Arrangement and method for measuring moisture in buildings

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for measuring moisture in buildings, according to claim 1.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method for measuring moisture in buildings according to claim 6.

[0003] In particular, the invention relates to an arrangement and a method for measuring moisture along a measuring section on or in buildings and in joints of buildings in order to detect penetrating moisture or liquids during ongoing operation in a timely manner. Furthermore, such a moisture measurement can also be performed on parts of buildings or facilities, such as pipelines, in order to detect leaking moisture or liquids in a timely manner.

[0004] Structures such as bridges, tunnels, shafts, utility infrastructure facilities, and others often have flexible joints designed for temperature compensation. These joints have a large longitudinal extension and must be bridged or sealed to ensure watertightness. Such joints or interfaces represent a weak point in the structure's system and provide entry points for water and other liquids. This is particularly the case if the bridging or sealing, such as a rubber lip seal, is damaged or worn. In these cases, cracks, pores, or holes can develop through which water and other liquids can penetrate the joint.

[0005] Due to chemical and physical processes, penetrating fluids lead to damage to the structural substance. Joints in these structures are also often exposed to severe stresses, both from internal forces caused by temperature fluctuations and from recurring dynamic, possibly changing, external forces. Such severe stresses are caused, for example, by heavy traffic on infrastructure structures such as bridges.

[0006] Bridge structures, for example, are typically severely affected by degradation. Degradation refers in particular to damage to the structural fabric, such as the reinforcement or armouring, caused by penetrating liquids such as brine.

[0007] In particular, transition structures, which form the interface between a so-called abutment and the bridge as a compensating joint at road level, are subject to continuous loads, for example, from the constant passage of trucks and cars. The joint or transition structures, usually made of two steel halves with a sealing rubber lip, can develop unpredictable leaks due to material defects, installation errors, the penetration of sharp objects into the sealing rubber lip, or material failure due to the soft properties of plastics.

[0008] These leaks allow liquids such as water to penetrate the structure, such as the bridge. In addition to water, brine, which strongly accelerates corrosion, can penetrate the structure, especially in winter, when grit is used to prevent black ice.

[0009] The result is the deterioration of areas of the structure, such as underlying concrete layers and reinforcing steel, which are essential for its load-bearing capacity. This necessitates extensive rehabilitation measures, partial reconstruction, or, in extreme cases, complete reconstruction of the structure, in order to maintain or restore structural properties such as the load-bearing capacity of a bridge.

[0010] Damage to infrastructure structures caused by use and environmental influences results in immense annual maintenance costs. To save costs through early detection of defects and uncover safety-related issues, inspections of structures are conducted at regular intervals. Currently, these inspections are predominantly performed by specialist personnel. A major disadvantage of manual inspections, however, is that damage is not detected in a timely manner or even not detected at all, especially in hard-to-reach areas of the structures, such as joints.

[0011] Several solutions for determining humidity are known from the state of the art.

[0012] EP 3 462 156 A1 relates to a system and method for detecting and locating a leak in a building layer. The objective is to quickly and accurately detect and locate a leak at any point in the building layer. To achieve this objective, the system comprises at least one sensor array control circuit and at least one sensing module or array of sensing modules operatively connected to the sensor array control circuit.

[0013] DE 10 2019 134 398 A1 relates to a device and a method for detecting and locating leaks or moisture accumulations, for example, in roofs or building structures. The problem to be solved 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. To solve this problem, the device comprises a plurality of adjacently arranged, non-insulated, electrically conductive conductor tracks and a carrier strip to which the conductor tracks are fixed. The carrier strip is designed such that it can be applied to the moisture-conducting surface and / or in the moisture-conducting layer.

[0014] US 2017 / 205308 A1 discloses a system and method for the early detection of liquids. The system comprises at least one sensor tile, each sensor tile comprising a first plurality of conductive lines attached to a first side of a substrate and a second plurality of lines attached to a second side of a substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the first plurality of conductive lines are arranged offset by 90 degrees with respect to the second plurality of conductive lines. The system also includes at least one processor operably connected to the first and second plurality of conductive lines via at least two multiplexer sections. The sensor tiles, multiplexer sections, and processor are interconnected by conductive connections.

[0015] DE 10 2011 056548 A1 discloses a measuring device and a method for determining the moisture content of a material under investigation. The problem to be solved is to provide a moisture measurement sensor that can be used directly on site, does not result in the destruction of the measurement object, allows repeated measurements at the same location, and, moreover, delivers highly reliable measurement results. This problem is solved, on the one hand, by a measuring device and, on the other hand, by a method of the aforementioned type, wherein the measuring device has at least one moisture sensor with at least two electrically conductive electrodes fixed at a distance from one another in or on a moisture-permeable base material, and wherein the at least one moisture sensor is a capacitive sensor that is introduced into the material under investigation to determine the moisture content.

[0016] DE 10 2008 035 658 A1 relates to a device for capacitive humidity measurement in a composite structure consisting of multiple layers of a preferably hygroscopic material. The object to be achieved is to provide a device and a method with which simple and accurate humidity determination is possible in a composite structure preferably comprising a hygroscopic material and / or at least one hygroscopic adhesive layer, as well as to provide a method for producing such a composite structure. To achieve this, a device comprises a composite structure consisting of multiple layers of a preferably hygroscopic material, which contains at least one, preferably hygroscopic, adhesive layer, and a sensor with a first sensor element and a second sensor element, of which at least one sensor element is in contact with the adhesive layer.

