USER INTERFACE DEVICE AND DEVICE WITH THE USER INTERFACE DEVICE

Description

State of the art

[0001] A user interface device for a device has already been proposed, comprising at least one operating unit for input and / or output of input and / or output-specific operating signals, and comprising at least one antenna unit for wireless transmission of operating signals, wherein the antenna unit comprises at least one base plate and at least one resonator plate which is arranged at a distance from and parallel to the base plate, wherein the operating unit comprises at least one operating interface element.

[0002] From US 6 411 826 B1 and JP 2013 070341 A, user interface devices according to the preamble of claim 1 are known. US 2019 / 020113 A1 discloses a smart meter with a patch antenna consisting of a radiating element and a base, as well as a user interface consisting of a keyboard, a keypad, or a touchpad, wherein the radiating element and the base are provided with holes for receiving spacers. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] The invention is based on a user interface device for a device, with at least one operating unit, in particular at least partially designed as a touch control panel, for input and / or output of input and / or output-specific operating signals, and with at least one antenna unit, in particular designed as a patch antenna, for wireless transmission of operating signals, wherein the antenna unit comprises at least one, in particular exactly one, base plate and at least one, in particular exactly one, resonator plate, which is arranged at a distance from and parallel to the base plate, wherein the operating unit comprises at least one operating interface element.

[0004] It is proposed that the base plate and the resonator plate each delimit at least one recess which, viewed perpendicular to a main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate, are arranged at least partially one above the other and each extend over a complete thickness of the resonator plate and / or the base plate, wherein the at least one operating interface element is arranged at least partially, in particular at least largely, in and / or on at least one of the recesses.

[0005] The statement that "the operating interface element is at least partially arranged on at least one of the recesses" should be understood in particular to mean that the operating interface element is arranged, at least to a portion of the total volume of the operating interface element, within a near region of an inner surface of the base plate or the resonator plate that delimits one of the recesses, which extends in particular within a maximum of 2 cm, preferably a maximum of 1 cm, and preferably a maximum of 0.5 cm, around the inner surface delimiting the respective recess. In particular, the near region in which the operating interface element is at least partially, in particular at least largely, arranged extends at least partially out of the base plate or the resonator plate along an axis oriented perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base plate or the resonator plate.In particular, the recesses are each formed as a spatial region that is bounded, in particular completely, by the base plate or the resonator plate in a sectional plane of the base plate or the resonator plate extending parallel to the main extension plane of the base plate or the resonator plate. A "main extension plane" of a structural unit, in particular of the base plate or the resonator plate, is to be understood in particular as a plane that is parallel to a largest side surface of a smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the structural unit and in particular runs through the center of the cuboid. Preferably, inner surfaces of the base plate and the resonator plate that bound the recesses are not part of the recesses.Preferably, the operating interface element is arranged at least partially, in particular at least largely, within the recess and / or at least partially, in particular at least largely, on the recess. The fact that a component, in particular the operating interface element, is arranged "at least largely" within a region, in particular in one of the recesses and / or within the vicinity of the inner surface, should be understood in particular to mean that more than 50%, preferably at least 65%, and preferably at least 75%, of a total volume of the component is arranged in the region. It is also conceivable that the operating interface element is arranged at least substantially entirely within one of the recesses and / or on one of the recesses.Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the operating interface element extends over more than one recess of the recesses, preferably being arranged in and / or on a recess delimited by the base plate and in and / or on a recess delimited by the resonator plate.

[0006] Preferably, the recesses, viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate, each have a round, in particular circular, cross-sectional area which extends in particular at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate."Substantially parallel" is understood to mean, in particular, an alignment of a straight line, a plane, or a direction, in particular the cross-sectional area of ​​the recesses, relative to another straight line, another plane, or a reference direction, in particular the main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate, wherein the straight line, the plane, or the direction has a deviation of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2° from the other straight line, the other plane, or the reference direction, in particular viewed in a projection plane. The fact that the recesses are "at least partially arranged one above the other" is understood to mean, in particular, that, viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate, outer contours delimiting the recess intersect at at least two points.Preferably, the recesses are arranged one behind the other or one on top of the other, in particular at least partially, when viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate and / or along an axis oriented perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate. Particularly preferably, the recesses are arranged one above the other at least substantially congruently when viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate and / or along an axis oriented perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate."Substantially congruent" is understood to mean, in particular, two objects, in particular the recesses, whose cross-sectional areas are identical in shape and size when viewed along one direction, wherein the cross-sectional areas of the two objects, when placed one above the other, preferably differ by at most 8%, preferably at most 5%, and preferably at most 3% of an average surface area of ​​the cross-sectional areas. Preferably, the recesses each have an at least substantially identical cross-sectional area along the entire thickness of the resonator plate or the base plate. Preferably, the recesses each have an at least substantially identical cross-sectional area along the entire thickness of the resonator plate and the base plate. Preferably, the resonator plate forms a resonator surface, which is designed, in particular, as a largest, at least substantially planar, outer surface of the resonator plate.

[0007] The operating interface element is preferably provided for the input and / or output of input- and / or output-specific operating signals. In particular, a design of the input- and / or output-specific operating signals depends on a design of the operating interface element. The operating interface element is preferably provided for interaction with a user operating the device, who is located in particular in an environment surrounding the device. The antenna unit is preferably provided for wireless transmission, in particular reception and transmission, of operating signals. In particular, the antenna unit is provided for the transmission of operating signals between the device and at least one external unit, such as a smartphone, a smart home system, a remote control, a monitoring center, a network, for example the Internet, other devices, or the like."Intended" should be understood, in particular, to mean specially designed and / or specially equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood, in particular, to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. For example, the operating interface element is designed as a touch control element, for example a contact spring or contact foil, as a display or other indicator element, as a camera, for example for gesture or facial recognition and / or for monitoring an operating area, as a loudspeaker or other acoustic signal generator. Preferably, the base plate and the resonator plate each define more than one recess.Preferably, a recess defined by the base plate and a recess defined by the resonator plate are arranged at least partially, in particular at least substantially congruently, one above the other when viewed perpendicular to a main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate. Preferably, the operating unit comprises more than one operating interface element, wherein the operating interface elements are each arranged at least partially, in particular at least largely, in and / or on at least one of the recesses.

