DETECTING AND LOCATION OF MOISTURE UNDER ROOFING

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to devices and methods for detecting and locating leaks in a roof or roof covering. It can also be used to detect and locate leaks or moisture accumulations in other parts of a building or building structure.

[0002] Buildings can be severely damaged by water or moisture penetrating them. This is particularly true for flood damage, but also includes smaller water ingress or moisture accumulation, for example due to damaged roofing or defective or improperly installed water pipes (e.g. uninsulated cold water pipes). Such water ingress or moisture accumulation is generally unproblematic if it can be detected and stopped in time. However, it can also cause immense damage if it goes unnoticed and is able to affect the structure of a building over a longer period of time. The structure or parts of the building exposed to moisture often become dilapidated due to the influence of the moisture. Moisture or water penetrating it therefore often causes consequential damage that requires expensive repairs, maintenance or replacement.Remediation measures may be required or even lead to the collapse of the corresponding structures and constructions.

[0003] Minor water leaks usually go unnoticed for extended periods, as they are often difficult to detect and thus locate. This is partly because water or moisture can often spread unnoticed along water-bearing layers, boundaries, or surfaces within a building's structure. It can, for example, travel long distances along pipes, moisture-bearing layers such as insulation or vapor barriers, or other boundaries or surfaces before becoming apparent, for example, through the formation of droplets, damp patches, peeling plaster, mold growth, and / or rot.

[0004] Almost all parts of a building can be affected. This includes concrete slabs, masonry, facade cladding, and roofs. The latter includes both flat and pitched roofs.

[0005] Leaks and moisture accumulation in pitched roofs are particularly problematic, as they are often only visible from a distance and, in many cases, inaccessible to homeowners and tenants. Furthermore, in pitched roofs that have been insulated, for example, as part of an energy-efficient renovation, moisture can penetrate between the covering and the thermal insulation through a damaged roof covering and then affect the roof structure or insulation. The roof covering and the insulation layer enclose or conceal the moisture and its effect on the roof structure from two sides. Thus, in many cases, the penetration and effects of the moisture remain undetected and unnoticed for a long period of time.

[0006] Damage to roof coverings is caused by wear and tear, plant growth, green roofs, pests, human intervention (e.g., inspections of the roof covering), or storm damage, with pitched roofs being particularly susceptible to the latter. Damage frequently occurs at critical points such as the ridges, skylights or dormers, chimneys, antenna systems, or other roof structures such as solar thermal or photovoltaic systems. Damage therefore occurs in places where the roof covering is already broken or weakened. These locations are different for almost every roof, depending on the shape and orientation of the roof, the type of construction on the roof, any added extensions, and any existing damage. Detecting and locating damaged areas on a roof therefore presents a problem that usually needs to be solved individually for each roof. The same applies to other building parts or structures. State of the art

[0007] Accordingly, the state of the art includes a range of monitoring systems for buildings or parts of buildings, such as roofs and damp room areas, which can detect moisture ingress at an early stage. These moisture monitoring systems consist, for example, of sensor strips installed above the underlayment or beneath the insulation elements, a network or contact layer of measuring electrodes or individual measuring devices that react to moisture, as well as the necessary components for power supply, location, transmission, intermediate storage, monitoring, and evaluation of the measured values. These moisture monitoring systems often use electronic conductor tracks with two lines. This usually requires a large number of sensor strips and connecting cables, and for the electronic connection to be carried out by a qualified electrician.Furthermore, these processes cannot usually be operated independently without a power supply.

[0008] The prior art offers a range of other options for detecting moisture penetration into the structure of a roof or building at an early stage. Patent specification US 10,078,030 B2, for example, proposes using a network of uninsulated electrical conductors or conductor tracks arranged in pairs. They are arranged in such a way that they are not in electrical contact with one another without the influence of moisture. If electrical contact is made between two conductors due to penetrating moisture or water, i.e. if two conductors are short-circuited due to penetrating moisture or water, this is recorded by a measuring or read-out unit that is connected to the conductors or conductor tracks. For this purpose, the unit determines the capacitance of a conductor or the change in this capacitance caused by contact with the penetrating moisture or water.The moisture ingress is detected by measuring an electrical property of the conductor or its conduction properties, particularly by detecting a change in the properties caused by the moisture ingress.

[0009] The grid-like arrangement of the conductors can also be used to locate moisture ingress. The position of a shorted pair of conductors corresponds to the location where moisture or water is suspected to be penetrating.

[0010] Similar structures are also described in patents US 7,652,481 B2 and EP 3 168 589 B1, as well as published applications US 5,081,422 A, EP 2 339 314 A1, and US 12 / 0313652 A1. However, the assembly or installation of such comprehensive systems is generally very complex, involves high material costs, and is very expensive, especially when large areas or parts of buildings are monitored or retrofitted with such systems. Especially on pitched roofs, such methods for leak detection require complex installation techniques and—for retrofitting existing buildings—extensive removal of the roof covering in the designated areas or even the entire roof surface.

[0011] The same applies to all surface-covering sensor structures. This includes parallel conductor track structures, such as those in German patent DE 42 39 495 A1, parallel fiber optic structures, such as those in published patent application US 2015 / 0259923 A1, or humidity sensors arranged on parallel tracks, such as those in German utility model DE 20 2018 005 538 U1.

[0012] If penetrating moisture can spread easily, comprehensive monitoring is not only complex and expensive, but in many cases it is also unnecessary. If, for example, moisture penetrates beneath the roof covering of a pitched roof and is able to flow downwards along the underlayment, monitoring using the device proposed in US 10,078,030 B2, for example, would short-circuit a large number of conductor tracks, whereas short-circuiting two conductor tracks would have been entirely sufficient to detect moisture penetration. Furthermore, information about the height of the leak or leakage is not needed, as damaged roof covering must be exposed from the eaves anyway so that it can be repaired. Consequently, only one pair of conductors would be necessary to monitor the moisture in such pitched roofs or building sections, ideally running horizontally along or close to the eaves.

[0013] Accordingly, patent application US 5,159,276 A describes the use of a single moisture detector cable to detect the penetration of moisture into a building structure, such as a floor. For this purpose, the impedance or alternating current resistance of the cable is determined, and moisture is detected by a change in the impedance or alternating current resistance of the cable. The double-conductor structures of US 5,081,422 A can also be used in this way. However, such constructions can only determine that moisture is penetrating the building parts equipped with the cable or the double-conductor structure. It is no longer possible to determine where the moisture is penetrating or where the corresponding leak or damage is located. In the event of damage, the leak or moisture accumulation must therefore be searched for or located using other, additional methods. This can be done, in particular,In the case of larger building structures, this may take a lot of time, require complex measures and cause unnecessary consequential damage.

[0014] To solve this problem, the published patent application US 2007 / 0046481 A1, for example, proposes an arrangement of four parallel conductor tracks that are connected to form a resistance bridge. The conductor tracks are subjected to voltage pulses that propagate through the conductor tracks and are reflected at the end of the conductor tracks. The reflected pulses are registered, and the time between the transmission and the registration of the pulses is used to determine the length of the conductor tracks. The measurement is carried out for the first time after the conductor tracks have been assembled or installed in order to determine the length of the conductor tracks without the influence of moisture. If moisture penetrates and wets the conductor tracks at one point, the voltage pulses, or at least some of the pulses, are reflected prematurely at this point. This leads to a shorter propagation time for the voltage pulses, or at least some of the voltage pulses, that are detected by a measuring orThe shorter runtime not only allows conclusions to be drawn about the penetration of moisture, but also provides information about the location of the leak or damaged area. However, the method requires proper assembly or installation, e.g. by a qualified electrician, complex measuring equipment and procedures, and precise adjustment or calibration of the device. In addition, the method is very sensitive and error-prone, so that leaks or accumulations of moisture may not be located or can only be located very imprecisely, or may not be detected at all, e.g. due to a lack of reflectivity at the point where moisture has accumulated on or on the conductors.

[0015] A less sensitive and therefore more reliable method for locating moisture penetrating walls, floors, or floor structures is described in published patent application US 5,081,422 A. The method is based on the assembly or installation of a large number of conductors and connecting cables, with a base conductor laid along the entire building structure to be monitored. In addition, additional conductors are laid that are shorter than the base conductor (see, for example, Figur 6 of US 5,081,422 A). The conductors are arranged such that they run parallel to the base conductor along a specific section of the building structure. Each of these conductors is connected to a measuring or reading unit. The measuring or reading unit applies a voltage to the conductors one after the other to check whether moisture is present or has accumulated between the voltage-applied conductor and the base conductor. If moisture is measured in this way, it can be localized using the information about the section covered by the shorter voltage-applied conductor. The assembly or installation of such structures requires an additional connection to the measuring or reading unit for each conductor. However, laying these additional connections or connecting lines is usually complex and expensive. In addition, only one section and not the entire structure can be monitored at a time.The length of the conductors also determines which and how many sections can be monitored. Adapting the sections to the specific characteristics of the building structure or to a segmentation specified by the structure is not possible, or at least only possible with additional effort.

[0016] Similar structures that use conductors of different lengths can be found, for example, in German patent application DE 42 39 495 A1 or European patent specification EP 2 458 106 B1. To detect and locate leaks or accumulations of moisture, these specifications propose conductors of different lengths, each of which must be connected to a measuring or readout unit. The problem of separate connections is solved in EP 2 458 106 B1 by arranging the conductors on a carrier strip and allowing contact from one side. In contrast to US 10,078,030 B2, moisture is detected using a resistance measurement, i.e. the resistance between two conductors or conductor tracks is determined and moisture is detected as soon as the resistance changes significantly. The length and arrangement of the conductors also determine which and how many sections can be monitored.Adapting the sections to the specific characteristics of the building structure or to a segmentation predefined by the structure is either impossible or at least complex. Furthermore, this can only be changed by rerouting the conductors. The same applies to the sections shown in . Figur 6 the solution proposed in US 5,081,422 A.

[0017] The conductor structure described in WO 2019 / 046961 A1 is similar and is used to detect the leakage of organic liquids or gases - e.g., from a pipeline. For this purpose, a two-wire conductor is proposed that is interrupted at periodic intervals. The points where the conductor is interrupted are filled with a conductive plastic that restores electrical contact between the sections of the interrupted conductor. The plastic is also designed to dissolve upon contact with organic liquids or gases. This interrupts the electrical contact between two sections of the conductor. The leakage of organic liquids or gases is thus manifested by an increase in the electrical resistance of the conductor. However, adaptation to specific properties of the building structure to be monitored is also not possible. Furthermore, only one leak can be reliably detected.Further leaks that occur spatially and / or temporally consecutively cannot be detected, or can be detected with far less reliability. A further disadvantage is that the conductor structure is gradually destroyed and / or the plastic can decompose over time without a leak actually occurring.

[0018] Another approach can be found in published patent application US 2009 / 0173143 A1. It describes an arrangement of parallel conductor tracks mounted on a carrier tape and covered with an additional protective layer. The protective layer is interrupted at periodic intervals. Moisture that wets the interrupted areas can create an electrical connection between the conductor tracks. Moisture can then be detected based on these connections. However, even with this arrangement, adaptation to specific building structures is not possible. Furthermore, moisture can only be detected if it wets the areas of the arrangement where the protective layer is interrupted. If this is not the case, a leak may not be detected or may be detected too late. Patent application WO 2019 / 046961 A1 is relevant to the claimed invention; it discloses all the technical features mentioned in the preamble to claim 1. Task

[0019] The object of the invention is to reliably detect and locate the penetration and accumulation of moisture or water in roofs or building structures, to reduce the assembly, installation and material costs for corresponding monitoring devices and to enable individual adaptation of these monitoring devices to the structure of a roof or part of a building. Solution

[0020] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the subject matter of the independent claims are characterized in the subclaims. The wording of all claims is hereby incorporated by reference into this description.

[0021] The use of the singular shall not exclude the plural, and this shall also apply in the reverse sense unless otherwise disclosed.

[0022] Individual procedural steps are described in more detail below. The steps do not necessarily have to be performed in the order given, and the procedure described may also include additional steps not mentioned.

[0023] To achieve this object, a device for detecting and locating moisture on a moisture-conducting surface and / or in a moisture-conducting layer is proposed according to claim 1. A corresponding detection method is defined in claim 11.

[0024] The moisture-conducting surface can be, for example, the underlayment, the vapor retarder or vapor barrier of a pitched or steep roof, the surface of a plasterboard wall, the screed or impact sound insulation in a damp room, or the floor of a concrete trough. The moisture-conducting layer can be the plaster on a wall or the gap in a drywall wall where, for example, water pipes are routed, or a water-conducting layer at the ventilation level of a flat roof or underfloor heating.

[0025] The device can be installed or mounted horizontally on inclined or vertical surfaces and / or layers at or near a lower end, allowing moisture or water on the moisture-bearing surface and / or layer to flow in essentially vertical paths toward the device. However, the device can also be mounted in other ways depending on the requirements or application.

[0026] The position of the at least one separating element is not initially predetermined by the design of the proposed device. Only when the device is mounted or installed on the moisture-conducting surface and / or in the moisture-conducting layer is the at least one separating element positioned on the carrier tape and used there to sever a predetermined conductor track or several predetermined conductor tracks. By severing at least one of the conductor tracks, an arrangement or a system of conductor tracks or sections of conductor tracks of different lengths is created. The length of the conductor tracks or sections or the position of the at least one separating element or elements make it possible to locate or pinpoint moisture detected by the device. The resolution or the accuracy of the location information depends on the number of conductor tracks as well as the separating elements used and the length of the conductor tracks or sections.of the sections.

[0027] The area and / or layer to be monitored by the device can therefore be divided into measuring fields, observation areas or segments of almost any size using the at least one separating element. Restrictions in the positioning of the at least one separating element arise only from the size of the at least one separating element or specific conditions of the area or part of the building to be monitored. As a rule, however, the size of the separating elements does not pose a problem when positioning the separating elements. The separating elements are typically a few centimeters up to a few meters apart, i.e. the distance between two adjacent separating elements is, for example, in the range of 1 cm to 50 m, 5 cm to 20 m, 10 cm to 10 m or 15 cm to 5 m.

[0028] The device can detect the presence of moisture in one of the measurement fields, observation areas, or segments. The size and position of the measurement fields, observation areas, or segments provide information about the location of the leak or moisture accumulation from which the detected moisture originated.

[0029] The measuring fields, observation areas or segments are determined by the sections of the at least one severed conductor track or their length or the position of the corresponding separation point or the positions of the corresponding separation points. A section of one of the conductor tracks can extend over several measuring fields, observation areas or segments. If moisture spreads in one of the measuring fields, observation areas or segments, either just one of the conductor tracks or a section of one of the conductor tracks or more than one conductor track or more than one section of one of the conductor tracks can come into contact with the moisture or water spreading in a measuring field, observation area or segment, or an electrical property of the conductor tracks or sections of the conductor tracks can change due to the spreading moisture or water. This applies in particular to the conductor tracks orSections of conductor tracks that are located near the spreading moisture or water. The separating elements can usually be placed in such a way that the conductor tracks or sections of conductor tracks that come into contact with moisture in the event of a leak in a measuring field, observation area or segment, or whose electrical properties change, can be clearly assigned to a measuring field, observation area or segment. For this purpose, the separating elements can be positioned, for example, on or near the rafters of a roof to be monitored. However, it is also possible that measuring fields, observation areas or segments overlap, especially because the direction of spread of the moisture or water is subject to natural fluctuations and bifurcation, e.g. a trickle can split into two or more trickles or form meanders that spread differently.If moisture is detected in two adjacent measurement areas, it can be assumed that the leak is located in or near the area where the measurement fields touch or overlap. However, if moisture is detected in only one measurement field, observation area, or segment, the leak may also be located in a neighboring measurement field, observation area, or segment for the reasons just mentioned. However, such incorrect localizations can usually be avoided by appropriately positioning the separating elements (e.g., on the roof rafters).