[0017] DE 102 53 913 A1 discloses a capacitive humidity sensor comprising a pair of comb-shaped electrodes. The objective is to effectively achieve a large capacitance change despite a small available substrate surface area.

[0018] The solution is stated that a capacitive humidity sensor is formed by two interdigitated electrodes with a comb-like structure on a surface of a substrate.

[0019] DE 11 2008 000 998 T5 describes a humidity sensor that uses the principle of a change in capacitance or resistance and connects a management system for such a sensor. The objective is to provide a humidity sensor and a management system that offer high accuracy, very low power consumption, and a simplified design. Furthermore, they should be cost-effective and suitable for use in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, medicine, hygiene, and industry.

[0020] To solve this problem, it is specified that a humidity sensor includes: two electrode pads with water permeability and conductivity, an absorption layer for absorbing moisture, wherein the absorption layer is arranged between the two electrode pads, and a measuring unit for detecting moisture by a resistance change between the two electrode pads.

[0021] These state-of-the-art solutions only allow for spot monitoring of moisture or liquid penetration. Monitoring larger areas is not possible.

[0022] There is therefore a need for a technical system that monitors buildings or building components, particularly with regard to moisture occurring or penetrating along a measuring section such as a joint, and provides a corresponding output signal in the event of significant fluctuations or the detection of moisture occurring or penetrating, in order, for example, to notify the responsible emergency responders and to initiate rapid preventive measures.

[0023] The object of the invention is to provide an arrangement and a method for measuring moisture along a measuring section, with which any moisture occurring, any liquid penetrating or escaping into or from buildings or parts of buildings or moisture or liquids penetrating into building joints can be detected reliably and at an early stage.

[0024] If a specified limit value or humidity limit is exceeded, a warning signal is generated and issued using the arrangement and method for measuring humidity.

[0025] Early detection of moisture or liquid combined with a corresponding warning can significantly reduce the time required to detect a defect or leak. This allows countermeasures to be implemented quickly and at low cost, avoiding costly remediation measures. A warning is generated and issued when a specified moisture threshold is exceeded.

[0026] The problem is solved by an arrangement having the features according to claim 1 of the independent patent claims. Further developments are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0027] The problem is also solved by a method having the features according to claim 6 of the independent patent claims. Further developments are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0028] The arrangement according to the invention detects moisture penetrating, for example, a building or a joint in a building using signal processing electronics connected to measuring electrodes, which may be connected to additional modules for analyzing and evaluating measured values. If the arrangement according to the invention detects penetrating moisture, it generates a corresponding warning signal, which is output by the arrangement according to the invention. In addition to the generated measured values, the warning signal is also generated and output when a predetermined moisture threshold is exceeded.

[0029] In addition to the ingress of moisture or liquid into a structure, a structural component, or a joint within a structure, moisture or liquid escaping from structures, structural components, or pipelines can also be detected. This allows, for example, a leaking pipeline, tank, or swimming pool to be located and appropriate countermeasures to be initiated.

[0030] In addition, moisture that occurs in buildings, joints or parts of buildings such as cellars or canals can be detected, which is caused, for example, by condensation processes.

[0031] The following description is limited to monitoring moisture or liquid penetration along a measurement section, such as a joint in a building. This does not limit the possible applications of the present invention.

[0032] It is intended that the arrangement for measuring humidity according to the invention is a self-sufficient system which is supplied with electrical energy by means of a battery or an accumulator.

[0033] Designs for humidity measurement with a fixed power supply are also possible. State-of-the-art systems typically require a permanently installed power supply.

[0034] It is also envisaged that the signal processing electronics are connected to two elongated measuring electrodes, which are arranged along a measuring section on or in a structure or part of a structure or along a joint in a structure. Such a joint can, for example, be a flexible joint intended for temperature-related length compensation, such as an expansion joint in a road bridge, which extends over part or the entire width of the bridge's roadway. In this case, the length of a joint in a structure to be monitored, for example, can range from a few meters to, for example, approximately 100 m, and thus encompass, for example, a roadway or the width of several parallel roadways, for example on a road bridge.

[0035] The term "elongated measuring electrodes" refers to measuring electrodes whose longitudinal extension is a multiple of their width or height. Such a measuring electrode can be 20 m, 50 m, or up to 100 m long, while its circular cross-section, for example, ranges only between 0.25 mm² and 10 mm².

[0036] The measured values recorded by the signal processing electronics using the measuring electrodes are stored and can be transmitted to a central processing unit as needed or regularly. Likewise, moisture ingress into the joint being monitored, or similar, detected by the signal processing electronics can be transmitted to the central processing unit, for example, as a warning signal.

[0037] The idea is that measured values and / or a warning signal from the signal processing electronics will be transmitted to the central processing unit not only via a wired transmission but also, in particular, via a wireless radio signal. The measured values and / or the warning signal can be transmitted in a packet-oriented manner, for example, via the Internet. The measured values can also be transmitted using LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technology. Alternatively, information can be transmitted as an SMS, email, or voice call via a mobile network or landline. Previously known systems generally require a data line or a physical Internet connection to log and forward data.