[0008] The antenna unit is preferably designed as a patch antenna. In particular, the antenna unit is provided for wireless communication over a wavelength range, wherein in particular a maximum transverse extent of the resonator plate parallel to the main extension plane of the resonator plate corresponds at least substantially to λ / 2. Preferably, the resonator plate has an at least substantially rectangular base area, which is aligned in particular parallel to the main extension plane of the resonator plate. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the resonator plate to have an at least substantially rectangular base area with beveled edges at at least one corner, in particular two corners, of the base area, preferably for radiation of circularly polarized waves via the antenna unit. Preferably, the base plate has a larger base area than the resonator plate.The antenna unit preferably has a main radiation direction, wherein in particular radiation from the main extension plane of the resonator plate occurs at least largely to a side aligned in the main radiation direction. The base plate is preferably arranged in front of the resonator plate as viewed in the main radiation direction. The base plate preferably extends at least over an entire base area of ​​the resonator plate as viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate. The resonator plate is preferably arranged centrally to the base plate as viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate, wherein in particular a central axis of the resonator plate aligned perpendicular to the main extension plane of the resonator plate comprises a central axis of the base plate aligned perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base plate.Preferably, the base plate and / or the resonator plate are each plate-shaped, with two largest outer surfaces of the base plate and / or the resonator plate each being at least substantially flat and parallel to one another. "Substantially flat" is understood to mean, in particular, a surface, in particular the outer surfaces of the base plate and / or the resonator plate, that extends entirely within a plane, with the surface preferably differing from the plane only within the scope of a surface roughness of a material forming the surface, which depends in particular on a manufacturing process for the surface or the material.In particular, the resonator plate and the base plate, in particular the outer surfaces of the resonator plate and the base plate, each have a tolerance, particularly due to manufacturing, for a surface roughness of at most 20 µm, preferably at most 16 µm, and preferably at most 12 µm. The antenna unit preferably comprises exactly one resonator plate and exactly one base plate. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the antenna unit to comprise more than one resonator plate, wherein, for example, one of the resonator plates or several / all resonator plates each define a recess.

[0009] "Input and / or output-specific operating signals" are to be understood in particular as operating signals which can be detected, in particular input, and / or output, specifically for a type of input and / or output by the at least one operating interface element, in particular depending on a configuration of the operating interface element, via the operating unit. For example, the input and / or output-specific operating signals are designed as an actuation of an operating interface element designed as a touch sensor or as another switching element, wherein the operating signals can be evaluated in particular via a Boolean value. The operating signals which can be transmitted via the antenna unit are in particular you tooany type of electronic signals that can be transmitted via radio waves. Preferably, the input- and / or output-specific operating signals and / or the operating signals that can be transmitted via the antenna unit are provided for controlling and / or regulating the user interface device, for example the antenna unit, the device, in particular a function of the device, and / or for outputting an operating state of the user interface device and / or the device, for example a temperature of a functional unit of the device or the like.

[0010] In particular, the resonator plate and / or the base plate are / is formed from a material which has a permittivity of at least substantially ε r = 4. Preferably, the resonator plate and / or the base plate are / is each formed entirely from copper. Preferably, the resonator plate and the base plate have a minimum distance from one another of at least 1.6 mm, preferably at least 1.8 mm and preferably at least 2 mm, perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate. Preferably, the resonator plate and / or the base plate each have a thickness of at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm and preferably at least 1.4 mm, in particular perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate.Preferably, the resonator plate and the base plate are designed and arranged such that the antenna unit has a radiation frequency of more than 1 MHz, preferably more than 200 MHz and preferably more than 800 MHz.

[0011] The inventive design of the user interface device advantageously allows the functionality of an antenna in a metallic environment, for example, as a component in large devices such as thermal systems or the like, to be supplemented with the functionality of a touch control unit or a sensor-actuator unit. This allows for an advantageously small footprint for the user interface device for operation and wireless communication of the device, particularly in environments with many metal components. This enables the advantageously simple and compact integration of control units for manual operation of the device, for displaying information, for facial or gesture recognition, etc., with the antenna.Preferably, a combined device for manual operation of the device and a wireless connection of the device to an external system can be enabled without significantly reducing a functionality, in particular a signal strength and / or signal quality, of the antenna.

[0012] It is further proposed that the base plate completely delimits the at least one recess in the main extension plane of the base plate and that the resonator plate completely delimits the at least one recess in the main extension plane of the resonator plate. An external geometry of the base plate and the resonator plate can advantageously be retained, as a result of which, in particular, a radiation characteristic of the antenna is advantageously little influenced by the recesses. Despite the recesses, an advantageously high functionality, in particular a signal strength and / or signal quality, of the antenna can be ensured. Preferably, the resonator plate completely encloses a recess delimited by the resonator plate, viewed from every point within the recess, in a sectional plane of the resonator plate aligned parallel to the main extension plane of the resonator plate.Preferably, the base plate completely encloses a recess defined by the base plate, viewed from any point within the recess, in a sectional plane of the base plate aligned parallel to the main extension plane of the base plate. Preferably, recesses defined by the resonator plate are arranged at a distance from the outer edges of the resonator plate, viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane of the resonator plate. Preferably, recesses defined by the base plate are arranged at a distance from the outer edges of the base plate, viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base plate.

[0013] According to the invention, the at least one operating interface element is arranged in and / or on at least one of the recesses at a distance from the base plate and the resonator plate, in particular the inner surfaces of the base plate and the resonator plate delimiting the recesses.

[0014] Advantageously, electrical insulation of the user interface element from the base plate and the resonator plate can be achieved. Any unwanted impairment of the functionality of the antenna by the user interface element can be advantageously prevented. In particular, interference with the user interface element due to excitation via the base plate and / or the resonator plate can be advantageously prevented. Preferably, the at least one user interface element is arranged at a distance from the resonator plate. Preferably, the at least one user interface element is arranged at a distance from the base plate. This does not preclude the possibility of the at least one user interface element being arranged indirectly on the resonator plate and / or the base plate via at least one other, in particular at least substantially non-conductive, component of the user interface device.Preferably, the at least one operating interface element is not arranged directly on the resonator plate and / or the base plate. Preferably, the at least one operating interface element is designed to be electrically insulated from the resonator plate and / or the base plate. In particular, the at least one operating interface element, viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate, is arranged entirely within a recess and at a distance from the base plate and / or the resonator plate. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the antenna unit and / or the operating unit to comprise at least one insulating element for electrically insulating the operating interface element and the resonator plate and / or the base plate, which insulating element is arranged at least partially within a recess delimited by the resonator plate and / or the base plate.

