EP2494343A2 - Sensor device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor device for determining the amount of liquid contained or stored in an object (4) to be tested. The sensor device comprises at least one heating element (2) and at least one humidity sensor (3). When operated, the sensor device defines at least one volume (1) which can be sealed off by placing the device on the surface (41) of the object (4) to be tested. The heating element (2) is designed to heat at least part of the surface (41) of the object (4) delimiting the volume (1), the humidity sensor (3) measuring the humidity in the interior of the volume (1).

Description

 sensor device

The invention relates to a sensor device for determining the amount of liquid or liquid content stored in an article. The invention further relates to a cap according to claim 31. The invention further relates to a method for determining the amount of liquid stored in an article of the liquid content according to the preamble of claim 36.

The stored moisture in the following is considered to be the total moisture present in an article or in a part of an article or the total water content present in an article or in a part of an article. Water or moisture can be present in an object, as explained below, in bound or unbound form.

 It is called bound moisture when it is enclosed in or enclosed by the object. Bound moisture may be included in, for example, fat or incorporated or bound in it. However, this moisture can also be bound in cells, fibers or fabrics or enclosed in a vapor-tight / watertight manner. Furthermore, it is also possible that the moisture or water is chemically bound, for example in the form of water of crystallization.

For fabrics, bound humidities or water contents are not available for liquid transport and do not evaporate or only very slowly, in particular if the water in the surrounding material, for example fat, is bound to the fabric by chemical or physical bonding.

Moistures or water fractions that are unbound are capable of volatilizing and require a period of time to evaporate depending on the nature of the surface and temperature, air pressure and air movements on the surface of the article.

The present invention has for its object to provide an arrangement or device by means of which the amount of moisture stored in an article or its moisture content can be determined.

 The invention solves this problem with the characterizing features of patent claim 1.

Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. - -

According to the invention, a sensor device is provided for determining the quantity of liquid contained or stored in an object to be tested, wherein the sensor device comprises at least one heating element and at least one moisture sensor. Furthermore, it is provided that the sensor device forms at least one lockable volume during operation, in particular by contact with the surface of the object to be tested, wherein the heating element is designed to heat at least part of the volume limiting surface of the object, and wherein the humidity sensor Moisture inside the volume measures.

This makes it possible to easily and efficiently determine the moisture content stored in an article. By means of a calibration procedure, due to a plurality of measured humidity values, e.g. Based on the values of the electrical capacitance or the electrical resistance of the humidity sensor, the absolute humidity can be determined with high accuracy. If the temperature is additionally measured, the relative humidity can also be determined. The accuracy of measuring the absolute humidity can be increased. Another calibration can still be done in relation to the ambient pressure.

A preferred embodiment provides that the volume is delimited by the sensor device, which has an opening that can be covered by the object to be tested to one side. Furthermore, it can be provided that the sensor device comprises a housing, of which the volume and the opening are limited.

 This makes it possible to measure the moisture of objects in the event of stronger air movements, making the sensor particularly useful for outdoor measurements.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the housing is designed such that the volume is formed with a maximum thickness of less than 5 mm, in particular less than 1 mm, measured normal to the opening or to the surface of the object occluding the opening.

 Alternatively, it may be provided that the ratio of the thickness of the volume, in particular the height of the projection, to the diameter or the maximum

Extension of the opening 1: 1 to 1: 100, in particular 1: 2 to 1: 20, is.

 This allows a vortex-free measurement of the evaporating moisture and prevents convection and mixing of the exiting the object steam or

Dunst. , ,

 A preferred aspect of the invention provides that the housing has a, preferably flat, base surface) and a self-contained circumferential and / or annular projection on the base surface, wherein the base surface and the projection define the volume and the projection defines the opening limited.

This enables a particularly simple construction of a sensor device and the formation of a volume that can be well adapted to objects. This also ensures an airtight seal between the object and the opening of the volume.

In addition, it can be provided that the projection with respect to the base surface a

Projection height of 1mm to 5mm, and pointing away from the base surface

End face of the projection forms a bearing surface for the object, wherein the

Face is optionally widened outward or widened.

 This allows a particularly stable and airtight installation of the object to the

Sensor device.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the heating element is arranged in the, preferably annular, projection or forms the projection. This allows a particularly rapid and efficient heating of the article.

A further advantageous aspect of the invention provides that the heating element has at least one, in particular in the annular projection surrounding heating wire, which is brought in contact with the object in thermal, especially direct, conductive contact with the surface of the article or directly on the surface of the projection runs.