[0038] If such a warning signal, indicating the penetration of moisture into the area of the measuring section into the joint to be monitored, is received by the central processing unit, this enables the implementation of cost-effective immediate measures such as replacing the rubber lip above the joint, thus preventing damage to the actual building structure.

[0039] The plan is for a joint, for example, to be monitored along its entire length using paired measuring electrodes arranged along the joint's length over a distance of up to 100 m. State-of-the-art systems have the disadvantage that moisture detection is not possible along the entire length of joints, but only at specific points.

[0040] The signal processing electronics performs a capacitance measurement using the connected measuring electrodes, which form a capacitive sensor or a capacitor, for example, along the entire measuring section, in order to detect moisture or the ingress of a liquid.

[0041] A capacitance value or a change in the capacitance value of the capacitive sensor is measured using a measuring circuit provided by the signal processing electronics. Due to the high dielectric constant of the measuring substances involved, such as water, salt water, or brine, the system is based on a capacitive measuring principle and simultaneously uses two mutually insulated measuring electrodes to prevent the conductive substances from establishing a conductive connection between these measuring electrodes. The measuring circuit of the signal processing electronics detects moisture or a penetrating liquid such as water, salt water, or brine both in the event that the measuring substances get between the two parallel measuring electrodes and in the event that the measuring substances get close to the two measuring electrodes.

[0042] It is also envisaged to use a microcomputer or microcontroller in a corresponding circuit arrangement with signal processing electronics, which has a low power consumption. The microcomputer or microcontroller evaluates, for example, the measured values generated by the signal processing electronics and thus detects penetrating moisture or liquid. One advantage of using a microcomputer or microcontroller in a moisture measurement arrangement is that only a low direct voltage in the range of 1.2 volts to 30 volts (low voltage / extra-low voltage) is required to operate the arrangement. In addition, such a microcomputer or microcontroller has only low power requirements, which is particularly advantageous when used with a battery or accumulator and extends the potential operating time of the moisture measurement arrangement.

[0043] It is also intended that the described method for measuring moisture along a measuring section be applied to both ingress and egress of liquids. For example, the system is also intended to monitor the tightness of pipes, tanks, or basins containing liquids.

[0044] The warning signal generated by the signal processing electronics, for example when it detects liquid penetrating a joint to be monitored, is output to the responsible maintenance personnel in the form of live data using application software, such as an APP, as a display in a dashboard or a generated report.

[0045] The measuring electrodes along the measuring path are designed, for example, as rails or wires and are made of an electrically conductive material. The measuring electrodes preferably have insulation surrounding them.

[0046] Alternatively, the rail- or wire-shaped measuring electrodes can be arranged in pairs and parallel to each other using insulating means to secure the measuring electrodes in place, preventing electrical contact between the measuring electrodes. For this purpose, appropriate holders can be arranged along the measuring electrodes to secure the measuring electrodes. These holders are made partially or entirely of a non-electrically conductive material such as plastic.

[0047] It is also intended that the distance between two measuring electrodes remains constant over the entire length of the measuring electrodes along the measuring section, for example along a joint to be monitored in a carriageway of a road bridge.

[0048] It is also envisaged that the measuring electrodes, arranged, for example, in pairs, are arranged along a joint surface and at a constant distance from this joint surface. Alternatively, the measuring electrodes arranged in pairs can be arranged along the joint surface without any spacing and directly on it. Furthermore, the measuring electrodes can be arranged along the joint surface such that one of the measuring electrodes is at a distance from the joint surface, while the other measuring electrode is at a distance from the joint surface.

[0049] It is envisaged that, for example, a joint to be monitored is monitored using several measuring electrodes arranged in pairs, as capacitive sensors. In this case, a section of the joint is monitored by a pair of measuring electrodes assigned to this section of the joint, whereby the measuring section is divided into several partial measuring sections or capacitor areas, each with a capacitive sensor assigned to the partial measuring section. By arranging several pairs of measuring electrodes in several partial sections or capacitor areas of the joint, the entire length of the joint or the measuring section is monitored. This design makes it possible for the warning signal generated when a liquid penetrates to be assigned to a specific partial section or capacitor area.This speeds up the detection of a defect, for example in a rubber lip of a joint, since only the relevant section needs to be examined, rather than the entire joint.

[0050] The intention is to detect, for example, moisture or penetrating liquids at joints or joint surfaces that have a significantly greater longitudinal extension than their transverse extension. The longitudinal extension of such joints is usually several times the transverse extension of the joint and corresponds to the largest extension of a joint to be monitored in a building.

[0051] In the direction of this greatest extent of the joint, at least two elongated, electrically conductive measuring electrodes are arranged parallel to each other along the measuring section at a defined distance from each other, thus forming a capacitive sensor or a capacitor arrangement, for example, within a joint to be monitored. These measuring electrodes have connecting lines by means of which the measuring electrodes are at least indirectly connected to the signal processing electronics.

[0052] The capacitive measuring unit, formed by the measuring electrodes and the signal processing electronics, is intended to perform a capacitance measurement. Moisture or the ingress of liquids such as water or brine lead to a change in the dielectric properties of the capacitive sensors or capacitances formed by the measuring electrodes. Thus, the change in the dielectric constant changes the capacitance developed and thus the measurement result generated by the signal processing electronics during the capacitance measurement. This change in the measured capacitance value allows conclusions to be drawn about the presence of moisture or liquid penetrating the area of the measuring electrodes.By evaluating the change in the measured capacitance values or comparing them with a specified value, it is possible to determine, for example, whether there is a leak through which a liquid has penetrated the area of the capacitance formed by the measuring electrodes. If this is the case, the arrangement according to the invention generates a warning signal, which is output by the moisture measurement arrangement.

