EP1397278A1 - Rain sensor comprising at least one heating element and method for heating one such rain sensor - Google Patents

Rain sensor comprising at least one heating element and method for heating one such rain sensor

Info

Publication number
EP1397278A1
EP1397278A1 EP02735070A EP02735070A EP1397278A1 EP 1397278 A1 EP1397278 A1 EP 1397278A1 EP 02735070 A EP02735070 A EP 02735070A EP 02735070 A EP02735070 A EP 02735070A EP 1397278 A1 EP1397278 A1 EP 1397278A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
rain sensor
heating element
heating
temperature
voltage
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP02735070A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Norbert Hog
Bruno Hodapp
Andreas Schneider
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Robert Bosch GmbH
Original Assignee
Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Robert Bosch GmbH filed Critical Robert Bosch GmbH
Publication of EP1397278A1 publication Critical patent/EP1397278A1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
    • B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
    • B60S1/04—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers
    • B60S1/06—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive
    • B60S1/08—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive electrically driven
    • B60S1/0818—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive electrically driven including control systems responsive to external conditions, e.g. by detection of moisture, dirt or the like
    • B60S1/0822—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive electrically driven including control systems responsive to external conditions, e.g. by detection of moisture, dirt or the like characterized by the arrangement or type of detection means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
    • B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
    • B60S1/04—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers
    • B60S1/06—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive
    • B60S1/08—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive electrically driven
    • B60S1/0818—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive electrically driven including control systems responsive to external conditions, e.g. by detection of moisture, dirt or the like
    • B60S1/0822—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive electrically driven including control systems responsive to external conditions, e.g. by detection of moisture, dirt or the like characterized by the arrangement or type of detection means
    • B60S1/0862—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive electrically driven including control systems responsive to external conditions, e.g. by detection of moisture, dirt or the like characterized by the arrangement or type of detection means including additional sensors
    • B60S1/0866—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive electrically driven including control systems responsive to external conditions, e.g. by detection of moisture, dirt or the like characterized by the arrangement or type of detection means including additional sensors including a temperature sensor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
    • B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
    • B60S1/04—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers
    • B60S1/06—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive
    • B60S1/08—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive electrically driven
    • B60S1/0818—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive electrically driven including control systems responsive to external conditions, e.g. by detection of moisture, dirt or the like
    • B60S1/0822—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive electrically driven including control systems responsive to external conditions, e.g. by detection of moisture, dirt or the like characterized by the arrangement or type of detection means
    • B60S1/0833—Optical rain sensor

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a rain sensor with at least one heating element and a method for heating a rain sensor according to the type of the independent claims.
  • a heating element for example from DE 197 16 975 AI, in which the disk is heated in the area of the measuring section with the aid of a PTC resistor as a heating element.
  • a heating element is arranged on the pane or on the light-guiding body attached to the pane, which is supplied with current by means of corresponding supply lines from the printed circuit board.
  • these devices are complex constructions and therefore correspondingly expensive.
  • the rain sensor according to the invention with the features of the main claim has the advantage that energy is saved and the temperature in the rain sensor can be set more precisely in that the heating element can be controlled in a modulated manner by the control device. This is This is particularly advantageous since the sensitivity of the rain sensor, for example with regard to fog precipitation, is reduced if the pane is heated too much.
  • the rain sensor has a printed circuit board and the heating element is arranged in the region of the printed circuit board.
  • the heating element can be designed in this way using SMD technology. It is particularly advantageous that the heating elements are arranged closer to the optical components, as a result of which the heating thereof takes place more uniformly.
  • a temperature sensor and a control device are provided and the control device only activates the heating element above a threshold temperature. This ensures that the heating element is only activated and thus heats when the temperature inside the rain sensor is below the threshold temperature. This saves energy and increases the service life of the components, especially the heating elements.
  • an electrical voltage can be applied to the rain sensor and the heating element is controlled in a modulated manner taking into account the applied voltage. This makes it possible to be independent of the always present the same heating energy from the heating element.
  • thermosensor is at the same distance from the optical components as the heating element. Sufficient feedback or damping is thus ensured by the thermal resistance of the printed circuit board.
  • the temperature sensor is designed as a negative temperature-dependent resistor (NTC)
  • NTC negative temperature-dependent resistor
  • the method according to the invention for heating a rain sensor has the advantage that the heating power can be set precisely by means of a modulated control of the heating elements and the temperature level of the rain sensor can be maintained very precisely.
