Abstract: A capacitive proximity switch has an electrically conductive sensor surface, which is covered by an electrically non-conductive covering plate and which serves as a part of a capacitor with a capacitance that varies with proximity. The proximity switch includes a reference sensor surface for generating a reference signal for determining an actuation state of the proximity switch. Signal portions of the reference signal are proportional to the capacitance of a reference capacitor formed with the reference sensor surface, and the capacitance of the reference capacitor is determined by surrounding conditions of the sensor surface.

Abstract: A capacitive proximity switch has an electrically conductive sensor surface, which is covered by an electrically non-conductive covering plate and which serves as a part of a capacitor with a capacitance that varies with proximity. A household appliance is equipped with a proximity switch of this type. The sensor surface has an active shielding, which is formed by a shielding surface to which a clock signal is applied at the same time as it is applied to the sensor surface.

Abstract: A capacitive and/or touch-sensitive switch has an electroconductive body which is disposed between an electrically insulating covering plate and a carrier plate disposed at a distance from the covering plate, and can be elastically deformed in the spacing direction. The electroconductive body is applied to the lower side of the covering plate with the upper end thereof, defining a sensor surface, and to an electroconductive contact of the carrier plate with the lower end thereof. The electroconductive body is a pressure spring wound out of an elongated body.

Abstract: A capacitive and/or touch-sensitive switch has an electroconductive body which is disposed between an electrically insulating covering plate and a carrier plate disposed at a distance from the covering plate, and can be elastically deformed in the spacing direction. The electroconductive body is applied to the lower side of the covering plate with the upper end thereof, defining a sensor surface, and to an electroconductive contact of the carrier plate with the lower end thereof. The electroconductive body is a pressure spring wound out of an elongated body.