DE102008060859A1 - Method for detecting humidity at object i.e. brush, involves temporally detecting two temperature measured values, where humidity at object is determined based on comparison of temperature measured values - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves temporally detecting two temperature measured values, where one of the temperature measured values shows the temperature at an object i.e. brush (3), and the other temperature measured value shows an ambient temperature. The humidity at the object is determined based on comparison of the temperature measured values. The temperature measured values are detected by two temperature sensors, where the temperature sensors are arranged at the object or provided with an air supply. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for regulation of the humidity on an object (2) a device for detecting the humidity at an object.

Description

The The present invention relates to a method and a Apparatus for measuring moisture and a device and a method of controlling the humidity of an object.

In the prior art, various methods are known for measuring the humidity of an object and, due to the measurement, controlling the moisture on the object. For example, the patent is concerned DE 43 14 046 C2 with a method to remove particles adhering to surfaces through a wet wiper element. The degree of moistening of the wiping element is chosen so that the liquid located on the fibers and / or bristles of the wiper element so adheres to the wiper element and the surface to be cleaned itself remains dry. In order to achieve this level of humidity and to be able to hold it for a long time, it is proposed to measure on the wiper element the capacitance between two electrodes which are arranged between the bristles. From the capacity of the moisture is determined and changed according to the liquid supply to the brush.

there However, the electrodes are in the immediate vicinity the filaments and are also touched by the filaments in the rule. So it comes to dirt on the electrodes, what the capacity between the electrodes impaired and too wrong Results in measurements.

Also is the detection of moisture via capacitive elements, known as coils. The inductance of a coil, in which the moist object is located, determined. Again, you can it to contamination and resulting measurement inaccuracies come.

Further are also known processes in which the moisture on a Object by means of the electrical conductivity of the object is determined. For this purpose, electrodes are attached to the object and the electrical resistance between the electrodes is measured. Of the electrical resistance is generally dependent on the moisture of the object, in particular, guide moist objects Electric power better than dry. In this procedure must however, a contact is made between the electrodes and the object which causes corrosion and wear of the electrodes comes.

It is an object of the present invention, a method and a Device ready to put on a reliable Way to determine the humidity of an object.

A Another object of the invention is a method and an apparatus ready to regulate the moisture on an object.

Solved This object is achieved by the claims 1 and 12 and by claims 10 and 16.

preferred Embodiments can be found in the subclaims.

A Variety of liquids, such as alcohol, water, oils etc. evaporate at normal ambient temperatures and normal Ambient pressures. Under normal ambient temperatures Temperatures of 0 ° C to 80 ° C, preferably from 10 ° C to 50 ° C, understood and ambient pressures of 700 mbar to 1300 mbar, preferably from 900 to 1100 mbar.

By the evaporation of the liquid will energize the environment, so-called evaporation energy, withdrawn. This energy withdrawal makes as cooling in the immediate environment of the liquid noticeable, so that from the temperature difference between the liquid and a more distant reference environment, due to the evaporation hardly affects the moisture on the surface of the object can be determined.

The Evaporation energy depends among other things on the evaporated Amount of fluid. This in turn is from the surface dependent on the liquid made. The larger the surface, the formed by the liquid, the more evaporation energy is deprived of the environment. Because the amount of liquid With its surface corresponds, so can the amount of liquid determined on the object.

One Aspect of the invention uses this effect to the moisture to measure an object. At this the temperature on the object becomes measured and compared with one or more reference temperature values, which represent the temperature of the environment, that of the evaporation the liquid only insignificantly or not at all affected is. By comparing the temperature values, the evaporation energy, which was absorbed by the evaporated moisture, closed and by the evaporation energy on the amount of liquid on the object.

• – Erfassung von zumindest zwei Temperaturmesswerten, wobei der eine Temperaturmesswert die Umgebungstemperatur und der zweite Temperaturmesswert die Temperatur an dem Objekt wiedergibt,
• – Vergleich der beiden Temperaturmesswerte, wodurch der Grad der Feuchtigkeit an dem Objekt ermittelt wird.

