EP2341490A1 - Device for detecting damage to insulating glass - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a humidity sensor and an evaluation unit staying in connection with the humidity sensor. A connection is provided for an energy source and another connection or an interface is provided for an alarm generator. An additional pressure wave-sensitive sensor is provided which is formed to detect the temporal distribution of pressure wave and is connected with the evaluation unit. The pressure wave-sensitive sensor is an acoustic-electric sensor or a microphone. An independent claim is also included for an insulation glazing with pane intermediate space.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a device for detecting glass damage in insulating glazing according to the preamble of claims 1 and 27.

State of the art

For reasons of thermal protection, windows, doors, shop windows or, more generally, glass surfaces made of insulating glazing are nowadays produced in buildings. When insulating glazing two or more glass sheets are air and moisture-tight connected. The space between the panes is usually filled with dry air or a mixture of noble gases. Display windows of commercial buildings, but also windows and glass doors of office buildings and residential buildings are unfortunately repeatedly the subject of damage by acts of vandalism or burglars. Engaged glass surfaces and windows or doors are now part of everyday life. The cost of repairing, removing and replacing damaged equipment is considerable.

Safety measures are already known from the prior art, which are intended to counteract damage to glass surfaces. For example, laminated glasses are used, which have a greater resistance to kicks, punctures and the like. In the case of alarm glasses on the market, there are conductor loops which are applied to the pane by means of screen printing or are embedded in the pane and which are interrupted when the pane is damaged. This interruption triggers an alarm to help prevent burglary in warehouses or in homes and apartments. Through appropriate conspicuous marking burglars or vandals to be prevented from damaging the glass surfaces, in particular to break. These known glass breakage detectors are relatively complex and cause a permanent current flow through the conductor loops. For example, films applied to the disk with conductor loops can already be inadvertently damaged by cleaning the glass surface or by other solid objects rubbing against it. A resulting false alarm can lead to that the glass breakage detector is deactivated. In many cases it is also forgotten or omitted to replace damaged glass breakage detectors.

Also exist acoustic sensors for the detection of glass damage, which respond to sound frequencies. However, these have the disadvantage that they work less selectively. So it comes increasingly to false alarms.

The DE 29 33 371 discloses an insulating glass unit with an alarm device consisting of at least two parallel glass panes, a running around the edge of the unit, arranged between the glass panes sealing and connecting member, a standing approximately at atmospheric pressure gas filling in the space formed by the glass sheets and the sealing and connecting member interior and a sensor attached to the unit in contact with the gas filling. The sensor has an electronic component which sends a signal into a connection line as soon as the value of a physical or chemical property of the gas filling measured by the sensor deviates from the nominal value by more than a predetermined amount. An alarm system which can be triggered by a signal emitted by the sensor can be connected to the electrical connection line. The sensor with electronic component can be arranged invisibly from the outside in a recess of the sealing and connecting element. In the case that the spacer has the shape of an aluminum hollow profile, the sensor can be accommodated in the cavity of the profile.

In a preferred embodiment, the measuring sensor has a hot conductor surrounded by the gas filling, which measures the heat conductivity of the gas filling by determining the electrical conductivity of the hot conductor.

In an alternative embodiment, the electrical conductivity of the gas filling is measured by means of a capacitor. The DE 29 33 371 suggests that, in principle, other measurement principles could be used, such as the determination of humidity or speed of sound, but does not give any concrete teaching. With regard to the disclosed, preferred embodiments, a disadvantage is that air can not be used as filling gas, since in this case the electrical conductivity of the filling gas and the air surrounding the insulating glass unit do not differ. In the DE 10 2006 046 859 discloses a method in which by means of a wireless and energy self-sufficient sensor cell in an insulating glass window burglary monitoring is realized. Sensors for humidity, temperature, pressure and movement are invisibly integrated in a frame which encloses two insulating glass panes. The sensor data is transmitted wirelessly to a radio receiver. The energy required for monitoring is provided via a solar module integrated into the frame. An advantage of the disclosed burglar surveillance is that it eliminates cabling between the sensors and an external alarm. However, data transmissions via radio provide an opportunity for sabotage attacks. The doctrine of DE 10 2006 046 859 Invisibly integrating the sensors in a frame enclosing the two insulating glass panes, which is not to be understood as a spacer means arranged between the insulating glass panes, calls for a different type of insulating glass window than that conventionally used in practice.