 This increases the thermal efficiency of the heating element.

It may be provided that the heating element is formed by radiation sources, in particular LEDs, arranged on the housing and / or on the projection, in particular on the base surface of the housing, and / or that the heating element is connected to a wall bounding the volume of the base surface or the base wall Housing are arranged.

 This allows the article to be heated more quickly. The efficiency of the heating is additionally increased.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the annular projection annular or in

Form of a circumferential rectangular ring is formed.

As a result, an advantageous volume is formed with simple structural means. - -

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that at least the moisture-sensitive part of the humidity sensor is disposed within the volume or this bounded, and the air in the volume is in contact with this part, in particular via a channel.

 This allows a particularly stable arrangement of the humidity sensor and provides very precise measurements, since the heated vapor or vapor collects in the range of the humidity sensor.

It can be provided that the moisture sensor is arranged in a recess formed in the base surface and preferably terminates flush with the base surface.

 As a result, a particularly simple structural measure for the arrangement of the moisture sensor is provided.

A further preferred aspect of the invention provides that the moisture sensor, in particular only its moisture-sensitive part of the surface or its part in contact with the volume, is covered or surrounded by a water-repellent and / or vapor-permeable film, in particular Teflon.

This measure protects the moisture sensor from contamination.

Furthermore _{, it} can be provided that a water vapor permeable and / or dirt-repellent protective film is provided between the moisture sensor and the object in abutment, which prevents contamination of the sensor. As a result, the moisture sensor and the volume-bordering parts of the sensor arrangement are protected from contamination.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the protective film covers the opening, and / or that the heating element is optionally realized as arranged on the protective film, in particular meandering running, heating wire.

 As a result, a particularly simple and effective arrangement of the protective film is provided. Furthermore, the provision of a meandering heating element describes an effective and direct design of a heating element. The energy is thereby introduced directly to the surface, whereby a particularly efficient heating of the article takes place.

A development of the invention provides that the dirt-repellent protective film, in particular as a screen film, with opening sizes in the range of 10μιτι to 1mm, , ,

in particular from 50μητι to ΙΟΌμιη, is formed and in particular by steel fabric, sintered filter, Teflon or a membrane filter is formed.

 As a result, particularly robust and dirt-repellent types of protective films are provided.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the dirt-repellent protective film is taut. This prevents contamination of the protective film.

A further preferred aspect of the invention provides that the volume in the installation of the article by closing the opening is vapor-tight, preferably airtight, completed.

 This allows for full absorption of the vapor emitted by the article and very accurate measurement of moisture in the article.

The invention can be further developed by at least one further heating element, which is arranged such that it heats the humidity sensor.

 This improves the reproducibility of the measurement results since the sensor can be brought into a defined initial state by complete evaporation of the moisture water contained in it.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the further heating element surrounds the moisture sensor, in particular is designed as a heating wire, which surrounds the moisture sensor, in particular wound around it.

 As a result, a particularly effective and energy-saving embodiment of a sensor device is provided.

Preferably, it can be provided that a plurality of. Moisture sensors is provided, which are arranged in a grid shape.

 This allows a plurality of moisture measurements of an object to be performed simultaneously, with each of the measurements missing a limited surface area of the object.

Preferably, it can be provided that the volume is subdivided by a number of subdivision webs into a plurality of subvolumes which respectively contact the article when it is in contact and to which a respective moisture sensor is assigned, which measures the moisture in the respective subvolume.

As a result, an effective separation of the vaporized from the individual surface areas moisture is achieved and mixtures of different , ,

 Avoid surface areas of vaporized moisture.

In particular, it can be provided that a number of sub-volumes is airtight sealed when planting an object at the opening and the remaining sub-volumes have an air passage located in the region of the moisture sensor, which is optionally in communication with the ambient air.

 5

 As a result, individual surface areas can be measured at different excitation temperatures, with only small amounts of energy being required for heating the individual surface areas of the object. Q Thus, it can further be provided that a housing is provided which has an end face in which a continuous opening is formed and in that the moisture sensor seals the opening from the side opposite the end face, the volume in, in front of or in the area the opening is formed.

 This embodiment allows a particularly simple formation of a dense 5 volume.

Another aspect of the invention provides that the moisture sensor, in particular via a thermal adhesive, is in contact with the heating element. This improves the heat dissipation.

