DE102019124363B4 - Device for measuring humidity using L-shaped electrodes - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (100) for measuring humidity, comprising at least one sensor (1) for measuring humidity, the sensor (1) having at least one capacitor (20) with at least two electrodes (10, 11) which are oriented in a horizontal direction (H1 ) are arranged relative to one another along and on a flexible carrier material (13), at least one dielectric layer (4) being arranged in a transverse direction (Q1) between the electrodes (10, 11), characterized in thaton one of the carrier material (13) On the side facing away from at least one electrode (10, 11) and/or the dielectric layer (4), at least one at least partially liquid-permeable and/or liquid-absorbing moisture layer (3) is arranged at least in places, with the at least one electrode (10, 11) and/or or the dielectric layer (4) in the transverse direction (Q1) between the substrate (13) and the moisture layer (3) are arranged so that a capacitance through the The liquid that at least partially hits the dielectric layer (4) changes at least partially, with a processing unit (5) being set up and provided for measuring and/or storing this change, so that a capacitive humidity sensor is created, and further with the two electrodes (10 , 11) are different from a comb-like structure with several isolated teeth, wherein a separation distance (TRD) of the two electrodes (10, 11) from respectively adjacent bars of different electrodes (10, 11) in the horizontal direction (H1) is greater than 5 microns is.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for measuring humidity and a method for measuring humidity, comprising the respective preambles of patent claims 1 and 8.

the US 2009/0 271 076 A1 shows an occupant detection system comprising an electrode in communication with a detector circuit that detects the impedance of the electrode and environmental conditions, such as. B. humidity or moisture, based on the impedance measurement compensated. Such environmental conditions may affect the ability of the occupant detection system to detect the presence and/or size of an occupant. Typically, environmental conditions change the impedance of the electrode. Impedance is determined by measuring a frequency response of the electrode. The measured frequency response is compared to predetermined frequency response values that correspond to known environmental conditions. The environmental condition can be detected by comparing the peak frequency response or the average frequency response with a look-up table.

the DE 10 2018 117 349 A1 relates to a device for measuring pressure and/or humidity, and a method for measuring pressure and/or humidity. The device comprises at least one sensor for measuring pressure and/or humidity, the sensor comprising at least one capacitor with at least two electrodes which are arranged in relation to one another, in particular in a horizontal direction along and on a, in particular flexible, carrier material. At least one dielectric layer is arranged between the electrodes. The invention is characterized in that at least one electrode and/or the dielectric layer, at least one at least partially liquid-permeable and/or liquid-absorbing moisture layer is arranged at least in places on a side facing away from a carrier material. In this case, the at least one electrode and/or the dielectric layer are therefore arranged in a transverse direction between the carrier material and the moisture layer. A capacitance changes at least partially as a result of the liquid at least partially impinging on the dielectric layer, with a processing unit being set up and provided for measuring and/or storing this change, so that a capacitive moisture sensor is produced.

WO 2006/040781 A2 shows a sensor for measuring at least one physical variable, comprising at least one capacitive cell which, in use, varies an associated electrical parameter as a function of the physical variable; the capacitive cell comprising at least a first layer of dielectric or insulating compressible elastic material having first and second external contact surfaces on opposite sides, and at least a first plate coated with a film of paint or ink in compressible and electrically conductive, elastic material, which is applied directly to the first contact surface of the first layer.

The device according to the invention for measuring moisture comprises at least one sensor for measuring moisture, the sensor comprising at least one capacitor with at least two electrodes which are arranged, in particular in a horizontal direction, along and on a, in particular flexible, carrier material in relation to one another. at least one dielectric layer being arranged between the electrodes.

The two electrodes can be arranged in the same plane. For example, these two electrodes are the only electrodes arranged in the same plane. In a stacked embodiment as described later, for example, pairs of electrodes arranged one above the other are then present. The electrodes of a sensor (that is to say of the same sensor) preferably do not overlap in a plane in relation to the arrangement (horizontal plane) of two electrodes (which form a capacitor). The two electrodes can therefore, in at least one embodiment, be arranged next to one another exclusively in the horizontal plane and preferably also at the same height.

The horizontal direction is preferably a main extension direction of the flexible carrier material.