The DE 39 23 395 shows a glass composite unit with a device for securing the glass composite unit against burglary and sabotage. In the gas-filled intermediate space, a gas moisture sensor unit is provided between at least two panes of the glass composite unit. Their threshold is set to a predetermined absolute lower gas humidity value. The gas humidity sensor unit emits an alarm signal when measuring such a gas humidity value or an overlying one. The gas humidity sensor unit is connected to one of the spacers which space the glass panes or to one of the angular elements which serve to connect the spacers. Lead from the gas moisture sensor unit line strands in an outside of the glass composite unit evaluation circuit. A disadvantage of this alarm device is that the guided through the cable strands signals are not reliable against manipulation z. B. are protected by magnetic fields. Another disadvantage is that the device is only able to measure absolute values. Aging effects resulting from the fact that the moisture in the gas filling increases as the service life progresses can not be taken into account.

In the US 4,350,978 (Riccobono) is a glass break alarm device disclosed with a humidity sensor which is located in the cavity between two glass panes of a multiple glazing is arranged. The humidity sensor is connected to a detector, which is placed outside the multiple glazing. The detector has two alarm outputs, a first alarm output, which is triggered by a sudden increase in humidity, and a second alarm output, which is activated by a continuous increase in humidity over a defined threshold. A disadvantage of the glass break alarm device is that the moisture sensor is clearly visible through the window panes. Observers can easily determine that the glazing has a monitoring device. This may allow potential burglars to bypass the alarm. A further disadvantage is that a detector unit, a power supply and separate alarm devices are required for each moisture sensor. Without these separate alarms, it would not be possible to determine which glazing has become defective in a plurality of monitored glazings. Another disadvantage is that a cable feedthrough must be provided by at least one disc or the spacer center holder.

The FR 2 908 913 shows an alarm device for equipping double-glass windows or showcases. A humidity sensor is placed in the space between the two panes of double glazing. An alarm is generated when the humidity in the space increases. Although the structure of cooperating with the humidity sensor electronic circuit is described exactly, but nothing is said about the installation of the circuit.

Object of the invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a device for detecting glass damage and an insulating glazing with such a device, which can be produced more cost-effectively than existing alarm glasses with electrically conductive loops. Another object is to provide a device for detecting glass damage, which can detect a defective insulating glazing directly on site. Yet another object is to propose a device for detecting glass damage that can interact with existing alarm systems equipped with electrically conductive loops. Another goal is to show a device that can be integrated into insulating glazings without having to replace or adapt existing gas fillings. It is also the goal to propose a device that can be integrated in multiple glazing independently of the manufacturer. Another goal is to propose a device that monitors several separate glazing and only requires an external alarm. In addition, the aim is to show a device for detecting glass damage, which has a high security against manipulation. Yet another goal is to show an alarm device that has an increased bypass safety and are largely prevented in the false alarms.

description

According to the invention the object is achieved by a device according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that an additional pressure wave sensor is provided, which sensor is designed to detect the time course of a pressure wave and is in communication with the transmitter.

The invention includes a combination of a humidity sensor with a pressure wave sensitive sensor. This combination guarantees that glass breakage and glass panel manipulation can be detected with absolute certainty. On manipulations that are not detectable by the humidity sensor, the pressure wave-sensitive sensor is responsive, an unnoticed deactivation of the humidity sensor is therefore excluded.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the moisture sensor, the pressure wave-sensitive sensor and the evaluation are designed as a component. Due to the integral construction, the device can be adapted to existing alarm systems. Alarm systems with alarm glasses, which are equipped with electrically conductive loops can be retrofitted with the inventive device. This is of particular advantage when a broken, in the recovery very expensive alarm glass is replaced by the component in combination with a commercial insulating glazing. Another advantage is that no cable connections are needed to connect the humidity sensor to an external transmitter. The fact that can be dispensed with cable connections between humidity sensor and evaluation, the device is reliably protected against tampering, which aim to signal lines z. B. by magnetic fields manipulate. It is also an advantage that the detection device can be extremely compact in terms of dimensions. As a result, the installation is made possible directly into the spacer means of insulating glazing.