0

 In addition, it can be provided that the heating element is in contact with a thermally conductive body, in particular made of aluminum or aluminum sinter. This allows the formation of a thermally stable sensor device. 5

 An advantageous development of the invention provides that the heating element is designed as a Peltier element and that between the housing, the body, the heating element and the humidity sensor is separated from the volume further volume is formed. This prevents thermal shorting of the Peltier element and improves Q efficiency. In addition, the regulation of the temperature in the volume is simplified.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the housing has a channel and / or that the body has a continuous recess, wherein between said continuous recess and the housing, a channel is formed.

5 This simplifies the routing of the electrical connections of the humidity sensor and the heating element.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the body, the , ,

 Heating element and the humidity sensor are pressed in the housing, wherein the housing is optionally bolted to the body. A volume created in this way is particularly dense. Air can not escape from the volume into the interior of the sensor device. In particular, moisture can not settle in the further air volume.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a cap which prevents contamination of the sensor device when placed on or coupled to the sensor device.

The invention relates to a cap for closing the volume, in particular a sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, preferably for placing on the projection comprising an annular or closed circumferential body and a contact surface for applying the sensor device to an object characterized by a vapor-permeable protective film, the in the

15 inner region of the annular or closed circumferential base body is arranged and closes the opening formed by the annular or closed circumferential body,

 wherein preferably the cap has a wall which bears against the wall delimiting the volume and has a flow-through opening through which the in

20

 Volume air can be brought into contact with the moisture sensor.

This cap has the advantage that dirt does not penetrate to the sensor device, thus the moisture sensor and the volume limiting parts of the

^ Sensor device should not be contaminated by the object to be tested. In addition, the advantage of using with patients is that a cap can be used for each patient so that there is no transmission of germs between patients via the sensor device. It also prevents contamination from evaporating through the opening into the volume and penetrating the moisture sensor

Pollute 3Q.

A development of the invention provides that the main body is arched outwardly in the plane of the opening formed by the annular or closed circumferential body, whereby the contact surface is widened outwards.

This enables a particularly stable and airtight installation of the object on the cap.

Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides that in the main body a , ,

 Heating element, in particular in the form of a circulating in the main body heating wire is arranged, wherein the heating wire is thermally conductively coupled to the contact surface or the heating wire extends on the contact surface.

 This allows a particularly efficient heating of the article.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the cap has a heating element which is formed on or on the protective film in the form of a, in particular printed, preferably meander-shaped, heating wire.

 This improves the heating efficiency of the article, i. a greater proportion of the heating energy provided is used to heat the article.

Furthermore, it may be provided that a connecting line runs in the interior of the main body of the cap and when plugged onto a sensor device according to the invention can be brought into electrical contact with an energy source located in the sensor device.

This allows a particularly simple energy supply and an energy-saving heating element.

A further object of the invention is to provide a fast and reliable method for determining the moisture stored in an article or for determining the moisture content of an article.

According to the invention, a method for determining the amount of liquid present in an article is provided. It is provided that the article is heated in a localized area, which is collected by the object in this area when heated steam in this area, in particular vapor-tight, final volume, which is measured in the volume of air humidity, and this is considered as the measured value for the amount of liquid stored in the article.

 By means of the method according to the invention, the amount of moisture present in an article can be determined quickly and simply.

A further development of the method according to the invention provides that before and / or during the heating of the article, the moisture of the air in the volume is measured, the measured moisture profile over time being considered as an indicator of the amount of liquid stored in the article. , ,

 With this development of the invention, the strength of the binding of the water in the subject can be determined.

A particular aspect of the invention provides that the moisture in predetermined

Time intervals, in particular at intervals of 1ms to 3s, is measured.

 This allows a particularly good mapping of the evaporation behavior of the amount of moisture inside the article.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the object is superficially heated by 0.01 to 5 ° C, in particular 0.1 ° C to 5 ° C, in particular at a maximum of 43 ° C, preferably at 40 ° C to 42 ° C.

 This provides a gentle and efficient method for determining the moisture content of living or biological materials.

It can be provided that the article with a predetermined amount of heat between 10 ^{~ 2} W / mm ² and 0.1W / mm ² , in particular between 10 ^"0 W / mm ² and 0.1W / mm ² , preferably between 10 ^{" 10} W / mm ² and 8 10 ^"6 W / mm ^{2 is} applied.

This allows efficient heating and prevents the destruction of the respective material to be heated.

A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that first the amount of liquid stored in a reference object is measured according to a method according to the invention and the measured value determined by measuring the reference object is related to the measured value determined by the measurement of the object, where appropriate a plurality of

Measurements of the reference object and the object is carried out and then the respectively determined humidity profiles are determined and compared and evaluated with each other, wherein in particular the reference object and the object in the course of heating at the same temperature or the same amount of heat are applied.