In this context, "flexible" means that the carrier material is at least partially flexible and therefore elastic.

In particular, the carrier material can be a woven fabric or some other clothing fabric, such as a polyester.

However, the carrier material can also be a carrier substrate, for example a semiconductor substrate, which is flexible at least in places. In the context of the invention, however, no piece of furniture, such as a table or a bed, can be considered as the carrier material. This is because, among other things, this furniture is not considered to be flexible within the meaning of the invention see are. In the context of the invention, these are rather static, non-flexible objects.

For example, the carrier material is different from paper or cardboard. It was found that paper and cardboard as carrier material are difficult to handle and not very dimensionally stable. In addition, paper and cardboard absorb at least some of the moisture. The entire sensor described here, and in particular also the entire device described here, is preferably free of paper and cardboard-based materials.

The dielectric layer thus spaces the two electrodes in a horizontal direction and/or in a transverse direction perpendicular thereto.

According to the invention, at least one electrode and/or the dielectric layer is arranged at least in places on a side facing away from the carrier material, at least one at least partially liquid-permeable and/or liquid-absorbing moisture layer, the at least one electrode and/or dielectric layer thus being in a transverse direction between the carrier material and the moisture layer are arranged such that a capacitance is at least partially changed by the liquid at least partially impinging on the dielectric layer, a processing unit being set up and provided for measuring and/or storing this change, resulting in a capacitive moisture sensor.

The two electrodes are preferably different from a comb-like structure with a plurality of individual teeth.

In principle, a capacitive humidity sensor is a capacitor whose dielectric preferably consists of a hygroscopic polymer layer that absorbs (absorbs) or releases (desorbs) moisture according to the humidity of the ambient air until a state of equilibrium (diffusion gradient = 0) is reached. The dielectric constant of the polymer material changes as a function of the moisture content.

The task of the processing unit is, among other things, to determine the relative humidity as precisely as possible, preferably also from a measured ambient temperature and the humidity-dependent capacitance value of the sensor.

According to at least one embodiment, the device for measuring moisture comprises at least one sensor for measuring moisture, the sensor comprising at least one capacitor with at least two electrodes which are arranged in particular in a horizontal direction along and on an in particular flexible carrier material to one another, wherein at least one dielectric layer is arranged between the electrodes.

According to the invention, at least one electrode and/or dielectric layer is arranged at least in places on a side facing away from the carrier material, at least one at least partially liquid-permeable and/or liquid-absorbing layer (=moisture layer), the at least one electrode and/or dielectric layer thus being located in the transverse direction between the carrier material and the moisture layer are arranged, so that a capacitance is at least partially changed by the liquid at least partially impinging on the dielectric layer, a processing unit being set up and provided for measuring and/or storing this change, so that a capacitive humidity sensor is created.

The moisture layer can be formed with a dielectric material. The material of the moisture layer can be different from the material of the water-impermeable layer.

The sensor and/or the processing unit can be supplied with electrical energy by means of a battery or a landline power supply.

As an alternative or in addition, it is possible to generate electrical energy to supply the sensor and/or processing unit by means of what is known as “energy harvesting”.

Energy harvesting is the term used to describe the extraction of small amounts of electrical energy from sources such as ambient temperature, vibration or air currents for low-power mobile devices. The structures used for this are also referred to as nanogenerators. Energy Harvesting eliminates the limitations of wired power supplies or batteries in wireless technologies.

• • Piezoelektrische Kristalle erzeugen bei Krafteinwirkung, beispielsweise durch Druck oder Vibration, elektrische Spannungen. Diese Kristalle können an oder auf dem Trägermaterial angeordnet sein.
• • Thermoelektrische Generatoren und pyroelektrische Kristalle gewinnen aus Temperaturunterschieden elektrische Energie. Diese Generatoren können an oder auf dem Trägermaterial angeordnet sein.
• • Über Antennen kann die Energie von Radiowellen, eine Form von elektromagnetischer Strahlung, aufgefangen und energetisch verwendet werden. Ein Beispiel dafür sind die passiven RFIDs. Diese Antennen können an oder auf dem Trägermaterial angeordnet sein.
• • Photovoltaik, elektrische Energie aus der Umgebungsbeleuchtung.
• • Osmose.

