Abstract: A capacitive proximity and/or contact sensor has an electrically conductive plastic body, which is disposed between an electrically insulating cover plate and an electrically conductive contact surface of a carrier plate disposed at a distance therefrom. The contact surface can be connected to a gating circuit, through which a change in a capacitance of a condenser formed by the cover plate, the plastic body and the contact surface as a result of proximity and/or contact of a contact region of the cover plate by an element, having a potential different to the potential of the contact surface, can be ascertained and evaluated. The plastic body is configured as a plug-in and/or clamp part and by plugging-in or clipping on the or by clamping on the carrier plate is connected form lockingly and/or force lockingly to the latter and thus to the contact surface.

Abstract: A capacitive proximity and/or contact sensor has an electrically conductive plastic body, which is disposed between an electrically insulating cover plate and an electrically conductive contact surface of a carrier plate disposed at a distance therefrom. The contact surface can be connected to a gating circuit, through which a change in a capacitance of a condenser formed by the cover plate, the plastic body and the contact surface as a result of proximity and/or contact of a contact region of the cover plate by an element, having a potential different to the potential of the contact surface, can be ascertained and evaluated. The plastic body is configured as a plug-in and/or clamp part and by plugging-in or clipping on the or by clamping on the carrier plate is connected form lockingly and/or force lockingly to the latter and thus to the contact surface.

Abstract: A method for driving appliances and a household appliance for operating two household appliances includes connecting a first household appliance to an electrical wall outlet and disposing an appliance plug receptacle inside the first household appliance, for example, an ironing dummy. The second household appliance, for example, a pressing iron is plugged into the plug receptacle. To prevent an overloading of the electrical mains, a regulating unit disposed inside the first household appliance regulates the current consumption of at least one of these household appliances.

Abstract: A device detects properties of a textile in appliances for treating textiles is provided. The device is fitted into the appliance. Examples of appliances with which the device can be used include washing machines, laundry dryers, spin dryers, machines for dry cleaning, and machines for dying textiles. The device includes sending element and a receiving element respectively for sending and receiving electromagnetic radiation. The receiving element is connected to an evaluation circuit. The evaluation circuit evaluates the radiation reflected and/or transmitted by the textile to render properties and composition of the textile and filling level of the appliance.

Abstract: A method for driving appliances and a household appliance for operating two household appliances includes connecting a first household appliance to an electrical wall outlet and disposing an appliance plug receptacle inside the first household appliance, for example, an ironing dummy. The second household appliance, for example, a pressing iron is plugged into the plug receptacle. To prevent an overloading of the electrical mains, a regulating unit disposed inside the first household appliance regulates the current consumption of at least one of these household appliances.

Abstract: A device detects properties of a textile in appliances for treating textiles is provided. The device is fitted into the appliance. Examples of appliances with which the device can be used include washing machines, laundry dryers, spin dryers, machines for dry cleaning, and machines for dying textiles. The device includes sending element and a receiving element respectively for sending and receiving electromagnetic radiation. The receiving element is connected to an evaluation circuit. The evaluation circuit evaluates the radiation reflected and/or transmitted by the textile to render properties and composition of the textile and filling level of the appliance.