Improved force sensor in film technology

Abstract

Input device (10) with a force sensor system for a vehicle, with a flexible capacitive sensor layer (14) having a plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes (20, 21, 22, 24), wherein the capacitive sensor layer (14) has a first region (26), wherein the capacitive sensor layer (14) has a second region (28) which is bent by 180° relative to the first region (26), the capacitive sensor layer (14) has a third region (30) which is bent by 180° relative to the second region (28), wherein a compressible layer (36) is arranged between the second region (28) and the third region (30), wherein a capacitive sensor electrode (20, 21, 22, 24) is arranged in each of the second region (28) and the third region (30), and the second region (28) and the third region (30) form a force sensor (42) with the compressible layer (36), characterized in that the input device (10) has an operating surface element (12), wherein the first region (26) is held on the back of the operating surface element (12), and a holding element (34) is arranged between the first region (26) and the second region (28).

Description

The present invention relates to an input device having a force sensor system for a vehicle, having a bendable capacitive sensor layer which has a plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes, and having an operator interface element, the capacitive sensor layer having a first region which is held on the rear side on the operator interface element.In the prior art, input devices are known that can measure an actuation force on a surface. Such input devices are also referred to as a human machine interface (MMI) or human machine interface (HMI). The applied actuating force is used to infer an operator's intention to operate. By means of such a force sensor system, incorrect operations can be avoided with a high degree of reliability. A simple touch, as detected, for example, in corresponding touch-sensitive input devices, can, on the other hand, easily be carried out accidentally or can be carried out with a wrong input device. Accordingly, an operation can be detected even if this touch has been carried out unintentionally or incorrectly.In particular, incorrect operations easily occur when a vehicle is being driven. This is due, on the one hand, to the fact that a vehicle driver has to use a large part of his attention when driving the vehicle precisely to driving the vehicle, and the input device is operated quasi "incidentally". Moreover, even in modern vehicles with a very good chassis, vehicle movements can occur during driving, which make the operation of the input device more difficult. Compared to a simple detection of a touch, it is necessary in a force sensor system for the operation to additionally exceed a force threshold, so that an erroneous operation, in contrast, occurs with a lower probability.In the force sensor system, special force sensors are used, which detect a force when the input device is operated. These force sensors are expensive separate parts, whereby the costs for such an input device are comparatively high overall. In addition, such force sensors frequently require a large amount of space, which must be taken into account accordingly. These disadvantages have not been overcome in a satisfactory manner.In this connection, US 2010 / 0230181 A1 discloses an input device including a first electrode positioned on a support side; a second electrode disposed on an operation side so as to oppose the first electrode with a space therebetween and move closer to the first electrode due to an operation pressure; a first capacitance detection unit that detects a change in electrostatic capacitance from a change in potential or current of the second electrode when a human finger has been moved closer to the second electrode; and a second capacitance detection unit that detects a change in electrostatic capacitance from a change in potential or current of the first electrode when the second electrode has been moved closer to the first electrode.Furthermore, JP 2009 193 467 A1 discloses a simplification of a process for installing a printed circuit board into a housing by forming a board mounting method and for eliminating processes for wire guiding and for connecting between printed circuit boards. A component mounting board includes a flexible circuit board having an opening at a predetermined position and at least one dome switch mounted on a first surface side when one side surface of the board is referred to as a first surface and the other side surface of the board is referred to as a second surface. The mounting plate has a flexible structure in which the second surface side is folded over the first surface side so that the opening of the plate is positioned over the dome switch on the first surface. This structure enables the board in the folded state to be installed in a predetermined case. After the board is mounted, the dome switch on the first surface may be operated through the opening from the second surface side in an operation surface of the housing.Additional Prior Art:The following documents have been identified as further prior art:US 2005 / 0146510 A1: describes a capacitive sensor arrangement which can detect pressure and / or contact.US 2015 / 0370396 A1: discloses an input device with force sensor system which is based on the change in the capacitance.US 2009 / 0167704 A1: relates to a touch sensor technology with improved accuracy and sensitivity.EP 1 469 415 A2: describes a method for producing flexible printed circuits with integrated sensors.Proceeding from the above-mentioned prior art, the object of the invention is thus to specify an input device having a force sensor system for a vehicle, which is simple and cost-effective to produce and which enables comfortable operation.The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.According to the invention, an input device having a force sensor system for a vehicle is thus specified, having a bendable capacitive sensor layer which has a plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes, and having an operating surface element, wherein the capacitive sensor layer has a first region which is held on the rear side on the operating surface element, the capacitive sensor layer has a second region which is bent round by 180° relative to the first region, the capacitive sensor layer has a third region which is bent round relative to the second region, a holding element is arranged between the first region and the second region, and a compressible layer is arranged between the second region and the third region, wherein a capacitive sensor electrode is arranged in each case in the second region and the third region, and the second region and the third region with the compressible layer form a force sensor.The basic idea of the present invention is therefore to form a force sensor by coupling two capacitive sensors to one another. In this case, a coupling of the two capacitive sensors can be influenced by the compressible layer in that the compressible layer is deformed when a force acts, i.e. the compressible layer is compressed. As a result, the distance between the first capacitive sensor electrode and the second capacitive sensor electrode is reduced, as a result of which the coupling of the two capacitive sensors changes. The compression of the compressible layer depends on a force acting on it, so that a force sensor is formed together with the compressible layer by the two capacitive sensors. The capacitive sensor layer is thus formed in one piece and can be formed as known in the prior art in order to produce capacitive sensors, wherein the force sensor is formed with the compressible layer by the use of the capacitive sensor layer known per se with the capacitive sensor electrodes.The capacitive sensor layer can extend beyond the region of the force sensor, wherein the two capacitive sensor electrodes are arranged in the region of the force sensor to be formed. It is sufficient if the compressible layer is formed or arranged only in the region of the first and second capacitive sensor electrodes positioned one above the other. Due to the flexibility of the capacitive sensor layer, it can deform into the region of the compressible layer, for example, upon application of a force, or undergo a lateral displacement. The holding element thereby achieves a mechanical decoupling of the force sensor from the control surface element. In addition, haptic feedback can be provided upon actuation of the force sensor. As a result, the input device is provided with a high level of operating convenience.The capacitive sensor layer preferably has the highest possible flexibility in order to achieve a small bending radius and to be able to provide a compact force sensor. Preferably, the capacitive sensor layer comprises a total of one or more carrier layers which extend through the entire capacitive sensor layer. By bending, the input device can be formed substantially from a single sensor layer, wherein different regions can assume different functions.The two capacitive sensors in the second and third region are jointly controlled and / or evaluated by a control circuit and / or evaluation circuit in order to determine a measure for the force acting. In this case, a force sensor formed in this way can be activated and / or evaluated alone, or in combination with at least one further force sensor. The control circuit and / or evaluation circuit can be embodied separately from the input device, for example in order to carry out a central evaluation of the force effect, or as part of the input device. In this case, the input device can directly output a measure of the force effect.The input device is designed for use in a vehicle, for example as an operating element for a component of the vehicle. In this case, the input device can be permanently assigned to one component or can be designed to operate a plurality of components of the vehicle.The capacitive sensor layer has at least in the second and third region in each case a capacitive sensor electrode, which can be arranged on the outside or within the capacitive sensor layer. The capacitive sensor electrodes can be embodied, for example, in a planar manner or arranged in a surface, for example a conductor which is arranged in a surface in a fundamentally arbitrary shape, for example in a meandering or spiral shape. Each sensor electrode may comprise one or more electrically separate electrode elements, which together form the corresponding sensor electrode.The capacitive sensor layer can each have a plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes in the second and third regions, which electrodes are arranged one above the other accordingly in order to form a plurality of adjacent force sensors. In this case, the holding element and the compressible layer must extend to a corresponding extent in order to form the adjacent force sensors.The compressible layer enables a movement and / or deformation of the capacitive sensor layer in the region of the force sensor formed in this way, in that the compressible layer itself is compressed. As a result, the first and the second capacitive sensor electrodes can move relative to one another. The movement is preferably such that the two capacitive sensor electrodes move relative to one another in a planar arrangement. This can be reinforced when the sensor layer is deformed. Typically, the movement of the two capacitive sensor electrodes is towards one another when a force is applied in one direction, while the two capacitive sensor electrodes move away from one another after the force is applied. In this case, the capacitive sensor layer can undergo the deformation in the region of the force sensor in order to move the first and the second capacitive sensor electrode relative to one another.With the force sensor formed, it is possible in principle to determine any desired measure for the force effect. Typically, a corresponding electrical signal is generated, which indicates the measure of the force. Measurement of the force is not necessary. By definition, the