Device and process for touch and proximity detection

摘要

The invention relates to a device for touch/proximity detection, especially a capacitive switch device, which is designed to set switching states by approaching the switch device or by touching the switch device, in order to perform, for example, switching actions on an instrument. The invention also relates to a switch device, especially a switch device on a capacitive basis, for a cooktop, for operating the cooktop.

主权项

1. A device for touch/proximity detection, comprising
a detection unit comprising a generator outputting a signal for generating an electric field, an electrode structure having at least one detector electrode and at least one auxiliary electrode arranged at a predetermined distance from the detector electrode, and a first modulator coupled between the at least one detector electrode and the generator and receiving said signal, wherein the first modulator modulates the signal depending on a capacitive coupling of said detector electrode and an approaching object, a second modulator coupled between the at least one auxiliary electrode and the generator and receiving said signal, wherein the second modulator modulates the signal depending on a capacitive coupling of said auxiliary electrode and the approaching object; and wherein the detection unit further comprises a detector for detecting a change of the modulation generated by said first and second modulator.