The molecular structure of the glass is disturbed during a drilling process. The structures get into vibration. The frequencies of these vibrations are material-specific and transfer within the glass to the surface. The vibrations of the glass surface generate pressure waves in the gas within the enclosed volume adjacent to the glass surface. The pressure wave-sensitive sensor arranged within the closed gas volume detects the time course of the pressure waves and converts the acquired measurement data into measurement signals that can be processed by the connected evaluation unit and are comparable to the stored frequency pattern. Depending on the measurement signals, control signals are generated by the evaluation unit, which are forwarded via the evaluation electronics to the connected alarming and / or monitoring device. Depending on the type of control signals generated, for example, an audible alarm can then be triggered and / or a video surveillance device put into operation and / or security personnel alerted and / or further security measures can be set in motion.

The pressure wave-sensitive sensor is preferably arranged as well as the moisture sensor within the hermetically sealed gas volume. As a result, environmental influences can be largely eliminated. Within the closed gas volume defined conditions prevail. Faulty measurement signals due to interference are largely prevented. By creating conditions defined in the environment of the pressure-wave-sensitive sensor, the device is as far as possible universally applicable to detect moisture, which is caused by leaks and sound waves, which arise when drilling a glass sheet. Whether it is glass windows, shop windows or windows of vehicles, it does not matter to the device. The generated pressure waves and their time course are clearly detectable by the sensor. The generated measurement signals are evaluated and can be used for the intended reaction.

The pressure wave-sensitive sensor is advantageously an acousto-electric sensor, which converts the detected or absorbed pressure waves = acoustic vibrations directly into electrical signals. The acoustoelectric sensors include piezoelectric crystals as well as acoustoelectronic semiconductors.

In its simplest embodiment, the pressure wave sensitive sensor is a microphone. Microphones are manufactured in a variety of designs, are easy to use and inexpensive as a mass-produced.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the microphone is a condenser microphone. Such microphones are used for example in mobile telephony in large quantities and have been tested many times. Their transmission performance and their sensitivity are sufficiently good. They have a relatively small size and are therefore very well suited for integration. It goes without saying that condenser microphones with other than the above-mentioned frequency ranges can be used. It is important that the response range of the condensate microphones is within the range of the sound frequency of the sound producing object.

In order to be able to selectively recognize the frequencies as they occur during a tapping process, in a preferred embodiment, a frequency pattern is stored in the evaluation electronics, which images the frequencies which typically arise, for example, when tapping a glass pane. The pressure wave sensitive sensor does not respond to pressure waves, which can lead to false alarms, such as pressure waves from passing trucks or touches of the discs, but selectively to specific sound waves. Only when the measured frequency coincides with the stored frequency pattern, alarm is triggered. False alarms can be reliably prevented. A bypass of the humidity sensor is therefore impossible. This is indispensable for high-security alarm systems, such as those required by banks.

Advantageously, the transmitter comprises a microprocessor with associated memory, in which memory an evaluation program is included. Due to the presence of an evaluation program, the detection device is different on insulating glass Manufacturer with different gas fillings individually adaptable. Another advantage is that the measured values can be continuously recorded. Changes in the relative humidity in the insulating glazing, the cause of which are aging effects or unavoidable fluctuations in large-area panes, are recognized as such and do not trigger an alarm. Yet another advantage is that when the detection device is first or restarted, the relevant threshold values can be preloaded into the memory.

Expediently, the evaluation electronics has an interface via which the evaluation program can be loaded into the memory. As a result, not only the respective specifications of the gas filling of the used insulating glazing can be taken into account, but also later necessary adjustments or updates can be loaded into the memory.

The transmitter has advantageous display means for the on-site display of an alarm and / or operating state. So can be dispensed with a complex central monitoring of the individual detection units.