It is thus possible, taking into account the above statements, to determine the degree of moisture on an object by the following method steps:

• - Detecting at least two temperature measurements, wherein the one temperature reading the ambient temperature and the second temperature reading the temperature at the object reproduces,
• Comparison of the two temperature measurements, whereby the degree of humidity is determined on the object.

Around To be able to carry out this measurement, the Object can not be touched, rather, the temperature can be be measured in the immediate vicinity, as the evaporation energy is at least partially withdrawn from the immediate environment and so the immediate environment cools down. Through the contactlessness The measurement can be carried out with little wear.

there can the two temperature values, ie the temperature, which prevails near the liquid and the reference temperature, which prevails in an environment uninfluenced by evaporation, be recorded at the same time. This is done for example via two temperature sensors, one of the temperature sensors being the reference temperature and the second measures the temperature on the object. So can the temperature be compared at the object with the exact reference temperature and thus to the moisture on the surface of the object getting closed.

Also The temperature detection can be performed offset in time become. In particular, it is possible in a first time step to measure the reference temperature, in a second step the object to move to the temperature sensor and in a third step to measure the temperature at the surface of the object.

Also it is possible, especially if the object moistened first The temperature is first at the dry surface to measure and store this value as a reference temperature value and then the temperature values at the object surface to measure when the object surface has been moistened is.

Also can the reference temperature values of the environment in one greater temporal interval than the temperature values be detected on the object. So can the fluctuations of the ambient temperature Be taken into account without dealing with a large volume of data to have to deal with.

It can capture the different temperature values only a temperature sensor can be used, especially if the temperature values are recorded sequentially. However, it is advantageous to use several temperature sensors, at least position one of the temperature sensors so that the temperature sensor detects the Reference temperature of the environment measures.

In In another embodiment, the air is up close of the object transported to a temperature sensor to the temperature to determine the air. This allows the temperature sensor to be spaced apart to arrange the object and thus from contamination or else also to protect against damage and / or moisture. The sensor is thereby impinged by the air, the off the immediate vicinity of the object is derived, so by the sensor is the temperature at the object is measured. Especially The temperature sensor can be housed in a housing be protected against soiling and corrosion be. This is in addition in the housing to the temperature sensor at least one channel in which the air from the object to the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is preferably in the channel. The channel can be over extend beyond the temperature sensor, so that the air flowing past the temperature sensor, are directed to a location spaced from the temperature sensor location can. This prevents the air from reaching the temperature sensor dams and it leads to measurement inaccuracies.

Around the determination of the moisture at the object from the ambient temperature to make it essentially independent, the difference becomes determines between the temperature at the object and the reference temperature the environment hardly affected by the evaporation.

In In another embodiment, a plurality, such as z. B. two to ten, temperature sensors or air intake ducts arranged on the object. So the temperature at different Locations are determined on the surface of the object and from this the moisture in these places.

The Moisture measurement can also be done by optical observations, such as Color or contrast of the object and / or measurements in the ultraviolet and / or infrared range, supplemented or supported become. Also, pressure sensors are conceivable that the influence of the ambient pressure can reduce to the measurement.

Also it is conceivable moisture measurement by means of temperature detection with other moisture sensing methods such as over electrical Current, capacity and / or induction to couple.

One Another aspect of the invention is concerned with the regulation of Moisture for example a brush. The liquid can be applied to the brush and / or in the filaments the brush stored. A brush can also be a fleece.

to Regulation of the humidity points the device next to the device for detecting the moisture an agent, a liquid on the object, how to apply the brush. Such Means may for example consist of one or more nozzles consist, the liquid by means of compressed air on the brush spray. The device can be designed in this way that moisture from multiple sensors for each a part of the brush is determined. Transmit the sensors the data thus obtained to a data processing device and this controls a majority in consideration of these data of nozzles. The nozzles are arranged in this way that they only spray part of the brush at a time. In this case, each nozzle, taking into account the Data of the corresponding sensor to be controlled.

there not the nozzle itself needs to be controlled, but it can also be the compressed air supply and / or the liquid supply For example, be controlled by one or more valves.

in the Generally, as temperature sensors for example Components are used, depending on the Temperature change their resistance. Such components are, for example, thermistors, such as ceramic or ceramic Silicon, or PTC thermistors, such as platinum temperature sensors, Silicon sensors or ceramic PTC thermistors.