[0053] Furthermore, it is intended that the measuring electrodes are arranged at a uniform distance from each other to form the capacitance, whereby this distance is between 1 mm and 250 mm.

[0054] It is also provided that, to form a capacitance, only a first elongated, electrically conductive measuring electrode in the form of a wire or a rail is arranged aligned in the longitudinal extent of a joint, and the second measuring electrode is formed by one side of the joint or a joint surface of one side of the joint, wherein the joint surface and the first measuring electrode are arranged parallel to one another at a constant distance from one another. The prerequisite for using a joint surface as a measuring electrode is that the joint surface is made of an electrically conductive material and is arranged so as to be electrically insulated from other elements, for example of a building. The first measuring electrode and the joint surface as the second measuring electrode can thus be connected to the signal processing electronics by means of appropriate connecting cables in order to carry out corresponding capacitance measurements.In this case, too, care is taken to ensure that the measuring electrodes designed in this way do not have any electrically conductive contact with each other.

[0055] In principle, the joint surfaces can have any shape. However, the joint should preferably extend significantly further in the horizontal direction, so that the liquid can reach the measuring arrangement with its measuring electrodes or flow through them. Vertical applications are possible, but they only allow a limited assessment of the presence of moisture or penetrating liquid.

[0056] The measuring electrodes consist of electrical conductors that can be designed with different cross-sections. It is intended to surround at least one of the paired measuring electrodes with an insulating material to prevent liquids from establishing a conductive connection between the measuring electrodes. The second measuring electrode can be designed without insulation, thus this measuring electrode can also be formed by an electrically conductive surface of a joint.

[0057] The distance between the measuring electrodes is designed to be variably adjustable within a certain range thanks to the use of a measuring unit with an extended measuring range in the moisture measurement system. Such an extended measuring unit can, by means of a measuring amplifier, enable the capacitive sensor or the capacitor formed to be adapted to local conditions. This makes it possible to use the moisture measurement system, for example, in joints of various lengths and widths.

[0058] The measuring electrodes of the moisture measurement arrangement can be mounted either on a joint surface or on a single joint side, or opposite each other on both joint surfaces. In both cases, one of the measuring electrodes can be formed by a joint surface, as described above.

[0059] Preferably, the two paired measuring electrodes are arranged vertically one above the other in a joint. In this orientation, a penetrating liquid can most significantly influence the dielectric constant of the resulting capacitor. The distance between the measuring electrodes is also approximately 1 mm to approximately 250 mm in this orientation.

[0060] The attachment of the measuring electrodes depends on the type and shape of the respective joint, as well as the design of the measuring electrodes themselves. Different joint materials, such as concrete, metal, or plastic, require different fastening methods, such as screwing, clamping with frictional engagement, enclosing with a non-metallic sheath structure, and others. The measuring electrodes and the joint do not have to be viewed as separate units. Rather, the measuring electrodes can also be attached to the joint or within it using chemical or physical deposition methods directly during the joint manufacturing process. In either case, the signal processing electronics are then connected to the ends of the measuring electrodes, thus completing the moisture measurement arrangement.

[0061] A connecting cable is provided between the measuring electrodes and the signal processing electronics, which is shielded so that additional cable lengths do not influence the measurements with the measuring electrodes.

[0062] Due to the length of the measuring electrodes, electrical interference / frequencies such as radio signals or lightning can couple into the measuring electrodes. Therefore, an electrical isolation of the measuring electrodes from the measuring system using an isolation device is recommended when no measurements are being taken to prevent damage to sensitive electronics.

[0063] In addition, galvanic isolation of the signal processing electronics used for capacitance measurement from other modules or components of the humidity measurement system is provided to prevent interference from power supplies during mains operation, which could significantly distort the measurement. This applies particularly in cases where the system is operated with a power supply such as a switching or linear power supply. This measure can be omitted when operating with a battery or accumulator.

[0064] To determine a measured value using the moisture measurement system, an excitation signal is applied to one measuring electrode, which induces an electrical voltage in the second or subsequent measuring electrode. This induced voltage is evaluated by the signal processing electronics. Further processing of the measured values recorded by the signal processing electronics using a processing unit such as a microcontroller with a corresponding computing unit is also provided. The current measured value of the developed capacitance can be compared with previously stored measured values or with a preset value for the capacitance. In this way, deviations can be detected, and a warning signal can be generated and output if the difference between two measured values exceeds a certain threshold.Such a difference relates, for example, to two systems with their measuring electrodes mounted on different joint surfaces. If only one system detects moisture with its measuring electrodes, the resulting difference indicates that the moisture ingress is only on one side of the joint surface.

[0065] Alternatively, a warning signal can be generated and issued if a current measured value is equal to or greater than a preset or reference value. This threshold is a predefined humidity limit, and if exceeded, the warning signal is generated and issued.

[0066] The measurement values are intended to be taken at regular intervals. Alternatively, measurement values can also be generated controlled by a corresponding program sequence or by a request transmitted to the moisture measurement device.