force sensor is actuated from one side of the capacitive sensor layer in the region of the first capacitive sensor electrode, wherein the first and the second capacitive sensor electrode can in principle be replaceable.The operation panel provides a panel for operating the input device. The control panel element can accordingly bear, for example, an inscription or other type of marking. In addition, the control panel element can be designed, for example, with a lighting device, in order to display a feedback about a switching state of the input device, or the like. The control surface element can in principle have any desired size, starting for example with the size of a fingertip for operation. The fastening of the capacitive sensor layer on the rear side of the control surface element brings about a mechanical coupling in order to introduce a force into the force sensor via the control surface element.The first region may also have one or more sensor electrodes. As a result, the input device can enable input by approaching and / or touching, i.e. before a substantial force is exerted on the operator panel element. An evaluation can in principle take place independently of the force sensor, or in combination therewith. Sensor electrodes can also be arranged offset from the force sensor in the first region.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the capacitive sensor layer has a substrate layer and a dielectric layer, wherein the plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes is positioned between the substrate layer and the dielectric layer. The substrate layer can serve as a stabilizing carrier layer, while the dielectric layer influences capacitive properties of the capacitive sensor layer and can be adjusted by a corresponding selection of a dielectric material. The arrangement of the substrate layer and the dielectric layer in the capacitive sensor layer has the effect that the dielectric layer or the substrate layer is respectively opposite one another in the force sensor. Both the substrate layer and the dielectric layer can have a suitable deformability in order to reinforce a movement of the two capacitive sensor electrodes relative to one another by their deformation.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the compressible layer has an air cushion which is arranged between at least two support elements, and the air cushion is arranged in a region between the two sensor electrodes of the second and third regions. The support elements can be used to set or preset a thickness of the air cushion and thus a possible movement of the two capacitive sensor electrodes relative to one another. Air is easily compressible, so that the first and second sensor layers are well movable relative to each other. The support elements are preferably not compressible or only slightly compressible. The support elements can be designed as punctiform, linear or planar support elements which are arranged at least on two opposite sides of the air cushion. It is also possible for encircling support elements to be connected to one another in the manner of an encircling support ring.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least two support elements are designed as self-adhesive or self-adhering support elements. Thereby, the support members can be easily attached to the first or second capacitive sensor layer. The mounting of the support elements can be effected at any desired time, for example during the production of the sensor layer.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the holding element is designed as a self-adhesive or self-adhesive holding element. As a result, the holding element can be easily attached to the first or second region of the capacitive sensor layer. The mounting of the holding element can be effected at any desired point in time, for example during the production of the capacitive sensor layer.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the input device has a supporting element, and the capacitive sensor layer rests with its third region on the supporting element or is held thereon. By means of the supporting element, compression of the compressible layer can be facilitated or reinforced. The supporting element is typically itself not deformable or only slightly deformable. The force sensor is actuated accordingly from one side of the capacitive sensor layer in the region of the first capacitive sensor electrode. The support element is preferably attached to or held on the support element by an intermediate element. The intermediate element is further preferably designed to be elastic in order to effect a mechanical decoupling. Alternatively or additionally, the intermediate element can be designed to be self-adhesive in order to facilitate attachment.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes are designed for detecting an approach or a touch. For the detection of the approach, the sensor electrode is designed based on a self capacitance (self mode). This also allows the detection of a touch, for example with gloves. For the detection of the touch, the sensor electrode is designed based on a mutual capacitance (mutual capacitance, mutual mode). When mutual capacitances are detected, more precise touch recognition can be carried out, for example, by a high density of interpolateable electrode information. Each capacitive sensor electrode can be designed individually.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, one or more of the plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes is designed as a capacitive guard electrode. The guard electrode enhances electromagnetic compatibility to prevent problems in operation of the input device. An electrical coupling between the two sensor electrodes can also be influenced by influences of moisture or vapor. Such influences can also be reduced with the guard electrode. In each force sensor, in principle any of the two sensor electrodes can be designed as a guard electrode. In the case of a plurality of sensor electrodes in the first region, one or more of the sensor electrodes there can be embodied as a guard electrode.