[0015] It is further proposed that the user interface device comprise at least one electronic unit for supplying, evaluating, and / or controlling the operating unit and the antenna unit, wherein the electronic unit is arranged on the base plate on a side of the base plate facing away from the resonator plate. This enables an advantageously compact design of the user interface device. An advantageously small number of different components of the user interface device can be achieved, in particular since the operating unit and the antenna can be supplied, evaluated, and / or controlled together via a single electronic unit. An "electronic unit" is intended, in particular, to be a unit with a computing unit, for example embodied as an FPGA, as a microcontroller, or as a processor, and with a memory, for example as a data carrier, as a physical memory, or the like.formed, memory unit and with an operating program stored in the memory unit. Preferably, the electronics unit is designed as at least one, in particular exactly one, populated electronics board or a populated flex board. However, other embodiments of the electronics unit are also conceivable. In particular, the electronics unit comprises at least one conductor element, in particular a plurality of conductor elements. Preferably, the electronics unit is arranged on the base plate. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the user interface device to comprise an electronics unit for supplying, evaluating and / or controlling the operating unit and the antenna unit, which electronics unit is arranged at a distance from the base plate and / or the resonator plate, in particular within the device, and is preferably only electrically and / or electronically connected to the base plate and / or the resonator plate.The electronics unit is preferably configured to feed power for transmitting the operating signals via the antenna unit between the base plate and the resonator plate. "Configured" should be understood in particular to mean specifically programmed, specifically designed, and / or specifically equipped. The fact that an object is configured for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. The user interface device, in particular the antenna unit and / or the electronics unit, preferably comprises at least one feed element, which is arranged in particular at least partially between the base plate and the resonator plate. For example, the feed element is designed as a wire, a contact plate, or the like.It is also conceivable for the feed element to be connected laterally to the resonator plate. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the user interface device, in particular the antenna unit and / or the electronics unit, to comprise more than one feed element, for example precisely two feed elements. The base plate preferably delimits at least one feedthrough, wherein the at least one feed element extends from the electronics unit through the feedthrough. In particular, the electronics unit is designed to process, interpret and / or convert operating signals to be transmitted or received via the antenna unit, preferably for controlling the device or for outputting an operating state of the device, for example an indication of an operating temperature, transmitting an error code or the like.The electronics unit is preferably configured to supply the at least one operating interface element with electrical energy. In particular, the electronics unit is configured to process, interpret, and / or convert operating signals to be output via the at least one operating interface element, received via the at least one operating interface element, and / or triggered by actuating the operating interface element. In particular, in an embodiment of the operating interface element as a touch operating element, the electronics unit is configured, for example, to output and / or transmit at least one operating signal for controlling the device, the antenna unit, and / or another operating interface element of the operating unit upon actuation of the operating interface element.In particular, in an embodiment of the operating interface element as a display, the electronic unit is configured, for example, to convert at least one item of information relating to an operating state of the device, the antenna unit and / or another operating interface element into an operating signal for output to a user via the operating interface element.

[0016] Furthermore, it is proposed that the recesses extend along an axis oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate from an outer side of the resonator plate facing away from the base plate at least as far as the electronics unit, wherein the at least one user interface element is arranged on the electronics unit and / or connected to the electronics unit. A continuous recess for access to the user interface element can advantageously be enabled. Advantageously, a high degree of flexibility can be achieved in the design of the user interface element. In particular, the user interface element can be arranged within the recesses, thereby achieving an advantageously compact design of the user interface device.Preferably, the user interface element can advantageously be arranged directly on the electronics unit. Preferably, at least one intermediate space is arranged between the base plate and the resonator plate. Preferably, the recesses extend along an axis oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate, across the intermediate space, from an outer side of the resonator plate facing away from the base plate, at least as far as the electronics unit. Preferably, the intermediate space connects the recesses. In particular, the intermediate space is filled with air or another gas.It is conceivable that the electronics unit also defines recesses which, in particular, are arranged at least partially one above the other, in particular at least substantially congruent, with the recesses defined by the base plate and the resonator plate, viewed perpendicular to a main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate. Preferably, the operating interface element is fixed to the electronics unit. Preferably, the at least one operating interface element is electrically and / or electronically connected to the electronics unit. Preferably, the operating interface element is arranged at least partially in a recess defined by the electronics unit.

[0017] It is also proposed that the operating unit, the electronics unit, and the antenna unit are formed together as a multi-layer system, with the base plate and the resonator plate each forming a single layer, and the electronics unit being formed as at least one layer. This allows for an advantageously one-piece design of the user interface device for installation in the device. This allows for an advantageously high degree of modularity of the user interface device. This allows for an advantageously simple and rapid installation and / or disassembly of the user interface device. This advantageously prevents errors during installation of the user interface device in the device.The electronics unit preferably forms more than one layer, each of which in particular has a maximum layer thickness of at most 300 µm, preferably at most 200 µm, and more preferably at most 100 µm. The electronics unit preferably comprises at least one component layer, which in particular comprises all of the main functions of the electronics unit for supplying, evaluating, and / or controlling the operating unit and the antenna unit. In particular, the electronics unit comprises at least one conductor layer, which is intended to connect the component layer to the base plate, the resonator plate, the feed element, and / or the at least one operating interface element via conductor tracks. It is conceivable for the electronics unit to comprise a component layer for supplying, evaluating, and / or controlling the operating unit and a component layer for supplying, evaluating, and / or controlling the antenna unit.The user interface device is preferably formed from at least six layers, wherein in particular at least the resonator plate, the base plate, and the intermediate space each form a layer and / or the electronics unit forms at least two layers. In particular, individual layers of the multi-layer system lie at least partially, in particular at least largely, flat against one another. In particular, main extension planes of the individual layers of the multi-layer system are arranged at least substantially parallel to one another. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the operating unit and the antenna unit to be formed as a multi-layer system, wherein in particular the electronics unit is formed separately.

[0018] It is further proposed that the resonator plate has a maximum transverse extent of at least 3 cm, preferably at least 5 cm, and more preferably at least 7 cm, at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the resonator plate. This allows for an advantageously large design of the recess without significantly impairing the radiation characteristics of the antenna. This allows for advantageously high flexibility in the design of the user interface element, for example as a display, as a camera, as a touch sensor, in particular a touch spring or the like. It is advantageously possible to enable a common frequency or wavelength range for the transmission of data via the antenna. In particular, the maximum transverse extent of the resonator plate extends parallel to the main extension plane of the resonator plate.Preferably, a maximum extension of the resonator plate oriented perpendicular to the maximum transverse extension of the resonator plate and parallel to the main extension plane of the resonator plate is at least 3 cm, preferably at least 5 cm, and preferably at least 7 cm. In particular, the resonator plate is at least substantially rectangular when viewed in the main extension plane of the resonator plate. In particular, the resonator plate has an at least substantially rectangular base area. It is conceivable for the base area of ​​the resonator plate to be square. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the resonator plate to have an at least substantially round base area, in particular one having an elliptical or circular surface. In particular, the base plate has a base area that is at least larger than the base area of ​​the resonator plate.Preferably, the base plate has a maximum transverse extent of at least 4 cm, preferably at least 8 cm, preferably at least 12 cm and very particularly preferably at least 14 cm, at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base plate. Preferably, a maximum extension of the base plate oriented perpendicular to the maximum transverse extent of the base plate and parallel to the main extension plane of the base plate is at least 4 cm, preferably at least 8 cm, preferably at least 12 cm and very particularly preferably at least 14 cm. In particular, the base plate is at least substantially rectangular when viewed in the main extension plane of the base plate. In particular, the base plate has an at least substantially rectangular base area. It is conceivable for the base area of ​​the base plate to be square.The base plate is preferably provided to at least partially shield the resonator plate from disruptive influences, for example from interference fields or from metallic components of the device or in an environment which are arranged behind the base plate, in particular when viewed from the resonator plate. Preferably, the recesses, which are delimited in particular by the base plate, the resonator plate and / or the electronics unit, each have a maximum transverse extent of at least 8 mm, preferably at least 10 mm and preferably at least 12 mm, parallel to the main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate. In a preferred embodiment, the recesses each have a circular base area whose diameter is in particular at least 8 mm, preferably at least 10 mm and preferably at least 12 mm.Preferably, a maximum transverse extent of the individual recesses is at most 30 mm, preferably at most 20 mm, and more preferably at most 15 mm. In particular, a maximum height of the individual recesses corresponds in each case to a thickness of the resonator plate, base plate, or electronics unit delimiting the respective recess. Preferably, the recess(es) delimited by the resonator plate, in particular viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane of the resonator plate, are each arranged entirely in an edge region of the resonator plate, which extends in particular within a maximum distance of at most 30 mm, preferably at most 25 mm, and more preferably at most 20 mm, from at least one outer edge of the resonator plate, in particular the base area of ​​the resonator plate.Preferably, a minimum distance of the recess(es) delimited by the resonator plate from the outer edges of the resonator plate, in particular the base area of ​​the resonator plate, in particular viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane of the resonator plate, is at least 4 mm, preferably at least 6 mm, and preferably at least 8 mm. In particular, a ratio between a minimum distance of the recess(es) delimited by the resonator plate from an outer edge of the resonator plate, in particular the base area of ​​the resonator plate, and a maximum transverse extension of the resonator plate, in particular the base area of ​​the resonator plate, extending along the outer edge, is at least 0.06, preferably at least 0.07, and preferably at least 0.075.Preferably, the surface area of ​​the base area of ​​the recess(es) delimited by the resonator plate, viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane of the resonator plate, is in each case at most 300 mm 2< , preferably at most 200 mm 2< and preferably at most 120 mm 2< . It is also conceivable for the recess(es) delimited by the resonator plate to be designed such that a ratio between the base area of ​​the resonator plate and a base area of ​​one of the recess(es) delimited by the resonator plate is at least 75, preferably at least 78 and preferably at least 80. In particular, the base area(s) of the resonator plate and / or the base plate each comprise / comprise base areas of the recesses delimited by the resonator plate and / or by the base plate.