Possibilities of energy harvesting:

• • Piezoelectric crystals generate electrical voltages when force is applied, for example through pressure or vibration. These crystals can be arranged on or on the carrier material.
• • Thermoelectric generators and pyroelectric crystals generate electrical energy from temperature differences. These genes generators can be arranged on or on the carrier material.
• • The energy of radio waves, a form of electromagnetic radiation, can be captured via antennas and used for energy. Passive RFIDs are an example of this. These antennas can be arranged on or on the carrier material.
• • Photovoltaics, electrical energy from ambient lighting.
• • Osmosis.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sensor is also a capacitive pressure sensor, with the processing unit also being set up and provided for measuring and/or storing a change in capacitance of the capacitor caused by external pressure.

Basically, a capacitive sensor is a sensor that works on the basis of the change in the electrical capacitance of an individual capacitor or a capacitor system. The capacitance can be influenced by the variable to be detected in various ways, which is primarily determined by the intended use.

• - Eine Platte wird durch den zu messenden Effekt verschoben und/oder verformt, wodurch sich der Plattenabstand und damit die elektrische messbare Kapazität ändern.
• - Die Platten sind starr und die Kapazität an sich ändert sich dadurch, dass ein elektrisch leitendes Material oder ein Dielektrikum in unmittelbare Nähe gebracht wird.
• - Die wirksame Plattenfläche ändert sich, indem die Platten wie bei einem Drehkondensator gegeneinander verschoben werden.

A capacitive sensor is based, among other things, on the fact that two electrodes, one of which can be the surface to be measured, form the "plates" of an electrical capacitor whose capacitance or change in capacitance is measured, which can be influenced as follows:

• - A plate is displaced and/or deformed by the effect to be measured, which changes the distance between the plates and thus the electrical capacitance that can be measured.
• - The plates are rigid and the capacitance itself changes by bringing an electrically conductive material or dielectric in close proximity.
• - The effective plate area changes as the plates are shifted against each other like in a variable capacitor.

In order to be able to detect even small changes better, the actual measuring electrode can often be surrounded by a shielding electrode, which shields the inhomogeneous edge area of the electric field from the measuring electrode. This results in an approximately parallel electric field with the known characteristic of a ideal plate capacitor.

A capacitive pressure sensor is in particular one in which the change in capacitance as a result of the deflection of a membrane and the resulting change in the distance between the plates is evaluated as a sensor effect. For example, the membrane is the above-mentioned dielectric or the individual capacitor electrodes, which can be designed in particular in the form of a plate. In other words, in such an embodiment, a capacitive humidity sensor is combined with a capacitive pressure sensor in a new way, but without these components forming separate elements or two separate sensors, rather the present embodiment is a “two in one “ concept, in which the same sensor acts both as a humidity sensor and as a pressure sensor.
In accordance with at least one embodiment, at least one of the electrodes is L-shaped, that is to say only in each case with only two bars which run perpendicularly to one another within the horizontal direction and which touch one another in an electrically conductive manner.

According to the invention, a separation distance of the two electrodes from respectively adjacent beams of different electrodes in the horizontal direction is larger than 5 microns. It was recognized that above this value, a particularly simple application is possible, for example by printing and/or as part of the thin-layer process. Lower values led to high production costs due to the high resolution requirements.

According to at least one embodiment, the separation distance in the horizontal direction between adjacent bars of different electrodes varies in the horizontal direction and is therefore not constant. This can mean that at least one electrode is designed in a meandering manner within the horizontal plane of a sensor.

According to at least one embodiment, bars of different electrodes run at a predetermined angle to one another. For example, the angle is greater or less than 90 degrees. If the two electrodes are L-shaped, in such an embodiment the two electrodes are twisted relative to one another in the horizontal direction.

According to at least one embodiment, the carrier material is a woven fabric, in particular into which electrical conductor tracks for electrical contacting of the sensor and the processing unit are woven.

In the context of the invention, a woven fabric is therefore a fabric which woven manually or by machine on the basis of individual threads.

The electrical conductor tracks can therefore also be integrated in a fabric in addition to the usual fibers and fabric strands, or they can replace individual fabric strands that form the fabric network.