 This development of the method according to the invention enables efficient calibration based on reference objects.

Furthermore, it can be provided that first of all the moisture evaporating out of the object or the skin is determined without heating and this liquid fraction is determined and assessed as an unbound liquid fraction, then the temperature is increased or heat is supplied, whereby the water release of the object or the Skin rises, and the extra amount of fluid that gets from the object during _ _

whose heating is released, is determined and this liquid fraction is determined and assessed as a bound liquid content.

 This development of the invention allows the distinction of the vaporized moisture water in shares of originally bound in the subject water and unbound water.

A development of the method according to the invention provides that a human or animal body part is used as the reference object, which is free from a predetermined disease, for example, free of tumors, in particular skin tumors, or rheumatism, and body parts of persons are used as object or objects, in particular, an increased moisture content of the article relative to the reference article implies an increased risk of being affected by a disease.

 This development of the invention allows the determination or determination of the risk of contracting a skin disease, in particular a skin tumor, or a disease of tissue located under the skin.

In addition, it can be provided that a reference measurement is carried out to check the moisture delivery of skin cream to the skin by determining the moisture of a human or animal body part or tissue specified as a reference object, then applying skin cream to this body part and applying it to the skin for a predetermined period of time is then applied, and then subjected to the body part of a second moisture measurement, wherein the moisture delivery of the skin cream is determined by the determined in the course of the reference measurement of moisture and the moisture determined in the course of the second moisture measurement relative to each other.

As a result, the qualitative and quantitative effectiveness of skin creams can be determined.

It can be provided that for determining moisture in a wall part, a predetermined amount of heat is delivered to the masonry and the course of the air humidity over a predetermined period of time, in particular from 2 to 5 minutes, is measured, as proven reference dry masonry is used.

 It is preferably provided that, during the determination of the moisture of the wall part or of the reference object, the volume is ventilated so that the moisture can escape from the volume at a predetermined rate.

As a result, a method for determining the probability of _ _

 Mold provided in buildings.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to some embodiments using the following figures without limiting the general inventive concept.

Fig. 1 shows a sensor device according to the invention from below. Fig. 2 shows a cross section along the section line A-A shown in Fig. 1. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the head of a sensor device according to the invention with protective measures for the moisture sensor. FIGS. 4a, b, c show the evaporation behavior of tissue when heat is applied.

 Fig. 5 shows a sensor device with cap. Fig. 6 shows the cap shown in Fig. 5 in an oblique view. FIG. 7 a shows a sensor device with outwardly bent or extended end faces. Fig. 7b shows a sensor device with a cap and with an outwardly bent body. Fig. 8 shows a cap with a heating element with leads.

 9 shows the moisture-sensitive part of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention, which is designed to measure the moisture stored in human and / or animal tissue.

Fig. 1 shows a sensor device with a housing 5 comprising a handle 10. Alternatively, the sensor device may also be permanently mounted, in which case no handle but a holding unit is provided with which the sensor, for example on a wall, on a frame or on the ground , is attached. The sensor device can be easily moved by means of the holding device 10 to a predetermined location and brought into contact with an object 4 to be tested.

 In this particular embodiment, the housing 5 comprises a planar base surface 51, which has a recess 31. In this recess 31, a humidity sensor 3 is arranged, which terminates flush with the base surface 51. Further, an annular projection 52 is provided on the base surface, which has an end face 53 which can be brought into contact with the object 4. The projection 52 has an annular shape in the present case. Alternatively, a projection 52 may be provided which has the shape of a rectangular ring or other circumferential self-contained shape. By the projection 52 and the base surface 51, a volume 1 is formed. In the course of a measurement, the volume 1 is bounded by the object 4 from at least one side.

The illustrated projection 52 comprises a ring-shaped circulating heating wire as a heating element 2. The heating element 2, in particular the heating wire, can either be arranged on the surface of the projection 52 or thermally conductive with the surface The projection 52 may be connected or coupled. The heating element 2 can be brought by contacting the end face 53 of the object 4 with the object 4 in thermal conductive contact. For this purpose, it can be provided in particular that the entire projection 52 or at least the part of the projection between the heating element 2 and the end face 53 consists of thermally highly conductive material, for example metal. Advantageously, it is provided that this thermally conductive material has a melting point which exceeds the maximum achievable with the heating element 2 temperature.