[0030] The measuring fields, observation areas or segments represent parts or sub-areas of the moisture-bearing surface or layer. The size and extent of a measuring field, observation area or segment corresponds to the catchment area of ​​the assigned conductor tracks or sections of conductor tracks. The catchment area is determined, among other things, by the spreading characteristics of the moisture on the moisture-bearing surface or in the moisture-bearing layer. If a leak occurs within the catchment area, the moisture or water penetrating through the leak can wet the conductor tracks or sections of conductor tracks assigned to the measuring field, observation area or segment or change their electrical properties. If the leak is outside the catchment area, the penetrating moisture or water can only wet part of the conductor tracks or sections of conductor tracks assigned to the measuring field, observation area or segment.Some sections of the conductor tracks or none of the conductor tracks or sections of the conductor tracks assigned to the measurement field, observation area, or segment are wetted, or their electrical properties or properties are changed. As already described, the catchment areas of an assignment of conductor tracks or sections of conductor tracks can vary and overlap due to natural fluctuations or bifurcation.

[0031] The measuring fields or segments can be adapted to the area or part of the building to be monitored. If such a device is installed, for example, on the underlayment of a roof, the roof can be divided into measuring fields using at least one separating element, which are individually adapted to the position of structures such as antenna systems, chimneys, skylights, etc. In addition to permanent leak testing and leak detection, the proposed device is therefore suitable for monitoring individual leak-prone areas of the roof covering, such as a chimney surround, a dormer window, or a skylight. It can also be adapted to divisions predetermined by the roof construction, which result, for example, from the arrangement and nature of the rafters. The device can also be used in other parts of a building, e.g.It can be integrated beneath the plaster of walls or into drywall. In these cases, it can detect, for example, rising damp on the walls. It can also be installed beneath floors, on screed, or in concrete trays, for example, to detect moisture penetrating or spreading in a room or tray.

[0032] Adjusting the measuring fields, measuring areas, or observation areas does not require any additional connecting cables if the position of the separating elements and the conductor tracks severed by the separating elements is selected appropriately. The device also enables humidity monitoring, which can be performed using a single measuring unit connected to the conductor tracks or sections of the conductor tracks at a predetermined position on the carrier tape. However, multiple measuring units can also be used, which can either operate independently or exchange their data with each other and / or with a central unit. Monitoring can also be carried out in such a way that all measuring fields or measuring areas are monitored simultaneously.

[0033] The moisture-conducting surface and / or layer does not have to be continuous. It can be penetrated by structural elements (e.g., roof rafters) installed on the moisture-conducting surface and / or layer (e.g., a roof underlay). In these cases, the proposed device can be routed and installed above or below such structural elements without significantly affecting the performance of the device. The proposed device can also connect separate surfaces or layers to form a single surface or layer that can be monitored using the device or a combination of devices; i.e., the moisture-conducting surface and / or layer can be composed of a plurality of moisture-conducting surfaces or layers.

[0034] Furthermore, the surfaces or layers do not necessarily have to be flat or level. They can also be curved, arched, dented, or kinked. They can exhibit wave-like and / or hill-like structures, as well as vertical elevations (e.g., in the area of ​​roof rafters). The shape of the surfaces or layers is limited only by the fact that moisture or water can spread in a more or less predictable manner, so that the appearance of moisture at the edge of the surface or layer (e.g., at the eaves) allows conclusions to be drawn about the source of the spreading moisture or water.

[0035] The conductor tracks can be tracks made of an electrically conductive material such as copper or aluminum or strips of metal foil such as copper or aluminum foil. They can also be designed as conductors or wires. They can be insulated, i.e. surrounded or coated with an electrically non-conductive material for electrical insulation. Moisture or the presence of water can be detected using a capacitive property of the insulated conductor tracks and / or sections of insulated conductor tracks. The conductor tracks can also be uninsulated. Contact with moisture or water also leads to a measurable change in the electrical property or properties of the conductor tracks or sections of the conductor tracks. In particular, a short circuit or an electrical connection can occur between two conductor tracks and / or sections of conductor tracks.Insulated tracks can also have non-insulated sections and vice versa.

[0036] The electrical property used to detect moisture or water can also be the propagation time of a current or voltage pulse through one of the non-insulated and / or insulated conductors or a section of one of the non-insulated and / or insulated conductors, or the distortion or splitting of the pulse if it is further distorted or reflected, for example due to contact of a conductor or section of a conductor with moisture or water or its presence. This can be done, for example, using TDR (time-domain reflectometry) or FDR (frequency-domain reflectometry) analysis. Using a propagation time, TDR or FDR analysis, moisture or water can also be located within a measuring field, measuring range or observation range defined by the isolating elements, i.e. the resolution of the device can be further improved using these methods.

[0037] The standard width of the tracks is between 1 and 3 mm. Tracks can also have a width in the range of 0.2 to 5 mm, 0.1 mm to 1 cm, or 0.1 mm to 10 cm.

[0038] The number of conductor tracks of a device according to the invention can vary and comprise more or fewer conductor tracks depending on the application. A carrier strip can, for example, comprise 2, 4, 8, 10, 16, 32, 40, or more conductor tracks. It can also be considered a multi-core flat conductor strip.

[0039] The carrier tape can be adapted to the length of the surface or moisture-bearing layer to be monitored. It can, for example, be sold by the meter and cut to size depending on the application. It can, for example, have a standard length of 5 m, 10 m, 15 m, 20 m, 25 m or 50 m and a standard width ranging from 5 mm, 10 mm or 20 mm up to 50 mm, 60 mm, 100 mm, 200 mm or 500 mm. The standard thickness is 0.3 - 0.6 mm. However, the tape can also have a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, 0.1 mm to 2 mm, 0.1 mm to 3 mm or 0.1 mm to 1 cm.

[0040] The carrier tape is typically made of a flexible material to allow fluid-tight attachment to a moisture-conducting surface and / or insertion into a moisture-conducting layer. Furthermore, it is often made of a tear-resistant material. It can be a (fabric-reinforced or mesh-reinforced UV-stabilized) polyethylene or PE tape. It can include other plastics (such as polypropylene or polyamide) and / or composite materials. It can also be a fiber- or mesh-reinforced tape or a fiber- or mesh-reinforced film.

[0041] To avoid short circuits not caused by moisture, it is necessary for non-insulated conductor tracks to be arranged separately from one another, i.e. they must be spaced a certain distance apart. This means that without the influence of moisture, they are essentially not in electrical contact with one another. The spacing of non-insulated conductor tracks is ideally in the order of a few millimeters up to a few centimeters. The spacing can also be in ranges with a lower limit of 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm or 1 mm and an upper limit of 1 m, 50 cm, 20 cm, 10 cm, 5 cm, 2 cm or 1 cm. Insulated conductor tracks can be arranged in a similar way, although due to their insulation they can also be placed closer to other insulated and / or non-insulated conductor tracks or sections of conductor tracks.

[0042] The conductor tracks are arranged side by side. This includes, among other things, a parallel arrangement of the conductor tracks, at least within manufacturing or assembly-related deviations. However, a parallel or nearly parallel arrangement of the conductor tracks is not absolutely necessary. In many cases, it simply allows for material savings.

[0043] The proposed device can be installed not only in new buildings, but also retrofitted to existing buildings with little effort, since the carrier strip with the majority of conductor tracks can be attached horizontally, for example in the area of ​​the eaves. This means that extensive removal of the roof covering or even the entire roof surface is not required in order to retrofit a pitched or steep roof with the device. Nevertheless, the device enables almost comprehensive leak testing and leak detection, since moisture or water penetrating the roof runs along the underlayment towards the eaves and can be detected there by the device, even if the leak is not located near the eaves, for example, but near the ridge.Furthermore, extensive cross- or ring-shaped installation is not necessary, so that the material usage is significantly lower than in many state-of-the-art, area-wide surveillance systems.

[0044] The device presented here can be used, for example, in the area beneath the water- and snow-draining roof covering on pitched or steep roofs and similar structures. If the device detects leaks in the roof surface, known as leaks, an alarm can be triggered. The device therefore serves as a monitoring or control system, for example, to protect properties with pitched roofs from unnoticed moisture beneath the roof covering and to enable early detection of these influences. This prevents expensive consequential damage and ensures the value of the property is maintained.

[0045] Several of the proposed devices can also be installed next to each other at a distance on the moisture-bearing surface or in the moisture-bearing layer. This allows leak detection to be expanded by another dimension, or the moisture-bearing surface or layer can be divided into additional measurement areas, observation areas, or segments, and monitoring can be made more intensive.

[0046] The device can also be integrated into a moisture-conducting surface or layer. In these cases, the moisture-conducting surface or layer serves as the carrier tape. The device can thus be installed during the installation of the moisture-conducting layer. A second work step or retrofitting the moisture-conducting surface or layer with the device is thus unnecessary.

[0047] The conductor tracks can be fixed to one side of the carrier tape, e.g., by being vapor-deposited, welded, or glued onto the carrier tape. They can also be woven or sewn into the carrier tape and can also be present on both sides.

[0048] In preferred embodiments, however, the conductor tracks are located on one side of the carrier tape. This side can be oriented such that it can be wetted by the moisture that may spread along the moisture-conducting surface and / or layer.

[0049] The conductor tracks are protected by the carrier tape on at least one side (in many cases the side facing the underlayment or moisture-conducting surface). To protect the insulated and / or uninsulated conductor tracks from breakage or external influences on the other side as well, e.g. during assembly, they can be additionally surrounded by a moisture- and / or water-permeable layer. The conductor tracks are therefore enclosed on at least two opposite sides by the carrier tape and / or the moisture- and / or water-permeable layer and thus protected. In other embodiments in which the carrier tape is moisture- or water-permeable, the additional (protective) layer does not necessarily have to be moisture- and / or water-permeable.

[0050] In preferred embodiments, the device comprises at least two separating elements, wherein the separating elements are designed such that a first separating element can be positioned at a first predetermined position and a second separating element at a second predetermined position on the carrier tape. The first separating element is also designed such that, at the first predetermined position on the carrier tape, it can sever at least one first predetermined conductor track from the plurality of conductor tracks on the carrier tape, wherein severing the at least one first predetermined conductor track represents an interruption of the electrical contact between the portions of the at least one first predetermined conductor track that are located on opposite sides of the first predetermined position.The same applies to the second separating element, which is designed such that it can sever at least one second predetermined conductor track from the plurality of conductor tracks on the carrier tape at the second predetermined position on the carrier tape, wherein the severing of the at least one second predetermined conductor track represents an interruption of the electrical contact between the portions of the at least one second predetermined conductor track that are located on opposite sides of the second predetermined position.

[0051] In the assembled state, these embodiments can also be described as follows: Device for detecting and locating moisture on a moisture-conducting surface and / or in a moisture-conducting layer, comprising: a plurality of non-insulated and / or insulated electrically conductive conductor tracks arranged side by side; a carrier tape; wherein the conductor tracks are fixed to the carrier tape; wherein the carrier tape is attached to the moisture-conducting surface and / or in the moisture-conducting layer; characterized in that the device comprises at least two separating elements; wherein a first separating element is positioned at a first predetermined position and a second separating element is positioned at a second predetermined position on the carrier tape; wherein the first separating element, at the first predetermined position on the carrier tape, severs at least one first predetermined conductor track from the plurality of conductor tracks on the carrier tape;wherein severing the at least one first predetermined conductive track represents a break in electrical contact between the portions of the at least one first predetermined conductive track located on opposite sides of the first predetermined position; wherein the second separating element, at the second predetermined position on the carrier tape, severes at least one second predetermined conductive track of the plurality of conductive tracks on the carrier tape; and wherein severing the at least one second predetermined conductive track represents a break in electrical contact between the portions of the at least one second predetermined conductive track located on opposite sides of the second predetermined position.

[0052] The first and second positions are preferably different from each other. The area and / or layer to be monitored can thus be divided into a total of at least three measuring fields. The number of available measuring fields increases with the number of separation elements. Likewise, the resolution of the device increases, meaning that a leak or penetrating and / or spreading moisture can be located or localized more precisely with a larger number of separation elements than with a smaller number.

[0053] However, the first and second positions can also coincide. In this case, the separating elements are designed so that they can be attached to the same position on the carrier tape.

[0054] The first and second conductor tracks can also be different from one another, so that two conductor tracks out of the plurality of conductor tracks on the carrier tape are severed by the at least two separating elements. This initially facilitates the measurement or readout of the electrical properties of the plurality of conductor tracks from one side of the device. However, the first and second conductor tracks can also relate to the same conductor track, so that one and the same conductor track is severed by the first and second separating elements at the first and second positions. Accordingly, the conductor track is severed at two points. This creates three sections, in particular an intermediate section, to which at least one separate measuring field or segment can be assigned. The number of measuring fields is therefore not determined by the number of conductor tracks on the carrier tape. It can be increased as needed by using separating elements.

[0055] A device according to the invention can comprise at least one separating element having at least one marking means. The at least one marking means is designed such that, after at least one predetermined conductor track has been severed at the predetermined position of the carrier tape using the separating element, it can indicate which and / or how many conductor tracks were severed using the at least one separating element. Severing the at least one predetermined conductor track, in turn, represents an interruption of the electrical contact between the sections of the at least one predetermined conductor track located on opposite sides of the predetermined position.

[0056] If such a separating element is mounted on a device according to the invention, it can also be described as follows: separating element with at least one marking means, wherein the at least one marking means indicates which and / or how many conductor tracks have been severed by means of the separating element; and wherein the severing of the at least one predetermined conductor track represents an interruption of the electrical contact between the portions of the at least one predetermined conductor track located on opposite sides of the predetermined position.

[0057] Such marking means enable reliable location of at least one separation point, i.e., the location at which at least one of the conductor tracks has been severed by the at least one separating element. They also enable reliable identification of the conductor tracks severed at a particular location. This not only facilitates assembly, installation, and commissioning of the device, which typically involves installing a large number of different separating elements. It also enables more reliable documentation of the installed devices, which can be performed even after assembly or installation of the device and, thanks to this measure, does not necessarily have to be performed by the person who installed the system.

[0058] The marking means can include letters, numbers, and / or colored markings or labels, such as a color code. In addition to analog or analog-readable marking means, digital or digitally readable marking means can also be used, such as stripe, bar, or QR codes, RFID, NFC, or BLE tags.

[0059] The at least one separating element has means for severing a conductor track. For this purpose, it can have a blade or cutting edge, wherein the blade or cutting edge is designed such that, at the predetermined position on the carrier tape, it can sever at least one predetermined conductor track from the plurality of conductor tracks on the carrier tape, and the severing of the at least one predetermined conductor track represents an interruption of the electrical contact between the sections of the at least one first predetermined conductor track that are located on opposite sides of the predetermined position.

[0060] If such a separating element is mounted on a device according to the invention, it can also be described as follows: separating element with a blade or cutting edge, wherein the blade or cutting edge, at the predetermined position on the carrier tape, severs at least one predetermined conductive track from the plurality of conductive tracks on the carrier tape; and wherein severing the at least one predetermined conductive track constitutes an interruption of electrical contact between the portions of the at least one predetermined conductive track located on opposite sides of the predetermined position.

[0061] Such a blade or cutting edge can, for example, be a plastic or ceramic blade or represent a punching tool that can punch out part of a conductor track. It can also be constructed in two parts, with a first part comprising a metallic cutting edge and a second part made of an electrically non-conductive material that, when the conductor track or tracks are severed, slides between the sections created by the cutting of the conductor track, so that the cutting of the conductor track or tracks represents an interruption of the electrical contact between the sections of the conductor track or tracks that are located on opposite sides of the cutting point. The use of such blades or cutting edges can ensure that the conductor tracks are reliably severed and that there is no electrical contact between the sections of the conductor track created during the cutting.

[0062] The blades or cutters can be designed as plug-in inserts that can be inserted and / or locked into corresponding recesses of a separating element for severing the conductor tracks. Since these inserts can be designed so that they remain visible from the outside, additional marking devices for marking the severed conductor tracks can be eliminated.

[0063] The at least one separating element can be designed in different ways. In a preferred embodiment, it comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is designed such that it can be positioned at the predetermined position on a first side of the carrier strip, and the second part is designed such that it can be positioned at the predetermined position on a second side of the carrier strip. The first and second parts are further designed such that they can be connected to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner and can encompass and clamp the carrier strip with the plurality of conductor tracks.