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the input device has a fastening element which is arranged between the control surface element and the first region of the capacitive sensor layer. The fastening element is preferably designed to be elastic in order to effect a mechanical decoupling. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening element can be self-adhesive in order to facilitate attachment. The fastening element can optionally be attached to the control panel element or to the capacitive sensor layer in the first region of the capacitive sensor layer.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control panel element is designed as a display element, in particular in the manner of an electronically controllable display element. The control panel can thus be used to display information which is displayed on the display element. An input with the input element can thus be carried out individually and adapted as required.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the input device has a haptic feedback element which is arranged and designed to generate haptic feedback when the input device is actuated. The haptic feedback element can be embodied integrally with the operator interface element. The generated haptic feedback allows an input via the input device to be confirmed.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the input device has a plurality of force sensors which are positioned on an underside of the operator control surface element, in particular in corner regions of the operator control surface element. Thus, an actuation of the input device via the control panel can be localized on the control panel depending on a force on the individual force sensors. The input device can in this case comprise a common connecting line for connecting the plurality of force sensors. In the case of an operator control panel element with a display element, the display element can additionally be electrically connected via the connecting line. The connecting line is preferably designed in the manner of a flat ribbon line. By a joint evaluation of a plurality of force sensors, it is possible not only to infer the operating position, but also to perform a comparison with a sensor system for detecting an approach or a touch. This comparison can be used for a safety check. The sensor system for detecting the approach or the contact can be embodied together with the force sensor in the capacitive sensor layer. Alternatively, the first and / or second capacitive sensor electrode can be controlled in order to detect the approach or contact.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the input device has a connecting line, and the capacitive sensor layer is formed in the connecting line. This embodiment enables a simple and flexible provision of the force sensor. A position of the force sensor on the underside of the operating surface element can thus be selected as required. If the connecting line is, for example, exchangeably connected to the operator control surface element, an adaptation to different requirements for operation via the operator control surface element can be effected by exchanging the connecting line with a force sensor arranged or formed differently. The connecting line is preferably a connecting line for controlling a display element of the operator interface element, in which at least one force sensor is additionally integrated. Here too, the connecting line is preferably designed in the manner of a flat ribbon line. This embodiment of the input device makes it possible to provide the force sensor only when used. The connecting line can be designed for electrically controlling the operator interface element. The connecting line can additionally serve for the electrical connection of the force sensors.The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawing on the basis of preferred embodiments. The features shown can represent an aspect of the invention both individually and in combination. Features of various exemplary embodiments can be transferred from one exemplary embodiment to another.It shows FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an input device with a force sensor system formed by a continuous capacitive sensor layer and a holding element according to a first, preferred embodiment in a lateral sectional view, FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of an input device having an operator panel element and four force sensors attached thereto according to a second embodiment in a view from below, and FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of an input device having an operator interface element and a force sensor formed in a connecting line according to a third embodiment in a view from below.FIG. 1 shows an input device 10 according to a first preferred embodiment for use in a vehicle, not shown, for example as an operating element for a component of the vehicle. In this case, the input device can be permanently assigned to one component or can be designed to operate a plurality of components of the vehicle.The input device 10 includes an operation panel 12 that provides a surface for operating the input device 10. The control panel element 12 has, for example, an inscription or other type of marking and illumination in order to display a feedback about a switching state of the input device 10.In an alternative embodiment, the operator interface element 12 is designed as an electronically controllable display element for displaying information.The input device 10 includes a bendable capacitive sensor layer 14 having a substrate layer 16 and a dielectric layer 18. The substrate layer 16 serves as a stabilizing support layer and the dielectric layer 18 affects capacitive properties of the capacitive sensor layer 14.A plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes 20, 21, 22, 24 are disposed between the substrate layer 16 and the dielectric layer 18. The capacitive sensor electrodes 20, 21, 22, 24 are embodied in a planar