Depending on the distance and properties of the individual threads (twisted, bulky, etc.), very loose fabrics such as bandage fabrics or dense fabrics such as brocade fabric can be created. Fabrics are longitudinally elastic due to rubber threads used as warp threads (more tapes are used) or crimped and bulky yarns. They become tense, processed and contract when at rest. Bulky yarns consist of textured, i.e. crimped, synthetic fibers. The crimp changes the properties of the synthetic fibers. The yarns spun on it are very elastic and voluminous and have good thermal insulation.

For example, the carrier material can be part of a cover material for a seat, in particular a vehicle seat or an office chair. In this respect, the sensor, but preferably the entire device, can be applied to the cover material of such a seat or integrated into one.

For example, the processing unit is set up and intended to record the individual humidity and pressure values and to determine at least one respective characteristic value from a combination of the individual humidity and pressure values, from which it can be derived which individual (with weight and/or size ) just occupied the vehicle seat.

For example, a weight of the respective person can be derived and determined from the pressure measurement by the processing unit. The respective humidity which the respective person releases to the sensor can also be measured, with the respective characteristic value being, for example, a product of the relative humidity value times the load weight determined by the processing unit.

If such a characteristic value exceeds a corresponding limit value, the processing unit can issue a warning, in particular by means of a connection to the electronics of the vehicle. This warning may be that the seat is overcrowded or that the driver is perspiring excessively. However, this warning can also be replaced by a corresponding display as to which type of occupancy is using the seat. An occupancy type can be a weight classification of a respective user, or it can also be a matter of whether the user is an animal, a human being or an object. The processing unit can therefore preferably be integrated into display electronics of the vehicle, but at least can be connected to such.

For this purpose, it is conceivable that the processing unit connects to a receiving unit of the vehicle, for example via Bluetooth or another wireless connection, and the respective characteristic or limit value and/or the respective warning and/or the respective identification of the user is reproduced on a display of the vehicle will.

Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that these individual values and/or identifications can also be called up and/or displayed externally. For example, the car can be monitored for overcrowding by an external controller.

For example, the processing unit can be connected to a triggering unit of an airbag by means of a data connection, so that the processing unit can also control and/or regulate the triggering unit, in particular with regard to a triggering time of the airbag. Additionally and/or alternatively it is possible for the processing unit to supply a controller unit of the airbag with data, for example with regard to an occupancy type, position and/or weight of a user of the vehicle seat.

This data can lead to the deployment time and the deployment sequence of the airbag being adapted to the user, so that personal injury to the user is avoided.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, at least one electrode and/or dielectric layer is printed on the carrier material or on a particularly water-impermeable layer arranged on the carrier material or applied by means of a thin-layer process.

This means that at least one element, preferably both the electrode and the dielectric layer, is printed on the carrier material or on a preferably electrically non-conductive, more preferably water-impermeable layer applied between the sensor and the carrier material using a printing process.

The printing process can be an inkjet process, for example.

For example, the processing unit is applied to the substrate in the same way as the sensor. For this purpose, it is conceivable that the processing unit, but at least one, in particular conductive, layer of the processing unit is printed onto the carrier material, for example. The data communication between the processing unit and the sensor can then occur via the conductor tracks mentioned above. These conductor tracks can be at least partially, but preferably completely, woven into the woven fabric or even form individual fibers of the woven fabric itself.

For example, at least one electrode is designed to be flat. This means that the thickness of the electrode is negligible compared to its surface area. Such an electrode can therefore be produced in particular by means of a printing process.

As an alternative to this, a thickness of at least one electrode can be at most 5 mm. For this purpose, the printing process can be used several times, so that at least two, but preferably more, individual printed layers are stacked one on top of the other.

Furthermore, the electrode can also be arranged on the carrier material by means of a 3D printing process.

1. The FDM process (Fused Deposition Modeling)

Alternative designations: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), Fused Layer Modeling (FLM)

The process refers to the layer-by-layer application (extrusion) of a material through a hot nozzle. The consumable is in the form of a long wire (so-called filament) on a roll and is pushed by the conveyor unit into a print head, where it is melted and applied to a print bed. The print head and/or print bed can be moved in three directions. In this way, layers of plastic can be applied one on top of the other step by step.