Also components can be used which are directly processable provide electrical signal, such as integrated semiconductor temperature sensors.

Also are temperature sensors like heat sensors with one Quartz crystal as measuring element, thermocouples, pyroelectric materials, Pyrometer, mechanically switching temperature switch for example Bimetallic strips, Curie effect temperature sensors and fiber optic Temperature sensors possible.

The However, the invention is not limited to a particular type of temperature sensor limited.

in the Further, the invention with reference to an embodiment and further explained by means of the drawings.

there shows

1 a cleaning device in a perspective view,

2 a device for detecting moisture and a device for applying liquids,

3 a sectional view of the temperature detecting means,

4 a process diagram of a first embodiment and

5 a process diagram of a second embodiment.

1 shows a device for cleaning 1 of surfaces 2 , This includes the device 1 a linear brush 3 Made from an endless belt 4 and attached filaments 5 consists. The filaments 5 have free ends 6 for contact with the surface 2 on. The free ends 6 opposite are filament ends 7 which is in contact with the belt 4 are, so the filaments 5 through the ends 7 on the belt 4 being held.

The linear brush 3 gets through two roles 8th and 8th' held and circulated by means of at least one of the rollers, so that the free ends 6 the filaments 5 opposite the surface 2 to be moved.

Above the free ends 6 the filaments 5 is a variety of nozzles 9 provided, via feeders 10 and 10 ' with a liquid container 18 and a compressed air supply 19 are connected. The outlet openings of the nozzles 9 have obliquely to the direction of rotation of the brush (arrow) in the direction of the free ends 6 the filaments 5 , In this case, the nozzles are preferably arranged on the side of the brush remote from the surface to be cleaned, in order to prevent the liquid from being sprayed onto the surface.

In the direction of rotation of the brush downstream of the nozzle 9 there is a temperature detection means 11 for detecting the temperature at the free ends 6 the filaments 5 , The temperature detecting means 11 includes for example four temperature sensors 12 to the temperature at different locations above the free ends 6 the filaments 5 capture. These temperature sensors 12 are arranged parallel to each other and extend across the entire width of the brush 3 ,

The temperature sensors 12 are with data lines 13 provided the data of the temperature sensors 12 to a control means (not shown). This control means determines the moisture at the free ends from the temperature data 6 the filaments 5 and controls, depending on the through the nozzles 9 applied amount of liquid. Each nozzle can do this 9 a corresponding temperature sensor 12 have, so this nozzle 9 depending on the data of the sensor 12 to be controlled. The corresponding temperature sensor 12 is in the direction of rotation of the brush 3 offset the respective nozzle 9 arranged. So it is possible different areas of the brush 3 To apply different liquids and / or in different places of the brush 3 to achieve different levels of moisture and / or to the different moisture loss of the brush 3 by cleaning the surface 2 to react.

2 shows the temperature detecting means 11 in a sectional view. There is the temperature detection means 11 from a housing 20 that with an air supply 14 is provided. The air supply 14 extends perpendicularly from the free ends 6 the filaments 5 to a pump 15 , which according to the arrows the air from the filaments 5 in the direction of the temperature sensor 12 inflated. In the air supply line 14 there is a temperature sensor 12 that is the temperature of the air supply 14 Guided air measures. The temperature sensor 12 is with a data cable 13 connecting the temperature data to a control unit (not shown).

Connected to the control unit is a device 16 for applying liquid. The device 16 essentially comprises one or more nozzles 9 or sprayer with a liquid container 18 are connected. By means of compressed air 19 the liquid gets out of the nozzle 9 to the free ends 6 the filaments transported.

Through a valve, the flow of liquid from the nozzle 9 be changed, for example by the compressed air flow is changed. It is also possible to keep the air pressure flow constant and to change the amount of liquid transported in the stream. The valve and / or the compressed air flow and / or the liquid quantity is preferably controlled by the control unit.

3 shows the temperature detecting means 11 in a sectional view. The temperature detection means comprises a temperature sensor 12 who is in an air supply 14 located. The temperature detecting means 11 is above the free filament ends 6 arranged, in the way that an air supply 14 away from the filaments 5 facing side to the opposite side of the temperature detecting means 11 extends. The air supply 14 can thereby through the housing 20 and / or be designed as a separate channel. The air supply 14 is preferably a laterally closed air duct, but may also be open on the side, if enough air from the free filament ends to the temperature sensor 12 is directed.