  • the rain sensor is supplied with a voltage and the modulation is carried out taking into account the voltage, since the heating power can thus be output very constantly and in particular independently of the voltage.
  • the temperature is measured in the rain sensor and the heating elements are controlled as a function of the measured temperature. As a result, a high temperature constancy can be achieved or a predetermined temperature profile can be run through.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a rain sensor according to the prior art
  • Figure 2 shows a circuit board of a rain sensor in a schematic representation
  • Figure 3 is a diagram showing the voltage ratio across the heating element over time.
  • FIG. 1 shows a rain sensor with a heating device according to the prior art.
  • the rain sensor has a housing 10 which is attached to a window 14, for example the windshield of a motor vehicle, by means of a coupling medium 12.
  • the rain sensor In order to detect rain or moisture on the side of the pane 14 facing away from the sensor, the rain sensor has transmitter 16 and receiver 18, which are arranged together on a printed circuit board 20.
  • the light from the transmitter 16 is coupled into the coupling medium 12 and the disk 14 via a light guide body 22.
  • the light from the transmitter 16 is totally reflected at the glass-air interface of the pane 14 facing away from the rain sensor and is reflected back to the receiver 18 via the light-guiding body 22. If there is moisture at the glass-air interface of the pane 14, part of the light from the transmitter 16 is scattered away and only a remainder is returned to the receiver 18.
  • the rain sensor has a heating element 23, which is arranged in the region of the light guide body 22 near the pane 14 and is wired to the printed circuit board 20 via long leads 24. These heating elements 24 serve primarily to heat the disk 14 in the region of the measuring section and to allow streaks and ice crystals to evaporate more quickly.
  • FIG. 2 shows a circuit board 20 of a rain sensor according to the invention.
  • the transmitters 16 and the receivers 18 are arranged in pairs opposite one another in the form of a parallelogram.
  • the heating elements 23 are applied directly to the printed circuit board 20 using SMD technology.
  • the heating elements 22 are controlled by a control device 26 designed as a microcomputer via a control transistor 28.
  • a temperature sensor 30 is connected to the control device 26, which measures the temperature inside the housing 10 and forwards a corresponding signal to the control device 26.
  • the circuit board 20 has two contacts 32, between which a voltage U is applied during operation.
  • the control device 26 is designed such that it is able to detect the voltage U present between the contacts 32 and can control the heating elements 23 as a function of the voltage U and the signal from the temperature sensor 30.
  • the temperature sensor 30 is approximately the same distance from one of the transmitters 16 as one of the two heating elements 23.
  • the temperature sensor 30 is designed as an NTC.
  • control of the heating elements 23 is shown as an example.
  • the control device 26 does not apply the working voltage to the heating elements 23 designed as resistors continuously, but rather in a clocked manner.
  • the clock frequency T remains constant, but can also be variable.
  • the working voltage VA in the form of a
  • the time T1 corresponds to the time interval during which the voltage VA is applied to the heating element 23.
  • the time TO is the time interval during which no voltage is applied to the heating element 23.
  • the pulse duty factor TV is, for example, 1.
  • the clock ratio TV is chosen to be correspondingly smaller. In this case Tl will be chosen smaller and TO larger.
  • this influence on the cycle ratio TV can also be exerted by the temperature sensor 30 via the control device 26 and the heating power of the heating elements 22 can thus be set and changed.
  • the heating output dependent on further / different input signals 29.
  • These can be signals of the outside temperature, for example, but also signals that are generated by the rain sensor function, such as control signals from the transmitters 16 or the like.
  • the heating elements 23 can also be arranged somewhat above the printed circuit board 20, but the distance between the light guide body 22 and Heating element 23 may be greater than the distance between printed circuit board 20 and heating element 23.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Resistance Heating (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a rain sensor, especially for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one heating element (23) and one control device (26), said heating element being controlled by the control device in a modulated manner.