[0064] If such a separating element is mounted on a device according to the invention, it can also be described as follows: separating element with a first and a second part, wherein the first part is positioned at the predetermined position on a first side of the carrier tape; wherein the second part is positioned at the predetermined position on a second side of the carrier tape; wherein the first and the second part are positively and / or non-positively connected to one another and thus encompass and clamp the carrier tape with the plurality of conductor tracks.

[0065] A two-part design allows, on the one hand, the at least one separating element to be fixed to the carrier tape through the positive and / or force-fitting connection, thus preventing it from slipping. On the other hand, the carrier tape is weakened at the point where at least one of the plurality of conductor tracks on the carrier tape has been severed. By attaching a two-part separating element that can clamp the carrier tape, the carrier tape can be stabilized and protected from tearing.

[0066] In preferred embodiments, one of the two parts is applied to the moisture-conducting layer, the carrier tape with the plurality of conductor tracks is placed over it, and the other part is inserted into the part attached to the moisture-conducting surface, whereby the carrier tape is clamped between the two parts of the separating element. The two parts can have snap-in or locking hooks or other locking elements and corresponding recesses on the counterpart, so that one part can engage or snap into the other part upon insertion. The clamping of the carrier tape can also take place before the one part is attached to the moisture-conducting surface. The same applies - mutatis mutandis - for assembly or installation in a moisture-bearing layer.

[0067] The two-part design includes not only elements that are separate and can be plugged into one another. Two-part dividers can also be designed as clips, meaning the first and second parts can be connected to each other via a folding hinge. The part that is inserted into the other part of a two-part divider to clamp the carrier tape in the divider is also referred to herein as the clamping element.

[0068] In preferred embodiments, the blade or cutting edge can be attached to the first part of the at least one separating element. The second part of the at least one separating element can accordingly have a recess suitable for receiving the blade or cutting edge.

[0069] The recess for receiving the blade or cutting edge can be designed such that the blade or cutting edge can penetrate deeply enough into the second part that the at least one predetermined conductor track from the plurality of conductor tracks on the carrier strip is reliably severed and / or a piece of the conductor track is punched out. Furthermore, it can be ensured that the two sections of the at least one predetermined conductor track that is being severed or is to be severed are separated from each other not only by the foremost tip of the blade or cutting edge, but by a part of the blade or cutting edge that is typically thicker than the front tip. In this way, it can be ensured that the two sections of the at least one severed conductor track are not in electrical contact with each other.

[0070] Once the separating elements have been attached to the device and the adjacent or parallel conductor tracks have been severed at suitable points, the device can be used to detect moisture and locate or localize it using the severed conductor tracks. To detect moisture, at least one electrical property of the conductor tracks can be recorded, such as the capacitance of one of the conductor tracks or the (ohmic) resistance between two non-insulated conductor tracks or sections of conductor tracks. Likewise, the propagation time of a current or voltage pulse through a non-insulated and / or insulated conductor track or a section of a non-insulated and / or insulated conductor track can be used, or its distortion or splitting can be used if the pulse is further distorted or reflected due to contact of a conductor track or section of a conductor track with moisture or water.If at least one of these properties changes, the device's contact with moisture, and thus the moisture itself, can be detected based on this change. A variety of measuring instruments and devices can be used for this purpose, such as an ohmmeter, a (digital) multimeter, pulse generators, etc.

[0071] In preferred embodiments, the device therefore comprises at least one measuring unit which is designed such that it can be connected to at least one of the conductor tracks or a section of at least one of the conductor tracks at a predetermined position on the carrier tape and, after it has been connected to the at least one of the conductor tracks or the section of the at least one of the conductor tracks at the predetermined position on the carrier tape, can carry out at least one measurement of at least one electrical property with the aid of the at least one of the conductor tracks or the section of the at least one of the conductor tracks.

[0072] If such a measuring unit is mounted on a device according to the invention, it can also be described as follows: measuring unit, which is connected to at least one of the conductor tracks or a portion of at least one of the conductor tracks at a predetermined position on the carrier tape and, after it has been connected to the at least one of the conductor tracks or the portion of at least one of the conductor tracks at the predetermined position on the carrier tape, can carry out a measurement of an electrical property using the at least one of the conductor tracks or the portion of the at least one of the conductor tracks.

[0073] Using such a measuring unit, sensory information can be acquired about the conductor track or the section of a conductor track to which the measuring unit is connected. The measurement results or sensory information obtained with the measuring unit are thus related to the measuring field or segment assigned to the conductor track or the section of the conductor track, or to the measuring fields or segments assigned to the conductor track or the section of the conductor track.

[0074] The measuring unit can be connected to at least one of the conductor tracks or a section of at least one of the conductor tracks using crimp or insulation displacement contacts, e.g., crimp or cable lugs or terminals. Electrical contact can also be established via a plug connection or spring contacts (also called PoGo pins). In these cases, the measuring unit and the device are equipped with suitable plugs or plug connectors.

[0075] The measuring unit can have means for data transmission and / or be designed such that it can be connected to means for data transmission. The means for data transmission can comprise means for wireless communication, but can also be wired. They can be used for receiving or transmitting data, measured values ​​or control signals. The measuring unit can therefore be positioned as required. It can also send or receive data, measured values ​​or control signals to other (measuring or readout or data processing or buffer or main memory) units or, if the means for data transmission allow a connection to a network or the Internet or a mobile phone network, to a (cloud) server or a mobile device (such as a smartphone or tablet). The monitoring of the part of the building equipped with the device, e.g. a roof, can thus be carried out remotely.For this purpose, a measured value can be transmitted, for example, from the measuring unit to a buffer unit with data processing for evaluation and from there further transmitted to an external main storage unit or a (cloud) server.

[0076] The measuring unit can be connected not only at one position, but also at other or additional positions to at least one of the conductor tracks or a portion of one of the conductor tracks. This allows the device to be operated with a single measuring unit. The use of further or additional measuring units can thus be avoided.

[0077] The device may comprise a first and a second measuring unit, wherein the first measuring unit is designed such that it can be connected to at least one of the conductor tracks or a portion of at least one of the conductor tracks at a first position on the carrier tape and, after it has been connected to the at least one of the conductor tracks or the portion of the at least one of the conductor tracks at the first position on the carrier tape, can carry out a measurement of an electrical property using the at least one of the conductor tracks or the portion of the at least one of the conductor tracks.The second measuring unit is designed such that it can be connected to at least one of the conductor tracks or a portion of at least one of the conductor tracks at a second position on the carrier tape and, after it has been connected to the at least one of the conductor tracks or the portion of the at least one of the conductor tracks at the second position on the carrier tape, can carry out a measurement of an electrical property using the at least one of the conductor tracks or the portion of the at least one of the conductor tracks.

[0078] If such measuring units are mounted on a device according to the invention, they can also be described as follows: A first measuring unit, which is connected at a first position on the carrier tape to at least one of the conductor tracks or a portion of at least one of the conductor tracks; wherein the first measuring unit, after being connected at the first position on the carrier tape to the at least one of the conductor tracks or the portion of the at least one of the conductor tracks, can carry out a measurement of an electrical property using the at least one of the conductor tracks or the portion of the at least one of the conductor tracks; and a second measuring unit which is connected at a second position on the carrier tape to at least one of the conductor tracks or a portion of at least one of the conductor tracks;wherein the second measuring unit is designed such that, after being connected to the at least one of the conductor tracks or the portion of the at least one of the conductor tracks at the second position on the carrier tape, it can carry out a measurement of an electrical property using the at least one of the conductor tracks or the portion of the at least one of the conductor tracks. ;

[0079] The use of two measuring units enables the electrical properties of the conductor tracks or sections of conductor tracks or the parts of the device connected to the conductor tracks or sections of the conductor tracks (e.g., the resistance of the gap between two conductor tracks, the capacitance of one or two conductor tracks or sections of conductor tracks, or the propagation times of voltage pulses in a conductor track or a section of a conductor track) to be measured at two different locations or positions on the carrier strip. In this way, two sections of a conductor track that have been severed by the at least one separating element can be used to detect and localize moisture without having to install additional lines to contact the sections.

[0080] With appropriate positioning of the separation points and the measuring units, further advantages can be achieved by using two measuring units. If a conductor track is severed at a maximum of one point and moisture is detected on one of the two sections of the severed conductor track using one of the measuring units, the measurement result can be verified by taking another measurement on the other section using the other measuring unit.

[0081] Through this verification or testing, two cases can be distinguished, for example. The first case concerns the penetration or spread of moisture or water at a point where all the conductor tracks to which a measuring unit is connected are wetted or come into contact with the penetrating moisture. The second case concerns the penetration or spread of moisture or water along the entire device. This case occurs, for example, when the capillary saturation point of a roof covering is reached. In this case, all the conductor tracks are also wetted. A measuring unit that is connected to the conductor tracks or sections of the conductor tracks at only one point or position on the carrier tape cannot differentiate between these two cases. If a second measuring unit is connected to a suitable second position on the carrier tape, a distinction can be made between these two cases.In the second case, the second unit would again detect that all conductor tracks are wetted with moisture. In the first case, however, it would detect that at least one of the conductor tracks is not in contact with moisture. This way, false alarms can be avoided, which would be triggered, for example, by reaching the capillary saturation point of a roof covering. In these cases, the device can also be used to monitor the capillary saturation point.

[0082] Another advantage can be achieved if all but one of the conductor tracks are severed in at least two places. In this case, the device's resolution can be doubled by using a second measuring unit.

[0083] In preferred embodiments, the first and second measuring units have data transmission means and / or are designed such that they can be connected to data transmission means. The data transmission means can comprise wireless communication means, but can also be wired. The positioning of the measuring units can thus be determined as needed. Furthermore, several measuring units can be operated simultaneously and connected to a central unit that stores and evaluates the measured values ​​of the connected measuring units.

[0084] The measuring unit may have a memory and data processing means, allowing it to store and evaluate the values ​​of a measurement of the electrical properties using a conductor track or a section of a conductor track. However, the measuring unit may also be connected to another unit that has such a memory and data processing means and can thus store and evaluate measured values.

[0085] If the measuring unit has its own memory and means for data processing, changes in the electrical properties measured using a conductor track or a section of a conductor track can be detected by the measuring unit on site and almost instantly or in real time, in particular without delays, by transmitting the data or measured values ​​to other measuring or evaluation units or (cloud) servers. Transmitting the data to other evaluation units or (cloud) servers, e.g. using wireless Internet connections, is not necessary in these cases. Furthermore, humidity monitoring is not dependent on the existence of such a connection. Such a measuring unit can therefore automatically detect penetrating moisture and use this to conclude that there is a leak in the area to be monitored. If such a measuring unit has means or is at least connected to means with which it can generate alarm signals, e.g.in the form of acoustic signals, the measuring unit can warn of moisture or water ingress, even if there is no connection to another unit or a (cloud) server.

[0086] The device can be designed such that it has at least one first non-insulated conductor track or a first non-insulated section of a conductor track and at least one second non-insulated conductor track or a second non-insulated section of a conductor track. In this case, the measuring unit can be designed such that it can be connected at a predetermined position on the carrier strip to the at least one first non-insulated conductor track or the at least one first non-insulated section of a conductor track and to the at least one second non-insulated conductor track or the at least one second non-insulated section of a conductor track, and,after it has been connected at the predetermined position to the at least one first non-insulated conductor track or the at least one first non-insulated section of a conductor track and to the at least one second non-insulated conductor track or the at least one second non-insulated section of a conductor track, the electrical resistance between the at least one first non-insulated conductor track or the at least one first non-insulated section of a conductor track and the at least one second non-insulated conductor track or the at least one second non-insulated section of a conductor track.

[0087] If such a measuring unit is mounted on a device according to the invention, it can also be described as follows: measuring unit, which is connected at a predetermined position on the carrier tape to at least one first non-insulated conductor track or a first non-insulated section of a conductor track and to at least one second non-insulated conductor track or a second non-insulated section of a conductor track; wherein, after being connected at the predetermined position to the at least one first non-insulated conductor track or the at least one first non-insulated section of a conductor track and to the at least one second non-insulated conductor track or the at least one second non-insulated section of a conductor track, it can measure the electrical resistance between the at least one first non-insulated conductor track or the at least one first non-insulated section of a conductor track and the at least one second non-insulated conductor track or the at least one second non-insulated section of a conductor track.

[0088] Measuring electrical (ohmic) resistance between two conductor tracks is a very reliable and robust method for detecting moisture. It can be performed using simple means and methods. Without the influence of moisture, the resistance between two conductor tracks of a device according to the invention is very high, since the non-insulated conductor tracks or non-insulated sections of conductor tracks are arranged in such a way that they are not, or essentially not, in electrical contact with each other. If the conductor tracks used for resistance measurement are electrically connected or short-circuited due to penetrating or spreading moisture, the electrical resistance between the two conductor tracks decreases. This change in electrical resistance is recorded by the measuring unit and used to detect moisture.

[0089] In further embodiments, the measuring unit can also be designed such that, after being connected to at least one of the conductor tracks or a portion of one of the conductor tracks, it can couple an electromagnetic wave and / or a voltage or current pulse into the at least one of the conductor tracks or the at least one portion of one of the conductor tracks and thus perform a measurement of an electrical property using the at least one of the conductor tracks or the at least one portion of one of the conductor tracks and / or measure the capacitance of the at least one of the conductor tracks or the at least one portion of one of the conductor tracks. Since such measurements only require the measuring unit to be connected to one of the conductor tracks, the resolution of the device can be increased or fully utilized with such measurements.

[0090] The at least one measuring unit can be designed such that, after being connected to at least one of the conductor tracks or a portion of one of the conductor tracks, it can carry out at least one measurement of at least one electrical property in the low-voltage range.

[0091] The low-voltage range for measurements using alternating voltages is -25 V to +25 V, where these values ​​refer to the nominal or effective value of the alternating voltage used. However, the nominal voltage for such measurements is preferably in a smaller range of -20 V to +20 V, -15 V to +15 V, or -12 V to +12 V.

[0092] For measurements using a DC voltage, the low voltage range is defined by a range from -60 V to +60 V. However, a DC voltage in the range from -50 V to +50 V, -35 V to +35 V, -25 V to +25 V, -20 V to +20 V, or -12 V to +12 V is preferably used.

[0093] By limiting measurements to the low-voltage range, protective measures, such as those against contact with live or current-carrying parts of the device, can be eliminated or at least made less complex and extensive. Furthermore, assembly or installation of the device does not require a qualified electrician; it can be performed by a roofer, plumber, or mason, for example.

[0094] The measuring unit can be designed as a separate device with its own housing. It can be built into a separating element or integrated—with or without its own housing.

[0095] A measuring unit integrated into a separating element can be equipped with means for wireless communication for transmitting data and measured values ​​and, if necessary, for receiving control signals. It can also be connected to the conductor tracks and / or sections of the conductor tracks in order to transmit data, measured values ​​or control signals, for example, to another measuring unit or a unit for reading out and evaluating data and measured values, or to receive data, measured values ​​or control signals via the conductor tracks or sections of the conductor tracks. The other measuring unit or the unit for reading out and evaluating is connected to the same conductor tracks or sections of the conductor tracks as the measuring unit or the separating element with the integrated measuring unit. In this way, the conductor tracks or sections of the conductor tracks can be used both for detecting and localizing moisture and for transmitting data, control signals and measured values.They therefore have a dual function, forming not only a moisture detection system but also a data transmission system. The conductor tracks can be used as data transmission lines not only by measuring units integrated into a separator, but also by other measuring units, sensors, or devices.

[0096] The device may comprise at least one additional data line. The at least one additional data line is insulated, fixed to the carrier strip, and runs alongside the plurality of adjacently arranged, non-insulated or insulated electrically conductive tracks.

[0097] The at least one additional data line comprises two or more wires. It can be used to transmit data and control signals, e.g. between a measuring unit and a data processing or control unit. The at least one additional data line can also be used to connect a section of one of the conductor tracks from the plurality of conductor tracks on the carrier strip to a measuring, evaluation or readout unit with measuring functions. This means that sections of a conductor track severed at a first and a second position can also be used to detect and locate moisture or water, even if there is no measuring unit along the section. Additional connections or lines for measuring and monitoring electrical properties using such a section can therefore be omitted.