Due to the fact that the component is accommodated in an electrically non-conductive sheath, the sheath is advantageously in a distance profile of a double glazing, the z. B. made of aluminum, can be used. The envelope may, for. B. be designed as a housing. It is also conceivable that the component is cast in an insulating material. The insulating material is precisely and easily adaptable to the distance profile used.

Expediently, the component has a single circuit board equipped with the moisture sensor, the pressure-wave-sensitive sensor and the evaluation unit, wherein the moisture sensor and the pressure wave-sensitive sensor on a first side of the circuit board and connection contacts for the energy source are located on one of the first opposing second side of the circuit board , In this way, it is ensured that when installing the board in the spacer means of insulating glazing, the moisture sensor quickly and reliably detects moisture changes due to breakage of the outer glass and the entry of ambient air. Another advantage is that elaborate breakthroughs for cable bushings can be avoided by at least one disc or the spacer center holder.

An advantageous embodiment provides that at least one light-emitting diode is arranged on the board. This variant has the advantage that the proper function of the device or an alarm can be determined visually on site. Also, different modes of operation can be indicated by clearly distinguishable light signals. Furthermore, when a serial connection of the alarm outputs of multiple detection devices only a single external alarm device needs to be present, as it can be displayed with the help of the respective LEDs, which of the glazing has triggered an alarm.

The board preferably has an elongated shape and the length of the board is a multiple of the width. An elongated design allows the board to fit even in the smallest distance-keeping devices on the market.

So that the board is sufficiently protected when installed in the spacer means and can be installed quickly, it proves to be advantageous to arrange the board in the cavity of a housing. Conveniently, the housing is preferably made of plastic in a non-conductive material, whereby short circuits between the board and the spacer means can be avoided. Another advantage is that the installation in the spacer means designed uncomplicated.

The housing preferably has at least one opening on the first side of the board. This opening ensures that the moisture sensor and the pressure wave-sensitive sensor are in constant contact with the space between the panes and the response time is short. In an advantageous embodiment variant, a further opening is provided for a light-emitting diode arranged on the circuit board. Alternatively, the housing may also consist of a transparent material. In a further embodiment, at least one further opening is advantageously provided, through which a hardening non-conductive sealing means, preferably silicone, can be applied. The sealant fills in cavities between the board and the housing and ensures a vibration-free recording of the board in the housing.

On the second side of the board in the housing expediently a recess for the connection contacts for connecting a power source and / or an alarm device is present. The cable connections, which serve to connect the connection contacts with the energy source and / or the alarm, can only be connected to the connection contacts of the board after the construction of the insulating glazing. It is also conceivable that the device is powered by solar cells with electricity, which are arranged on the first side of the board. Manipulation of the power supply cable is thereby avoidable. It is also possible that the contact of the detection device to an external alarm transmitter is made wirelessly, for example by means of radio.

Conveniently, the housing has a central part, to which connect two insertion ends on opposite sides. Each of the two insertion ends is advantageously designed so that a distance-holding means for the panes of insulating glazing can be pushed over it in a form-fitting manner.

In order for the distance holding means pushed over the insertion ends to experience a stop, it proves to be an advantage if the middle part of the housing projects beyond the insertion ends. The middle part advantageously projects beyond the insertion ends at most by the wall thickness of the spacer center holder, so that complete adhesion to the pane and casting of the encircling casting area between the panes can be carried out without hindrance.

The male ends can advantageously have sawtooth-like formations on their surfaces. Thereby, a frictional connection, which is realized between the sawtooth-like formations and the spacer means, can be ensured. The connection between the insertion ends and the spacer means is difficult to solve.

The board may advantageously extend into at least one insertion end. As a result, the length of the central part is short and it is only a short break in the spacer means for the installation of the housing necessary.

In order to integrate the board as quickly as possible in the housing, the housing is advantageously divided in its width along a separation surface in two housing halves.

In an expedient embodiment, the two housing halves are identical. This has the advantage that only one injection mold for the production of the two housing parts is needed.

In a further expedient embodiment, the two housing halves have two different widths housing halves. This has the advantage that housing widths can be realized which are adaptable to many of the distance holding means widths available on the market. The housing widths may be adapted to the dimensions of commercial spacer means having widths of 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 mm by combining a small number of different widths of housing halves (e.g., 5, 7, 8 mm).