2. The SLS process (Selective Laser Sintering)

In contrast to the sintering process, in which substances in powder form are bonded together under the influence of heat, this is done selectively in the SLS process using a laser (alternatively also an electron beam or infrared beam). So only a certain part of the powder is fused together.
A thin layer of powder is always applied to the print bed by the coating unit. The laser (or other energy source) is now aligned with pinpoint accuracy to individual areas of the powder layer in order to form the first layer of the print data. Here, the powder is melted or melted and then solidifies again through slight cooling. The unmelted powder remains around the sintered areas and serves as a support material. After a layer has solidified, the print bed lowers by a fraction of a millimeter. The coating unit now moves over the print bed and applies the next layer of powder. The second layer of print data is then sintered by the laser (or other energy source). This creates a three-dimensional object layer by layer.

3. Three Dimensional Printing (3DP)

The 3DP process works very similarly to selective laser sintering, but instead of using a directed energy source, a printhead moves over the powder. This releases tiny droplets of binder onto the underlying layers of powder, which are thus bonded together. Otherwise, this procedure is the same as the SLS procedure.

4. Stereolithography (SLA)

Instead of a plastic wire or printing material in powder form, liquid resins, so-called photopolymers, are used in the stereolithography process. They are hardened in layers by UV radiation and thus create three-dimensional objects. For this purpose, the construction platform in the Harz basin is gradually lowered. There are also variants (the so-called Polyjet process) without a whole tank of liquid resin. For this purpose, an epoxy resin is applied drop by drop from a nozzle and immediately cured by a UV laser.

5. Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)

Alternative designation: Layer Laminated Manufacturing (LLM)

The procedure is based neither on chemical reactions nor on a thermal process. It is cut along the contour with a separating tool (e.g. a knife or carbon dioxide laser), a foil or a plate (e.g. paper) and glued to one another in layers. By lowering the construction platform, a layered object is created from glued, superimposed foils.

One or more water-impermeable layers and/or also the moisture layer can be applied in the same type and/or thickness as the electrode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the moisture layer covers the capacitor completely.

This can mean that the moisture layer delimits and closes off the sensor to the outside, ie in the transverse direction, so that the sensor is arranged between the moisture layer and the carrier material.

According to at least one embodiment, the sensor has at least one additional capacitor, which is arranged in the transverse direction below or above the capacitor and spaced apart from the capacitor by an additional water-impermeable layer on or under this additional water-impermeable layer, so that a capacitor stack is formed.

The further capacitor can be constructed in the same way as the capacitor and also can be arranged on the further waterproof layer in a same way as the capacitor.

Using such a capacitor stack, the sensor system can be refined in a particularly simple manner, namely insofar as it is conceivable that with two sensors forming the capacitor stack, both sensors perform the same tasks, but the respective measured values are determined by the individual sensors, which together result in an average value close. For example, the (relative) humidity of the environment is measured by each of the two sensors, and the average humidity value is then determined from these two measured values. The same can be done accordingly with the pressure measurement, so that the accuracy of the entire measurement, in particular a combination of the measurements of (relative) humidity and the respective pressure, can be designed particularly precisely.
According to at least one embodiment, the water-impermeable layer and/or the further water-impermeable layer at least partially forms the dielectric layer itself.

This can mean that instead of separately positioning a dielectric layer next to the water-impermeable layer and/or next to the further water-impermeable layer, this dielectric layer itself is formed by the water-impermeable layer and/or the further water-impermeable layer.

Such a production of the dielectric layer through the water-impermeable layer(s) therefore forms a particularly simple and cost-effective manufacturing method for a cost-effective device.

Apart from that, it can basically be provided that the electrodes, the dielectric layer and the water-impermeable layer(s) are arranged in relation to one another in such a way that an electrical short circuit is prevented in any case.

According to at least one embodiment, a maximum thickness of the moisture layer is at least 30% and at most 80% of the maximum thickness of the water-impermeable layer and/or the maximum thickness of the further water-impermeable layer.