[0098] A device according to the invention can have more than one additional data line. The additional data lines can also be combined in multi-core cable strips or ribbon cables and fixed in this form to the carrier strip.

[0099] To collect further data about the part of the building to be monitored, the device can comprise a temperature sensor and / or a pressure sensor and / or a humidity sensor and / or a light sensor and / or a gas sensor and / or a rain sensor and / or an acoustic sensor and / or a microphone and / or an ultrasound device and / or a data transmission module. The temperature sensor, the pressure sensor, the humidity sensor, the light sensor, the gas sensor, the rain sensor, the acoustic sensor, the microphone, the ultrasound device or the data transmission module can be designed such that the temperature sensor, the pressure sensor, the humidity sensor, the light sensor, the gas sensor, the rain sensor, the acoustic sensor, the microphone, the ultrasound device or the data transmission module can be connected to the at least one additional data line or the conductor tracks and / or sections of the conductor tracks.

[0100] If such a temperature sensor and / or pressure sensor and / or humidity sensor and / or light sensor and / or gas sensor and / or rain sensor and / or acoustic sensor and / or such a microphone and / or ultrasonic device and / or data transmission module is mounted on a device according to the invention with at least one additional data line, the temperature sensor and / or pressure sensor and / or humidity sensor and / or light sensor and / or gas sensor and / or rain sensor and / or acoustic sensor and / or microphone and / or ultrasonic device and / or data transmission module can also be described as follows: temperature sensor and / or pressure sensor and / or humidity sensor and / or light sensor and / or gas sensor and / or rain sensor and / or acoustic sensor and / or microphone and / or ultrasonic device and / or data transmission module, wherein the temperature sensor, the pressure sensor, the humidity sensor, the light sensor, the gas sensor, the rain sensor, the acoustic sensor, the microphone, the ultrasonic device or the data transmission module is connected to the at least additional data line.

[0101] If such a temperature sensor and / or pressure sensor and / or humidity sensor and / or light sensor and / or gas sensor and / or rain sensor and / or acoustic sensor and / or such a microphone and / or ultrasonic device and / or data transmission module is mounted on a device according to the invention, the temperature sensor and / or pressure sensor and / or humidity sensor and / or light sensor and / or gas sensor and / or rain sensor and / or acoustic sensor and / or the microphone and / or ultrasonic device and / or data transmission module can also be described as follows: temperature sensor and / or pressure sensor and / or humidity sensor and / or light sensor and / or gas sensor and / or rain sensor and / or acoustic sensor and / or microphone and / or ultrasonic device and / or data transmission module, wherein the temperature sensor, the pressure sensor, the humidity sensor, the light sensor, the gas sensor, the rain sensor, the acoustic sensor, the microphone, the ultrasonic device or the data transmission module is connected to the conductor tracks and / or parts of the conductor tracks.

[0102] The use of temperature sensors makes it possible to attribute moisture ingress to weather phenomena such as blowing snow. Pressure and humidity sensors allow the detection of weather events such as heavy rain or prolonged rainfall, which can also lead to moisture ingress into the building structure without causing structural damage or leakage. A rain sensor can also be used for this purpose.

[0103] Acoustic sensors or microphones can be used to detect sounds from rodents or other pests using audio analysis, thus enabling early detection and prevention of serious damage to the structure of the monitored building caused by rodents or other pests. The latter can be achieved, for example, with the help of an ultrasound device, which can be used to deter martens, among other things.

[0104] A light sensor can be used to determine the light transmittance or UV resistance of roof coverings and underlayment.

[0105] The various sensors, such as temperature and / or acoustic sensors or microphones, can also be used to detect a fire on a roof or an adjacent roof at an early stage. This can be done, for example, based on the corresponding temperature increase and / or characteristic sounds that are detected and recorded by the sensors. A gas sensor, for example, that detects smoke, can also be used for this purpose.

[0106] The additional sensors can also be used to verify and / or, if necessary, better interpret the moisture signals obtained using the non-insulated and / or insulated conductors. The sensors can be mounted above and / or below the roof covering, integrated into the roof covering, or integrated into the roof covering.

[0107] Via a data transmission module such as a radio, WLAN, LAN, WAN, WPAN or SIM card module, a device according to the invention, which has a measuring unit and / or temperature sensor and / or pressure sensor and / or humidity sensor and / or light sensor and / or gas sensor and / or rain sensor and / or acoustic sensor and / or microphone and / or ultrasound device, can exchange data, measured values ​​and control signals with a central computer or (cloud) server, e.g. via the internet, a radio or cell phone network, a Bluetooth, BLE or WLAN network, a LoRa-WAN (Low-Range Wide-Area Network) or LPWAN (Low-Power Wide-Area Network) such as an NB-loT (Narrow-Band Internet of Things). This enables remote control or monitoring of the device or the part of the building equipped with the device.Such a connection also makes it possible to manage, monitor and control multiple devices from a central location.

[0108] A sensor can also be equipped with a data transmission module, particularly for wireless data transmission. Such a sensor, which includes a temperature sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, light sensor, gas sensor, rain sensor, acoustic sensor, or microphone, can wirelessly transmit its measured values ​​or data to corresponding modules or evaluation units of the device, or to modules or evaluation units connected to the device, and receive control signals from there. Such a sensor can also exchange measured values, data, and control signals with a central computer or (cloud) server, e.g., via the internet, a radio or cellular network, a Bluetooth, BLE, or WLAN network, a LoRa-WAN (Low-Range Wide-Area Network), or LPWAN (Low-Power Wide-Area Network), such as an NB-iOT (Narrow-Band Internet of Things). This enables remote control or monitoring of the sensor.The sensor is assigned by software to a device, a moisture-carrying surface and / or layer to be monitored.

[0109] At least one separating element of a device according to the invention can comprise at least one contact means, wherein the at least one separating element with the at least one contact means is designed such that it can be positioned at a predetermined position on the carrier tape. In this case, the at least one separating element with the at least one contact means is also designed such that, at the predetermined position on the carrier tape, it can establish an electrical contact between the at least one additional data line and at least one of the conductor tracks or a portion of one of the conductor tracks using the contact means.

[0110] If such a separating element is mounted on a device according to the invention with at least one additional data line, it can also be described as follows: Separating element with at least one contact means; wherein the separating element is positioned with the at least one contact means at a predetermined position on the carrier tape; and wherein the at least one contact means at the predetermined position on the carrier tape establishes an electrical contact between the at least one additional data line and at least one of the conductor tracks or a portion of one of the conductor tracks.

[0111] A contact means can be designed as a metal bridge, in particular as a spring contact bridge. It can be a gold, copper, tungsten, rhodium, or aluminum bridge, whereby the material of the contact means is matched to the material of the conductor tracks or the data line in order to prevent corrosion caused by the formation of galvanic cells. A contact means or a contact bridge can be placed directly on one of the conductor tracks on the carrier strip. It can also have points or cutting edges in order to pierce or sever any insulation and / or protective coating of the conductor tracks, or the carrier strip, or the insulation of the at least one additional data line, and in this way establish electrical contact with the conductor track.

[0112] Such separating elements can be used both for severing at least one of the conductor tracks and for contacting at least one of the conductor tracks or a portion of one of the conductor tracks using the at least one additional data line.

[0113] They can also be used to repair a circuit track. If a circuit track has been severed where it shouldn't have been, two separators with contact elements can be used to bridge the severed area with the additional wire or data line. After such a repair, it is often advisable to recalibrate the device.

[0114] A separating element with at least one contact means can also be designed such that, at the predetermined position on the carrier tape, it can use the contact means to establish an electrical contact between the at least one additional data line or the conductor tracks and / or sections of the conductor tracks and the temperature sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, light sensor, gas sensor, rain sensor, acoustic sensor, microphone, ultrasonic device or the measuring unit, so that the temperature sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, light sensor, gas sensor, rain sensor, acoustic sensor, the microphone, the ultrasonic device or the measuring unit can send or receive data, measured values ​​and / or control signals using the contact means via the at least one additional data line or via the conductor tracks and / or sections of the conductor tracks.

[0115] If such a separating element is mounted on a device according to the invention with at least one additional data line and with a temperature sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, light sensor, gas sensor, rain sensor, acoustic sensor, microphone, ultrasonic device or a measuring unit, it can also be described as follows: Separating element with at least one contact means; wherein the separating element with the at least one contact means is positioned at a predetermined position on the carrier tape; and wherein the at least one contact means at the predetermined position on the carrier tape establishes an electrical contact between the at least one additional data line and the temperature sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, light sensor, gas sensor, rain sensor, acoustic sensor, microphone, ultrasonic device or the measuring unit, so that the temperature sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, light sensor, gas sensor, rain sensor, acoustic sensor, the microphone, the ultrasonic device or the measuring unit can send or receive data, measured values ​​and / or control signals with the aid of the contact means via the at least one additional data line.

[0116] If such a separating element is mounted on a device according to the invention with a temperature sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, light sensor, gas sensor, rain sensor, acoustic sensor, microphone, ultrasonic device or a measuring unit, it can also be described as follows: Separating element with at least one contact means; wherein the separating element with the at least one contact means is positioned at a predetermined position on the carrier tape; and wherein the at least one contact means at the predetermined position on the carrier tape establishes an electrical contact between the conductor tracks and / or sections of the conductor tracks and the temperature sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, light sensor, gas sensor, rain sensor, acoustic sensor, microphone, ultrasonic device or the measuring unit, so that the temperature sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, light sensor, gas sensor, rain sensor, acoustic sensor, the microphone, the ultrasonic device or the measuring unit can send or receive data, measured values ​​and / or control signals via the conductor tracks and / or sections of the conductor tracks using the contact means.

[0117] The connection of the aforementioned sensors and devices is thus achieved using the same elements or means used to cut the conductor tracks. This facilitates the assignment of the sensors and devices to the measuring fields and segments. Furthermore, at least one additional data line or the conductor tracks and / or sections of one of the conductor tracks can be used to control and read the sensors and devices.

[0118] Such a contact element can be designed as a metal pin, in particular as a spring contact pin or PoGo pin. It can be a gold, copper, tungsten, rhodium, or aluminum pin, with the material of the contact element being matched to the material of the conductor tracks to prevent corrosion caused by the formation of galvanic cells. A contact element or contact pin can have points or cutting edges to pierce or sever the insulation of the at least one additional data line or any insulation and / or protective coating of the conductor tracks and / or sections of the conductor tracks or the carrier strip, thus establishing electrical contact with the conductor track.

[0119] Accordingly, a separating element is understood herein to mean, among other things, an object which has a cutting device and a hollow space inside it and which is designed to prevent the flow of current in the electronic cables behind the separation point and to enable the attachment of further technical components, including measuring units and / or sensors, in a protected environment. The housing of a separating element can be designed in such a way that an attachment of a device with further technical components can be easily attached and connected to it. A technical component installed in a separating element can be housed in a sealed and cold-protected manner, at least in sections (which can be lined with Styrodur, for example). The separation system can have one or more openings for the supply and removal of the technical components to be accommodated in the element.A separator may be numbered and / or symbolized to ensure its attachment to the device in the correct orientation and sequence.

[0120] The previously described embodiments of a separating element or a measuring unit can also be designed as a sensor box. A sensor box is understood here to be an object which has a hollow space in its interior and is designed to enable the accommodation of technical components, including data processing or control units, measuring instruments and / or sensors, in a housing that is at least partially sealed and protected from the cold (which can be lined with Styrodur, for example). A sensor box is thus a device for the protective mounting or attachment of technical components, e.g. for measuring electrical properties using one of the conductor tracks and / or a section of one of the conductor tracks, air humidity, temperature, light transmittance, for detecting certain gases or rain, for recording audio or acoustic signals or for generating ultrasound.A sensor box can be assigned a data processing and / or storage device with which at least one measured value can be evaluated. The measured values ​​determined using the technical components or the results or data obtained therefrom using a data processing device, if applicable, can be transmitted via data lines of the device connected to the sensor box and / or a network cable directly connected to the sensor box or another data transmission device integrated into or connected to the sensor box.

[0121] A sensor box can also be designed so that it can be mounted on a separating element. This simplifies the assignment of the sensor box to the measuring areas, observation areas, or segments defined by the separating elements and saves space.

[0122] Measurements on the device's non-insulated and / or insulated conductor tracks require electrical contact. In addition to the means already mentioned, this contact can also be established using a contact carrier or connection element. Such a connection element can be constructed similarly to a separator or be a separator with additional contact elements.

[0123] A connection element is characterized by at least one contact element, wherein the at least one contact element has a contact point to which an electrical conductor and / or a cable can be attached.The connection element is also designed such that it can be positioned at a predetermined position on the carrier tape, wherein the at least one contact element of the connection element is designed such that it can electrically contact at least one predetermined conductor track of the plurality of conductor tracks on the carrier tape or a portion of one of the conductor tracks at the predetermined position on the carrier tape and, after it has electrically contacted at least one predetermined conductor track of the plurality of conductor tracks on the carrier tape or a portion of one of the conductor tracks at the predetermined position on the carrier tape and an electrical conductor or a cable has been attached to the contact point of the contact element, the at least one predetermined conductor track of the plurality of conductor tracks on the carrier tape or a portion of one of the conductor tracks can be electrically connected to one another with the electrical conductor and / or cable.

[0124] If such a connecting element is mounted on a device according to the invention, it can also be described as follows: Connecting element with at least one contact means; the at least one contact element has a contact point to which an electrical conductor and / or a cable can be attached; wherein the connection element is positioned at a predetermined position on the carrier tape; wherein the at least one contact element, at the predetermined position on the carrier tape, electrically contacts at least one predetermined conductor track of the plurality of conductor tracks on the carrier tape or a portion of one of the conductor tracks;and wherein the at least one contact element of the connection element, after it has electrically contacted at least one predetermined conductor track of the plurality of conductor tracks on the carrier tape or a portion of one of the conductor tracks at the predetermined position on the carrier tape and an electrical conductor or a cable has been attached to the contact point of the contact element, electrically connects the at least one predetermined conductor track of the plurality of conductor tracks on the carrier tape or a portion of one of the conductor tracks to the electrical conductor and / or cable. ;

[0125] The conductor tracks of a device according to the invention can be contacted with such connection elements at the same locations where separating elements can be mounted. The connections can therefore be placed as needed and adapted to the measuring fields or segments. Furthermore, pre-installation of connectors or connector strips for contacting the conductor tracks or sections of the conductor tracks can be eliminated.

[0126] A contact element can be designed as a metal pin, particularly a spring contact pin. It can be a gold, copper, tungsten, rhodium, or aluminum pin, with the material of the contact element being matched to the material of the conductor tracks to prevent corrosion caused by the formation of galvanic cells. A contact element or contact pin can be placed directly on one of the conductor tracks on the carrier strip. It can also have points or cutting edges to pierce or cut through any insulation and / or protective coating on the conductor tracks or the carrier strip, thus establishing electrical contact with the conductor track.

[0127] A device according to the invention with at least one additional data line that is insulated and fixed to the carrier tape and runs next to the plurality of non-insulated and / or insulated electrically conductive conductor tracks arranged next to one another can also comprise a connection element with at least one contact element that has a contact point to which an electrical conductor and / or a cable can be attached, wherein the connection element is designed such that it can be positioned at a predetermined position on the carrier tape and wherein the at least one contact element of the connection element is designed such that it can make electrical contact with the at least one additional data line at the predetermined position on the carrier tape.The at least one contact element of the connection element is designed such that, after it has electrically contacted the at least one additional data line at the predetermined position on the carrier tape and an electrical conductor or a cable has been attached to the contact point of the contact element, it can electrically connect the at least one additional data line to the electrical conductor and / or cable.

[0128] If such a connection element is mounted on a device according to the invention with at least one additional data line, it can also be described as follows: Connection element with at least one contact means; the at least one contact element has a contact point to which an electrical conductor and / or a cable can be attached; wherein the connecting element is positioned at a predetermined position on the carrier tape; wherein the at least one contact element electrically contacts the at least one additional data line at the predetermined position on the carrier tape; and wherein the at least one contact element of the connecting element, after it has electrically contacted the at least one additional data line at the predetermined position on the carrier tape and an electrical conductor or a cable has been attached to the contact point of the contact element, electrically connects the at least one additional data line to the electrical conductor and / or cable.