Advantageously, an evaluation is provided, which has a monitoring and an output mode. The modes are expediently activated by different supply voltages. This has the advantage that in addition to a rapid increase in humidity and absolute humidity values can be measured. Thus, the device can also be used in quality control.

Advantageously, the connection for the alarm transmitter on two contact points. Between the contact points in the normal state is a low electrical resistance and in

Alarm state a high electrical resistance exists. This configuration has the advantage that the device can serve as a replacement for current loop based safety devices. In the latter case, the current loop is conductive in the normal state, i. the electrical resistance is very low and interrupted in the alarm state (high resistance).

The subject matter of the present invention is also a device for detecting glass damage in the case of insulating glazing according to the preamble of claim 27. Due to the integration of the humidity sensor, the pressure wave-sensitive sensor and the evaluation electronics connected to these sensors within the insulating glazing There is no room for the evaluation electronics in the surrounding area. In addition, the integration of the evaluation electronics within the insulating glazing offers the advantage that an alarm condition can basically be displayed directly in the insulating glazing. Another advantage is that in the case of multiple monitored glazing only an external alarm must be provided because the alarm outputs of multiple detection devices can be connected in series. A further advantage is that a detection device according to the invention can be used as a replacement for an alarm device based on a current loop. In contrast to alarm devices based on an electrically conducting loop, the detection device according to the invention can also be used in insulating glazings which use completely normal non-tempered glass. Furthermore, the integration of the evaluation has the advantage that the manufacturing process of the glazing does not have to be significantly changed - this, in contrast to the cost in alarm glass manufacturing process in which conductive loops are burned in a safety glass.

In the case of insulating glazings which have three or more glass panes and two or more panes, the moisture sensor and the pressure wave-sensitive sensor are arranged in such a way as to be able to monitor that pane cavity which is bounded on one side by an exposed pane of glass. As an exposed glass is to be considered one that is accessible for damage acts. In the case of windows or doors of buildings, this is generally the outside glass facing outside. For shop windows, it is the pioneering glass pane. In the case of showcases, climate cabinets and the like, it is the outer, the viewer facing glass.

In order for a defect of the humidity sensor to be detected quickly or vandalized damage not to lead to failure, it proves to be advantageous if an interruption signal between the humidity sensor and the evaluation an interruption signal can be generated.

The invention is applicable to all types of insulating glazings, in which gas-tight and moisture-tightly connected glass panes a space between the panes limit. Usually, the space between the panes is filled with a gas which has a defined degree of humidity. Suitable filling gases for the space between the panes are, in particular, air, noble gases or inert gas mixtures. The moisture of these gases is regularly almost zero.

In order to ensure in the monitored space between the panes for dry conditions as possible, a drying agent is arranged in a further embodiment of the invention in the immediate vicinity of the space bounded by the gas and moisture-tightly interconnected glass panes disc space. The desiccant, despite the sealing in the space between the panes, absorbs diffused moisture and ensures constant, deep moisture conditions. The desiccant is housed in a known manner in the spacer of the insulating glazing.

The insulating glazing with monitoring of the space between the panes by a humidity sensor and a pressure wave-sensitive sensor can be attached to a window, a door, a shop window or the like. But it can also be provided on showcases, climate cabinets or similar storage furniture. Such a security system can be part of an alarm system. It can be wired or via wireless communication.

Monitoring the interpane space by means of the humidity sensor and the pressure wave sensitive sensor may not be sufficient to detect breakage of the outer glass pane. This may be the case, for example, in winter when, due to low temperatures, the humidity in the ambient air differs only slightly or only insignificantly from the humidity prevailing in the space between the panes. So that a reliable glass breakage detection can also take place in such situations, in an advantageous further embodiment variant of the invention, the humidity sensor is additionally designed to monitor the temperature in the space between the panes. If the temperature falls below or exceeds a predefinable threshold temperature and / or if a predeterminable temporal temperature gradient is undershot or exceeded, an alarm signal can be generated.