 Alternatively it can be provided that the projection 52 is formed entirely with the heating wire. In this case, the heating wire to a plurality of windings or windings, which are arranged annular or rectangular. The heating wire is applied directly to the base surface 51 and stands from this; Thus, a projection 52 is formed by the heating wire.

 The term heating element 2 generally designates a device which can heat a surface of an object, at least partially, and possibly also the volume 1 located above this object 4. This heating can be done by heat conduction, heat flow, heat radiation or combinations thereof. The heating element is formed in the simplest case as a heating wire, which is for example on or on the boundary wall of the lockable volume 1. There is the possibility that the heating of an object 4 is carried out by thermal radiation. The arrangement of a further heating element in the vicinity of the moisture sensor 3 also allows the drying of the moisture sensor 3 after its use. In addition, the temperature in the volume and the temperature of the sensor device, in particular the projection 52, and the base surface 51 can be heated so much by the heating by the heating element 2 and by the further heating element that bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms are killed. In this way it can be prevented that microorganisms are transmitted by the sensor device.

 Alternatively, the further heating element may surround the humidity sensor 3. Thus, a plurality of measurements can be carried out with the same humidity sensor 3, without this being saturated by the moisture of a previous measurement.

In a specific humidity sensor presented below, the moisture that occurs when an equilibrium is present is determined by the absorption of moisture by the salt and the absorption of moisture by the salt. By heating the humidity sensor, the threshold of absorption / absorption can be adjusted. Furthermore, an additional heating element 2 can be provided which does not or only to a small extent the surface _ _

of the object to be examined but only or above all heats the sensor.

It is also essential that the housing 5 forms or delimits a volume 1. The volume is completed upon installation of the object 4 to be measured or tested, in particular airtight. The volume 1 is bounded by a part 41 of the surface of the article. The housing 5 defines a volume 1, which is bounded by housing parts, here the base surface 51 and the projection 52, and is open to one side. It does not matter - although this is quite advantageous - that the volume 1 is hermetically sealed, vapor-proof or airtight. Rather, it is sufficient that collects the heat emitted by the article 4 steam in the volume 1. Whether this small amounts of vapor escape, for example, through openings or leaks in the system between the projection 52 and the article 4 is irrelevant.

The projection 52 defines an opening 54 which is closable or closed by the object 4 in the course of a measurement. This limits a volume 1 on all sides.

 The heating element 2 is arranged so that it heats at least a part of the surface 41 of the object 4, which limits the volume 1. In this case, heat radiators, in particular infrared LEDs, can also be provided on the base surface 51 and / or on the projection 52, which irradiate the surface 41 and thus heat the object 4 from the surface. In principle, any type of known heating elements 2 can be provided for heating the surface 41. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a focused or alignable radiation source which irradiates predetermined regions of the surface to be measured and thus heats and evaporates only a relatively small subarea of the surface, if appropriate also regions underneath.

In principle, all known types of humidity sensors are suitable as the humidity sensor 3, in particular plastic sensors, silicone-based and salt-based sensors. These sensors 3 show an increase in air humidity increased conductivity and increased electrical permittivity, whereby the humidity is easily determinable. With many humidity sensors, only the capacity changes with increasing or decreasing humidity. Furthermore, sensors may be used which comprise a porous carrier material in the pores salt crystals are introduced. Such a humidity sensor 3 can measure either absolute humidity or relative humidity. In the case of a relative humidity determination, an additional temperature sensor is arranged in the region of the humidity sensor 3, wherein a calibration is performed for a number of predetermined temperatures and a number of predetermined measured values output by the humidity sensor 3 _ _

relative humidity can be determined. An advantage of such a moisture sensor is that both the capacitance and the resistance change with a change in humidity. This is particularly advantageous when there is an externally impressed capacitive coupling, which changes the capacity of the humidity sensor, since the resistance of such a change caused by a capacitive coupling is not subject.

According to the invention, it is a sensor for determining the moisture of materials, in particular of gases, preferably the air humidity, with a with a moisture from the environment reversibly receiving and / or the environment donating substance acted upon carrier body and at least two mutually spaced electrodes arranged.