[0129] Such connection elements can also be constructed like a separating element or represent a separating element that additionally has the contact elements just described. A connection element can also have contact elements for contacting non-insulated and / or insulated conductor tracks, as well as insulated additional conductor tracks or data lines.

[0130] The at least one additional data line of a device according to the invention can be contacted with such connection elements at the same locations where separating elements can be mounted. The connections can therefore be positioned as needed and adapted to the measuring fields or segments. Furthermore, pre-installation of plugs or connector strips for contacting the at least one additional data line can be eliminated.

[0131] In one embodiment, connection elements can also be designed as junction boxes. A junction box is understood here to be an object that, for example, conducts or guides a low current or low voltage emanating from a measuring unit through the electrical lines or conductor tracks of the carrier tape in order to carry out, for example, a capacitive humidity measurement and testing of the insulation resistance. A junction box can also be used to exchange the measured values ​​recorded by isolation systems and / or sensor boxes and / or control signals from a data processing or buffer storage device. Through continuous data exchange with the connected data processing and buffer storage unit and the associated external main memory, the junction box can also be used to control the technical components, such as the measuring units and the various sensors for temperature, light, pressure, humidity, rain, gas, etc., via software.In further embodiments, a junction box itself can have a measuring unit, a sensor, a data transmission module, a means for data processing or storing data, measured values, and / or control signals. A junction box can thus also function as a data processing and buffer storage device or as a control unit and / or relay for control signals. The same applies to a connection element.

[0132] The carrier tape of a device may include an adhesive layer with which the carrier tape can be attached to a surface of the moisture-conducting surface or to a surface within the moisture-conducting layer. The carrier tape can thus be mounted or installed without additional tools.

[0133] The carrier tape with the adhesive layer can include an additional protective film to protect the adhesive layer, which is removed before the carrier tape is installed. Such protection can also be ensured by winding the carrier tape during production and delivering it in roll form. This design is particularly advantageous for installation, as the carrier tape can be removed or unrolled from the roll as needed during installation.

[0134] The device can therefore be installed, for example, on a pitched or steep roof with an additional measure (e.g. underlayment, underlay membrane) by pushing the roof tiles or concrete roof tiles up along or close to the eaves, thus revealing the additional measure. The carrier tape with the majority of conductor tracks can then be freed from the adhesive protection in sections and glued onto the visible additional measure. At the rafters or counter battens, the carrier tape can be pulled up laterally and laid across the rafters or counter battens to the next field between the rafters or counter battens. The carrier tape can also be installed on an inside membrane (e.g. airtight layer, vapor retarder, vapor barrier). The carrier tape is glued, for example, from the outside onto the inner membrane parallel or almost parallel to the eaves and pulled in a loop over the rafters.In this way, the device can be equipped field by field. A separation point can then be placed next to a rafter or one of the counter battens, interrupting at least one of the conductor tracks. The separation of the conductor track later serves to localize the source of the signal. For this purpose, a lower section of a separation element can be mounted, for example, on a side surface of the rafter or batten. The carrier tape can then be guided over the lower section and glued to the lower section before the upper section is inserted into the lower section. In such embodiments, the carrier tape is not only clamped by the separation element, but also held in position by the adhesive layer.

[0135] The adhesive layer also acts as a barrier to moisture or water, ensuring that any moisture or water that spreads runs over the side of the carrier tape with the conductor tracks and does not pass under the carrier tape without wetting the conductor tracks.

[0136] The adhesive layer can, for example, contain a (pure) acrylate adhesive.

[0137] In further embodiments, the device can have a power supply unit such as a photovoltaic system, solar cell or battery. The power supply unit can be designed such that it enables operation of the measuring unit and / or the sensors and / or memory and / or the means for data processing and / or data transmission. During assembly or installation of the device, the power supply unit can therefore be set up and connected to the device in such a way that it enables autonomous operation of the device or the devices connected to it. An additional energy or power supply does not have to be provided. In this way, buildings or building structures that have no power supply or that have a power supply that is difficult to access can be monitored.

[0138] For example, a battery or accumulator with an output of 10-20 watts and a capacity of 7.5-28 Ah can be used. A solar module can include appropriate mounting devices for the module above the roof covering and have similar performance specifications. Preferably, a module that is as small and unobtrusive as possible is used. A solar module can also be designed, for example, as a film that is attached or glued to the roof surface.

[0139] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a device for detecting and locating moisture on a moisture-conducting surface and / or in a moisture-conducting layer, which is or can be constructed from two or more of the devices according to the invention just described, e.g., a first and a second device. For this purpose, a connecting element can be provided, which can be designed, e.g., as a plug-in connection with a male and a female part.The connecting element is designed such that it can be used to connect the first and the second device to one another in such a way that at least one of the conductor tracks or a portion of one of the conductor tracks and / or at least one additional data line of the first device can be electrically connected to at least one of the conductor tracks or a portion of one of the conductor tracks and / or the at least one additional data line of the second device.

[0140] Using such connectors or connector strips, not only can multiple systems be connected, but functional leftovers can also be further processed. Thus, offcuts or scrap material can be reused.

[0141] Such connecting elements can also be integrated into separating elements with an integrated measuring unit and / or an integrated connection element. Furthermore, a connection element or a connection box can be designed such that it can be used, for example, in longer roof areas or building structures as a connection point between two of the previously described devices. This not only allows functional material remnants to be connected to one another. It is also possible for a measuring unit or a connection element to be connected to two devices or functional remnants of a device according to the invention and used for moisture monitoring. In this way, the number of measuring units can be reduced or the range of a measuring unit can be increased.

[0142] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for detecting and locating moisture on a moisture-conducting surface and / or in a moisture-conducting layer, in which a device according to the invention is first provided. The device is attached to the moisture-conducting surface and / or in the moisture-conducting layer, and at least one of the conductor tracks of the device is severed at a predetermined position on the carrier tape using the at least one separating element. The severing of the at least one conductor track represents an interruption of the electrical contact between the sections of the at least one conductor track that are located on opposite sides of the predetermined position. In addition, a threshold value is specified.Using at least one of the conductor tracks or a portion of one of the conductor tracks of the device, a measurement of an electrical property is performed, wherein the measured value of the electrical property or a value derived from the measured value is compared with the predefined threshold value. If the measured value or the value derived from the measured value exceeds or falls below the predefined threshold value, moisture is detected, and using the predefined position of the at least one separating element, the information as to which of the conductor tracks were severed at the predefined position, and the at least one of the conductor tracks or the at least one portion of one of the conductor tracks used for the measurement, the detected moisture is localized on the moisture-conducting surface and / or in the moisture-conducting layer.

[0143] The electrical or electrophysical property of one of the conductor tracks or a section of the conductor tracks can refer to a property of a single conductor track or a section of a conductor track. However, it can also refer to a property of two or more conductor tracks and / or sections of conductor tracks or the corresponding spaces between them. It can, among other things, an electrical (ohmic) resistance or the conductance or the conductivity of a conductor track or a section of one of the conductor tracks, and / or an electrical (ohmic) resistance or the conductance between two conductor tracks or sections of conductor tracks, and / or a capacitance of one or more conductor tracks or sections of conductor tracks, and / or a number of charging cycles that can be performed with one or more conductor tracks or sections of conductor tracks in a given period of time, and / or an inductance of one or more conductor tracks or sections of conductor tracks, and / or a resonant frequency, and / or a low- or high-pass cut-off frequency, and / or a phase shift, and / or a phase-shift cut-off frequency, and / or a period of time required for an electrical signal to propagate through at least one of the conductor tracks or a section of one of the conductor tracks, represent.

[0144] By specifying a threshold, it is possible to detect and locate a leak by evaluating a single measurement or measured value. Multiple measured values ​​can also be evaluated before an alarm is triggered or emergency or repair measures are initiated.

[0145] Depending on whether the influence of moisture increases or decreases the value of a measurement, an exceedance or undershoot of the threshold value can indicate that at least one of the conductor tracks or at least a section of one of the conductor tracks has come into contact with moisture or water. The resistance between two non-insulated conductor tracks or two non-insulated sections is usually reduced by contact if the two conductor tracks or sections are brought into electrical contact with each other or short-circuited by moisture. In this case, an undershoot of a certain resistance value indicates that the conductor tracks or sections are short-circuited. The situation is different with capacitance. If two conductor tracks or sections of conductor tracks are short-circuited by moisture, an increased capacitance is usually measured by measuring the capacitance of one of the conductor tracks or a section of one of the conductor tracks.Here, exceeding a threshold indicates the short-circuiting of the conductor tracks or sections.

[0146] The method is based on the fact that humidity influences the value of a measurement of an electrical property. The method can therefore be applied not only to detect and locate moisture or water, but also to detect and locate dielectric and / or electrically conductive fluids or media.

[0147] When the device is assembled, at least one of the conductor tracks is severed from the plurality of conductor tracks on the carrier strip using at least one separating element. This divides the moisture-bearing surface to be monitored (e.g. a roof surface or the underlay of a roof) and / or layer into at least two different measuring fields, observation areas or segments. In the event of a leak, where at least one measured value or a change in a measured value indicates the penetration of moisture, this division of the surface and / or layer into measuring fields, observation areas or segments can be used to logically determine, or by an evaluation unit or a data processing unit, a leak or a water ingress point in the measuring field, observation area or segment in which the measured value or the change in the measured value was recorded. The leak does not have to occur in the measuring field, observation area or segment.The leak may not only be in one segment, but also in an adjacent measurement field, observation area, or segment. However, if moisture is detected in two adjacent measurement areas, it is likely that the leak is located in or near the area where the measurement fields touch or overlap.

[0148] The measurement of the electrical property can be repeated at regular intervals. Depending on the application, the time interval can be as short as a few milliseconds, seconds, minutes, hours, days, or weeks. The measurements can also be taken at irregular intervals. For example, if the measured values ​​of a temperature sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, light sensor, and / or rain sensor indicate that no rainfall is expected, the humidity monitoring system can be switched to a sleep mode using the device, in which either no measurements are taken or the measurements are at least repeated at longer intervals.

[0149] In one embodiment of the method, the measurement can also be carried out permanently or continuously. For this purpose, the electrical conductors or conductor tracks of the carrier tape can be permanently or continuously supplied with low voltage or low-voltage pulses. If, for example, in the event of a leak, moisture or an electrically conductive fluid such as water gets onto non-insulated electrical conductors or conductor tracks of the carrier tape, which can lead to a short circuit in the electrical conductors or conductor tracks, for example, at least one measured value can be recorded which makes it possible to detect the penetrating moisture and, based on this, to conclude that there is a leak. The leak or water ingress point can be located or localized using the segments, measuring fields or measuring areas that are defined with the at least one separating element or the separating system provided by the at least one separating element during assembly of the device.Localization involves information that the leak or water ingress point must be located in the corresponding segment, measurement field, or measurement area, or at least close to it. Continuous moisture detection between the roof covering and the underlayment, which can be combined with temperature detection, can also detect mold growth and / or increased heat transfer beneath the roof covering, which can be hazardous to the building's structure and health, at an early stage. This allows, among other things, increased energy costs to be identified and avoided.

[0150] The incoming measurement data can be forwarded from a buffer unit to an external main memory, which performs continuous data storage. If data transmission is interrupted due to a fault, data storage can be continued on the buffer unit. The buffer unit can have one or more interfaces to communicate and exchange data via a network (such as the internet, a radio or cell phone network, a Bluetooth network, a WLAN network, LoRa-WAN, or LPWAN such as NB-iOT). The data processing device and / or buffer unit can be connected to a photovoltaic cell and a battery, allowing it to operate autonomously. Furthermore, the data processing device and / or buffer unit can also be connected to a 220-volt power supply or an energy storage device for renewable sources via a power supply with a plug.

[0151] Using at least one separating element, a pair of conductors in the device can be severed, for example. The pair of conductors exposed to moisture can be evaluated with particular precision, for example, using a resistance or resistive measurement, and a moisture signal can be detected.

[0152] To monitor a pitched or steep roof using the proposed method, you can first start by planning the path of the carrier tape and the separating elements. For installation, the outer roof shell can then be opened and the roof underlayment made accessible. The carrier tape can be applied to the underlayment or roof membrane in progressive sections. The separating elements can be used appropriately at the planned or specified positions to specifically sever the conductors or lines. The separation points are then documented. The carrier tape is electrically contacted or connected to a measuring or evaluation unit. The signal path recorded by the measuring or evaluation unit on all evaluable conductors or sections of conductors or lines is observed or monitored. Signals generated due to contact with water or moisture are analyzed.Based on the pattern of the membranes and the separating elements, the location of moisture penetration and drainage can be logically determined.

[0153] The observation(s) can be communicated via a user interface, an app, email, or SMS. These interfaces can also be used to issue a warning, alarm, or damage report. Such notifications can be issued with reference to the corresponding segments, measurement fields, or measurement ranges. Accompanying or simultaneous interpretation of the measurement results based on the time and other information is also possible. Moisture monitoring thus represents a monitoring service or digital maintenance service that enables detailed damage reports for, for example, homeowners, property managers, roofers, plumbers, bricklayers, or other tradespeople. A damage report contains information about, for example, the address of the damaged roof, the affected section of the roof, the type of tiles used, the year of construction, the type of battens, the general condition of the roof, etc.A tradesman therefore does not have to assess the damage before repairing it in order to decide which tools he needs, but can proceed directly to the repair.

[0154] To implement a further embodiment of the proposed method, between 6 and 46 non-insulated and / or insulated electrical wires or conductor tracks can be applied, for example, to the top surface of a tear-resistant PE composite material with a self-adhesive underside, hereinafter referred to as "adhesive tape." The number of wires can vary depending on the width of the adhesive tape. A leak detection area can be defined with just two wires or conductor tracks. Therefore, the other electrical wires or conductor tracks can serve, among other things, as data conductors for transmitting additional measurement data, e.g., to a buffer or external main memory unit.

[0155] The described sensor principle generally operates in the extra-low or low-voltage range. Installation and assembly can therefore be carried out using a plug-and-play method. For this purpose, the device can be designed so that its components can be connected to the data processing and buffer storage unit by a specialist in roof, wall, and waterproofing technology or solar technology using a plug-and-play method without any further adjustments and can be put into operation directly using a control interface. This eliminates the need for a qualified electrician for both new installations and all conversion and repair work. The implementation of the proposed method therefore requires minimal assembly, installation, and maintenance effort.

[0156] The ability to define access to a control interface can be assigned to an administrator. Access can be authorized for a single person, but also, for example, for a group of employees. Within a specific group, different authorization levels can also be assigned. Access to the data structure of a single or multiple roof interfaces can be realized via the control interface.

[0157] In addition, the adhesive tapes and electrical cables or conductors used can be made corrosion- and weather-resistant, which has a positive impact on weather and aging resistance compared to alternative methods. The durability of the materials can be designed for temperature resistance between -40 and +80 degrees Celsius and humidity levels of up to 100 percent. The double-insulated cable connections and housings used can be designed to be waterproof and suitable for outdoor use.

[0158] The presented method can generally be used on all types of pitched roofs, provided additional measures (e.g., underlayment or underlay membrane) are in place. It can also be used on sloped, ventilated flat roofs with a second water-bearing layer at the ventilation level. Furthermore, it can be installed beneath facade cladding in the lower connection area of ​​the exterior facade. Other design and application examples include balcony connections, roof transitions, and wall connections to chimneys.

[0159] The method can also be used for the early detection of material fatigue and / or wear of a roof and / or building structure, wherein the device is mounted on a moisture-conducting surface and / or in a moisture-conducting layer of the roof and / or building structure. Reaching the capillary saturation point of the roof or building structure is recognized if moisture is detected along the entire device.

[0160] A device according to the invention can therefore be used not only to detect and locate leaks. It can also be used to check the general condition of a roof or building structure. If the capillary saturation point is detected, this information can be stored along with the date, temperature and ambient conditions, and any other sensor data from the device. This allows for evaluation of the stored data, which can be performed in real time and / or at a later time.