manner or are arranged in one surface, for example in a meandering or spiral shape. Each sensor electrode 20, 21, 22, 24 can comprise one or more electrically separate electrode elements, which together form the corresponding sensor electrode 20, 21, 22, 24.The capacitive sensor layer 14 comprises three regions 26, 28, 30, wherein the three regions 26, 28, 30 are each formed by bending the capacitive sensor layer 14 by 180°. Accordingly, the capacitive sensor layer 14 comprises a first region 26 which is held on the rear side on the control surface element 12. For this purpose, a fastening element 32 is adhesively fastened between the operator panel element 12 and the first region 26 of the capacitive sensor layer 14. The fastening element 32 is self-adhesive. The control surface element 12 is mechanically coupled to the first region 26 of the capacitive sensor layer 14 via the fastening element 32.The first region 26 is adjoined by a second region 28 which is bent over by 180° with respect to the first region 26. The capacitive sensor layer 14 has the highest possible flexibility in order to achieve a small bending radius. A holding element 34 is arranged between the first region 26 and the second region 28. In this exemplary embodiment, the holding element 34 is designed as a self-adhesive or self-adhering holding element 34.The second region 28 is adjoined by a third region 30, which is in turn bent over by 180° with respect to the second region 28. A compressible layer 36 is arranged between the second region 28 and the third region 30. The compressible layer 36 is embodied here with an air cushion 38 which is arranged between lateral support elements 40. The support elements 40 are only slightly compressible. In this exemplary embodiment, the support elements 40 are designed as linear support elements 40 and are arranged on four sides of the air cushion 32. Alternatively, the support elements 34 can be connected to one another in the manner of a circumferential support ring. The support elements 34 are designed as self-adhesive support elements 34 for adhesive attachment between the second and third regions 26, 28 of the capacitive sensor layer 14.First capacitive sensor electrodes 20, 21 are arranged in the first region 26, a second capacitive sensor electrode 22 is arranged in the second region 26, and a third capacitive sensor electrode 24 is arranged in the third region 30. Capacitive sensor electrodes 20, 21, 22, 24 are designed to detect a touch based on a mutual capacitance (mutual capacitance, mutual mode). Alternatively, the capacitive sensor electrodes 20, 21, 22, 24 are designed for detecting an approximation based on a self capacitance (self mode).In the bent-over state, the second and third capacitive sensor electrodes 22, 24 lie one above the other in such a way that the second region 28 and the third region 30 form a force sensor 42 with the compressible layer 36. The air cushion 38 is arranged in a region between the second and third capacitive sensor electrodes 22, 24.In the present exemplary embodiment, one of the first capacitive sensor electrodes 20, 21 is embodied as a capacitive guard electrode 21. In the force sensor 42 in this exemplary embodiment, the second capacitive sensor electrode 22 is embodied as a guard electrode.The input device 10 further comprises a supporting element 44, to which the third region 30 of the capacitive sensor layer 14 is fastened by means of an intermediate element 46. The supporting element 44 itself is not deformable or is only slightly deformable.The input device 10 also has a haptic feedback element, not shown here, which is arranged and designed to generate haptic feedback when the input device 10 is actuated via the operator interface element 12. The elastic fastening element 32 thereby causes a mechanical decoupling of the feedback element from the force sensor 42.The second and third capacitive sensor electrodes 22, 24 in the second and third regions 28, 30 are jointly controlled and / or evaluated by a control circuit and / or evaluation circuit, not shown, in order to determine a measure for an acting force. In this case, a force sensor 42 formed in this way can be activated and / or evaluated alone, or in combination with at least one further force sensor 42. In this case, a corresponding electrical signal is generated by the control circuit and / or the evaluation circuit, which signal specifies the measure of the force.In addition, the first capacitive sensor electrodes 20 in the first region 26 are controlled and / or evaluated by the control circuit and / or evaluation circuit in order to detect an approach and / or a touch of the input device 10 in a manner known per se.The control circuit and / or evaluation circuit can be embodied separately from the input device 10, for example in order to carry out a central evaluation of the force effect, or as part of the input device 10.An actuation of the input device 10 takes place from the side of the control surface element 12, a force exerted thereon being transmitted via the fastening element 32 and to the first region 26 of the capacitive sensor layer 14 and via said region to the holding element 34. From there, the force is transmitted to the force sensor 42. The force sensor 42 itself is supported on the support element 44 via the intermediate element 46. This compresses the air cushion 38; this causes a displacement of the second and third capacitive sensor electrodes 22, 24 in such a way that the second and third capacitive sensor electrodes 22, 24 move towards one another in their planar arrangement upon application of a force, and correspondingly vice versa after the application of the force.FIG. 2 shows an input device 10 according to a second embodiment. The input device 10 of the second embodiment is based on the input device 10 of the first embodiment, so that only differences between the input devices 10 of the first and second embodiments will be discussed in detail below. Details not described again here are the same as those of the input device 10 of the first embodiment in