By using a moisture sensor in a double glazing, which comprises two glass and moisture-tightly interconnected glass panes, which define a space between panes, as a glass breakage sensor, the breakage of an exposed glass pane can be monitored in a cost-effective manner. The humidity sensor is relatively insensitive to external influences and allows a reliable detection of changes in humidity and / or temperature in the monitored space between the panes, thereby allowing an immediate conclusion to the breakage of the exposed pane of glass. Depending on the detected signal, an alarm can be generated, security personnel can be activated and / or a monitoring device with a recording function can be set in motion.

Conveniently, in a security system for multiple windows and / or doors, multiple devices that monitor separate glazing units are connected in series and connected to the alerting and / or monitoring device. Designed in this way, the monitoring of an entire building can be controlled via a single central alarming and / or monitoring device.

Expediently, each device for detecting glass damage has its own power supply. This ensures their function, even if, for example, adjacent glass breakage detectors have been put out of operation. The control of the glass breakage detectors is advantageously regulated in such a way that an alarm signal can be generated in the event of an unauthorized interruption of the power supply. This counteracts manipulations of the security system.

• Figur 1 Eine Draufsicht auf eine Einrichtung zur Detektion von Glasbeschädigung mit einem auf einer Platine angeordneten Feuchtigkeitssensor und einem druckwellensensitiven Sensor und einer mit diesen in Verbindung stehenden Auswerteelektronik;
• Figur 2 Eine Seitenansicht der Einrichtung von Figur 1;
• Figur 3 Schematisch und im Längsschnitt die Einrichtung von Figur 1 aufgenommen in einem Gehäuse und in eine Isolierungsverglasung eingebaut;
• Figur 4 Querschnitt entlang der Linie 4-4 in Figur 3;
• Figur 5 Eine teilweise aufgeschnittene Isolierverglasung mit der Einrichtung zur Detektion von Glasbeschädigung aus Figur 3 und 4 im eingebauten Zustand.

Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment of the invention with reference to the schematic representations. It shows in not to scale representation:

• FIG. 1 A top view of a device for detecting glass damage with a arranged on a board moisture sensor and a pressure wave-sensitive sensor and associated with these evaluation;
• FIG. 2 A side view of the facility of FIG. 1 ;
• FIG. 3 Schematically and in longitudinal section the device of FIG. 1 housed in a housing and installed in an insulating glazing;
• FIG. 4 Cross section along the line 4-4 in FIG. 3 ;
• FIG. 5 A partially cut-out insulating glazing with the device for detecting glass damage FIGS. 3 and 4 in the installed state.

The Figures 1 and 2 show a device for detecting glass damage, the essential components of which are a moisture sensor 13, a pressure wave-sensitive sensor 14, for example a condenser microphone and evaluation electronics 17, which are arranged on a first side of a circuit board 11. Optionally, a light-emitting diode 15 may be mounted on the circuit board 11. On the second opposite side of the board 11 is a four pins existing contact 19 is present. Two pins of the plug serve as a terminal 21 for a power source. The other two pins serve as connection 23 for an alarm transmitter (s. FIG. 4 ).

The transmitter 17 consists essentially of a microcontroller comprising a microprocessor and with this associated memory (not shown in the figures). A program is included in the memory which evaluates the signal coming from the humidity sensor 13 or from the pressure-wave-sensitive sensor 14 and generates corresponding output signals. In order to reliably prevent false alarms, a frequency pattern is stored in the program, which typically depicts the frequencies that a drill produces when drilling glass panes. The program will therefore only forward output signals if the measured frequencies match the frequency pattern. It is understood that a plurality of frequency patterns, which are significant for manipulations on a glass pane, can be stored in the program.

The connection for the energy source 21 is connected to a voltage regulator 25, which transforms the supply voltage down to the operating voltage permissible for the operation of the electronic components arranged on the printed circuit board. In the present case, the supply voltage between 12 volts and about 40 volts. The voltage regulator 25 is connected to the microcontroller 17, the humidity sensor 13 and the pressure wave-sensitive sensor 14 and a switch 27 in connection. Due to the present supply voltage, the microcontroller 17 decides which operating mode is to be activated. Either the device is in a monitor or output mode. The switch 27 serves as a command receiver in both modes of operation. In monitoring mode, it normally generates a low-impedance output signal (corresponds to the uninterrupted conductor loop in the previous laminated glass) and, in the event of an alarm, a high-impedance output signal (corresponds to the interrupted conductor loop). The switch 27 generates a bit string in the output mode for communication with a readout device. In the present case, the circuit is constructed so that when a supply voltage of 12 volts, the monitoring mode is activated. If, by contrast, a supply voltage of approximately 35 volts is applied, the microcontroller 17 activates the output mode.