[0161] If the saturation point of a roof or building structure is only reached during extreme weather events, such as prolonged downpours or heavy rainfall, there is generally no need for action. However, if this occurs during rainfall events where the saturation point of a roof or building structure is not expected to be reached, this can be interpreted as an indication of material fatigue and / or wear. Likewise, the frequency of reaching the saturation point can indicate material fatigue and / or wear. If several roofs and / or building structures are monitored in a region that are comparable in terms of their saturation point, a comparison of the saturation points reached can provide information on whether the reaching of a capillary saturation point is due to a prolonged weather phenomenon in the region or to material fatigue and / or wear of a roof and / or building part. The latter can, for example,This may be the case if all other or at least many other roofs have not reached their capillary saturation point.

[0162] The method uses a device according to the invention to obtain information about whether a roof or building structure may need to be renovated or rebuilt, even if there is no damage or leakage to the roof and / or the building section. In addition to roofs, building structures such as concrete tubs, saunas, or other damp rooms can also be monitored. The same applies - mutatis mutandis - for the previously described methods. A device according to the invention can also be referred to as a monitoring tape, whereby the monitoring that can be carried out with the tape relates both to the general condition of a roof or building structure and to the moisture monitoring and leak detection described above.

[0163] The method can use a predefined threshold. However, the predefined threshold can also be derived using a measurement of an electrical property of a conductor track or a section of one of the conductor tracks. The device can thus be set up or calibrated within the method and adapted to local conditions, the building structure to be monitored, and the properties of the device, which can be significantly influenced by the device's installation.

[0164] According to the invention, a leak or moisture monitoring event can also be detected based on a series of events recorded in chronological order or sequential measured values. An event represents the detection of moisture by the device. The duration and number of events, as well as their chronological sequence, can be used to determine whether the damage to the roof membrane or roof covering is greater or lesser, thus enabling an assessment of the need for emergency measures.

[0165] This data can be transmitted to a buffer storage device and / or an external main storage unit, among other things, and immediately analyzed by software in real time. This allows the process to directly determine the severity of the leak and trigger an automated alarm notification, along with a timely estimate of the need to implement emergency measures. After the alarm notification has been sent, an automatic reset or restart can occur, meaning the alarm is triggered again as soon as the electrical conductors or lines have dried and moisture again contacts the device.

[0166] If the device includes appropriate sensors, continuous measurement of humidity, precipitation, air pressure, and temperature can also eliminate error messages caused by dripping due to the roof covering reaching its capillary saturation point, for example, due to prolonged high humidity or a prolonged downpour. Furthermore, continuous measurement can also eliminate possible error messages, such as those caused by drifting snow beneath the roof covering (also known as blown snow), through software-based correction for the associated temperature drop.

[0167] In further embodiments, it is possible to specify a position on the carrier tape, with at least one of the conductor tracks being severed at the specified position by punching a hole or elongated hole. Severing the at least one conductor track thereby interrupts the electrical contact between the sections of the at least one conductor track located on opposite sides of the specified position.

[0168] This allows conductor tracks to be severed without the use of a separator. This simplifies the assembly of the device.

[0169] Further details and features will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the figures. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The possibilities for solving the problem are not limited to the embodiments. For example, range specifications always include all intermediate values ​​(not mentioned) and all conceivable sub-intervals.

[0170] The exemplary embodiments are illustrated schematically in the figures. Identical reference numerals in the individual figures denote identical or functionally identical elements, or elements that correspond to one another in terms of their functions. In detail: Fig. 1 a monitoring tape with a carrier tape, to which 10 adjacently arranged conductor tracks, 3 separating elements and a connecting element are attached; Fig. 2 different views and assembly states of a section of the Fig. 1 shown monitoring tape; Fig. 3 various views of a section of another monitoring tape with a separating element attached to a carrier tape with 8 adjacent conductor tracks and a 4-wire data line; Fig. 4 various views of a section of another monitoring tape with a connection element attached to a carrier tape with 10 adjacent conductor tracks; Fig. 5 various cross-sections of sections of another monitoring tape with 8 adjacent conductor tracks and various separating elements; Fig. 6 a section of a monitoring tape that was retrofitted to an underlayment of a pitched roof with rafters; Fig. 7 a plan view of a section of a monitoring tape with punched separating points; Fig. 8 a section of another embodiment of a monitoring tape that lies between two connection units; Fig.Fig. 9 shows a section of another embodiment of a monitoring band with multiple cut conductor tracks; and Fig. 10 shows a system 1000 with three parallel monitoring bands.

[0171] Fig. 1 shows a monitoring tape 1, i.e. an embodiment of a device according to the invention for detecting and locating moisture on a moisture-conducting surface and / or in a moisture-conducting layer. The monitoring tape 1 comprises part of a carrier tape 3 with a plurality of conductor tracks 5 arranged next to one another or in parallel. The conductor tracks 5 represent electrical conductors that are not insulated. They are numbered 1 to n, i.e. provided with the indexed reference numerals 5.1 to 5.n, where n=10 in this exemplary embodiment. In other embodiments (not shown), the conductor tracks 5 can be insulated or partially insulated. Further embodiments (not shown) can have both uninsulated and insulated conductor tracks 5.

[0172] Three separating elements 10 are mounted on the carrier strip 3. The separating elements 10 are distinguished from one another by the indices a, b, and c and are provided with corresponding indexed reference numerals 10.a, 10.b, and 10.c. The separating elements 10 are constructed in two parts, adapted to the width of the carrier strip 3, and comprise clamping elements 11 and locking elements 13. The clamping elements 11 are held in the separating elements 10 by means of two locking elements 13 each, in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner, clamping the carrier strip 3 with the plurality of conductor tracks 5. The carrier strip is thus secured against slipping.

[0173] In addition, the separating elements 10a, 10b, and 10c comprise cutting edges 12, with which - depending on the width of the blades 12 - one or two of the conductor tracks 5 can be severed. The cutting edges 12 and the clamping elements 11 are designed as a single piece, so that when the clamping elements 11 snap into the separating elements 10, the conductor tracks located beneath the cutting edges 12 are severed. This creates sections of conductor tracks 5 with a spacing of approximately 1 mm. The sections of a conductor track 5 are severed in such a way that the electrical contact between the sections of the conductor track 5 is interrupted, or there is no electrical contact between the sections located on opposite sides of the cutting edge 12 or the separating element 10, or the position of the separating element 10. Accordingly, the cutting edge 12 is made of a non-conductive plastic, specifically a glass-fiber-reinforced epoxy material.

[0174] In other embodiments, the cutting edges 12 can also be inserted into corresponding recesses of the clamping elements 11 and locked into place therein after the assembly of the separating elements 10 and the clamping elements 11.

[0175] The monitoring strip 1 also includes a connection element 20 with a plurality of contact pins 22 with contact points for electrical conductors 32. Each of the conductors 32 can be connected to one of the conductor tracks 5 via the contact pins 22 and contact points. Accordingly, the contact pins 22 and the conductors 32 are numbered consecutively from 1 to n and provided with the indexed reference symbols 22.1 ... 22.n and 32.1 ... 32.n. The contact points represent the upper part of the contact pins 22, which establish the electrical contact between the conductors 32 connected to the contact points and the conductor tracks 5.

[0176] The electrical conductors 32 are part of a multi-core connecting cable 30. The connecting cable 30 leads to a sensor box (not shown) with a control or measuring unit. The sensor box can apply a low voltage to the conductor tracks 5 via the connecting cable 30 or the electrical conductors 32 in order to measure an electrical property using the conductor tracks 5 or a portion of the conductor tracks 5.

[0177] The separating elements 10 can be mounted at any position on the carrier tape 3. However, due to the length and width of the separating elements 10, two separating elements 10 cannot be mounted at the same position or at positions close to each other.

[0178] The position and number of the separating elements 10 define the measuring ranges or measuring fields that can be monitored with the device. Four measuring ranges can be defined or differentiated by the three separating elements 10.a, 10.b and 10.c. Two measuring ranges are determined by the conductor tracks 5 or sections of conductor tracks 5 that are located between the separating elements 10, i.e. between the position of the separating element 10.a and 10.b and between the position of the separating element 10.b and 10.c. Two further measuring ranges are determined by the conductor tracks 5 or sections of conductor tracks 5 that are located on the side of the separating elements 10.a and 10.c that is opposite the side on which the separating element 10.b is located.

[0179] The monitoring tape 1 can, for example, be installed or mounted horizontally near the eaves on the underlayment of a pitched or steep roof. If the underlayment forms a flat surface in the area of ​​the monitoring tape 1 that extends up to the ridge, the area of ​​the underlayment that lies between the monitoring tape 1 and the ridge can be divided into the previously described measuring areas by vertical lines from the position of the separating elements 10 on the carrier tape 3 to the ridge. This division is based on the assumption that moisture can spread more or less vertically along the underlayment due to gravity, or in more or less straight streams along the underlayment. If this is not possible, the shape and extent of the measuring areas can be adapted accordingly to the expected spreading characteristics of moisture or water on the underlayment.This applies not only to underlays and roofs, but to all applications described in this application.

[0180] If moisture or water spreads from a point on the underlayment that lies on or near the vertical lines separating two measuring areas, the moisture or water can spread in one or the other or both measuring areas. If moisture is detected in two adjacent measuring areas, the leak can be localized to an area near the vertical line common to the measuring areas. The moisture can be recognized or detected in both areas simultaneously. However, it can also be detected in two consecutive measurements, once in one area and once in the other. If this is taken into account in the leak detection, the leak detection can be improved. This applies not only to Monitoring Band 1, but generally to all devices and methods according to the invention.

[0181] Fig. 2 shows a section of the monitoring tape 1 which comprises the separating element 10.b. The first view from above shows the separating element 10.b in a plan view without the clamping element 11 and the cutting edges 12. In the plan view without the clamping element 11 and cutting edges 12, the separation points 15 are visible which were created by inserting the cutting edges 12 into the clamping element 11. In this example, the conductor tracks 5.3 and 5.4 were severed by a cutting edge 12 and the conductor tracks 5.9 and 5.10 were severed by another cutting edge 12 of the clamping element 11. For comparison, the second view from above shows the separating element 10.b with the clamping element 11 and the cutting edges 12 in the same plan view, i.e. from the same perspective.

[0182] The third and fourth views from above show a cross-section of the separating element 10.b, with the third view showing the state of the separating element 10.b shortly before the clamping element 11 is engaged with the separating element 10.b. The fourth view shows the state of the separating element 10.b after the clamping element 11 has been engaged with the separating element 10.b.

[0183] In this embodiment, the conductor tracks 5 are severed by the cutting edges 12 cutting through the conductor tracks 5 and further cutting into the carrier strip 3 when the clamping element 11 snaps into the separating element 10.b. This creates a separation point 15. However, the carrier strip 3 is not completely severed.

[0184] In addition, the clamping element 11 has a rectangular projection on one side that clamps the carrier tape 3 into the separating element 10.b. The projection is located on the right side of the clamping element 11 in the third and fourth views from above.

[0185] In this embodiment, the separating elements 10 have dimensions of 35 x 85 x 35 mm. They are also manufactured using an injection molding process. This ensures sufficient wall thickness and stability of the separating elements 10.

[0186] Fig. 3 shows a section of another embodiment of a monitoring tape 1 in various views. This embodiment comprises a carrier tape 3 with 8 adjacently arranged non-insulated electrical conductor tracks 5 and a 4-wire information cable 40. The 4 wires of the information cable 40 are embedded in a plastic matrix that insulates the wires 45.

[0187] The first top view shows a cross-section of a separating element 10, into which the carrier tape 3 and the information cable 40 are clamped by means of a clamping element 11. For this purpose, the clamping element 11 has a projection, which is located on the right side of the clamping element 11 in this view and clamps the carrier tape. Additionally, the projection has a recess for the information cable 40, so that the information cable 40 is clamped into the separating element 10 by the clamping element 11, but not crushed.

[0188] The separating element 10 further comprises a cutting edge 12. In this example, the cutting edge 12 cuts through the conductor tracks 5.3, 5.4 and 5.5.

[0189] The second view from above shows a plan view of the carrier tape 3 with the separating element 10, but without the clamping element 11. This shows the separating point 15, which was created by cutting through the conductor tracks 5.3, 5.4 and 5.5 using the clamping element 11 and the cutting edge 12.

[0190] The second view also shows that the four wires 45 of the information cable 40 are connected to information conductors 51 of an information line 50. The information conductors 51 of the information line 50 are connected via a plug 41, which is inserted into a corresponding recess in the clamping element 11. This can be seen in the third view from above, which shows the carrier tape 3 in a plan view with the clamping element 11 snapped into the separating element 10.

[0191] The plug 41 is not visible in the cross-section of the separating element 10, which is shown in the first view from above. However, it is included in the cross-section of the separating element 10, which is shown in the bottom view. The plug 41 has cutting contacts for contacting the wires 45 with the information conductors 51. When the plug 41 is inserted into the recess of the clamping element 11, these cut into the insulation of the information cable 40, thus establishing electrical contact between the wires 45 and the information conductors 51.

[0192] In this example, information line 50 leads to a temperature and a humidity sensor. The sensors are controlled by a sensor box with a control unit via information cable 40 and information line 50. The response of the sensors, especially the measured values ​​and data collected and recorded by the sensors, are also transmitted via information line 50 and information cable 40. The information cable is therefore used to control the sensors.

[0193] Fig. 4 shows a section of a monitoring tape 1 in which a connection element 20 has been mounted at a position of a carrier tape 3 with ten conductor tracks 5. The top view represents a plan view of the mounted connection element 20 and the carrier tape 3 with the conductor tracks 5. The conductor tracks are as in Fig. 1 provided with indices from 1 to 10 or indexed reference symbols 5.1 to 5.10.

[0194] The connecting element 20 has a clamping element 21 with contact pins 22. The upper ends of the contact pins 22 form contact points 24. As can be seen from the bottom view, which shows a cross-section of the connecting element 20 mounted on the carrier strip 3, connecting conductors 61 of a connecting line 60 are connected to the contact points 24. The connecting conductors 61 or the connecting line 60 lead to a measuring unit (not shown) that measures the capacitance of the conductors 5.1 to 5.10 using the electrical contacts between the connecting conductors 61 and the conductor tracks 5, which are established by the contact pins 22 with the contact points 24.

[0195] The clamping element 21 with the contact pins 22 is held in the connecting element 20 by locking elements 23. The carrier strip 3 is clamped into the connecting element 20. This can also be seen in the lower view, in which a projection of the clamping element 21 can be seen on the right side. The projection clamps the carrier strip 3 in the connecting element 20 when the clamping element 21 is inserted into the connecting element 20 and snaps into the locking elements 23.

[0196] The middle view shows a cross-section of the connection element 20 in a state in which the clamping element 21 has already been inserted into the connection element 20, but not yet engaged with the locking elements 23. A comparison of the middle and lower views shows that, before engaging, the pins are held in a position by springs (not shown) in which the contact pins 22 protrude from the clamping element 21. When the clamping element 21 engages with the locking elements 23 of the connection element 20, the pins 22 are pushed upward. In turn, the springs press the contact pins 22 onto the conductor tracks 5. In this way, the conductor tracks can be reliably contacted, or an electrical contact can be established between the conductor tracks and the contact pins.

[0197] Fig. 5 shows various cross-sections of a monitoring tape 1 and a separating element 10. The first cross-section shows a carrier tape 3 with eight adjacently arranged non-insulated electrical conductor tracks 5, which are provided with indexed reference numerals 5.1 to 5.8. In this embodiment, the carrier tape consists of a mesh-reinforced PE film.

[0198] The second cross-section shows the carrier tape 3 with the 8 conductor tracks 5 in a state in which it has been inserted into the lower part of a separating element 10. The separating element 10 also includes a clamping element 10. Before inserting the carrier tape 3, the clamping element 11 was removed from the separating element 10. It is therefore not shown in this cross-sectional view.