[0019] Furthermore, it is proposed that the resonator plate and the base plate each delimit a plurality of cutouts, wherein a cutout delimited by the resonator plate and a cutout delimited by the base plate are arranged at least partially, preferably at least substantially congruently, one above the other when viewed perpendicular to a main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate, wherein the operating unit comprises a plurality of operating interface elements, each of which is arranged in and / or on one of the cutouts, wherein the cutouts are arranged at least substantially uniformly distributed on the base plate and the resonator plate. Advantageously, an integration of several operating interface elements can be achieved without significantly impairing the functionality of the antenna.It is conceivable that the operating unit comprises operating interface elements that are designed differently from one another, for example an operating interface element designed as an optical output element, in particular as a display, and for example three operating interface elements designed as touch operating elements.

[0020] Furthermore, it is proposed that the base plate and the resonator plate each have an at least substantially rectangular base area, wherein the recesses, viewed perpendicular to a main extension plane of the base plate and / or the resonator plate, are arranged in a periodic grid pattern aligned at least substantially parallel to edges, in particular the aforementioned outer edges, of the base plate and / or the resonator plate. This enables an advantageous embodiment of a patch antenna with multiple user interface elements, in particular with regard to simple manufacture of the user interface device, in particular the base plate and the resonator plate, and / or with regard to an intuitive arrangement of user interface elements.Preferably, recesses defined by the resonator plate, in particular viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane of the resonator plate, each have an at least substantially identical minimum distance from a respective nearest outer edge of the resonator plate, in particular the base area of ​​the resonator plate. Preferably, recesses defined by the base plate, in particular viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base plate, each have an at least substantially identical minimum distance from a respective nearest outer edge of the base plate, in particular the base area of ​​the base plate.

[0021] It is further proposed that the user interface device comprise at least one at least substantially non-conductive user interface element, which is arranged at a distance from the resonator plate, in particular via the base plate, on a side of the resonator plate facing away from the base plate. This advantageously enables the antenna and the user interface to be covered without significantly influencing the antenna's radiation characteristics. It is advantageously possible to provide protection against contamination and / or damage. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the resonator plate to be glued to the user interface element, in particular via its resonator surface."Substantially non-conductive" is understood to mean, in particular, a component, in particular the user interface element, which consists at least substantially entirely of a material(s) which, in particular at a temperature of 20°C to 25°C, has / have an electrical conductivity of at most 1.10 -6 < S / m, preferably at most 1.10 -8 < S / m, and preferably at most 1.10 -10 < S / m. In particular, the user interface device comprises at least one support element, which is intended to fix, in particular to fasten, the user interface element at a distance from the resonator plate to the antenna unit, in particular the base plate, the electronics unit, and / or a housing of the user interface device. In a preferred embodiment, the user interface device comprises a plurality of support elements.In a preferred embodiment, the support elements are arranged on the base plate, in particular viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base plate in a region of the base plate extending beyond the resonator plate. For example, the at least one support element is connected to the user interface element and / or the base plate via an adhesive or screw connection. In particular, the at least one support element is formed from an at least substantially non-conductive material. Preferably, a minimum distance between the user interface element and the resonator plate, oriented perpendicular to the main extension plane of the resonator plate, is at most 2 mm, preferably at most 1.5 mm, and preferably at most 1 mm. It is conceivable for the at least one user interface element to be arranged on the user interface element, in particular to bear against it.Preferably, the at least one operating interface element is designed to interact with a user through the operating interface element. Preferably, the at least one operating interface element is designed to output operating signals to a user through the operating interface element and / or to detect operating signals from a user through the operating interface element, for example, a touch of the operating interface element in a region of the operating interface element by the user and / or a gesture or a face of the user in an area in front of the operating interface element.

[0022] Furthermore, a device, in particular a thermal device, with at least one user interface device according to the invention is proposed. For example, the device is designed as a gas boiler, a boiler, a heating boiler, an industrial machine, or the like. Preferably, the user interface device is designed for use with devices that are largely made of metal or conductive materials, for example, in the form of pumps, pipes, combustion chambers, or the like, which can, in particular, influence the functionality of conventional antennas.

[0023] The inventive design of the device advantageously allows the functionality of an antenna in a metallic environment, for example, other components of the device, to be supplemented with the functionality of a touch control unit or a sensor-actuator unit. This allows for an advantageously small footprint for the user interface device for operation and wireless communication of the device, particularly in the interior of the device. This enables an advantageously simple and compact integration of control units for manual operation of the device, for displaying information, for facial or gesture detection, etc., with the antenna.Preferably, a combined device for manual operation of the device and a wireless connection of the device to an external system can be enabled without significantly reducing the functionality, in particular the signal strength and / or signal quality, of the antenna. Advantageously, a small space requirement for the operation and wireless communication of the device can be achieved, in particular enabling an advantageously large area for the arrangement of other, in particular metallic, components of the device. Advantageously, an advantageously simple and low-interference integration of the device into an Industry 4.0 environment, an IoT ("Internet of Things"), a smart home system, and / or the Internet can be enabled. The visibility of the antenna on the device from the outside can be advantageously reduced.