It is provided that the carrier body is made of or with an open-pore porous, humid-invariant, non-hygroscopic and high internal stiffness having carrier material, at least the pores of the carrier material, with the moisture water from which the carrier material of the carrier body in Contact brought or standing material or gas or air space reversibly and reproducibly absorbing and / or to the material or gas or air space releasing substance, preferably with such an inorganic salt in dissolved, liquid, solid or crystalline form, filled or at least their surfaces or walls are coated. The conductance and / or electrical permittivity of said substance, in particular of the salt, is reproducibly functionally dependent on the moisture of the material which is brought into contact or standing in contact with the carrier material of the carrier body, in particular the humidity of the ambient air. With such a humidity sensor 3, the humidity can be determined quickly, efficiently and reproducibly.

Such a moisture sensor may have the following developments. All of these developments can improve the illustrated sensor individually and in combination.

As a hygroscopic substance, a salt, in particular NaCl, can be used. It is also possible to use a solid substance containing NaCl. The electrodes may be formed by embedded in the pores of the carrier body metal.

The electrodes can reach into or pass through the carrier body, wherein the _ _

 are arranged with the substance coated or filled pores of the carrier body in the region between the electrodes, so that a current flow and / or a

1

 Charge shift between them is possible.

The humidity sensor 3 can be arranged at different positions in the volume 1 or in the housing 5. It is essential here that the moisture sensor 3 is arranged so that it measures the moisture in the interior of the volume 1. This can be achieved on the one hand by the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. On the other hand, the humidity sensor 3 may also be arranged in the interior of the volume 1 at a distance from the base surface 51. A further embodiment of the invention may provide that a volume, not shown, leaves the channel 1, at the end of which the humidity sensor 3 is arranged. It can also be provided a plurality of humidity sensors 3. At least the moisture-sensitive part of the humidity sensor 3 is arranged in the volume 1, so that the air in the volume 1 can come into contact with this part.

 In order to ensure the evaporation of a particularly large amount of moisture, it is advantageous to provide a volume 1 which has a large opening 54 towards the object 4 so that a large amount of moisture can evaporate or evaporate and be absorbed in the volume 1. In addition, it is advantageous that the volume 1 with respect to the opening 54 has only a very small height or thickness, approximately 1 mm

20

 up to 5mm. The distance between the opening 51 and the base surface 54 is about 1 mm to 5 mm.

 In operation, the sensor device is brought into contact with the object 4, whereby this volume 1 is delimited or closed. Subsequently, the heating element 2 is activated and heat is transferred to the object 4.

The article is heated, whereby moisture exits the article 4 and evaporates into the volume 1 or evaporated. While only the unbound moisture that would escape from the article 4 by evaporation can be determined without heating, by heating the article 4 it can be determined to what extent an increase in temperature releases bound moisture which subsequently evaporates from the article 4.

In addition, there is the problem that humidity sensors 3 can provide false or distorted results due to direct contact with water or can be completely destroyed.

For this purpose it can be provided that between the humidity sensor 3 and the volume 1, a film 32 is disposed of water-repellent or waterproof and vapor-permeable fabric. Advantageously, the humidity sensor 3 , ,

coated or surrounded directly with a nano or micro coating. However, it is not necessary here to coat or surround the entire moisture sensor 3, but only those parts of the surface of the moisture sensor 3 which are either moisture-sensitive or would be destroyed by the action of water. The essential advantage of the film 32 is that it can be applied to the article 4 and removed after the measurement both from the object 4 and from the sensor device. This reduces pollution, for example, if the evaporations of the object to be measured 4 are not made exclusively of water but to a lesser extent other substances such as Na +, K +, Cl-, C03H, ammonia, lactates, urea, glucose, methanol, oils and other substances contain, which would otherwise precipitate or attach to the moisture sensor 3.

In the measurement of objects 4 is due to the very sensitive humidity sensors 3, the problem of contamination of the humidity sensor 3 by the article 4 itself and / or by the ambient air. In this case, dust particles or hairs on the object 4 can accumulate in the region of the volume 1, which on the one hand lead to contamination of the volume 1 and on the other hand are hygroscopic and thus absorb water and distort the measurement. Additionally, the released vapor may contain substances that release their internal moisture with a time delay. For this reason, it can be provided that the limits of the volume 1 do not absorb, store or let through water vapor and water.