Description

Regensensor mit mindestens einem Heizelement und Verfahren zum Heizen eines RegensensorsRain sensor with at least one heating element and method for heating a rain sensor
Stand der TechnikState of the art
Die Erfindung betrifft einen Regensensor mit mindestens einem Heizelement sowie ein Verfahren zum Heizen eines Regensensors nach Gattung der unabhängigen Ansprüche . Es sind schon Regensensoren mit einem Heizelement, beispielsweise aus der DE 197 16 975 AI bekannt, bei denen die Scheibe im Bereich der Meßstrecke mit Hilfe eines PTC- Widerstandes als Heizelement beheizt wird. Bei diesem Regensensor ist an der Scheibe oder am auf der Scheibe befestigten Lichtleitkörper ein Heizelement angeordnet, welches mittels entsprechender Zuleitungen von der Leiterplatte mit Strom versorgt wird. Diese Einrichtungen sind jedoch aufwendige Konstruktionen und daher entsprechend teuer .The invention relates to a rain sensor with at least one heating element and a method for heating a rain sensor according to the type of the independent claims. There are already rain sensors with a heating element, for example from DE 197 16 975 AI, in which the disk is heated in the area of the measuring section with the aid of a PTC resistor as a heating element. In this rain sensor, a heating element is arranged on the pane or on the light-guiding body attached to the pane, which is supplied with current by means of corresponding supply lines from the printed circuit board. However, these devices are complex constructions and therefore correspondingly expensive.
Vorteile der ErfindungAdvantages of the invention
Der erfindungsgemäße Regensensor mit den Merkmalen des Hauptanspruchs hat den Vorteil, dass dadurch, dass das Heizelement von der Steuereinrichtung moduliert ansteuerbar ist, Energie eingespart wird und die Temperatur im Regensensor genauer eingestellt werden kann. Dies ist insbesondere deshalb vorteilhaft, da bei einer zu starken Erwärmung der Scheibe die Empfindlichkeit des Regensensors, beispielsweise bezüglich Nebelniederschlag, reduziert wird.The rain sensor according to the invention with the features of the main claim has the advantage that energy is saved and the temperature in the rain sensor can be set more precisely in that the heating element can be controlled in a modulated manner by the control device. This is This is particularly advantageous since the sensitivity of the rain sensor, for example with regard to fog precipitation, is reduced if the pane is heated too much.
Weiterhin ist es vorteilhaft, wenn der Regensensor eine Leiterplatte aufweist und das Heizelement im Bereich der Leiterplatte angeordnet ist. Auf diese Weise werden aufwendige Kontaktierungen und Verdrahtungen vermieden, die dann benötigt werden, wenn das Heizelement im Bereich der Scheibe des Kraftfahrzeugs angeordnet ist. Insbesondere kann das Heizelement auf diese Weise in SMD-Technik ausgeführt sein. Insbesondere ist dabei vorteilhaft, dass die Heizelemente näher an den optischen Bauelementen angeordnet sind, wodurch eine gleichmäßigere Erwärmung derselben stattfindet.It is also advantageous if the rain sensor has a printed circuit board and the heating element is arranged in the region of the printed circuit board. In this way, complex contacts and wiring are avoided, which are required when the heating element is arranged in the region of the window of the motor vehicle. In particular, the heating element can be designed in this way using SMD technology. It is particularly advantageous that the heating elements are arranged closer to the optical components, as a result of which the heating thereof takes place more uniformly.
Durch die in den Unteransprüchen aufgeführten Maßnahmen ergeben sich vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen und Verbesserungen der im Hauptanspruch angegebenen Merkmale .The measures listed in the subclaims result in advantageous developments and improvements of the features specified in the main claim.
Besonders vorteilhaft ist dabei, wenn ein Temperaturfühler und eine Steuereinrichtung vorgesehen sind und die Steuereinrichtung das Heizelement nur oberhalb einer Schwelltemperatur aktiviert. Auf diese Weise ist gewährleistet, dass das Heizelement nur dann angesteuert wird und damit heizt, wenn die Temperatur im Inneren des Regensensors unterhalb der Schwelltemperatur liegt. Dadurch wird Energie eingespart und die Lebensdauer der Bauteile, insbesondere der Heizelemente, erhöht.It is particularly advantageous if a temperature sensor and a control device are provided and the control device only activates the heating element above a threshold temperature. This ensures that the heating element is only activated and thus heats when the temperature inside the rain sensor is below the threshold temperature. This saves energy and increases the service life of the components, especially the heating elements.
Weiterhin ist es vorteilhaft, wenn an den Regensensor eine elektrische Spannung anlegbar ist und das Heizelement unter Berücksichtigung der anliegenden Spannung moduliert angesteuert wird. Dadurch ist es möglich, unabhängig von der anliegenden Spannung immer die gleiche Heizenergie vom Heizelement abgeben zu lassen.Furthermore, it is advantageous if an electrical voltage can be applied to the rain sensor and the heating element is controlled in a modulated manner taking into account the applied voltage. This makes it possible to be independent of the always present the same heating energy from the heating element.