[0067] It is also planned that two pairs of measuring electrodes are arranged in each joint. The first pair of measuring electrodes is arranged for the detection of penetrating moisture or liquid in the variants described above. The second pair of measuring electrodes is only required to determine the current moisture in the joint and can also be installed in an area of the joint that is not reached by penetrating liquid. Alternatively, the second pair of measuring electrodes can be designed such that it does not cover the entire area of the joint. The measured values determined using the two pairs of measuring electrodes can be subtracted from one another, for example by means of the signal processing electronics and / or a processing unit such as a microcontroller, in order to compensate for the proportion of ambient moisture in the joint.In this way, only the portion of a capacitance change in the first pair of measuring electrodes caused by a penetrating liquid is used and evaluated to detect penetrating moisture.

[0068] It is intended that the arrangement for measuring humidity has an interface such as a transmitter module or a high-frequency module, by means of which the measured values generated by the arrangement or the generated warning signal are transmitted to a central processing unit such as a server.

[0069] It is also intended that the spacing of the paired measuring electrodes be adapted to the length of the joint (i.e., the measuring section) and the dimensions of the measuring electrodes, such as their diameter, so that a value for a maximum capacitance that can be measured by the signal processing electronics is not exceeded. On the other hand, the capacitive sensor formed by the paired measuring electrodes is designed to be sensitive enough to reliably detect moisture or a penetrating liquid to be measured, such as water or brine.

[0070] The moisture measurement system operates with a voltage range from 1.2 volts to approximately 30 volts. The measuring electrodes are between 10 cm and 100 m long. The cross-sections of the measuring electrodes are adapted to the maximum measurable capacitance and, for example, vary between 0.25 mm² and 10 mm² for round cross-sections.

[0071] It is also planned that the measuring electrodes of the moisture measurement system will be at least partially embedded during the manufacturing and installation process of structures or joints. This is particularly intended if accessibility to the joint is no longer guaranteed after the construction process or if the joint dimensions no longer allow for subsequent intervention or installation.

[0072] It is also possible to embed measuring electrodes into the entire structure. In this case, to commission the moisture measurement system, the measuring electrodes must be connected to the system's signal processing electronics using the designated connecting cables, such as a shielded cable. In this case, the system's signal processing electronics are located outside the structure.

[0073] The flexibility of the system allows adaptation to different joint geometries; there is no restriction to a straight joint.

[0074] The moisture measurement system or assembly with its measuring electrodes can be retrofitted to accessible joints, for example, in large structures. Such a retrofit allows existing structures or parts of structures to be equipped with the moisture measurement assembly, thus ensuring reliable monitoring of, for example, the tightness of joints.

[0075] The above-explained features and advantages of this invention will be better understood and appreciated after careful study of the following detailed description of the preferred, non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention with the accompanying drawings, which show: Fig. 1: a schematic arrangement of paired measuring electrodes along a measuring section or joint, Fig. 2: a schematic arrangement of measuring electrodes along a measuring section or joint, Fig. 3a to 3c: a schematic arrangement of several paired measuring electrodes along a measuring section or joint half in a third and in a fourth embodiment, and Fig. 4: a schematic view of components of an inventive arrangement for measuring moisture. Figure 1 shows a schematic arrangement of paired

[0076] Measuring electrodes 1 along a measuring section or joint 2.

[0077] In the left part of the Figure 1A sectional view of a joint 2 consisting of a first joint surface 3 of a first joint side 4 of the joint 2 and a second joint surface 5 of a second joint side 6 is shown. The first joint side 4 and the second joint side 6 are only indicated and can represent the joint sides of a structure such as a building or a bridge.

[0078] A seal 7 is arranged between the joint surfaces 3 and 5, protecting the joint 2 against the ingress of moisture, liquids, and dirt. The seal 7 is made of a plastic, for example, and can be at least partially deformed without losing its sealing effect.

[0079] The capacitive sensors of the humidity measurement arrangement are two first measuring electrodes 1 arranged parallel to each other. These first measuring electrodes 1 are in the example of Figure 1for example, along the first joint surface 3 and at a constant distance from this first joint surface 3. Alternatively, the first measuring electrodes 1 can be arranged along the first joint surface 3 without any distance and directly on it. Furthermore, the first measuring electrodes 1 can be arranged along the first joint surface 3 such that one of the first measuring electrodes 1 is at a distance from the first joint surface 3, while the other of the first measuring electrodes 1 is not at a distance from the first joint surface 3. The first measuring electrodes 1 arranged in pairs extend, for example, over the entire longitudinal extent of the joint 2 and thus over the entire measuring section. This makes it possible to monitor the entire joint 2 for penetrating moisture or liquids.

[0080] Alternatively, a second pair of measuring electrodes 1b may be arranged along the second joint surface 5 and at a constant distance from each other and from the second joint surface. By arranging first and second pairs of measuring electrodes 1 and 1b, both transition points, which are critical for the penetration of a liquid such as a lye, are monitored. This improves the moisture detection according to the method.

[0081] In the right part of the Figure 1An exemplary first joint surface 3 is shown in its longitudinal extension. Also visible are the first pair of measuring electrodes 1, which are arranged parallel to each other along the surface of the first joint surface 3 over the entire measuring section. For connection to a signal processing electronics 14 (not shown), the measuring electrodes 1 each have a connecting line 8.