To remedy this problem, it can be provided that the sensor unit has a sieve-shaped protective film 33. The openings of the sieve can be square or round. The protective film can also be realized as a braid. In Fig. 3, such a protective film 33 as well as the aforementioned film 32 are shown, which protects the humidity sensor 3 from the effects of water. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the protective film 33 is fixed to the inside of the projection 52 and covers the opening 54th

The protective film 33 can also be realized by a protective filter. These are steel mesh, sintered filters or membrane filters. These filters slow down the water absorption of the humidity sensor 3, which must be taken into account when evaluating the measured moisture profiles. In particular, when using such a filter as a protective film 33, a reference measurement is made with the same protective film to compensate for this delay effect of moisture absorption. , ,

 Furthermore, the protective film 33 may alternatively be formed with Teflon. Teflon has the advantage that it does not suffer from the delaying effect described above, thus

1

 Moisture passes directly to the volume 1.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, provision may be made for the heating element 2 to be arranged on the protective film 33. In this case, the heating element 2 is preferably as

5

 electric heating element, in particular as a heating wire, running, which, if appropriate meandering, on the protective film 33 extends. In particular, when using heat-resistant protective films 33, such an arrangement of a heating wire is advantageous, since there is direct contact with the object to be tested and heated 4 I Q and a very high thermal conductivity is given. Advantageously, the protective film 33 and the projection 52 have a low thermal conductivity, so that only little heat is emitted to the sensor device, to the volume 1 or to the environment. The protective film 33 is vapor permeable and heats the leaked vapor.

 15 The heating wire can be printed on the protective film 33 or woven into this, interlaced, etc. be. As a material for the heating wire generally all electrically conductive and thermally conductive materials come into question, in particular, a metallic heating wire can be used.

In Fig. 5, an alternative embodiment of a sensor device is shown, on the projection 52, a cap 6 is placed. The cap 6 may alternatively be arranged in other ways, but it is essential that it closes the volume 1 formed by the sensor device. The cap 6 has a contact surface 61, to which the object 4 can be applied. In addition exists

25

 preferably, the possibility that the cap, as shown in Fig. 5, a protective film 33, as already described, having. As a result, there are the advantages already described; In addition, there is the advantage that soiled protective films 33 can be exchanged together with the cap 6.

 3Q A preferred development of the invention is that the heating element 2 is integrated in the cap 6. In this case, the heating element 2 either in the main body 62 of the cap 6, that is that part of the cap 6, which is in contact with the sensor device, or in the protective film 33 may be arranged. The contacting of the heating element 2 located in the cap 6 takes place via the sensor device, for example

35 via in the projection 52 and in the main body 62 extending electrical supply wires 29. In this case, for example, two supply voltage lines, not shown, are provided, which are guided by the sensor device to the two contacts of the heating element 2. Is the heating element 2 in the body 62 of the cap can _ _

For example, a circulating heating wire 2 be performed in the body of the cap and thermally coupled to the object 4 facing abutment surface 61 of the cap 6.

The heating element 2 may alternatively be supplied via a thermally conductive contact, for example, a continuous metal contact between the heating wire and the abutment surface 61 or via a superficial arrangement of the heating wire to the contact surface 61.

The heating element 2 may alternatively be formed in all illustrated embodiments of the invention by a heated flowing heated medium and a conduit for guiding the medium. In this case, either a tank for filling with the hot medium or a heat source for heating the medium is provided. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous if a predetermined temperature should not be exceeded.

 Furthermore, the heating element 2 can alternatively be realized by a vessel or a container in which reagents are located, which release heat by an externally initiated exothermic chemical reaction.

 In all cases, the heating element 2 is arranged so that the amount of heat generated can be delivered to the article 4 and can enter into this.

Both the body 62 of the cap 6 and the projection 52 can, as shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b, have a broad contact surface 61 or end face 53. This has the advantage that soft objects 4 fit better against the abutment surface 61 or the end face 53 and are subject to less intense pressure in the region of the opening 54. Thereby, the damage, destruction or injury of the article 4 can be avoided and it can further a particularly airtight installation of the article 4 can be achieved.

The main advantage of using a cap 6 is that a separate cap 6 can be used for each item or human or animal patient. This prevents transmission of contaminants, diseases, fungal spores, etc. by the sensor device.

If a cap 6 is plugged or applied to the sensor device, either the cap 6 or the sensor device must contain a heating element 2. Optionally, in each case a heating element 2 both in the sensor device as - - Also available in the cap 6

A preferred embodiment of the cap 6 forms the entire volume 1, wherein only one opening is provided, through which the steam passes to the moisture sensor.

Furthermore, the cap 6 can be developed to the effect that it is designed as a single injection-molded part, wherein in particular the protective film 33 is part of the injection-molded part. This has the advantage that liquid adhesives having a stored bound residual moisture can be avoided.

