (28) and the operating element (13) on the user side (10a) of the cover plate (10). The operating device further includes a control unit (32) for manipulating the sensor devices (20-30) and evaluating the measurement signals of the sensor devices (20-30). The control unit (32) is configured to identify contact or proximity of the operating element (13) to the key area (12) based on the capacitance detected by the sensor circuit (30) through the ground connector (29); or the control unit is configured to identify contact of the operating element (13) to the key area (12) based on the capacitance detected by the sensor circuit (30) through the ground connector (29); or the control unit is configured to identify proximity of the operating element (13) to the key area (12) based on the capacitance detected by the sensor circuit (30) through the ground connector (29); and The control unit (32) is configured to identify pressure manipulation of the button area (12) based on the operating state of the press head (21) detected by the sensor circuit (30) through the at least one detector connector (24, 25). The sensor circuit (30) is capable of operating in a first sensor mode for detecting the capacitance between the metal cover (28) and the user's operating element (13) and in a second sensor mode for detecting the operating state of the pressing head (21); and The control unit (32) is configured to operate the sensor circuit (30) first in a first sensor mode and switch to a second sensor mode after detecting contact or proximity of the control element (13) to the key area (12) in the first sensor mode.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein, The pressing head (21) of the tactile switch (20) is arranged between the metal cover (28) and the back side (10b) of the cover plate (10) and is non-conductive.

3. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein, The tactile switch (20) has a tactile feedback element (26) coupled to a pressing head (21), wherein the pressing head (21) contacts the back side (10b) of the cover plate (10) in the area of ​​the button area (12) at least during pressure operation of the button area (12).

4. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein, The operating device also has a support plate (16) arranged at a distance from the cover plate (10) behind the back side (10b) of the cover plate (10), wherein a tactile switch (20) is mounted on the support plate (16).

5. The operating device according to claim 4, wherein, The operating device also has a shape-stable distance holder (18) arranged in an area outside the button area (12) between the cover plate (10) and the support plate (16).

6. The operating device according to claim 4, wherein, The operating device also has a frame block (36), in which a tactile switch (20) is received, and the frame block is mounted on a support plate (16), and the frame block forms a cover plate (10) with a button area (12) on its side away from the support plate (16).

7. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein, The cover plate (10) is at least partially translucent in the area within the keypad area (12) and / or in the area surrounding the keypad area (12); and The operating device also has at least one lighting device (34) arranged behind the back side (10b) of the cover plate (10).

8. The operating device according to claim 6, wherein, The cover plate (10) is at least partially translucent in the area within the keypad area (12) and / or in the area surrounding the keypad area (12); and The operating device also has at least one lighting device (34) arranged behind the back side (10b) of the cover plate (10).

9. The operating device according to claim 8, wherein, The frame block (36) has at least one light guide section (38) through which light from the at least one lighting device (34) can be guided to the area of ​​the button area (12).

10. An electronic household appliance having at least one operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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