Ein weiterer Vorteil ist dadurch gegeben, dass der Temperaturfühler zu den optischen Bauelementen den gleichen Abstand aufweist wie das Heizelement. So wird eine ausreichende Rückkopplung bzw. Dämpfung durch den thermischen Widerstand der Leiterplatte gewährleistet.Another advantage is that the temperature sensor is at the same distance from the optical components as the heating element. Sufficient feedback or damping is thus ensured by the thermal resistance of the printed circuit board.
Ist der Temperaturfühler als negativ temperaturabhängiger Widerstand (NTC) ausgebildet, so kann ein kostengünstiges und zuverlässiges Bauteil als Temperaturfühler verwendet werden .If the temperature sensor is designed as a negative temperature-dependent resistor (NTC), an inexpensive and reliable component can be used as the temperature sensor.
Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren zum Heizen eines Regensensors hat den Vorteil, dass durch eine modulierte Ansteuerung der Heizelemente die Heizleistung genau eingestellt werden kann und das Temperaturniveau des Regensensors sehr genau eingehalten werden kann.The method according to the invention for heating a rain sensor has the advantage that the heating power can be set precisely by means of a modulated control of the heating elements and the temperature level of the rain sensor can be maintained very precisely.
Besonders vorteilhaft ist dabei, wenn der Regensensor mit einer Spannung versorgt wird und die Modulation unter Berücksichtigung der Spannung vorgenommen wird, da so die Abgabe der Heizleistung sehr konstant und insbesondere spannungsunabhängig erfolgen kann.It is particularly advantageous if the rain sensor is supplied with a voltage and the modulation is carried out taking into account the voltage, since the heating power can thus be output very constantly and in particular independently of the voltage.
Weiterhin ist dabei vorteilhaft, wenn die Temperatur im Regensensor gemessen wird und die Heizelemente in Abhängigkeit von der gemessenen Temperatur angesteuert werden. Dadurch kann eine hohe Temperaturkonstanz erreicht werden oder ein vorgegebenes Temperaturprofil durchgefahren werden. ZeichnungIt is also advantageous if the temperature is measured in the rain sensor and the heating elements are controlled as a function of the measured temperature. As a result, a high temperature constancy can be achieved or a predetermined temperature profile can be run through. drawing
Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist in den Zeichnungen dargestellt und in der nachfolgenden Beschreibung näher erläutert. Es zeigen:An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:
Figur 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Regensensors nach dem Stand der Technik,FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a rain sensor according to the prior art,
Figur 2 eine Leiterplatte eines Regensensors in schematischer Darstellung undFigure 2 shows a circuit board of a rain sensor in a schematic representation
Figur 3 ein Diagramm, in dem das Spannungsverhältnis am Heizelement über der Zeit dargestellt ist.Figure 3 is a diagram showing the voltage ratio across the heating element over time.
Beschreibung des AusführungsbeispielsDescription of the embodiment
Figur 1 zeigt einen Regensensor mit einer Heizeinrichtung nach dem Stand der Technik. Der Regensensor weist ein Gehäuse 10 auf, welches mittels eines Koppelmediums 12 an einer Scheibe 14, beispielsweise der Windschutzscheibe eines Kraftfahrzeugs, befestigt ist.Figure 1 shows a rain sensor with a heating device according to the prior art. The rain sensor has a housing 10 which is attached to a window 14, for example the windshield of a motor vehicle, by means of a coupling medium 12.