This not only ensures a particularly flat sensor, but also ensures a particularly fast reaction time to changes in humidity. The moisture acting on the moisture layer from the outside therefore does not have to travel long distances to the dielectric.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for measuring moisture, it being noted in particular that all features disclosed for the device described above are also disclosed for the method described here and vice versa.

According to at least one embodiment, the method for measuring moisture initially comprises a first step, by means of which at least one sensor for measuring moisture is provided, the sensor having at least one capacitor with at least two electrodes which, in particular in a horizontal direction along and on one, in particular flexible, carrier material are arranged relative to one another, with at least one dielectric layer being arranged between the electrodes.

According to the invention, at least one at least partially liquid-permeable and/or liquid-absorbing moisture layer is arranged at least in places on a side of at least one electrode and/or the dielectric layer facing away from the carrier material, with the at least one electrode and/or the dielectric layer thus being arranged in a transverse direction between the carrier material and the moisture layer are arranged such that a capacitance changes at least partially as a result of the liquid at least partially impinging on the dielectric layer, with a processing unit measuring and/or storing this change, resulting in a capacitive moisture sensor.

The method described above has the same advantages and advantageous configurations as the device described above.

The invention described here is described in more detail below using two exemplary embodiments and the associated figures.

• In der 1 ist in einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zur Messung von Feuchtigkeit gezeigt.
• In der 2 ist einer schematisch perspektivischen Ansicht eine in Bezug auf die Schichtenordnung dargestellte Explosionszeichnung dargestellt.
• In der 3 ist ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer hier beschriebenen Vorrichtung gezeigt.

Components that are the same or have the same effect are provided with the same reference symbols.

• In the 1 a device according to the invention for measuring moisture is shown in a first exemplary embodiment.
• In the 2 an exploded drawing shown in relation to the layer arrangement is shown in a schematic perspective view.
• In the 3 a further exemplary embodiment of a device described here is shown.

How now that 1 can be removed, there is shown a device 100 for measuring moisture.

A sensor 1 is shown there by way of example, with the sensor 1 showing a capacitor stack with a capacitor 20 and a capacitor 30, with the individual electrodes 10, 11 of the capacitors 20, 30 being arranged one above the other in the horizontal direction H1, although alternatively to this of course, an arrangement of the individual electrodes 10, 11 of an individual capacitor 20, 30 in the transverse direction Q1, which runs perpendicular to the horizontal direction H1 and thus also runs or can be arranged perpendicular to the main extension direction of the sensor 1 shown there.

The individual electrodes 10 , 11 are arranged on a carrier material 13 . The carrier material 13 can in particular be a woven fabric, in particular a flexible woven fabric.

A water-impermeable layer 4 is arranged on the carrier material 13, the two electrodes 10, 11 of the capacitor 20 being printed on this water-impermeable layer 4 in the horizontal direction H1.

The electrodes 10, 11 of the capacitor 20 are completely surrounded by a further layer 14 which is impermeable to water. The further capacitor 30 with corresponding electrodes 10, 11 is printed on this water-impermeable layer 14 in the same way. In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment, exposed outer surfaces of the individual electrodes 10, 11 of the further capacitor 30 are preferably completely surrounded by a water-permeable and/or water-absorbing moisture layer 3.

Via this moisture layer 3, water can impinge on a dielectric layer 4, which in the present case is arranged in the horizontal direction H1 between the respective electrodes 10, 11 of a capacitor 20, 30.

In the present embodiment 1 and 2 the waterproof layer 4 itself forms a dielectric layer 4 of the capacitor 20 . The same applies to the further water-impermeable layer 14 in relation to the further capacitor 30.

The dielectric properties, in particular of the dielectric layer 4 of the further capacitor 30, are changed by the moisture impinging on and penetrating through the moisture layer 3.

In addition, a processing unit 5 can be seen, which has a data connection with the two capacitors 20, 30, this processing unit 5 being set up and provided for measuring a change in the relative humidity of the environment and/or the humidity layer 3.

Through the in the 1 illustrated "stackwise" arrangement and the fact that the further water-impermeable layer 14 prevents the capacitor 20 from coming into contact with moisture, it can therefore be provided that only the further capacitor 30 and its dielectric layer 4 is exposed to moisture. For this purpose, the processing unit 5 can then compare a change in the capacitance of the additional capacitor 30 with the stable capacitor capacitance of the capacitor 10, so that a particularly simple comparison can be made in the change in the relative humidity and/or the respective load pressure.

