Capacitative incremental encoder and household device with such an encoder

摘要

The sensor (4) has three groups of individual sensor surfaces (7) which are connected with each other in an electrically conductive manner. The sensor surfaces are covered by an electrically insulating cover plate and are a part of a capacitor with a capacitance that varies with contact. The groups are connected with a voltage source in an electrically conductive manner such that a voltage signal is applied to the groups. The groups are connected with a switching circuit (14) such that an output signal is evaluated for the groups to determine an operating condition of the sensor.