[0024] It is also proposed that the device comprise at least one housing unit which comprises at least one at least substantially non-conductive outer wall, wherein the user interface device is arranged in a region of the non-conductive outer wall on an inner side of the housing unit, in particular the outer wall, wherein the outer wall is preferably arranged on a side of the resonator plate facing away from the base plate. This advantageously enables the antenna and the operating unit to be covered without significantly influencing the radiation characteristics of the antenna. This advantageously enables the user interface device to be protected from contamination and / or damage. An advantageously small region of an outer wall of the housing unit to be taken into account for the arrangement of the user interface device can be achieved.Preferably, an advantageously flexible design of the housing unit of the device can be enabled. Visibility of the antenna unit on the device from the outside can advantageously be reduced. Preferably, the user interface device is arranged such that the main radiation direction of the antenna unit is oriented from the resonator plate outwards towards the outer wall of the housing. Preferably, the user interface element is fastened to the outer wall. Particularly preferably, the user interface element at least partially forms the outer wall and / or is formed integrally with the outer wall. Preferably, the user interface device is fastened to the outer wall, in particular via the user interface element and / or the base plate.It is also conceivable that the user interface device has a fastening means for fastening to the outer wall or a support element of the device, for example a frame of the device, which is designed in particular as part of the housing unit.

[0025] The user interface device and / or the device according to the invention should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the user interface device and / or the device according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components, and units that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a functionality described herein. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values ​​within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily. drawing

[0026] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Alternative embodiments are also mentioned in the description of the drawings. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0027] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention with a user interface device according to the invention from the outside, Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an exploded sketch of the user interface device according to the invention as a multilayer board, Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the user interface device according to the invention in a plan view of a resonator plate of the user interface device and Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of the user interface device according to the invention in a side view. Description of the embodiment

[0028] In Figure 11 shows a device 10 designed as a gas boiler with a user interface device 12. The device 10 comprises at least one housing unit 14 and at least one functional unit 16, each of which is formed at least largely from a metal. The functional unit 16 is designed in particular as a system of pipes, a gas container, a heating container, etc. The housing unit 14 comprises an at least substantially non-conductive outer wall 18, which is preferably arranged on a front of the device 10. The outer wall 18 is formed in particular from glass. The user interface device 12 is arranged in a region of the outer wall 18 on an inner side of the housing unit 14, in particular the outer wall 18.Other configurations of the device 10, in particular of the housing unit 14 and / or the functional unit 16, are also conceivable, for example, as a boiler, a heating boiler, or another industrial machine known to those skilled in the art, or the like. The user interface device 12 comprises an operating unit 20 for inputting and outputting input- and / or output-specific operating signals 22, and an antenna unit 24 configured as a patch antenna for wirelessly transmitting operating signals 26. The antenna unit 24 comprises a base plate 28 and a resonator plate 30, which are arranged spaced apart and parallel to one another. The operating unit 20 is at least partially configured as a touch control panel and comprises two operating interface elements 32 configured as touch control elements, in particular touch springs or touch foils.The operating unit 20 comprises a further operating interface element 34, which is designed as a display element, in particular a display. The operating unit 20 comprises another operating interface element 36, which is designed as a camera for detecting the face and / or gestures of a user 37 in a detection area of ​​the other operating interface element 36. Other configurations of the operating unit 20 are also conceivable, for example, with a number of operating interface elements 32, 34, 36 different from four, with a different configuration of the individual operating interface elements 32, 34, 36, or the like.

[0029] The base plate 28 and the resonator plate 30 each define four recesses 38, 40, 42, which are perpendicular to a main extension plane 44, 46 of the base plate 28 and / or the resonator plate 30 (see Figure 2) are arranged at least substantially congruently one above the other. The recesses 38, 40 each extend over a complete thickness of the resonator plate 30 or the base plate 28. The operating interface elements 32, 34, 36 of the operating unit 20, in particular the two operating interface elements 32, the further operating interface element 34 and the other operating interface element 36, are each arranged at least partially, in particular at least largely, in and / or on at least one of the recesses 38, 40. The outer wall 18 is arranged at a distance from the resonator plate 30 on a side of the resonator plate 30 facing away from the base plate 28.

[0030] The resonator plate 30 and the base plate 28 are each made of copper and each have a permittivity of at least substantially ε r = 4. Preferably, the resonator plate 30 and the base plate 28 are designed and / or arranged such that the antenna unit 24 has a radiation frequency of more than 1 MHz, preferably more than 200 MHz, more preferably more than 800 MHz, and most preferably at least substantially 868 MHz. Preferably, the antenna unit 24 has a main radiation direction 48, which is oriented in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the outer wall 18 or a main extension plane 44 of the resonator plate 30.The antenna unit 24 is preferably configured to transmit electronic data, in particular operating signals 26, between the device 10, in particular the user interface device 12, and an external device 50, for example a smart home system, a smartphone, a remote control for the device 10, or the like. The operating unit 20 is preferably provided for direct interaction with a user 37, wherein the user 37 is in particular located in an environment of the device 10. However, other configurations of the antenna unit 24 of the user interface device 12 are also conceivable, for example with a different number of recesses 38, 40, 42 for the operating unit 20, with more than one resonator plate 30, or the like.In particular, the user interface device 12 is provided to control and / or regulate at least one function of the device 10, in particular of the functional unit 16, as a function of operating signals 22, 26 detected and / or received via the operating unit 20 and / or the antenna unit 24. Preferably, the user interface device 12 is provided to output operating signals 22, 26 as a function of at least one function and / or operating state of the device 10, in particular of the functional unit 16, via the operating unit 20 and / or the antenna unit 24. Preferably, a radiation area of ​​the antenna unit 24 extends in a bell-shaped or conical shape from the resonator plate 30 in the main radiation direction 48. Preferably, the radiation area of ​​the antenna unit 24 extends at least largely from the main extension plane 44 of the resonator plate 30 to a side pointing in the main radiation direction 48.

[0031] In Figure 2A schematic exploded diagram of the user interface device 12 is shown. The user interface device 12 comprises an electronics unit 52 for supplying, evaluating, and / or controlling the operating unit 20 and the antenna unit 24. In particular, the electronics unit 52 is connected to a power supply network via a power supply of the device 10. However, it is also conceivable for the electronics unit 52 to be self-sufficient or to have its own power connection. The electronics unit 52 is arranged on the base plate 28 on a side of the base plate 28 facing away from the resonator plate 30. The user interface device 12, in particular the operating unit 20, the antenna unit 24, and the electronics unit 52, are together designed as a multi-layer system, wherein the base plate 28 and the resonator plate 30 each form a single layer.The electronics unit 52 forms two layers 54, 56, in particular a component layer 56 and a conductor layer 54. The conductor layer 56 comprises a plurality of conductor tracks for connecting electrical and / or electronic components of the user interface device 12. In particular, the individual layers 54, 56 of the electronics unit 52 are each designed as flex circuit boards. The electronics unit 52, in particular the layers 54, 56 of the electronics unit 52, each delimit cutouts 42, which, in particular viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane 44 of the resonator plate 30, are each arranged one above the other at least substantially congruent with one of the cutouts 38 delimited by the resonator plate 30 and with one of the cutouts 40 delimited by the base plate 28.In particular, the recesses 42 defined by the electronics unit 52, viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane 44, 46 of the base plate 28 and / or the resonator plate 30, are each at least substantially identical to the individual recesses 38 defined by the resonator plate 30 and the individual recesses 40 defined by the base plate 28. Alternative configurations of the electronics unit 52 are also conceivable, in particular without recesses 42, wherein, for example, the operating interface elements 32, 34, 36 each rest on or abut against the electronics unit 52.