Through the in the 1 The arrow shown also shows a pressure direction in which pressure is applied to the sensor 1 . Both can preferably be measured, evaluated and stored by the sensor 1 and in particular by the device 100 . The processing unit 5 shown as essential in the invention serves this purpose in particular, which can also measure and evaluate corresponding pressure values and the associated changes in the capacitance of the individual sensors 1, so that the processing unit 5 is also set up and provided for this purpose, a by external Pressure-induced change in capacitance of the capacitor 20 and in particular also to measure and/or store the further capacitor 30 .

The moisture layer 3 can be flexible or non-flexible. It is also possible for the moisture layer 3 to be in the form of a woven fabric. In particular, it can be a woven fabric, which was mentioned as an example in the introductory part of the present application. In addition, however, it is also possible for the moisture layer 3 to be a substrate which is applied, for example glued, to the further capacitor 30 in the form of an epitaxy or an adhesive process, for example.
The water-impermeable layer 14 and/or the water-impermeable layer 15 can also be flexible and non-flexible, in particular, can also be formed in the form of a woven fabric or a substrate in the same manner as the moisture layer 3 .

In addition, it is advantageously conceivable that the electrodes 10, 11 of the two capacitors 20, 30 were printed onto the water-impermeable layer 14 and the further water-impermeable layer 15 in the form of a printing process, for example an inkjet printing process.

In the 2 is shown an exploded drawing, in particular from the 2 the respective arrangement of the electrodes 10, 11 of the capacitors 20, 30 can be seen. The action of force on the sensor 1, represented by the direction of the arrow, as well as the moisture acting through the individual, schematically represented drops, can again be seen. In particular, it can again be seen that the moisture penetrates in particular between the electrodes 10, 11 and has, for example, a significant effect on the electrical properties of the respective water-permeable layer 14, so that the capacitance of at least the other capacitor 30 changes as in FIG 1 explained each changes.

It is in particular from the 2 recognizable that the electrodes shown there are L-shaped and the current flow takes place in the direction of the arrow. the 2 therefore shows a stacked arrangement of two separate capacitors 20, 30 with respective electrodes 10, 11. In FIG 2 the electrodes 10, 11 are each applied in exactly the same plane, ie for example on the same carrier layer.

In the 3 is shown in a further embodiment of the invention described here that the sensor 1 can consist of two electrodes 10 and one electrode 11 . The electrodes 10 have one polarity (preferably the same polarity), while the electrode 11 has a different polarity thereof, but in the right part of the 3 the exploded view of the left part of the 3 1 and it can be seen that three waterproof layers 4, 14, 15 are used. The electrodes 10 can also have different polarities and/or electrical potentials. The electrodes 10 can also be electrically connected to one another.

All in the 3 electrodes shown are L-shaped.
For example, the electrodes 10, 11 can also each have and/or generate a separate polarity and/or a separate electrical potential. The same can also apply in relation to the electrodes in the following figures.

For example, the bottom waterproof layer is again the waterproof layer 14, the subsequent waterproof layer 15 and the waterproof layer 16 arranged thereon in the transverse direction Q1 is a further waterproof layer, with one electrode each being applied, in particular printed, on a separate waterproof layer.

In this stacking of the individual waterproof layers 4, 14, and 15 is therefore by merging these layers in the left part of the 3 The capacitor 20 shown is produced, with the electrodes 10 each being arranged on different levels in the transverse direction Q1, as can be seen in the corresponding partial image.

Alternatively, the electrode 11 can also be applied together with at least one of the electrodes 10 in a common plane, i.e. on or in a common water-impermeable layer 4, 14, 15, so that, for example, only the second of the electrodes 10 is on a separate water-impermeable layer Layer 4, 14, 15 must be stacked.

In principle, therefore, the individual electrodes 10, 11 can be arranged in different planes in the Q1 direction relative to one another. For example, there is a paired association between exactly one water-impermeable layer 4, 14, 15 and exactly one electrode 10, 11.