[0082] The direction or flow direction 9 of a liquid penetrating into the joint 2 is shown in the right part of the Figure 1 represented by several vertical arrows.

[0083] The illustrated first pair of measuring electrodes 1 is thus arranged parallel to each other along the surface of the first joint area 3 and aligned in the flow direction 9. This allows a penetrating liquid to flow through the measuring electrodes 1 in the flow direction 9 and thus optimally influence the dielectric properties of the capacitive sensor formed by the measuring electrodes 1, or rather, this first capacitance. This improves the sensitivity of the moisture measurement arrangement.

[0084] To avoid electrical short circuits between the measuring electrodes 1 and a joint surface 3 or 5, at least one measuring electrode 1 is covered with an insulating material such as a plastic. Figure 2 shows a schematic arrangement of measuring electrodes 1 along a measuring section or joint 2 in one embodiment of the invention.

[0085] In the left part of the Figure 2a joint 2 constructed from a first joint surface 3 of a first joint side 4 of the joint 2 and a second joint surface 5 of a second joint side 6 is shown in a sectional view, as already shown in the Figure 1 is known. The first joint side 4 and the second joint side 6 are only indicated and can represent the joint sides of a structure such as a building or a bridge.

[0086] A seal 7 is arranged between the joint surfaces 3 and 5, protecting the joint 2 against the ingress of moisture, liquids, and dirt. In this exemplary embodiment, the seal 7 is also made of a plastic, for example, and can be at least partially deformed without losing its sealing effect.

[0087] The sensors of the moisture measurement arrangement are two measuring electrodes 1 arranged parallel to each other. The first measuring electrode 1 is, for example, a wire or a metal rail, which is arranged or runs along the first joint surface 3 and at a constant distance from it. The second measuring electrode, forming a capacitive sensor for the moisture measurement arrangement, is formed by the electrically conductive first joint surface 3 itself.

[0088] It is intended that the electrically conductive first joint surface 3 is designed, for example, in the form of a strip, over the entire length of the joint 2 and is electrically insulated. Thus, only one measuring electrode 1, for example a wire-shaped one, needs to be arranged at a distance from the first joint surface 3 and without an electrically conductive connection to this first joint surface 3 in order to provide a first capacitive sensor for the moisture measurement arrangement.

[0089] Since the measuring electrodes 1 designed in this way extend over the entire length of the joint 2 or the measuring section, it is possible to monitor the entire joint 2 for penetrating moisture or liquids.

[0090] Alternatively, a further measuring electrode can be provided, which is arranged along the second joint surface 5 and at a constant distance from it. Thus, a second capacitive sensor is formed by the measuring electrode 1b, which is, for example, a wire-shaped one, and the second joint surface 5.

[0091] By arranging a first and a second capacitive sensor for the moisture measurement arrangement, both transition points between the seal 7 and the first joint surface 3 and between the seal 7 and the second joint surface 5, which are critical for the penetration of, for example, a liquid such as a lye, are monitored.

[0092] In the right part of the Figure 2, a first joint surface 3 used as a measuring electrode is shown in its longitudinal extension. Also visible are the wire-shaped measuring electrodes 1, which are arranged along the surface of the first joint surface 3 at a uniform distance from it. For connection to a signal processing electronics (not shown), the measuring electrodes 1 each have a connecting line 8.

[0093] The direction or flow direction 9 of a liquid penetrating into the joint 2 is shown in the right part of the Figure 2 represented by several vertical arrows.

[0094] To avoid electrical short circuits between the measuring electrodes 1 and the first joint surface 3, the wire-shaped measuring electrode 1 is covered with an insulating material such as a plastic.

[0095] The Figures 3a to 3cshow a schematic arrangement of several paired measuring electrodes 1 along a joint surface 3 in a third and a fourth embodiment. In this case, too, the measuring section extends along the joint 2 or the joint surface 3.

[0096] The Figures 3a and 3b show the already from the right part of the Figures 1 and 2 known exemplary first joint surface 3, which could also be the second joint half 5, in its longitudinal extension. The Figure 3c is an enlarged view of the area shown with a circle of the several measuring electrodes 1 in the Figures 3a and 3b .

[0097] Visible are several measuring electrodes 1 arranged in pairs in two superimposed groups, each measuring electrode 1 being surrounded by an insulation 12. Several measuring electrodes 1 of different lengths are arranged in a group along the length of the first joint surface 3. The measuring electrodes 1, which have the same length, each form a pair of measuring electrodes 1, which belong to a capacitive sensor or a capacitor 11a to 11d for the moisture measurement arrangement.

[0098] For example, in a first capacitor region 10a, a first capacitive sensor or a first capacitor 11a is formed by the longest measuring electrode 1 of the upper group and the longest measuring electrode 1 of the lower group. Furthermore, in a second capacitor region 10b, a second capacitor 11b is formed by the second-longest measuring electrode 1 of the upper group and the second-longest measuring electrode 1 of the lower group, and so on. Finally, in a fourth capacitor region 10d, a fourth capacitor 11d is formed by the shortest measuring electrode 1 of the upper group and the shortest measuring electrode 1 of the lower group.