[0032] The user interface device 12, in particular the antenna unit 24 and / or the electronics unit 52, comprises a feed element 58, which is in particular arranged at least partially between the base plate 28 and the resonator plate 30. The feed element 58 is designed as a wire. However, other configurations of the feed element 58 are also conceivable, as are configurations of the user interface device 12 with more than one feed element 58. The base plate 28 and the electronics unit 52 delimit a feedthrough 60, wherein the feed element 58 extends from the electronics unit 52 through the feedthrough 60. The electronics unit 52 is preferably configured to supply the antenna unit 24 and the operating unit 20, in particular the operating interface elements 32, 34, 36, with electrical energy.

[0033] The base plate 28 and the resonator plate 30 are each plate-shaped, wherein in particular two largest outer surfaces 62 of the base plate 28 and the resonator plate 30 are each at least substantially planar and parallel to one another. The base plate 28 completely delimits the recesses 40 delimited by the base plate 28 in the main extension plane 46 of the base plate 28. The resonator plate 30 completely delimits the recesses 38 delimited by the resonator plate 30 in the main extension plane 44 of the resonator plate 30. Recesses 38 delimited by the resonator plate 30 are preferably arranged at a distance from outer edges 64 of the resonator plate 30, viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane 44 of the resonator plate 30. Preferably, recesses 40 delimited by the base plate 28 are arranged at a distance from outer edges 66 of the base plate 28, viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane 46 of the base plate 28.

[0034] The recesses 38, 40 defined by the base plate 28 and the resonator plate 30 are arranged at least substantially uniformly distributed on the base plate 28 and the resonator plate 30. The recesses 38, 40, 42 each have a round, in particular circular, cross-sectional area when viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane 44, 46 of the base plate 28 and / or the resonator plate 30, which extends in particular at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane 44, 46 of the base plate 28 and / or the resonator plate 30. The recesses 40 delimited by the base plate 28 and the recesses 38 delimited by the resonator plate 30 are each arranged one behind the other or one behind the other when viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane 44, 46 of the base plate 28 and / or the resonator plate 30 and / or along an axis aligned perpendicular to the main extension plane 44, 46 of the base plate 28 and / or the resonator plate 30.arranged on top of each other.The recesses 40 delimited by the base plate 28 and the recesses 38 delimited by the resonator plate 30 are each arranged perpendicularly to the main extension plane 44, 46 of the base plate 28 and / or the resonator plate 30 and / or along an axis oriented perpendicularly to the main extension plane 44, 46 of the base plate 28 and / or the resonator plate 30 in such a way that the cross-sectional areas of the individual recesses 40 delimited by the base plate 28 and the individual recesses 38 delimited by the resonator plate 30 are identical in shape and size when viewed along the axis oriented perpendicularly to the main extension plane 44, 46 of the base plate 28 and / or the resonator plate 30, wherein the cross-sectional areas of each two of the individual recesses 38, 40, 42 preferably differ by at most 8%, preferably at most 5% and preferably at most 3%, of an average area of ​​the cross-sectional areas.Preferably, the recesses 38, 40 each extend along a complete thickness 68, 70 of the resonator plate 30 or the base plate 28 (see . Figure 4 ) have an at least substantially identical cross-sectional area. The base plate 28 and the resonator plate 30 each have an at least substantially rectangular base area 72, 74, which is in particular formed parallel to the main extension plane 44, 46 of the base plate 28 or the resonator plate 30. The recesses 38, 40 are arranged on the base plate 28 and the resonator plate 30 in a periodic grid pattern aligned at least substantially parallel to outer edges 64, 66 of the base plate 28 and / or the resonator plate 30, as viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane 44, 46 of the base plate 28 and / or the resonator plate 30.

[0035] The recesses 38, 40 extend along an axis aligned at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane 44, 46 of the base plate 28 and / or the resonator plate 30 from an outer side of the resonator plate 30 facing away from the base plate 28 at least as far as the electronics unit 52 (cf. also Figure 4 ). The operating interface elements 32, 34, 36 of the operating unit 20, in particular the two operating interface elements 32, the further operating interface element 34 and the other operating interface element 36, are each arranged on the electronics unit 52 and / or connected to the electronics unit 52, in particular in an assembled state of the user interface device 12.

[0036] In Figure 3a schematic plan view of the user interface device 12 is shown, in particular against the main radiation direction 48 of the antenna unit 24. In particular, the main extension planes 44, 46 of the base plate 28 and the resonator plate 30 extend parallel to the image plane of the Figure 3 . In particular, the electronic unit 52 is in Figure 3arranged entirely behind the base plate 28. The operating interface elements 32, 34, 36 of the operating unit 20, in particular the two operating interface elements 32, the further operating interface element 34 and the other operating interface element 36, are each arranged in and / or on one of the recesses 38, 40, 42 at a distance from the base plate 28 and the resonator plate 30, in particular the inner surfaces 76 of the base plate 28 and the resonator plate 30 delimiting the recesses 38, 40.The operating interface elements 32, 34, 36 of the operating unit 20, in particular the two operating interface elements 32, the further operating interface element 34 and the other operating interface element 36, are preferably each arranged within a close region of an inner surface 76 of the base plate 28 or the resonator plate 30 that delimits one of the recesses 38, 40, wherein the close region of the respective inner surface 76 extends in particular within a maximum of 2 cm, preferably a maximum of 1 cm and preferably a maximum of 0.5 cm, around the inner surface 76 that delimits the respective recess 38, 40.

[0037] The operating interface elements 32, 34, 36 are each arranged at a distance from the resonator plate 30 and at a distance from the base plate 28. The operating interface elements 32, 34, 36 are each electrically insulated from the resonator plate 30 and the base plate 28. In particular, the operating interface elements 32, 34, 36 are each arranged entirely within a recess 38, 40, 42 and at a distance from the base plate 28 and / or the resonator plate 30, as viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane 44, 46 of the base plate 28 and / or the resonator plate 30.Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the antenna unit 24 and / or the operating unit 20 comprises at least one insulating element for electrically insulating the individual operating interface elements 32, 34, 36 from the resonator plate 30 and / or the base plate 28, which is arranged in particular at least partially within a recess 38, 40 delimited by the resonator plate 30 and / or the base plate 28.