In the air supply line 14 there is a suction 15 , z. B. in the form of a fan, which is the air above the filaments 5 was cooled, at the temperature sensor 12 Sucking over into the wider environment.

On a side facing away from the filaments of the temperature detection means 11 is another temperature sensor 17 attached, which measures the reference temperature of the environment. This temperature sensor 17 is through the housing of the brush 3 separated so that the temperature measured here largely depends on the evaporation of the brush 3 liquid is unaffected.

Also the second temperature sensor 17 has data lines 13 by means of which the acquired data is passed to a control or data acquisition device.

4 shows a method for detecting the moisture as a flow chart. In a first step, by means of one or more temperature sensors 17 measured as reference temperature value of the temperature value of the environment. This value T _ref is stored in a data memory. At the same time or with a time delay, a second temperature _value T _{fil is produced} by means of a further temperature sensor 12 determined. The temperature _value T _fil describes the temperature directly above the filaments. (Step 2)

After the difference .DELTA.T = T _ref - T _{fil was} determined (step 3), it can be decided by comparing this difference with a standard _value .DELTA.T _desired (step 4), which was previously stored in a data memory, whether the liquid flow on the brush 3 is to be applied, amplified or reduced (step 5). For example, the amount of fluid on the brush 3 too large if the difference ΔT is greater than a certain value. In this case, the amount of liquid that is applied to the brush is reduced. If the difference .DELTA.T is smaller than a certain value, the amount of liquid on the brush is too small and the liquid flow applied to the brush is increased.

After or even during steps 3, 4 and 5, a further reference temperature value T _ref and a temperature value T _{fil can be} recorded. It is not necessary for each temperature value T _fil to include a corresponding reference temperature value T _ref . Rather, due to the large amount of air in the area, it can be assumed that the temperature fluctuations in the environment take place only over larger time units, so that a reference value T _{ref is} recorded for several temperatures.

5 shows a further embodiment of a method for detecting the moisture.

The procedure consists of two sub-procedures. In the first sub-process, a value is determined that provides optimum moisture to the brush 3 reflects. In a second sub-process, the liquid flow is controlled so that the brush 3 kept at this optimum humidity.

At the beginning of the first sub-process is the surface of the brush 3 or are the filaments 5 dry. Dry does not mean here that the brush surface is free of liquid, but the surface only has to have a moisture that is lower than the optimum moisture.

In a first step (step 1), the ambient temperature T _{ref is} detected by means of one or more temperature sensors. Time shifted or at the same time, one or more temperature _values T _fil , which is the temperature at the filaments 5 specify, measured (step 2). In a further step (step 3), the liquid flow is applied to the brush 3 is applied, changed, so either increased or decreased. In a further step (step 4), a control and / or data acquisition unit determines the difference ΔT '= T _{ref -T fil} . In steps 5 and 6, the temperatures T _ref and T _{fil are again} determined. The temperature _value T _fil describes the temperature at the brush after the liquid flow has been changed. The temperature _value T _ref describes the temperature of the environment at the time of data acquisition from T _fil . From this the difference ΔT = T _ref - T _{fil is} calculated. The difference | ΔT - ΔT '| is compared with a predetermined constant C. If the difference is smaller than C, the liquid flow applied to the brush is reduced, if the constant C is smaller than the difference, the flow of the liquid is increased.

there C can also be the difference between the amount of liquid applied depend on the liquid flow. In particular a product of a constant and that difference.

Alone already by this sub-process, the liquid be regulated on the surface of the brush. However, in a second sub-process, the temperature difference ΔT are stored, in which | ΔT - ΔT '| becomes smaller than C, ie the slope of ΔT in Dependence of the liquid flow becomes smaller as a certain value. In the further process will then only the difference ΔT is measured and calculated and the liquid flow regulated so that ΔT corresponds to the stored value.