[0199] The third cross-section shows the separating element 10 with the carrier tape 3 inserted therein and the clamping element 11, which has now also been inserted into the lower part of the separating element 10 and snapped into place by means of the locking elements 13. The clamping element 11 has eight recesses 14. The recesses 14 each lie above one of the conductor tracks 5. Cutting edges 12 for severing the conductor tracks 5 can be inserted into the recesses 14 and snapped into place. The cutting edges 12 can be installed after the separating element 10 has been installed with the clamping element 11. One, none, or several of the conductor tracks can be severed, as required. In addition to cutting edges 12, elements with contact pins 22 can also be inserted into the clamping element 11 in this way. Such separating elements 10 can therefore be used both for severing and for contacting the conductor tracks 5.

[0200] The fourth cross-section shows another embodiment of a separating element 10, which comprises a clamping element 11 with only one cutting edge 12. In this example, the conductor track 5.1 can be severed.

[0201] The fifth cross-section shows an embodiment with three cutting edges 12 of different lengths. The first cutting edge 12 cuts through conductor track 5.1. The second cutting edge 12 is wider and cuts through conductor tracks 5.3 to 5.5. The third cutting edge 12 cuts through conductor track 5.7.

[0202] The separating elements 10 or clamping elements 11 can therefore be designed in different ways. They can be configured so that the conductor tracks can be severed after the separating elements 10 and clamping elements 11 have been installed by inserting cutting edges 12 into recesses 14. They can also be configured so that a clamping element 11 only severes conductor tracks at precisely defined positions. These clamping elements can, for example, be designed with different colors. Such markings are generally easy to recognize and facilitate documentation or tracking of which and how many conductor tracks were severed at which positions on the carrier tape.

[0203] Fig. 6 shows a monitoring tape 1 with a carrier tape 3 that was retrofitted to an underlayment 4 of a pitched roof with rafters 2. Attached to one side of the carrier tape 3 are 7 conductor tracks 5, which are arranged side by side and are not insulated. On the other side of the carrier tape 3 is an adhesive layer with which the carrier tape 3 was glued or mounted to the underlayment 4. The figure shows a section in which a connection unit 20 and two separating elements 10, designated 10.a and 10.b, were attached to the monitoring tape 1. The separating element 10.a has contact means that establishes electrical contact between the conductor tracks 5 on the carrier tape 3 and a measuring line 83 to a sensor box 93. In addition, the monitoring tape 1 has a control unit 80 that is connected to the sensor box 93 via a power and data line 84.The control unit 80 is also connected to the connection element 20 on the monitoring belt 1 via a connecting line 30. The power supply to the control unit 80 and the sensor box 93 is ensured by a solar cell 91. The power supply from the solar cell 91 is provided via a power line 81. The power line 81 connects the solar cell 91 to the control unit 80, which in turn supplies the sensor box 93 with power via the power and data line 84. Furthermore, the control unit 80 is connected via an information line 82 to a data transmission module 92, which connects the control unit 80 to the Internet.

[0204] The underlayment 4 is attached to roof rafters 2. The surfaces of the roof rafters 2 and the underlayment 4 form a moisture-conducting surface that can be monitored using the monitoring tape 1. This surface is not only flat or level, but also exhibits slopes and vertical elevations, particularly on the roof rafters 2. Accordingly, the monitoring tape 1 was not placed between the underlayment 4 and the roof rafters 2, but rather over the roof rafters 2 in order to monitor the entire moisture-conducting surface.

[0205] The vertical surfaces of the roof rafters 2 provide a natural segmentation of the area formed by the rafters 2 and the underlayment 4 into measurement zones, particularly since these surfaces are perpendicular to the roof covering. As a result, these surfaces are only very unlikely to be exposed to moisture or water in the event of a leak in the roof covering. Furthermore, moisture or water runs off these surfaces toward the underlayment 4. It is therefore very unlikely that the monitoring tape 1 on the side surfaces of the roof rafters 2 will be exposed to moisture.

[0206] Accordingly, the connection unit 20 and the separating elements 10.a and 10.b were placed on the side surfaces of the roof rafters 2. The moisture-conducting surface is thus divided into measuring fields that extend between the side surfaces of the roof rafters 2, i.e., from the connection element 20 to the separating element 10.a, from the separating element 10.a to the separating element 10.b, and so on. The measuring fields also extend vertically opposite to the propagation direction of the flowing moisture or water, i.e., from the monitoring strip 1 to the ridge of the roof (not shown).

[0207] The control unit 80 comprises a measuring unit connected to all seven conductor tracks 5 or sections of the conductor tracks 5 on the carrier strip 3 via the connecting line 30. The control unit 80 can measure the electrical properties of the conductor tracks 5 or sections of the conductor tracks 5 via its measuring unit. In this exemplary embodiment, the measuring unit determines the electrical resistance between two conductor tracks 5 or sections of conductor tracks 5.

[0208] The sensor box 93 also includes a measuring unit, which is connected via the measuring line 83 and the contact means of the separating element 10.a to the sections of the conductor tracks 5, which in the view shown are located to the right of the separating element 10.a. In this way, the measuring unit of the sensor box 93 can use these sections for measuring electrical properties, again determining the electrical resistance between two sections. In other embodiments (not shown), the measuring unit of a sensor box 93 can also be designed to determine the capacitance of one or more conductor tracks or one or more sections of conductor tracks, and to perform a TDR and / or FDR analysis. Furthermore, the sensor box 93 includes a temperature and humidity sensor. The temperature and humidity sensor and the measuring unit transmit their measured values ​​or data to the control unit 80 via the power and data line 84.They also receive control signals from control unit 80 via this line.

[0209] Humidity monitoring can be carried out autonomously using the solar cell 91. The control unit 80 has an energy storage device or battery (not shown) that can be charged using the solar cell 91. This eliminates the need to connect the control unit 80 or the sensor box 93 to an external power supply.

[0210] The measured values ​​collected by the measuring units of the control unit 80 and the sensor box 93 are transmitted via the data line 82 to the data transmission module 92. The data transmission module 92 has a connection to the Internet. It transmits the received measured values ​​via the Internet to a main storage unit (not shown). This transmission path is also used to monitor the system and send control signals to the control unit 80 and the sensor box 93, respectively. Humidity monitoring and control of the humidity monitoring can therefore be carried out remotely. The main storage unit stores the data it receives from the control unit 80 via the data transmission module 92 and stores it for evaluation or data analysis. The main storage unit can be connected not only to the system just described, but also to multiple humidity monitoring systems.

[0211] The Fig. 6 The embodiment shown can be continued and expanded. It can, for example, be equipped with additional sensors or sensor boxes 93, connection elements 20, or separating elements 10, whereby the separating elements 10 can also have their own measuring units. It is also conceivable to connect additional monitoring bands 1 to the already installed band 1. Furthermore, a second or additional monitoring bands 1 can be connected to the control unit 80, which can be run parallel to the already installed monitoring band 1. In this way, the monitoring of the roof can be successively expanded or made more dense as needed. The same applies to other building structures.

[0212] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment in which the underlay membrane 4 was laid beneath the rafters 2. Embodiments in which the underlay membrane 4 was laid on the rafters 2 and have corresponding counter battens can be equipped with a monitoring band in a similar manner. In this case, the battens of the counter battens take on the role of the rafters.

[0213] Fig. 7 shows a plan view of a section of a monitoring strip 1 with a connection element 20. The section has separation points 15 that were punched into the conductor tracks 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3. The two upper and the lower separation points 15 were created using separation elements 10, into which corresponding punching tools similar to the previously described cutting edges 12 were inserted. The middle separation point 15 was created with a punching tool that was not inserted into a separation element 10. A separation point 15 can therefore be created with or without the installation of a separation element. This applies not only to this embodiment, but to all embodiments according to the invention.

[0214] In addition to a punching tool that punches out a section of a conductor track 5, a knife can also be used to cut or sever a conductor track 5 and bend it apart at the resulting ends. A separation point 15 can also be created in this way.

[0215] Fig. 8 shows a section of another embodiment of a monitoring strip 1, which lies between two connection units 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the conductor tracks 5 are cut in pairs. The conductor track 5.1 has been divided into two sections 110 and 111. At the same point, the conductor track 5.2 has been cut and divided into sections 120 and 121. The same applies to the conductor tracks 5.3 to 5.6, which have been divided into sections 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, and 161. The sections 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160 can be contacted via the upper connection unit 20. Using the lower connection unit 20, the sections 111, 121, 131, 141, 151 and 161 can be read out or contacted in order to carry out measurements of electrical properties with these sections.

[0216] Fig. 9 shows a section of another embodiment of a monitoring band 1, which is located between two connection units 20. The embodiment differs from that in Fig. 8 shown embodiment by an information cable 40. The monitoring band 1 was provided with separation points 15 in the section shown in the same way as the monitoring band 1 in the section shown in Fig. 8 shown section. In addition, however, two further separation points 15 were inserted into the conductor tracks 5.7 and 5.8. In the process, the conductor tracks 5.7 and 5.8 were each divided into three sections, namely sections 170, 171, 172, 180, 181 and 182. In addition to the separation elements 10, a connection element 70 was attached to the monitoring strip 1. The connection element 70 has two contact points 74 with contact pins that are in electrical contact with the conductor tracks 5.7 and 5.8. An electrical conductor 76 is attached to each contact point 74, which connects the contact point 74 to a corresponding contact point on a plug 72. The plug 72 is located in a clamping element 71 and, via these contact points, establishes the electrical contact between the electrical conductors 76 and the wires of the information cable 40. The clamping element 71 fixes the plug 72 in the connection element 70.

[0217] While sections 170 and 180 can be contacted with the upper connection unit 20 and sections 172 and 182 with the lower connection unit 20, sections 171 and 181 cannot be contacted with either of the connection units 20. To contact these sections, the connection element 70 was attached to the carrier strip 3 at a position between the two separation points 15 of the conductor tracks 5.7 and 5.8. The contact is established using the contact points 74 of the connection element 70, the conductors 76, and the wires of the information cable 40. In this way, the intermediate pieces 171 and 181 can be connected to a measuring unit or sensor box (not shown), which is also connected to the information cable 40.

[0218] The monitoring strip 1 comprises non-insulated conductor tracks 5. To detect moisture or water, the electrical resistance between two conductor tracks 5 or sections of conductor tracks 5 is determined. The resistance can change by several orders of magnitude upon contact with moisture or water. In an embodiment with approximately 20 m long aluminum conductor tracks 5, a width of approximately 1 cm, and a spacing of approximately 1 mm, the resistance between two adjacent conductor tracks 5 changes by several megaohms or kiloohms when the conductor tracks 5 are wetted with water over a distance of approximately 1 to 5 cm and thus electrically connected to one another.

[0219] In alternative embodiments of the device (not shown), the monitoring band 1 comprises insulated conductor tracks 5. To detect moisture or water, the electrical resistance between the conductor tracks 5 or sections of the conductor tracks 5 is not determined, but rather the capacitance of one or two conductor tracks 5. In one embodiment, two insulated conductor tracks 5, which are approximately 20 m long, 1 cm wide and spaced approximately 1 mm apart, have a capacitance of approximately 1 nF. If the conductor tracks are wetted with water over a distance of approximately 5 cm, this value changes to approximately 1.2 nF. This change is significant and can be used to detect moisture or water.

[0220] The change in capacitance does not need to be measured directly. It can be determined, for example, by the number of charging cycles that can be achieved within 1 second using the conductive tracks. In this case, increasing the capacitance leads to a reduction in the number of charging cycles by 2000 cycles.

[0221] Another option for detecting moisture or water using insulated conductor tracks is TDR analysis. For the conductor tracks 5 described above, this results in a signal velocity of approximately 0.2 m / ns. The signal propagation time of a voltage pulse is therefore in the range of a few ns to several hundred ns. A buildup of water that wets the conductor tracks 5 in an area, for example, 4 m away from the associated measuring unit, leads to backscattering of a voltage pulse, which can be detected by the measuring unit after approximately 40 ns.

[0222] Fig. 10 shows a system 1000 with three parallel monitoring belts 1. The system 1000 comprises an evaluation unit 900 and a sensor center 910. The sensor center 910 is connected via an information line 50 to an information cable 40 of a first monitoring belt 1 (in the figure, to the topmost belt). In addition to the information cable 40, to which the information line 50 is connected, the first monitoring belt 1 has six adjacent, almost parallel conductor tracks 5, which are provided with the reference numerals 5.1 to 5.6. The conductor tracks 5.1 to 5.6 are glued to a carrier belt 3. The carrier belt 3 is attached to a moisture-conducting surface 500.

[0223] A second monitoring band 1 (the middle band in the figure) and a third monitoring band 1 (the lowest band in the figure) run parallel or almost parallel to the first monitoring band 1, wherein the second monitoring band 1 also has six conductor tracks 5 arranged next to one another and the third monitoring band 1 has four conductor tracks 5 arranged next to one another.

[0224] Separating elements 10 (not shown) were mounted at positions 220, which are designated by the indices i, j, and k, or the indexed reference symbols 220.i, 220.j, and 220.k. At position 220.i, conductor tracks 5.1 and 5.2 were severed, forming a separation point 15. Further separation points 15 are located at positions 220.j and 220.k, where conductor tracks 5.1 to 5.4 and 5.1 to 5.6 were severed, respectively.

[0225] The sections of the conductor tracks 5.1 to 5.6, which in this illustration are located to the left of the separation points 15, are connected to the evaluation unit 900 via connecting conductors of a connecting cable 30. The evaluation unit 900 has a measuring unit that uses the sections to measure the resistance between the sections of the conductor tracks 5.1 and 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4, and 5.5 and 5.6.

[0226] The sections of the conductor tracks 5.1 to 5.6, which in this illustration are located to the right of the separation points 15, are also connected to measuring units or sensor boxes 233. One of these measuring units or sensor boxes is included in the section shown and represents a sensor box 233. The others are located outside the section shown. The sensor box 233 has a measuring unit that measures the resistance between the sections of the conductor tracks 5.5 and 5.6, which in this illustration are located to the right of position 120.k. The sensor box 233 transmits the corresponding measured values ​​to the evaluation unit 900 using wireless communication.

[0227] The sensor box 233 is also connected to a temperature and humidity sensor 300. The measured values ​​of the temperature and humidity sensor 300 are also transmitted from the sensor box 233 via wireless communication, but to the sensor center 910. The sensor center 910 first evaluates and processes the data. The processed data is then transmitted to the evaluation unit 900 via an information line (not shown).

[0228] A second temperature and humidity sensor 300 is mounted between positions 220.j and 220.k on the moisture-conducting surface 500. The second temperature and humidity sensor 300 is connected to the information cable 40 via a connector 244. Via the connector 244, the temperature and humidity sensor 300 feeds its measured values ​​or data directly into the information cable 40 and transmits them to the sensor center 910 via the information line 50. The temperature and humidity sensor 300 receives control signals from the sensor center 910 via the same lines. The same applies to the temperature and humidity sensor 300 connected to the sensor box 233.

[0229] The conductor tracks of the second and third monitoring bands are similarly provided with separation points 15 and connected to sensor boxes or measuring units (not shown). The separation points 15 define measuring fields 250. The measuring fields 250 are assigned to the monitoring bands 1. The measuring fields 250 of the first band are marked with the reference symbols 250.Ai, 250.Aj, and 250.Ak. The measuring fields of the other bands are marked with the reference symbols 250.Bi, 250.Bj, 250.Bk, 250.Ci, and 250.Cj. The measuring fields 250 form an observation area 200. The observation area 200 is somewhat smaller than the moisture-bearing surface 500 due to structural conditions and the position of the monitoring bands 1. The observation area extends in particular above the monitoring bands 1, ie opposite to the direction in which moisture or water spreads on the moisture-bearing surface 500.

[0230] In Fig. 10a leakage 600 is also shown. From the leakage 600, water spreads in a vertical direction 610 (see the black arrow) to the monitoring strips 1 and wets the conductor tracks 5 of the monitoring strips 1. Contact with the moisture or water escaping from the leakage 600 leads to a short circuit in the measuring field 250.Ak between the conductor tracks 5.5 and 5.6 or the corresponding sections of these conductor tracks 5.5 and 5.6, which is indicated by the area marked in black. This short circuit is detected by the evaluation unit 900. Furthermore, the lowest conductor tracks 5 of the second monitoring strip 1 in the measuring field 250.Bk are short-circuited. This short circuit is also detected by the evaluation unit 900 (and is therefore marked in black). Further sections are short-circuited. However, these short circuits are caused by the wiring of the conductor tracks 5 and 6.the sections of the conductor tracks 5 with the measuring units are not recognized by the evaluation unit 900 as belonging to the corresponding measuring range, since the short-circuited conductor tracks 5 or sections of conductor tracks 5 are assigned to other measuring ranges.