Um Regen oder Feuchtigkeit auf der sensorabgewandten Seite der Scheibe 14 zu erkennen, weist der Regensensor Sender 16 und Empfänger 18 auf, die gemeinsam auf einer Leiterplatte 20 angeordnet sind. Das Licht des Senders 16 wird über einen Lichtleitkörper 22 in das Koppelmedium 12 und die Scheibe 14 eingekoppelt. An der vom Regensensor abgewandten Glas-Luft- Grenzfläche der Scheibe 14 wird das Licht des Senders 16 total reflektiert und über den Lichtleitkörper 22 zum Empfänger 18 zurückgeworfen. Befindet sich Feuchtigkeit an der Glas-Luft-Grenzfläche der Scheibe 14, so wird ein Teil des Lichtes des Senders 16 weggestreut und nur ein verbleibender Rest gelangt wieder zurück zum Empfänger 18. Weiterhin weist der Regensensor ein Heizelement 23 auf, welches im Bereich des Lichtleitkörpers 22 nahe der Scheibe 14 angeordnet ist und über lange Zuführungen 24 mit der Leiterplatte 20 verdrahtet ist. Diese Heizelemente 24 dienen in erster Linie dazu, um die Scheibe 14 im Bereich der Meßstrecke zu beheizen und Schlieren und Eiskristalle schneller abdampfen zu lassen.In order to detect rain or moisture on the side of the pane 14 facing away from the sensor, the rain sensor has transmitter 16 and receiver 18, which are arranged together on a printed circuit board 20. The light from the transmitter 16 is coupled into the coupling medium 12 and the disk 14 via a light guide body 22. The light from the transmitter 16 is totally reflected at the glass-air interface of the pane 14 facing away from the rain sensor and is reflected back to the receiver 18 via the light-guiding body 22. If there is moisture at the glass-air interface of the pane 14, part of the light from the transmitter 16 is scattered away and only a remainder is returned to the receiver 18. Furthermore, the rain sensor has a heating element 23, which is arranged in the region of the light guide body 22 near the pane 14 and is wired to the printed circuit board 20 via long leads 24. These heating elements 24 serve primarily to heat the disk 14 in the region of the measuring section and to allow streaks and ice crystals to evaporate more quickly.
In Figur 2 ist eine Leiterplatte 20 eines erfindungsgemäßen Regensensors dargestellt. Die Sender 16 und die Empfänger 18 sind paarweise gegenüberliegend in Form eines Parallelogramms angeordnet. Nahe der Sender 16 sind direkt auf der Leiterplatte 20 die Heizelemente 23 in SMD-Technik aufgebracht. Die Heizelemente 22 werden durch eine als Mikrocomputer ausgebildete Steuereinrichtung 26 über einen Steuertransistor 28 angesteuert. Weiterhin ist mit der Steuereinrichtung 26 ein Temperaturfühler 30 verbunden, der die Temperatur innerhalb des Gehäuses 10 mißt und an die Steuereinrichtung 26 ein entsprechendes Signal weiterleitet. Zur Stromversorgung weist die Leiterplatte 20 zwei Kontakte 32 auf, zwischen denen im Betrieb eine Spannung U anliegt.FIG. 2 shows a circuit board 20 of a rain sensor according to the invention. The transmitters 16 and the receivers 18 are arranged in pairs opposite one another in the form of a parallelogram. Near the transmitter 16, the heating elements 23 are applied directly to the printed circuit board 20 using SMD technology. The heating elements 22 are controlled by a control device 26 designed as a microcomputer via a control transistor 28. Furthermore, a temperature sensor 30 is connected to the control device 26, which measures the temperature inside the housing 10 and forwards a corresponding signal to the control device 26. For the power supply, the circuit board 20 has two contacts 32, between which a voltage U is applied during operation.
Die Steuereinrichtung 26 ist dabei so ausgebildet, dass sie die zwischen den Kontakten 32 anliegende Spannung U zu detektieren vermag und die Heizelemente 23 in Abhängigkeit der Spannung U und des Signals des Temperaturfühlers 30 steuern kann. Der Temperaturfühler 30 ist dabei etwa gleich weit von einem der Sender 16 entfernt wie eines der beiden Heizelemente 23. Der Temperaturfühler 30 ist dabei als NTC ausgebildet.The control device 26 is designed such that it is able to detect the voltage U present between the contacts 32 and can control the heating elements 23 as a function of the voltage U and the signal from the temperature sensor 30. The temperature sensor 30 is approximately the same distance from one of the transmitters 16 as one of the two heating elements 23. The temperature sensor 30 is designed as an NTC.