Alternatively, it can be monitored whether the detected humidity is below or above a threshold.

In the monitoring mode, differential changes in moisture content are preferably detected. If the moisture content changes by more than a predefined threshold value within a certain period of time, then an alarm signal is triggered by setting the resistance value present at the connection for the alarm transmitter from low-impedance to high-impedance.

In the output mode, instantaneous values of the moisture content are detected. If the moisture content changes, the values calculated by the microcontroller 17 are forwarded directly to a read-out device (not shown in detail in the figures).

The light-emitting diode 15 is used for optical monitoring of the respective modes on site. If the detection device is in the monitoring mode, a light signal recurring at specific time intervals is displayed. When triggering the alarm signal, however, the LED 15 emits a continuous light signal. It is conceivable that in the case of malfunctions of the states described above deviating light signals are emitted by the diode.

The humidity sensor 13 is capable of detecting the current humidity. Such sensors for monitoring the moisture are for example off US 4,350,978 Well known, so that a description of the operation of the humidity sensor can be omitted. The content of US 4,350,978 is hereby incorporated by reference into the present application.

The pressure wave sensitive sensor 14 is designed to be sensitive to frequencies that are typically generated by a drill as it cuts through glass.

The board 11 preferably has an elongated shape. The length may be, for example, about 50 mm and the width about 5 mm. By this dimensioning, it is possible to arrange the detection device in distance holding means, which have only an extension of 10 mm or less.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the device FIGS. 1 and 2 housed in a housing and installed in an insulating glazing 29. The insulating glazing 29 consists of at least two glass panes 31 and 33 (see also FIG. 5 ) between which a disc space 35 is defined. A spacer means 37 defines the distance between the two glass sheets 31 and 33.

The circuit board 11 is accommodated in a housing 39. The side of the housing 39 facing the space between the panes 35 in the installed state has a first opening 41, through which the moisture sensor 13 is in contact with the gas of the space between the panes 35. For the pressure wave-sensitive sensor 14, a second opening 42 is provided, through which sound waves can penetrate to the same. A third aperture 43 serves the light emitted by the light emitting diode 15 for passage into the disc space 35. The apertures 42 and 43 may be symmetrically disposed to a center line normal to the longitudinal axis of the housing. Due to the symmetrical arrangement of the openings, the first opening 41 and the light-emitting diode 15 and the pressure wave-sensitive sensor 14 serve as a passage. In such an installation state of the circuit board 11, the contact of the humidity sensor 13 and the pressure wave-sensitive Sensor 14 with the disc space 35 via the third opening 43 ensured. On the second side of the housing 39 opposite the openings 41, 42 and 43 there is a recess 45. Through the recess 45, a connector 47 can be performed and connected to the contacts 19. At the connector 47, a connection cable 49 is soldered.

The housing 39 consists of two housing halves 39a and 39b, the separation surface through the openings 41, 42 and 43 and the recess 45 extends. The incorporation of the board 11 into the housing 39 takes place in such a way that the board 11 is inserted into one housing half 39a and the other housing half 39b is placed thereon. The housing half 39a and 39b each have Kunststoffausformungen not shown, which engage positively in the assembly during assembly. As a result, the housing 39 is closed positively. As FIG. 3 can be seen, the inserted circuit board 11 advantageously extends almost over the entire length of the housing 39th

The housing 39 has a cuboidal middle part 39c, to which two insertion ends 39d connect at opposite ends. The dimensions of the middle part 39c project beyond the dimensions of the insertion ends 39d in one direction up to the wall thickness of the distance-holding means 37.