[0231] By combining the various monitoring bands 1, the leak 600 can be located more precisely than would be possible with just one of the bands 1. This applies to both the horizontal and vertical position of the leak 600. In the case shown, the position of the leak 600 can be located by the detected short circuit in the first band in the measuring field 250.Aj. By detecting a short circuit in the measuring field 250.Bk, the position of the leak 600 can be localized in an area covered by both measuring fields, i.e., the measuring fields 250.Aj and 250.Bk.

[0232] The detected short circuits can be compared with the measured values ​​of the 300 sensors. This way, false alarms due to moisture penetration caused by blowing snow or reaching the capillary saturation point of the roof covering can be avoided. glossary Real time

[0233] The operation of an (information technology) system, device, or unit occurs in real-time if programs for processing measured or generated data are constantly operational and the processing results of these programs are available (almost) simultaneously, i.e. within a specified period of time and without delays that exceed system-, device-, or unit-specific processing times. Depending on the application, the data can be measured or generated according to a random temporal distribution or at predetermined times. Depending on the application and system, device, or unit, the specified period of time can be, for example, a few microseconds or milliseconds, minutes, or hours. electrical contact

[0234] An electrical contact represents a contact between two electrical conductors or electrically conductive objects. Two electrical conductors or electrically conductive objects are in electrical contact when current can flow virtually unhindered through the contact area, i.e., the contact area presents negligible resistance. Electrical contacts can be detachable, such as a switching or sliding contact. They can also be permanent, such as a soldered, welded, press-fit, crimped, riveted, wrapped, or adhesive connection between electrical conductors or electrically conductive objects. moisture-bearing surface or layer

[0235] A moisture-bearing surface or layer is a surface or layer on or in which moisture, humidity or water can spread. moisture

[0236] Humidity or moisture refers to the presence of water in or on a material (e.g., textiles) or substance, or in a gas or air (humidity), or in a space (e.g., the basement of a building). Extremely humid conditions are also referred to as wetness. Humidity can occur in buildings, for example, through condensation or leaks. Humidity or moisture can also refer to the presence of other liquids, such as benzene or electrically conductive fluids. ribbon cable

[0237] A ribbon cable is a multi-core cable in which the cores are not arranged in a circular bundle within a round insulating tube, but rather arranged parallel to one another. Ribbon cables are primarily used to connect electronic components, such as those found in computers. They typically represent two- or multi-core signal or data lines. Frequency domain reflectometry (FDR, frequency domain reflectometry)

[0238] Frequency domain reflectometry is a method for determining and analyzing the run lengths and reflection characteristics of sinusoidal excitations of electrical conductors or traces. The conductor or trace is excited with sinusoidal signals of different frequencies, and both phase and amplitude information of the reflected signals is collected. Unlike time domain reflectometry (TDR), frequency domain reflectometry therefore works with frequency-resolved data, rather than time-resolved data. This allows, for example, the precise determination of how much water is present on the conductor or trace, or at how many locations. However, due to the different type of excitation (sinusoidal excitation instead of pulse), frequency domain reflectometry does not offer the same spatial resolution as time domain reflectometry (TDR). Capacity (electrical capacity)

[0239] Capacitance, or electrical capacity, is a physical quantity from the fields of electrostatics, electronics, and electrical engineering. The electrical capacity between two insulated electrically conductive bodies is equal to the ratio of the charge stored on these conductors to the electrical voltage between them. The capacity is determined, among other things, by the dielectric constant of the insulating medium, the surroundings of the conductive bodies, and the geometry of the bodies (especially the distance between them).

[0240] The electrical capacitance of a conductor or track is the capacitance of the conductor or track relative to a reference conductor. This reference conductor can be ground or another conductor or track.

[0241] In many practical applications, electrical capacitance is determined using charging and discharging times or cycles. For example, a voltage can be applied to the conductor or the conductive bodies and the resulting current flowing into the conductor or between the conductive bodies measured as a function of time. The electrical capacitance is measured in units of the electrical resistance that the measured current must overcome. A measuring circuit known, among other things, as a "charge counter" can also be used. The measuring circuit consists of a voltage source that generates a step function and an evaluation circuit, which includes, for example, an integrator that measures the charge required to charge the conductor or the conductive bodies. capillary saturation point

[0242] A capillary saturation point is a saturation point that describes the point at which the porosities or capillaries of an object, such as a roof tile, are saturated with moisture. The object is characterized by porosities or capillaries that absorb moisture that rests on the surface of the object, wets the surface, or comes into contact with this surface or runs off it. The point of saturation is reached when the porosities or capillaries of the object can no longer absorb moisture, or when the porosities or capillaries absorb the moisture on one side of the object and release it again on the other side. If roof tiles, for example, reach their capillary saturation point due to prolonged rainfall, this leads to moisture that penetrates the porosities or capillaries of the roof tile dripping through. conductor track

[0243] A conductor track is an electrical conductor or an electrically conductive connection with an essentially two-dimensional path. A conductor track is usually much longer than it is wide. It is also much wider than it is high. Therefore, conductor tracks often represent thin layers or foils that are essentially straight. Conductor tracks serve to supply power or voltage, transmit signals, and also dissipate heat. They are used, among other things, to connect electronic components on printed circuit boards and integrated circuits. They can also be used to detect moisture, water, or electrically conductive fluids. conductor tracks arranged next to each other

[0244] Adjacent tracks are tracks that are arranged at a distance from one another that is essentially constant (but can vary within certain limits). Adjacent tracks therefore usually have paths that are offset from one another, but otherwise very similar. This includes a parallel arrangement of the tracks, where the tracks run straight or linearly. However, the path of the tracks can also have curves, bends, or kinks. The curves, bends, or kinks of the individual tracks are offset from one another in such a way that the distance between the tracks remains essentially constant (but can vary within certain limits). Threshold

[0245] A threshold is a value whose exceedance or undershoot is used to determine or detect whether an event has occurred or a specified action should be performed. Thresholds can, for example, represent limits for radiation exposure that must not be exceeded. Thresholds can also be used to define a short circuit, i.e., a resistance value between two conductors. If this value is exceeded, the conductors are considered short-circuited. If a greater resistance is measured between the conductors, the conductors are considered not short-circuited. Time-domain reflectometry (TDR)

[0246] Time-domain reflectometry is a method for determining and analyzing the run lengths and reflection characteristics of current or voltage pulses in electrical conductors or tracks. This method is also known in German-speaking countries as cable radar. It is used in industry and science, among other things, to determine or identify cable lengths or line breaks. A current or voltage pulse with a steep edge is applied to one end of the cable or track. Any change in the characteristic impedance of the cable or track leads to distortion, reflections, and splitting of the pulse. The reflected components of the pulse can be evaluated at the same location where the current or voltage pulse was applied. Reference symbol

[0247] 1Monitoring tape 3Carrier tape with a plurality of conductor tracks 5Conductor track 10Separator 11Clamping element 12Cutting edge 13Locking element 20Connecting element 21Clamping element 22Contact pins 23Locking element 30Connecting cable 32Connecting conductor 15Separation point 40Information cable 41Connector 45Wire 50Information line 51Information conductor 24Contact point 60Connecting cable 61Connecting conductor 14Recess 2Roof rafters 4Underlayment 80Control unit 81Power cable 82Data cable 83Measurement cable 84Power and data cable 91Solar cell 92Data transmission module 93Sensor box 110 section 111 section 120 section 121 section 130 section 131 section 140 section 141 section 150 section 151 section 160 section 161 section 70Connection element 71Clamping element 72Connector 74Contact point 76Electrical conductor 170Section 171Section 180Section 181Section 200Observation area 220Position 233Sensor box 244Connector 250Measuring field 300Temperature and humidity sensor 500Moisture-conducting surface 600Leakage 610Direction of propagation 900Evaluation unit 910Sensor center 1000System cited literature cited patent literature

[0248] US 10,078,030 B2 US 7,652,481 B2 EP 3 168 589 B1 US 5,081,422 A EP 2 339 314 A1 US 2012 / 0313652 A1 DE 42 39 495 A1 US 2015 / 0259923 A1 DE 20 2018 005 538 U1 US 5,159,276 A US 2007 / 0046481 A1 EP 2 458 106 B1 WO 2019 / 046961 A1 US 2009 / 0173143 A1

Claims

1. Device (1) for detecting and localising moisture on a moisture-bearing surface and / or in a moisture-bearing layer, comprising: a plurality of electrically conductive conductor paths (5) arranged next to each other; a carrier tape (3); wherein the conductor paths (5) are fixed to the carrier tape (3); wherein the carrier tape (3) is configured in such a way that it can be applied to the moisture-conducting surface and / or in the moisture-conducting layer; wherein the device comprises: at least one separating element (10), wherein the at least one separating element (10) is configured in such a way that the at least one separating element (10) is positionable at a predetermined position (220) on the carrier tape (3); wherein the at least one separating element (10) is configured such that it can sever at least one predetermined conductor path (5) from the plurality of conductor paths (5) on the carrier tape (3) at the predetermined position (220) on the carrier tape (3); and wherein the severing of the at least one predetermined conductor path (5) represents an interruption of the electrical contact between the segments (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of the at least one predetermined conductive path (5) which are located on opposite sides of the predetermined position (220), characterised in that the at least one separating element (10) comprises a blade or cutting edge (12); wherein the blade or cutting edge (12) is configured such that it can sever at least one predetermined conductor path (5) from the plurality of conductor paths (5) on the carrier tape (3) at the predetermined position (220) on the carrier tape (3).

2. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the conductor paths (5) are protected by the carrier tape (3) and a moisture-permeable and / or water-permeable layer; wherein each of the conductor paths (5) is enclosed on at least two opposite sides by the carrier tape (3) and / or the moisture-permeable and / or water-permeable layer.

3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one separating element (10) comprises a first and a second part, wherein the first part is configured such that it is positionable at the predetermined position (220) on a first side of the carrier tape (3); wherein the second part is configured such that it is positionable at the predetermined position (220) on a second side of the carrier tape (3); and wherein the first and second parts are configured in such a way that they are connected to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, and thus comprises and clamp the carrier tape (3) with the plurality of conductor paths (5).

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one measuring unit; wherein the at least one measuring unit is configured such that it can be connected at a predetermined position (220) on the carrier tape (3) to at least one of the conductor paths (5) or a part (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of at least one of the conductor paths (5); and wherein the at least one measuring unit is configured such that, after it has been connected at the predetermined position (220) on the carrier tape (3) to the at least one of the conductor paths (5) or a part (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of at least one of the conductor paths (5), an electrical property can be measured with the aid of the at least one of the conductor paths (5) or the part (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of the at least one of the conductor paths (5).

5. Device (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that that the at least one measuring unit comprises a memory and means for data processing, with which the at least one measuring unit can store and analyse the values of a measurement.

6. Device (1) according to claim one of the preceding claims 4 to 5, characterised in that the at least one measuring unit is configured in such a way that, after it has been connected to at least one of the conductor paths (5) or a part (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of one of the conductor paths (5), it couples an electromagnetic wave and / or a voltage or current pulse into the at least one of the conductor paths (5) or the at least one part (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of one of the conductor paths (5) and can thus perform a measurement of an electrical property using the at least one of the conductor paths (5) or the at least one part (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of one of the conductor paths (5); and / or that the at least one measuring unit is configured such that, after it has been connected to at least one of the conductor paths (5) or a part (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of one of the conductor paths (5), it can measure the capacitance of the at least one of the conductor paths (5) or of the at least one part (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of one of the conductor paths (5).

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, characterised in that the at least one measuring unit is integrated into a separating element (10).

8. Device (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that at least one separating element (10) comprises at least one contact means; wherein the at least one separating element (10) with the at least one contact means is configured such that it is positionable at a predetermined position (220) on the carrier tape (3); and wherein the at least one separating element (10) with the at least one contact means is configured such that at the predetermined position (220) on the carrier tape (3) it establishes an electrical contact between the at least one additional data line (40) or the conductor paths (5) and / or parts (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of the conductor paths (5) and the temperature sensor (300), pressure sensor, humidity sensor (300), light sensor, gas sensor, rain sensor, acoustic sensor, microphone, ultrasonic device or the measuring unit, so that the temperature sensor (300), pressure sensor, humidity sensor (300), light sensor, gas sensor, rain sensor, acoustic sensor, microphone, ultrasonic device or measuring unit can send or receive data, measured values and / or control signals with the aid of the contact means via the at least one additional data line (40) or the conductor paths (5) and / or parts (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of the conductor paths (5).

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by a connecting element (20; 70) with at least one contact element (22), wherein the at least one contact element (22) has a contact point (24; 74) to which an electrical conductor (76) and / or a cable can be attached, wherein the connecting element (20; 70) is configured in such a way that it can is positionable at a predetermined position (220) on the carrier tape (3); wherein the at least one contact element (22) of the connection element (20; 70) is configured such that it can electrically contact at least one predetermined conductor path (5) of the plurality of conductor paths (5) on the carrier tape (3) or a part (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of one of the conductor paths (5) at the predetermined position (220) on the carrier tape (3); and wherein the at least one contact element (22) of the connection element (20; 70) is configured in such a way that, after it has made contact at the predetermined position (220) on the carrier tape (3) with at least one predetermined conductor path (5) of the plurality of conductor paths (5) on the carrier tape (3) or a part (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of one of the conductor paths (5) and an electrical conductor (76) or a cable has made electrical contact at the contact point (24; 74) of the contact element (22), which can electrically connect at least one predetermined conductor path (5) of the plurality of conductor paths (5) to the carrier tape (3) or a part (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of one of the conductor paths (5) to the electrical conductor (76) and / or cable.

10. Device (1) for detecting and localising moisture on a moisture-bearing surface and / or in a moisture-bearing layer, characterised by a first device (1) according to one of the preceding claims; a second device (1) according to one of the preceding claims; and a connecting element; wherein the connecting element is configured such that the first and second devices (1) can be connected to one another in such a way that at least one of the conductor paths (5) or a part (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of one of the conductor paths (5) and / or at least one additional data line (40) of the first device (1) can be electrically connected to at least one of the conductor paths (5) or a part (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of one of the conductor paths (5) and / or the at least one additional data line (40) of the second device (1).

11. Method of detecting and localising moisture on a moisture-bearing surface and / or in a moisture-bearing layer, the method comprising the following steps: a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims is provided; the device (1) is attached to the moisture-carrying surface and / or in the moisture-carrying layer; at least one of the conductor paths (5) of the device (1) is severed at a predetermined position (220) on the carrier tape (3) with the aid of the at least one separating element (10); wherein the severing of the at least one conductor path (5) represents an interruption of the electrical contact between the parts (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of the at least one conductor path (5) which are located on opposite sides of the predetermined position (220); a threshold value is predefined; an electrical property is measured using at least one of the conductor paths (5) or a part (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of one of the conductor paths (5) of the device (1); the measured value of the electrical property or a value derived from the measured value is compared with the predefined threshold value; fi the measured value or the value derived from the measured value exceeds or falls below the predefined threshold value, moisture is detected; and using the predetermined position (220) of the at least one separating element (10), the information as to which of the conductor paths (5) were severed at the predetermined position (220), and the at least one of the conductor paths (5) or the at least one part (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161) of one of the conductor paths (5) used for the measurement; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of one of the conductor paths (5) used for the measurement, the detected moisture is localised on the moisture-carrying surface and / or in the moisture-carrying layer characterised in that a position (220) on the carrier tape (3) is predefined; wherein at least one of the conductor paths (5) is severed at the predetermined position (220) by punching a hole or a slotted hole.

12. Method according to the preceding claim 11, characterised in that the predefined threshold value was derived with the aid of a measurement of an electrical property of a conductor path (5) or of a part (110, 111, 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161; 170, 171, 172, 180, 181, 182) of one of the conductor paths (5).

13. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 12, characterised in that a series of successive measured values is analysed in order to detect and locate a leakage.