[0099] To form the capacitor regions 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d, the measuring electrodes 1 forming the first capacitance 10a, the second capacitance 11b and the third capacitance 11c have a shielding which prevents mutual interference of the measuring electrodes 1 and enables the formation of the capacitor regions 10a, 10b and 10c.

[0100] This arrangement of the measuring electrodes 1 with their respective insulation 12 and their partial shielding 13 is shown in the Figure 3c for all groups of measuring leads 1 in an enlarged view. The measuring electrode 1 in the upper and lower group corresponding to the fourth capacitance 11d in the Figure 3a, which forms the capacitor region 10d, has only one insulation 12. The measuring electrodes 1 in the upper and lower groups belonging to the subsequent capacitor region 10c each have one insulation 12 and one shield 13, with the shield 13 extending over the entire fourth capacitor region 10d. Thus, the fourth capacitance 11d is not influenced by voltages or signals on the measuring lines 1, which form the third capacitance 11c.

[0101] Furthermore, the measuring electrodes 1 in the upper and lower groups associated with the subsequent capacitor region 10b each have an insulation 12 and a shield 13, with the shield 13 extending over the fourth capacitor region 10d and the third capacitor region 10c. Thus, the third capacitor 11c and the fourth capacitor 11d are not influenced by voltages or signals on the measuring lines 1 that form the second capacitor 11b.

[0102] Furthermore, the measuring electrodes 1 in the upper and lower groups associated with the subsequent capacitor region 10a each have an insulation 12 and a shield 13, with the shield 13 extending over the fourth capacitor region 10d, the third capacitor region 10c, and the second capacitor region 10b. Thus, the second capacitance 11b, the third capacitance 11c, and the fourth capacitance 11d are not influenced by voltages or signals on the measuring lines 1 that form the first capacitance 11a.

[0103] In the Figure 3a Two superimposed groups are shown, with their paired and differently long measuring electrodes 1. The formation of capacities 11a to 11d corresponds to the formation of a capacity according to Figure 1 .

[0104] In the Figure 3bOnly one group of measuring electrodes 1 of different lengths is shown. In this embodiment, the second measuring electrode 1 required to form the capacitances 11a to 11d is formed by a region of the first joint surface 3 shown as an example. The principle thus corresponds to a multiplication of the Figure 2 explained principle for the formation of capacitive sensors or capacities for the arrangement for humidity measurement.

[0105] The arrangement and equipment of the different length measuring electrodes 1 with an insulation 12 or a shielding 13 in the Figure 3b corresponds to the Figure 3c enlarged version already described above.

[0106] The Figures 3a and 3b also show the flow direction 9 of a liquid possibly penetrating into the joint 2 and the connecting lines 8 by means of which the measuring electrodes 1 are connected to a Figures 3a to 3cThe capacitors 11a to 11d can be connected to the signal processing electronics 14 (not shown) of the humidity measurement arrangement. The signal processing electronics 14 can have a plurality of inputs for connecting the capacitors 11a to 11d to the signal processing electronics 14. Alternatively, the capacitors 11a to 11d can be connected to the signal processing electronics 14 via a corresponding selection switch.

[0107] The Figure 4 shows a schematic view of components of an inventive arrangement for measuring humidity.

[0108] Shown is the signal processing electronics 14, which, for example, has two inputs via which the capacitive sensors or capacitances 11a to 11d of the humidity measurement arrangement are connected to the signal processing electronics 14 by means of the connecting lines 8. In embodiments in which multiple capacitances 11a to 11d are used, the signal processing electronics 14 can also have more than two inputs, for example eight inputs, which are connected in pairs via connecting lines 8 to, for example, four capacitances 11a to 11d. In this way, the four capacitive sensors or capacitances 11a to 11d can be controlled separately by the signal processing electronics 14 to measure a respective capacitance value.

[0109] Alternatively, a corresponding switch can be arranged between the two inputs of the signal processing electronics 14 and, for example, the four capacitors 11a to 11d, which connects one of the capacitors 11a to 11d to the input of the signal processing electronics 14. Such a switch is shown in the Figure 4 not shown.

[0110] The signal processing electronics 14 comprises electronic circuit components necessary for measuring a capacitance value, for example, of the capacitances 11a to 11d. The signal processing electronics 14 thus realizes both the method-based provision of a voltage or an excitation signal, which is applied to a corresponding first measuring electrode 1 of an exemplary capacitance 11a, and the detection or evaluation of the voltage induced in the associated second measuring electrode 1 of the capacitance 11a by means of a suitable measuring unit. For this purpose, the signal processing electronics 14 has, for example, a corresponding voltage generation unit and at least one measuring unit, which can include, for example, a sigma-delta ADC.

[0111] The process of generating an excitation signal, measuring a capacitance value, evaluating or comparing a measured capacitance value with a specified value and other processes are organized by means of a central process control, which is located in the Figure 4 is not shown and enables control of the moisture measurement arrangement with its associated process sequence.

[0112] To evaluate the measured values generated by the signal processing electronics 14 during the capacitance measurement, a processing unit 16 is provided in the capacitance measurement arrangement. This processing unit can be, for example, a microcontroller or a central processing unit (CPU). Such a processing unit 16 can also assume the function of a central control unit.

[0113] The processing unit 16 enables the measured values generated by the signal processing electronics 14 during the capacitance measurement to be compared with each other or with a predefined, stored comparison value. For example, by comparing several consecutive measured values, an increase or decrease in moisture can be determined, for example, in a joint 2.