In general, the method makes use of the knowledge that the evaporation energy increases with the surface of the liquid. Is the entire surface of the brush 3 covered, the evaporation energy will no longer increase when more liquid is applied to the brush, since the surface of the liquid is no longer increased. In this case, the difference between the two temperature differences is small or zero. However, if the surface of the brush is not completely covered by the liquid, liquid addition will also increase the surface area of the liquid on the brush, and thus also the energy of evaporation removed from the immediate environment. In this case, the difference of the two temperature differences is greater and the liquid flow is increased.

1

contraption for cleaning

2

surface

3

linear brush

4

belt

5

filament

6

The End of the filament

7

additional End of the filament

8th, 8th'

role

9

jet

10 10 '

feed

11

Temperature sensing means

12

temperature sensors

13

data line

14

air supply

15

pump

16

contraption for applying liquid

17

second temperature sensor

18

liquid container

19

compressed air

20

casing

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 4314046 C2 [0002]

Claims (19)

Measuring method for detecting the moisture on an object ( 3 ), comprising the following steps: - detecting at least two temperature measurement values, wherein the one temperature measurement value is a temperature at the object ( 3 ) and the second temperature reading represents an ambient temperature, - comparing the two temperature readings and - determining the humidity at the object ( 3 ) based on the comparison of the two temperature readings. Measuring method according to claim 1, characterized that determines the humidity based on the difference between the two temperature readings becomes. Measuring method according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the two temperature measurements simultaneously be recorded. Measuring method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the temperature measurements in time offset to be detected. Measuring method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the temperature measured values by a plurality of temperature sensors ( 12 ), in particular two temperature sensors ( 12 ). Measuring method according to claim 5, characterized in that a temperature sensor ( 12 ) measures the temperature of the environment and one or more temperature sensors ( 12 ) the temperature, in particular at different positions, on the object ( 3 ). Measuring method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that air from the vicinity of the object ( 3 ) at least one temperature sensor ( 12 ) is supplied for measuring the air temperature and / or air from the environment of the second temperature sensor ( 17 ) is supplied for measuring the air temperature. Measuring method according to claim 7, characterized in that the air at the temperature sensor ( 12 ) is passed by. Measuring method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of temperature sensors ( 12 ) on the object ( 3 ) or are provided with an air supply, the air from different locations on the object ( 3 ) sucks. Measuring method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition to the temperature sensor ( 12 ) another sensor, such as a humidity sensor, an optical sensor, etc. for determining the object ( 3 ) prevailing humidity is operated. Method for controlling the humidity on or on an object ( 3 ), like a brush ( 3 ), characterized in that the humidity is determined by means of a method according to the preceding claims, the value determined by the method which describes the moisture is supplied to a controller which controls the quantity of a liquid which the object ( 3 ) is supplied. Method for controlling the humidity according to claim 11, characterized in that the behavior of the temperature measured values as a function of the humidity on the object ( 3 ) is evaluated. Device for detecting the moisture on an object ( 3 ), such as a brush, the device having a temperature sensor ( 12 ), which determines the temperature at the object ( 3 ) and a data processing device connected to the temperature sensor ( 12 ) is functionally connected and compares the temperature reading with the temperature of the environment and from this the humidity at the object ( 3 ). Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the device comprises a second temperature sensor ( 17 ), which measures the temperature of the environment. Device according to one of claims 13 and 14, characterized in that at least one temperature sensor ( 12 ) with a supply line ( 14 ), the air from the object ( 3 ) and to the temperature sensor ( 12 ). Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that at the supply line an extraction for moving the air in the direction of the temperature sensor ( 12 ) is arranged. Contraption ( 1 ) for controlling the humidity of a brush ( 3 ) and / or a nonwoven, characterized in that - the device comprises a temperature sensor ( 12 ), the temperature at the fleece and / or the brush, in particular at the ends ( 6 ) of the brush filaments ( 5 ) or the upper side of the fleece, measures, - a data processing means, which receives this temperature value and compares with a second temperature value, - a means ( 16 ) to apply a liquid to the brush or web which is operatively connected to the data processing means such that the amount of liquid applied depends on the comparison of the temperature values. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that that the brush during the cleaning process relative to the temperature sensors and the liquid supply means is moved. Device according to one of claims 17 and 18, characterized in that at least the first temperature sensor ( 12 ) after the liquid supply means ( 16 ) is arranged.