Sensor for detecting condensation and use in a sensor module
First Claim
1. A sensor for detecting condensation on a window, the sensor directly attaining a temperature of the window such that a direct thermal coupling of the sensor with the window occurs so that a temperature of the sensor is substantially equal to a temperature of the window,wherein condensation on the window is detected on the basis of a chance in capacitance in the sensor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
As is well known, the influencing variables most important for a sense of comfort are considered during regulation in controlled heating and air conditioning units. Incipient condensation on the windshield or other windows in particular is to be prevented thereby. Sensor modules, inter alia, are employed for this purpose, which have, for example, a capacitative thin-layer sensor. An additional thermopile is provided for determining the window temperature. The present idea eliminates the determination of the window temperature, for which purpose a sensor working capacitatively in the exemplary embodiment is brought directly to the window temperature and a direct thermal coupling of the sensor with the window occurs via a metal plate connected directly to the sensor and a thin adhesive film. The metal plate can thereby form one of the electrodes of the sensor itself or be connected to said electrode in a direct thermal manner. The use of the sensor in the sensor module is a further preferred embodiment.
29 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A sensor for detecting condensation on a window, the sensor directly attaining a temperature of the window such that a direct thermal coupling of the sensor with the window occurs so that a temperature of the sensor is substantially equal to a temperature of the window,
wherein condensation on the window is detected on the basis of a chance in capacitance in the sensor.
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8. A sensor module for detecting condensation on a window, said sensor module including a sensor that directly attains a temperature of the window such that a direct thermal coupling occurs so that a temperature of the sensor is substantially equal to a temperature of the window,
wherein condensation on the window is detected on the basis of a change in capacitance in the sensor.
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18. A sensor comprising:
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a first electrode;
a second electrode; and
a conductive moisture-sensitive material being provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the sensor is in direct thermal coupling with a window, wherein a temperature of the sensor is substantially equal to a temperature of the window during a sensing operation, and wherein moisture is detected on the window on the basis of a change in capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method for detecting condensation on a window, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a sensor directly to the window so that the sensor is in direct thermal coupling with the window so that a temperature of the sensor is substantially equal to a temperature of the window, the sensor having a conductive moisture-sensitive material provided between a first and second electrode;
determining a change in capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode; and
detecting moisture on the window on the basis of the change in capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode.
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Specification