[0114] It is intended to save the measured values and output them, for example, via an interface 17.

[0115] The processing unit 16 also enables the measured values generated by the signal processing electronics 14 during capacitance measurements to be compared with a predefined, stored reference value, and a warning signal is generated when the reference value is reached or exceeded. This warning signal can also be output via the interface 17.

[0116] The interface 17 can enable a wired transmission of the measured values and / or the warning signal. Alternatively, the interface 17 can enable a wireless transmission of the measured values and / or the warning signal. For this purpose, the interface 17 can be designed, for example, as an RF module 17, which enables wireless data transmission using a known standard such as Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), or WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). Furthermore, data transmission can occur via a mobile network using an appropriately equipped interface 17. Furthermore, transmission of the measured values using LPWAN technology is provided.

[0117] The signal processing electronics 14 for measuring the capacitances 11 via the associated measuring electrodes 1 has a galvanic isolation 15 and is thus galvanically isolated from other connected components or electrical circuits of the humidity measurement system, such as the processing unit 16 and the interface 17. This galvanic isolation 15 is particularly intended for versions of the humidity measurement system that draw their operating voltage from an associated power supply, such as a switching or linear power supply.

[0118] The measuring electrodes 1 and their connecting leads 8 are electrically separated from the signal processing unit 14 by means of a separation arrangement 19. This separation is provided for the case where no capacitance measurement is being performed. This prevents damage to sensitive electronics due to coupled electrical interference.

[0119] The described components of the inventive arrangement for measuring humidity can be arranged on a printed circuit board 18. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0120] 1, 1bMeasuring electrode 2Joint 3First joint surface 4First joint side 5Second joint surface 6Second joint side 7Seal 8Connecting cable 9Flow direction 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10dCapacitor area 11, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11dCapacitance 12Insulation 13Shielding 14Signal processing electronics / capacitance measuring unit 15Galvanic isolation 16Processing unit / CPU 17Interface / RF module 18Printed circuit board 19Separation arrangement

Claims

1. An arrangement for measuring moisture in buildings, which has a sensor and a means for signal processing, wherein the sensor is a capacitive sensor that is formed by means of two parallel elongate measuring electrodes (1) and is arranged along a measurement distance, which is up to 100 m in length and is a joint (2) of the building, and the means for signal processing comprises signal-processing electronics (14), which are connected to the measuring electrodes (1), a processing unit (16) and an interface (17), characterised in that a measuring electrode (1) is an electrically conductive surface of a joint face (3, 5) of the joint (2).

2. The arrangement according to Claim 1, characterised in that multiple capacitive sensors, which are each formed by means of two parallel measuring electrodes (1), are arranged successively along the measurement distance in associated capacitor regions (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d).

3. The arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the interface (17) is an interface operating according to a mobile radio standard, a WLAN standard, a Bluetooth standard, an LPWAN standard or an NFC standard.

4. The arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that at least one measuring electrode (1) has insulation (12) formed over its entire length, and / or that a connection line (8) and a part of the length of the measuring electrode (1) has shielding (13).

5. The arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the signal-processing electronics (14) are arranged in galvanic isolation (15), and / or that an isolating arrangement (19) is arranged between the connection lines (8) of the measuring electrodes (1) and the signal-processing electronics (14).

6. A method for measuring moisture in buildings along a measurement distance, in which a measured moisture value is determined by means of a sensor and processed, wherein a capacitive sensor, which is formed by means of two parallel elongate measuring electrodes (1), is provided along a measurement distance that is up to 100 m in length and is a joint (2) of the building, signal-processing electronics that are connected to the measuring electrodes (1) are provided to generate measured capacitance values, two measured capacitance values are compared or a measured capacitance value is compared with a comparative value, and, if a difference between two measured capacitance values determined during such a comparison exceeds a predefined value, or if the measured capacitance value is greater than or equal to the comparative value, a warning signal is generated and output, characterised in that the capacitive sensor is formed by a wire-like first measuring electrode and an electrically conductive surface of a joint face (3, 5) of the joint (2) as the second measuring electrode, wherein the wire-like first measuring electrode is provided such that it is oriented parallel to the joint face (3, 5).

7. The method according to Claim 6, characterised in that the capacitive sensor that is formed by means of two parallel measuring electrodes (1) is provided along or in the joint (2) of the building.

8. The method according to Claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the capacitive sensor that is formed by means of two parallel measuring electrodes (1) is introduced into the building during a construction phase of the building or subsequently.

9. The method according to one of Claims 6 to 8, characterised in that multiple capacitive sensors are arranged with their measuring electrodes (1) in capacitor regions (10) along the measurement distance.

10. The method according to one of Claims 6 to 9, characterised in that the generated warning signal and / or generated measured values of the moisture measurement are output to a central server via a mobile radio connection as a voice message or text message or as data via a WLAN, NFC or Bluetooth connection or using an LPWAN standard.

11. The method according to one of Claims 6 to 10, characterised in that the signal-processing electronics (14) for measuring capacitances (11) via the associated measuring electrodes (1) are provided with galvanic isolation (15) and are thus galvanically isolated from a processing unit (16) and an interface (17), and / or that an isolating arrangement (19) is provided between connection lines (8) of the measuring electrodes (1) and the signal-processing electronics (14).