In Figur 3 ist die Ansteuerung der Heizelemente 23 beispielhaft dargestellt. Die Steuereinrichtung 26 legt an die als Widerstände ausgebildeten Heizelemente 23 die ArbeitsSpannung nicht kontinuierlich, sondern getaktet an. Die Taktfrequenz T bleibt dabei konstant, kann jedoch auch variabel sein. Um die Heizleistung der Heizelemente 23 zu steuern, wird an diese die ArbeitsSpannung VA in Form einesIn Figure 3, the control of the heating elements 23 is shown as an example. The control device 26 does not apply the working voltage to the heating elements 23 designed as resistors continuously, but rather in a clocked manner. The clock frequency T remains constant, but can also be variable. In order to control the heating power of the heating elements 23, the working voltage VA in the form of a
Tltl
Rechtecksignals angelegt. Das Taktverhältnis TV = dieses Rechtecksignals bestimmt die von Heizelement 23 abgegebeneSquare wave signal created. The clock ratio TV = this square-wave signal determines the one emitted by heating element 23
Heizleistung. Die Zeit Tl entspricht dabei dem Zeitintervall während dem die Spannung VA am Heizelement 23 anliegt. Die Zeit TO dem Zeitintervall, während dem am Heizelement 23 keine Spannung anliegt..Weicht die an den Kontakten 32 anliegende Spannung U von einer Sollspannung US ab, so kann das Taktverhältnis TV entsprechend verändert werden. Entspricht die anliegende Spannung U der Sollspannung US, so beträgt das Taktverhältnis TV beispielsweise 1. Während der Periodendauer T liegt also für die Zeit Tl die Arbeitsspannung VA am Heizelement 23 an und für die Zeit TO keine Spannung am Heizelement 23 an, wobei Tl = TO und Tl + TO = T. Überschreitet die Spannung U die Sollspannung US, so wird das Taktverhältnis TV entsprechend kleiner gewählt. In diesem Falle wird Tl also kleiner und TO größer gewählt werden. Dieser Einfluß auf das Taktverhältnis TV kann jedoch auch vom Temperaturfühler 30 über die Steuereinrichtung 26 ausgeübt werden und damit die Heizleistung der Heizelemente 22 eingestellt und verändert werden.Heating capacity. The time T1 corresponds to the time interval during which the voltage VA is applied to the heating element 23. The time TO is the time interval during which no voltage is applied to the heating element 23. If the voltage U applied to the contacts 32 deviates from a target voltage US, the clock ratio TV can be changed accordingly. If the applied voltage U corresponds to the target voltage US, the pulse duty factor TV is, for example, 1. During the period T, the working voltage VA is applied to the heating element 23 for the time Tl and no voltage is applied to the heating element 23 for the time TO, where Tl = TO and Tl + TO = T. If the voltage U exceeds the target voltage US, the clock ratio TV is chosen to be correspondingly smaller. In this case Tl will be chosen smaller and TO larger. However, this influence on the cycle ratio TV can also be exerted by the temperature sensor 30 via the control device 26 and the heating power of the heating elements 22 can thus be set and changed.
Natürlich ist es auch möglich, die Heizleistung von weiteren/anderen Eingangssignalen 29 abhängig zu machen. Dies können beispielsweise Signale der Außentemperatur sein aber auch Signale, welche durch die Regensensorfunktion generiert werden, wie beispielsweise Regelsignale der Sender 16 oder ähnliche.Of course, it is also possible to make the heating output dependent on further / different input signals 29. These can be signals of the outside temperature, for example, but also signals that are generated by the rain sensor function, such as control signals from the transmitters 16 or the like.
In einer Variation der Erfindung können die Heizelemente 23 auch etwas über der Leiterplatte 20 angeordnet sein, jedoch sollte der Abstand zwischen Lichtleitkörper 22 und Heizelement 23 größer als der Abstand zwischen Leiterplatte 20 und Heizelement 23 sein. In a variation of the invention, the heating elements 23 can also be arranged somewhat above the printed circuit board 20, but the distance between the light guide body 22 and Heating element 23 may be greater than the distance between printed circuit board 20 and heating element 23.

Claims

Ansprüche Expectations
1. Regensensor, insbesondere für ein Kraftfahrzeug, mit mindestens einem Heizelement (23) und einer Steuereinrichtung (26) , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Heizelement von der1. Rain sensor, in particular for a motor vehicle, with at least one heating element (23) and a control device (26), characterized in that the heating element of the
Steuereinrichtung moduliert ansteuerbar ist.Control device can be controlled in a modulated manner.
2. Regensensor, insbesondere für ein Kraftfahrzeug, mit mindestens einer Leiterplatte (20) und mindestens einem Heizelement (23) , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das mindestens eine Heizelement (23) im Bereich der Leiterplatte (20) angeordnet ist.2. Rain sensor, in particular for a motor vehicle, with at least one printed circuit board (20) and at least one heating element (23), characterized in that the at least one heating element (23) is arranged in the region of the printed circuit board (20).