The insertion ends 39d are dimensioned such that the spacer-holding means 37 can be pushed on both sides. Sawtooth-like protrusions 40 on the housing surface of the male ends 39d ensure a frictional secure connection to the spacer-holding means. The middle part 39c is used when attaching the spacer means 37 on both sides as a stop.

The production process in the manufacture of insulating glazing 29 can be accomplished by integrating the housing 39 with board 11 enclosed therein into a spacer retaining frame as in conventional insulating glazing. Both the application of a Buthylstreifen 51 to seal the transition between the spacer means 37 and the glass sheets 31 and 33 and the application of a Randvergusses 53 can be performed without distinction to the standard production method.

The above-described device according to the invention for detecting glass damage in the case of insulating glazing 29 can be part of a security system and can be connected to an alerting and / or monitoring device for this purpose. This is done via the contacts 19 on the board 11. Such a security system can in turn be part of an alarm system. It can be wired or via wireless communication. Conveniently, in a security system several devices for detecting glass damage with moisture sensors as glass breakage detectors, which monitor separate glazing units, and pressure wave-sensitive sensors are connected to the alarming and / or monitoring device. Designed in this way, the monitoring of an entire building can be controlled via a single central alarming and / or monitoring device.

Legend

11

circuit board

13

humidity sensor

14

Pressure wave sensitive sensor, such as condenser microphone

15

led

17

Microcontroller or evaluation

19

contacts

21

Connection for energy source

23

Connection for alarm device

25

voltage regulators

27

switch

29

glazing

31

pane

33

pane

35

Disk space

37

Spacing means

39

casing

39a

housing half

39b

housing half

39c

Housing body

39d

Shanks

40

Sawtooth formations

41

First opening

42

Second opening

43

Third opening

45

recess

47

connector

49

connection cable

51

Buthylstreifen

53

Randverguss

55

desiccant

Claims (15)

Device for detecting damage to an insulating glazing (29), which glazing pane (29) has at least two glass panes spaced apart by spacer holding means (37), comprising: a humidity sensor (13) and a transmitter (17) in communication with the humidity sensor (13), which device has a connection for a power source (21) and at least one connection or interface for an alarm transmitter (23),
characterized,
that an additional pressure wave sensitive sensor (14) is provided, which sensor is designed to detect the time course of a pressure wave and to the evaluation electronics (17) is in communication. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the moisture sensor (13), the pressure wave-sensitive sensor (14) and the evaluation electronics (17) are designed as one component. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressure wave sensitive sensor (14) is an acoustoelectric sensor. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressure wave sensitive sensor (14) is a microphone. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the microphone is a condenser microphone. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in the evaluation a specific frequency pattern is deposited, which serves the comparison with the recorded by the pressure wave-sensitive sensor frequencies. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the evaluation electronics (17) comprises a microprocessor with associated memory, in which memory an evaluation program is included. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the evaluation has an interface via which the evaluation program can be loaded into the memory. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transmitter (17) has display means for the on-site display of an alarm and / or operating state. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the component is received in an electrically non-conductive sheath, the shape of which is designed so that it can be inserted into a spacer profile of a glazing. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the component comprises a board on which the moisture sensor (13), the pressure wave sensitive sensor (14) and the evaluation (17) arranged and provided the connection points for the power supply and the alarm output are. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the evaluation electronics (17) are located on a first side of the board (11) and the connection for the power source (21) on one of the first opposite second side of the board (11). Insulating glazing (29) comprising at least two glass sheets (31, 33) spaced apart by a spacer means (37) between which a disc space (35) is defined, with a moisture sensor (13) within the glazing (29) for detecting leakage or broken glass,
characterized,
in that a device according to one of claims 1 to 25 is integrated in the spacer holding means (37). Insulating glazing (29) according to claim 27, characterized in that the moisture sensor (13) and the pressure wave-sensitive sensor in insulating glazings (29) having three or more glass panes and two or more interpane spaces, are arranged such that the one disc space (35) monitored is, which is bounded on one side by a glass, the damage acts is accessible. Insulating glazing (29) according to one of claims 27 to 28, characterized in that the evaluation electronics (17) has a connection for a power source (21) and at least one output for the connection of an alarm transmitter (23) facing away from the space between the panes (35) are.

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