The invention is not limited by the description based on the exemplary embodiment. Rather, the invention encompasses every new feature and every combination of features, which in particular includes every combination of features in the patent claims, even if this feature or this combination itself is not explicitly stated is specified in the patent claims or in the exemplary embodiments.

Reference List

1

sensor

3

moisture layer

4

dielectric layer/ waterproof layer

5

processing unit

10

electrode

11

electrode

12

electrode

13

carrier material

14

waterproof layer

15

waterproof layer

20

capacitor

30

capacitor

100

contraption

200

procedure

H1

horizontal direction

Q1

transverse direction

TRD

separation distance

Claims (9)

Device (100) for measuring humidity, comprising at least one sensor (1) for measuring humidity, the sensor (1) having - at least one capacitor (20) with at least two electrodes (10, 11) which are oriented in a horizontal direction (H1 ) are arranged along and on a flexible carrier material (13) to one another, at least one dielectric layer (4) being arranged in a transverse direction (Q1) between the electrodes (10, 11), characterized in that on one of the carrier material (13 ) facing away from at least one electrode (10, 11) and/or the dielectric layer (4), at least one at least partially liquid-permeable and/or liquid-absorbing moisture layer (3) is arranged at least in places, with the at least one electrode (10, 11) and / or the dielectric layer (4) in the transverse direction (Q1) between the carrier material (13) and the moisture layer (3) are arranged so that a capacitance through the liquid that at least partially hits the dielectric layer (4) changes at least partially, with a processing unit (5) being set up and provided for measuring and/or storing this change, so that a capacitive moisture sensor is created, and further with the two electrodes (10, 11) are different from a comb-like structure with a plurality of isolated teeth, wherein a separation distance (TRD) of the two electrodes (10, 11) from respectively adjacent bars of different electrodes (10, 11) in the horizontal direction (H1) is greater than is 5 microns. Device (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that at least one of the electrodes (10, 11) is L-shaped, that is to say only in each case with only two bars running perpendicularly to one another within the horizontal direction (H1). Device (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that in the horizontal direction (H1) a separation distance (TRD) between adjacent bars of different electrodes (10, 11) varies in the horizontal direction (H1) and is therefore not constant. Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that bars of different electrodes run at a predetermined angle to one another. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the angle is greater or less than 90 degrees. Device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (1) is also a capacitive pressure sensor, the processing unit (5) being additionally set up and provided to detect a change in capacitance of the capacitor (20 ) to measure and/or store. Device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one electrode (10, 11) and/or the dielectric layer (4) is/are arranged on the carrier material (13) or on the carrier material (13) and is in particular impermeable to water Layer (14) is printed or applied by means of a thin-film process. Device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (1) has at least one further capacitor (30) which is arranged in the transverse direction (Q1) above or below the capacitor (20) and is surrounded by a further water-impermeable Layer (15) spaced from the capacitor (20) on or under this further waterproof layer (15) is arranged so that a capacitor stack is formed. Method (200) for measuring moisture, comprising initially a first step by means of which - at least one sensor (1) for measuring moisture is provided, the sensor (1) - having at least one capacitor (20) with at least two electrodes (10, 11), which are arranged in a horizontal direction (H1) along and on a flexible carrier material (13) to one another, wherein between the electrodes (10, 11) at least one dielectric layer (4) is arranged, characterized in that on a On the side of at least one electrode (10, 11) and/or the dielectric layer (4) facing away from the carrier material (13), at least one, at least partially liquid-permeable and/or liquid-absorbing moisture layer (3) is arranged at least in places, with the at least one electrode (10, 11) and/or the dielectric layer (4) in a transverse direction (Q1) between the carrier material (2) and the moisture layer (3). are arranged so that a capacitance changes at least partially as a result of the liquid at least partially impinging on the dielectric layer (4), with a processing unit (5) measuring and/or storing this change so that a capacitive moisture sensor is created, and further with the two electrodes (10, 11) are different from a comb-like structure with a plurality of isolated teeth, wherein a separation distance (TRD) of the two electrodes (10, 11) from respectively adjacent bars of different electrodes (10, 11) in the horizontal direction (H1) is greater than is 5 microns.

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