[0038] The resonator plate 30 has a maximum transverse extent 78 of at least 3 cm, preferably at least 5 cm, more preferably at least 7 cm, and particularly preferably at least substantially 11.5 cm, at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane 44 of the resonator plate 30. A maximum extent 80 of the resonator plate 30 oriented perpendicular to the maximum transverse extent 78 of the resonator plate 30 and parallel to the main extension plane 44 of the resonator plate 30 is at least 3 cm, preferably at least 5 cm, more preferably at least 7 cm, and very particularly preferably at least substantially 8 cm. In particular, the resonator plate 30 is at least substantially rectangular when viewed in the main extension plane 44 of the resonator plate 30. The resonator plate 30 has an at least substantially rectangular base area 72. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the base area 72 of the resonator plate 30 to be square.Alternatively, it is conceivable for the resonator plate 30 to have an at least substantially round, in particular elliptical or circular, base surface 72. The base plate 28 has a base surface 74 which is at least larger than the base surface 72 of the resonator plate 30. The base plate 28 has, at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane 46 of the base plate 28, a maximum transverse extension 82 of at least 4 cm, preferably at least 8 cm, more preferably at least 12 cm, more preferably at least 14 cm, and most preferably at least substantially 15.5 cm. A maximum extension of the base plate 28 oriented perpendicular to the maximum transverse extension 82 of the base plate 28 and parallel to the main extension plane 46 of the base plate 28 is also at least substantially 15.5 cm.In particular, the base plate 28 is at least substantially rectangular when viewed in the main extension plane 46 of the base plate 28, with the base surface 74 of the base plate 28 being square. The base plate 28 is preferably provided to at least partially shield the resonator plate 30 from interfering influences, for example, from interference fields or from metallic components of the device 10 or in an environment which, in particular as viewed from the resonator plate 30, are arranged behind the base plate 28, in particular in a direction opposite to the main radiation direction 48.The recesses 38, 40, 42, which are delimited in particular by the base plate 28, by the resonator plate 30 and / or by the electronics unit 52, each have a maximum transverse extent 86 of at least 8 mm, preferably at least 10 mm and preferably at least 12 mm, parallel to the main extension plane 44, 46 of the base plate 28 and / or the resonator plate 30. The recesses each have a circular base area whose diameter corresponds to the maximum transverse extent 86, in particular at least 8 mm, preferably at least 10 mm and preferably at least 12 mm. The maximum transverse extent 86 of the individual recesses 38, 40, 42 is at most 30 mm, preferably at most 20 mm and preferably at most 15 mm.

[0039] The recesses 38 defined by the resonator plate 30 are each arranged entirely within an edge region 88 of the resonator plate 30, in particular when viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane 44 of the resonator plate 30, which edge region 88 extends, in particular, within a maximum distance 90 of at most 30 mm, preferably at most 25 mm, and preferably at most 20 mm, from at least one outer edge 64 of the resonator plate 30, in particular the base area 72 of the resonator plate 30. A minimum distance 90 of the recesses 38 defined by the resonator plate 30 from the outer edges 64 of the resonator plate 30, in particular the base area 72 of the resonator plate 30, in particular when viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane 44 of the resonator plate 30, is at least 4 mm, preferably at least 6 mm, and preferably at least 8 mm.A ratio between the minimum distance 90 of the recesses 38 delimited by the resonator plate 30 to an outer edge 64 of the resonator plate 30, in particular the base area 72 of the resonator plate 30, and a / the maximum transverse extent of the resonator plate 30, in particular the base area 72 of the resonator plate 30, extending along the outer edge 64, is at least 0.06, preferably at least 0.07 and preferably at least 0.075. Preferably, an area of ​​the base area of ​​the recesses 38, 40 delimited by the resonator plate 30 and / or the base plate 28, viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane 44, 46 of the resonator plate 30 and / or the base plate 28, is in each case at most 300 mm 2< , preferably at most 200 mm 2< and preferably at most 120 mm 2< .The recesses 38 defined by the resonator plate 30 are formed such that a ratio between the base area 72 of the resonator plate 30 and a base area of ​​each of the recesses 38 defined by the resonator plate 30 is at least 75, preferably at least 78, and preferably at least 80. In particular, the base areas 72, 74 of the resonator plate 30 and / or the base plate 28 each comprise base areas of the recesses 38, 40 defined by the resonator plate 30 and / or the base plate 28.

[0040] The user interface device 12 comprises an at least substantially non-conductive user interface element 92, which is arranged at a distance from the resonator plate 30, in particular via the base plate 28, on a side of the resonator plate 30 facing away from the base plate 28 (see also Figure 4 or Figure 1 ). The user interface element 92 is particularly in the Figure 3shown transparently and in the Figure 3 shown view in front of the resonator plate 30. The user interface element 92 is preferably formed as a partial outer wall 18 of the housing unit 14 of the device 10 (cf. Figure 1 ). The user interface element 92 is preferably flat or plate-shaped and arranged parallel to the resonator plate 30. In particular, an inner surface 94 of the user interface element 92 facing the resonator plate 30 (cf. Figure 4 ) parallel to the resonator plate 30, in particular the main extension plane 44 of the resonator plate 30.

[0041] The user interface device 12 comprises four support elements 96 (see also Figure 4), which are provided for fixing, in particular fastening, the user interface element 92 to the base plate 28 at a distance from the resonator plate 30. The support elements 96 are arranged on the base plate 28 and the user interface element 92, evenly distributed around the resonator plate 30. The support elements 96 are each arranged at a distance from the resonator plate 30. The support elements 96 are arranged on the base plate 28 in a region 98 of the base plate 28 that extends beyond the resonator plate 30, as viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane 46 of the base plate 28. In particular, the support elements 96 are connected to the user interface element 92 and the base plate 28 via an adhesive connection. In particular, the support elements 96 are formed from an at least substantially non-conductive material.

[0042] In Figure 4A schematic side view of the user interface device 12 is shown. A gap 100 is arranged between the base plate 28 and the resonator plate 30. In particular, the base plate 28 and the resonator plate 30 are spaced apart from one another across the gap 100. In particular, the user interface device 12 comprises at least one holding unit, e.g., designed as a frame, for fixing the resonator plate 30 (not shown in the figures). Preferably, the recesses 38, 40, 42 each extend along an axis oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane 44, 46 of the base plate 28 and / or the resonator plate 30 across the gap 100 on the outer side of the resonator plate 30 facing away from the base plate 28, at least as far as the electronics unit 52.The intermediate space 100 connects the recesses 38 defined by the resonator plate 30 with the recesses 40 defined by the base plate 28. In particular, the intermediate space 100 is filled with a printed circuit board material or another non-conductive material. Preferably, the operating interface elements 32, 34, 36 of the operating unit 20, in particular the two operating interface elements 32, the further operating interface element 34, and the other operating interface element 36, are fixed to the electronics unit 52. The operating interface elements 32, 34, 36 of the operating unit 20, in particular the two operating interface elements 32, the further operating interface element 34, and the other operating interface element 36, are each electrically and / or electronically connected to the electronics unit 52.The operating interface elements 32, 34, 36 of the operating unit 20, in particular the two operating interface elements 32, the further operating interface element 34 and the other operating interface element 36, are each arranged at least partially in a recess 42 delimited by the electronics unit 52.