3. Regensensor nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine Temperaturfühler (30) und eine Steuereinrichtung3. Rain sensor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a temperature sensor (30) and a control device
(26) vorgesehen ist und das Heizelement (23) nur unterhalb einer Schwelltemperatur (ST) aktivierbar ist.(26) is provided and the heating element (23) can only be activated below a threshold temperature (ST).
4. Regensensor nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß dem Regensensor eine Eingangsgröße (29) , insbesondere eine elektrische Spannung (U) zuführbar ist und das Heizelement (23) unter Berücksichtigung der Eingangsgröße () moduliert ansteuerbar ist.4. Rain sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rain sensor an input variable (29), in particular an electrical voltage (U) can be supplied and the heating element (23) can be controlled in a modulated manner taking into account the input variable ().
5. Regensensor nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß mindestens ein optisches Bauelement (14, 16) vorgesehen ist und die Temperaturfühler (30) zu diesem etwa den gleichen Abstand aufweist, wie das mindestens eine Heizelement (23) . 5. Rain sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one optical component (14, 16) is provided and the temperature sensor (30) to this is approximately the same distance as the at least one heating element (23).
6. Regensensor nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Temperaturfühler (30) als NTC ausgebildet ist.6. Rain sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature sensor (30) is designed as an NTC.
7. Regensensor nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Heizelement (23) aus SMD-Bauelementen ausgebildet ist.7. Rain sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating element (23) is formed from SMD components.
8. Verfahren zum Heizen eines Regensensors, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß Heizelemente vorgesehen sind, die moduliert, insbesondere gepulst, angesteuert werden.8. A method for heating a rain sensor, characterized in that heating elements are provided which are modulated, in particular pulsed, are controlled.
9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Regensensor mit einer Eingangsgröße, insbesondere einer Spannung (V) versorgt wird und die Modulation unter9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the rain sensor is supplied with an input variable, in particular a voltage (V) and the modulation under
Berücksichtigung der Eingangsgröße vorgenommen wird.Taking into account the input variable.
10. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 8 oder 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Temperatur im Regensensor gemessen wird und die Heizelemente (23) in Abhängigkeit von der gemessenen Temperatur angesteuert werden. 10. The method according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the temperature is measured in the rain sensor and the heating elements (23) are controlled as a function of the measured temperature.
EP02735070A 2001-06-01 2002-05-08 Rain sensor comprising at least one heating element and method for heating one such rain sensor Ceased EP1397278A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE2001127684 DE10127684A1 (en) 2001-06-01 2001-06-01 Rain sensor with at least one heating element and method for heating sensor with heater initiated by temperature sensor and voltage supply modulated by microprocessor
DE10127684 2001-06-01
PCT/DE2002/001723 WO2002098716A1 (en) 2001-06-01 2002-05-08 Rain sensor comprising at least one heating element and method for heating one such rain sensor

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EP1397278A1 true EP1397278A1 (en) 2004-03-17

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DE102005029411A1 (en) * 2005-06-24 2007-01-04 Audi Ag Device and method for operating a sensor arrangement in a motor vehicle
US8271198B2 (en) 2009-08-28 2012-09-18 Hydreon Corporation Optical moisture sensor
CN115339415A (en) * 2017-04-24 2022-11-15 西华大学 Automobile rainfall sensor and safety control method of wiper control device

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DE3823300C1 (en) * 1988-07-09 1989-08-17 Leopold Kostal Gmbh & Co Kg, 5880 Luedenscheid, De Sensor device
FR2684628B1 (en) * 1991-12-06 1998-01-09 Renault TREATMENT METHOD AND DEVICE FOR RAIN DETECTION.
DE4343474A1 (en) * 1993-01-13 1994-07-21 Bosch Gmbh Robert Sensor device for detecting the degree of wetting and / or contamination of windows, in particular front windows of motor vehicles
DE4307479C1 (en) * 1993-03-10 1994-02-17 Kostal Leopold Gmbh & Co Kg Opto-electronic sensor device detecting vehicle windscreen wetting level - uses associated heating element to aid fixing of sensor block to windscreen and thermal release from windscreen
DE4329609C1 (en) * 1993-09-02 1995-02-02 Kostal Leopold Gmbh & Co Kg Optoelectronic sensor device
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WO2002098716A1 (en) 2002-12-12

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