doubt.According to the second embodiment, the input device 10 comprises a rectangular operator panel element 12 with four force sensors 42 attached thereto. The force sensors 42 are arranged at the four corners of the operator interface element 12 on an underside of the operator interface element 12 and are jointly controlled by the control and evaluation circuit. The control and evaluation circuit is designed to localize an actuation of the input device 10 via the operator interface element 12 as a function of a force acting on the individual force sensors 42 on the operator interface element 12. The input device 10 comprises a common connecting line 50 for connecting the force sensors 42. The connecting line 50 is designed in the manner of a flat ribbon line with a flexible, flat cable 52 and a plug 54.FIG. 3 shows an input device 10 according to a third embodiment. The input device 10 of the third embodiment is based on the input device 10 of the first embodiment, so that only differences between the input devices 10 of the first and third embodiments will be discussed in detail below. Details not described again here are the same as those of the input device 10 of the first embodiment in doubt.According to the third embodiment, the input device 10 comprises a rectangular operator panel element 12, which is here embodied integrally as a display device. The input device 10 further comprises a connecting line 50 for connecting the control panel element 12 to the display device. The connecting line 50 is designed in the manner of a flat ribbon line with a flexible, flat cable 52 and a plug 54. The force sensor 42 corresponds to the force sensor 42 of the first embodiment. The force sensor 12 is likewise electrically connected to the control and evaluation circuit via the connecting line 50.List of reference characters10 Input device 12 Operator interface element 14 Capacitive sensor layer 16 Substrate layer 18 Dielectric layer 20 First capacitive sensor electrode 21 First capacitive sensor electrode, guard electrode 22 Second capacitive sensor electrode, guard electrode 24 Third capacitive sensor electrode 26 First region 28 Second region 30 Third region 32 Fastening element 34 Holding element 36 Compressible layer 38 Air cushion 40 Supporting element 42 Force sensor 44 Supporting element 46 Intermediate element 50 Connecting line 52 Cable 54 Plug

Claims

Input device (10) having a force sensor system for a vehicle, having a bendable capacitive sensor layer (14) which has a plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes (20, 21, 22, 24), wherein the capacitive sensor layer (14) has a first region (26), wherein the capacitive sensor layer (14) has a second region (28) which is bent over by 180° relative to the first region (26), the capacitive sensor layer (14) has a third region (30) which is bent over by 180° relative to the second region (28), wherein a compressible layer (36) is arranged between the second region (28) and the third region (30), wherein a capacitive sensor electrode (20, 21, 22, 24) is arranged in each case in the second region (28) and the third region (30), and the second region (28) and the third region (30) with the compressible layer (36) form a force sensor (42), characterized in that the input device (10) has an operator control surface element (12), wherein the first region (26) is held on the rear side on the operator control surface element (12), and a holding element (34) is arranged between the first region (26) and the second region (28).The input device (10) of claim 1, characterized in that the capacitive sensing layer (14) includes a substrate layer (16) and a dielectric layer (18), the plurality of capacitive sensing electrodes (20, 21, 22, 24) being positioned between the substrate layer (16) and the dielectric layer (18).Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressible layer (36) has an air cushion (38) which is arranged between at least two support elements (40), and the air cushion (38) is arranged in a region between the capacitive sensor electrodes (20, 21, 22, 24) of the second and third region (28, 30).Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two support elements (40) are designed as self-adhesive or self-adhesive support elements (40).Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device (10) has a supporting element (44), and the capacitive sensor layer (14) bears with its third region (30) against the supporting element (44) or is held thereon.Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes (20, 21, 22, 24) are designed for detecting an approach or a touch.Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more of the plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes (20, 21, 22, 24) of the second region (28) or of the third region (30) is designed as a capacitive guard electrode (21, 22).Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding element (34) is designed as a self-adhesive or self-adhesive holding element (34).Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device (10) has a fastening element (32) which is arranged between the operator panel element (12) and the first region (26) of the capacitive sensor layer (14).Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operator control surface element (12) is designed as a display element, in particular in the manner of an electronically controllable display element.Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device (10) has a haptic feedback element which is arranged and designed to generate a haptic feedback on actuation of the input device (10).Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the input device has a plurality of force sensors (42) which are positioned on an underside of the operator control surface element (12), in particular in corner regions of the operator control surface element (12).Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device (10) has a connecting line (50), and the capacitive sensor layer (14) is formed in the connecting line (50).

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