[0043] The resonator plate 30 and the base plate 28 have a minimum distance 102 from each other of at least 1.6 mm, preferably at least 1.8 mm, and preferably at least 2 mm, perpendicular to the main extension plane 44, 46 of the base plate 28 and / or the resonator plate 30. The resonator plate 30 and the base plate 28 each have a thickness 68, 70 of at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm, and preferably at least 1.4 mm, particularly perpendicular to the main extension plane 44, 46 of the base plate 28 and / or the resonator plate 30. Other configurations of the resonator plate 30 and / or the base plate 28 are also conceivable, for example, with thicknesses 68, 70 that differ from one another.In particular, a maximum height 106 of the individual recesses 38, 40, in particular delimited by the base plate 28 and / or the resonator plate 30, corresponds to a thickness 68, 70 of the resonator plate 30 delimiting the respective recess 38, 40 or of the base plate 28. A maximum thickness 110 of the user interface unit 12, in particular of the antenna unit 24, the operating unit 20 and the electronics unit 52 together, preferably without the user interface element 92, is at most 4 cm, preferably at most 3 cm and preferably at most 2 cm.

[0044] A minimum distance 108, oriented perpendicular to the main extension plane 44 of the resonator plate 30, between the user interface element 92 and the resonator plate 30 is at most 2 mm, preferably at most 1.5 mm, and preferably at most 1 mm. A gap extending over the distance 108 between the resonator plate 30 and the user interface element 92 is preferably filled with air or another, in particular at least substantially non-conductive, gas / gas mixture. The user interface elements 32, 34, 36 of the user interface unit 20 are each arranged on the user interface element 92. The user interface elements 32, 34, 36 of the user interface unit 20 are each provided to interact with a user 37 via the user interface element 92. Preferably, the further operating interface element 34 is provided to output operating signals 22 to a user 37 through the operating interface element 92.In particular, the other user interface element 36 is provided to detect a gesture or a face of the user 37 in an area in front of the user interface element 92. Preferably, the two user interface elements 32 are provided to detect a touch of the user interface element 92 by the user 37 in an area of ​​the user interface element 92 comprising the individual user interface elements 32.

Claims

1. User interface apparatus for a device (10), having at least one operator control unit (20), in particular at least partially in the form of an operator control touch panel, for inputting and / or outputting input- and / or output-specific operator control signals (22), and having at least one antenna unit (24), in particular in the form of a patch antenna, for wireless transmission of operator control signals (26), wherein the antenna unit (24) comprises at least one, in particular precisely one, base plate (28) and at least one, in particular precisely one, resonator plate (30) which is arranged at a distance from and parallel to the base plate (28), wherein the operator control unit (20) comprises at least one operator control interface element (32, 34, 36), wherein the base plate (28) and the resonator plate (30) each delimit at least one cutout (38, 40), which cutouts are arranged at least partially one above the other as viewed perpendicularly to a principal plane of extent (44, 46) of the base plate (28) and / or the resonator plate (30) and each extend over a complete thickness (68, 70) of the resonator plate (30) and / or the base plate (28), characterized in that the at least one operator control interface element (32, 34, 36) is arranged at least partially, in particular at least for the most part, in and / or at at least one of the cutouts (38, 40) and at a distance from the base plate (28) and the resonator plate (30), in particular inner surfaces (76) of the base plate (28) and the resonator plate (30) that delimit the cutouts (38, 40).

2. User interface apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the base plate (28) completely delimits the at least one cutout (38, 40) in the principal plane of extent (46) of the base plate (28), and in that the resonator plate (30) completely delimits the at least one cutout (38, 40) in the principal plane of extent (44) of the resonator plate (30).

3. User interface apparatus according to either of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one electronics unit (52) for supplying power, evaluating and / or controlling the operator control unit (20) and the antenna unit (24), wherein the electronics unit (52) is arranged on the base plate (28) on a side of the base plate (28) facing away from the resonator plate (30).

4. User interface apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that the cutouts (38, 40) extend along an axis oriented at least substantially perpendicularly to the principal plane of extent (44, 46) of the base plate (28) and / or the resonator plate (30) alongside each other from an outer side of the resonator plate (30) facing away from base plate (28) at least up to the electronics unit (52), wherein the at least one operator control interface element (32, 34, 36) is arranged on the electronics unit (52) and / or connected to the electronics unit (52).

5. User interface apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that the operator control unit (20), the electronics unit (52) and the antenna unit (24) together are in the form of a multi-layer system, wherein the base plate (28) and the resonator plate (30) each form a single layer, wherein the electronics unit (52) is in the form of at least one layer (54, 56).

6. User interface apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the resonator plate (30) has a maximum transverse extent (78) of at least 3 cm at least substantially parallel to the principal plane of extent (44) of the resonator plate (30).

7. User interface apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the resonator plate (30) and the base plate (28) each delimit a plurality of cutouts (38, 40), wherein a cutout (38, 40) delimited by the resonator plate (30) and a cutout (38, 40) delimited by the base plate (28) are each arranged at least partially, preferably at least substantially congruently, one above the other as viewed perpendicularly to a principal plane of extent (44, 46) of the base plate (28) and / or the resonator plate (30), wherein the operator control unit (20) comprises a plurality of operator control interface elements (32, 34, 36), which are each arranged in and / or at one of the cutouts (38, 40), wherein the cutouts (38, 40) are arranged on the base plate (28) and the resonator plate (30) in an at least substantially uniformly distributed manner.

8. User interface apparatus according to Claim 7, characterized in that the base plate (28) and the resonator plate (30) each have an at least substantially rectangular base surface (72, 74), wherein the cutouts (38, 40) are arranged in a periodic grid pattern oriented at least substantially parallel to edges (64, 66) of the base plate (28) and / or the resonator plate (30) as viewed perpendicularly to a principal plane of extent (44, 46) of the base plate (28) and / or the resonator plate (30).

9. User interface apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one at least substantially non-conductive operator control surface element (92), which is arranged at a distance from the resonator plate (30), in particular over the base plate (28), on a side of the resonator plate (30) facing away from the base plate (28).

10. Device, in particular thermal device, having at least one user interface apparatus (12) according to any of the preceding claims.

11. Device according to Claim 10, characterized by at least one housing unit (14), which comprises at least one at least substantially non-conductive outer wall (18), wherein the user interface apparatus (12) is arranged in a region of the outer wall (18) on an inner side of the housing unit (14), in particular the outer wall (18), wherein the outer wall (18) is preferably arranged at a distance from the resonator plate (30) on a side of the resonator plate (30) facing away from the base plate (28).