As to be measured or to be checked object 4 is also a variety of living or biological materials in question, such as wood, food and fruit, is harmful to the moisture or its moisture content is considered a quality indicator. Even human or animal or plant body parts or tissue are at most subject to pathological or by decay processes caused by increased or decreased moisture retention. The evaporation of water from the surface of the skin depends on many factors, in particular the temperature of the skin, the ambient humidity as well as diseases such as e.g. Skin cancer that affects the storage of fluid under the skin.

 For example, as a result of rheumatic disease, more water is accumulated in the joints and cartilage of the hand or foot. This water is bound and can not evaporate at normal body temperature. With a local increase in body temperature, a portion of the bound water becomes unbound and can evaporate out of the skin. Thus, the water vapor or vapor produced by the release of the excessive amount of water bound by disease superimposes the naturally exiting haze, and thus there is a greater amount of moisture after heating than with a non-rheumatic leg or a non-rheumatic hand.

 Similar effects are observed in tumor diseases in which bound moisture increasingly occurs in tumor tissues. This moisture can be released by targeted heating and superimposed on the naturally occurring at the present temperature unbound water vapor or vapor.

To measure the liquid stored in the article 4, the entire article need not be completely dewatered; In most cases this would not be possible without destroying the substance of the object 4 or damaging the living tissue. _.

 Rather, it is sufficient to evaporate a relatively small amount of moisture from a part of the surface or surface areas of the object 4 predetermined by the size by heating and to measure the resulting humidity in the volume 1 above the object 4. The article 4 is heated locally by the heating element 2, wherein the moisture development is optionally determined for calibration purposes before heating, but in any case during and / or after the heating.

 Particularly meaningful results can be obtained by determining the course of the measured moisture over time. The moisture is measured at predetermined time intervals, for example from 10 ms to a few seconds. After a measuring time of a few seconds to a few minutes, a curve is obtained in the form of a curve which can be used to determine the amount of liquid stored in the article 4. Preferably, a calibration at a predetermined temperature can be made. An object 4 having a predetermined amount of stored liquid is subjected to the same treatment as an object 4 to be tested. The determined moisture readings are determined separately for the object to be tested and for the reference object and compared. If the reference item and the item 4 have similar amounts of liquid, they are judged to be similar.

 This procedure can be carried out for a large number of different objects with different moisture content and at different temperatures.

 For this purpose, temperature sensors and pressure sensors may be provided on the sensor device, which determine the temperature or the pressure of the ambient air and the temperature and pressure of the air in the volume.

As a measure of the moisture contained in an article 4, for example, the volume of 1 after a predetermined time reached or within a period of maximum air humidity can be determined, which arises in a treatment of the article 4 described above, when the volume 1 limiting surface with a predetermined amount of heat is applied. If the object 4 to be measured is a body part, it must not be heated arbitrarily. Other biological materials should not be heated above a certain temperature. It is therefore intended that the object only minimally, about 0.1 ° C to 1 ° C superficially warm, which on the one hand prevents damage to the object to be measured and on the other hand reduces the energy consumption of the heating element. Human or animal tissue can be heated up to 43 ° C, preferably at 40 ° C to 42 ° C.

Alternatively, the amount of heat and / or the heat flux density, which is supplied to the article 4, can be set. The required amount of heat or heat flux depends on the object, in particular its heat capacity and thermal conductivity, as well as the ambient conditions. The heating element also has an efficiency below 100%, that is, not all of the available heat is supplied directly to the object 4.

For example, a heat flux density of 10 ^"12 W / mm ² to 8 10 ^{" 6} W / mm ^{2 is} used for human or animal skin. This value is chosen so that the human or animal tissue is not destroyed and sufficient heat energy is available for heating the skin. The heat flow densities mentioned are also well applicable for animal skin.

For building materials and for wood, heat flux densities of up to a few mW / mm ² can be impressed on the object 4 to be measured. In the case of paper, due to its very thin structure, it can be found when it is applied to only one sheet with very low heat flux densities in the range of 10 ^~10 W / mm ² -10 ^"8 W / mm ² .

An application of the invention relates to the determination of the moisture stored in wood or amount of water. In the wood industry, the moisture content is a mali for the calorific value or calorific value and thus an indicator of the quality and the achievable price. Holes / crevices, etc. due to knotholes, bad storage, bark beetles or other pests or a missing bark allow a tree or the wood to absorb moisture and create moisture deposits in its interior and store or store water. The drying of wood in drying ovens is energy intensive and only helps to keep the wood dry when properly stored. Moreover, drying in a drying oven only achieves external drying, in which case the moisture deposits located inside the wood can not be dried out or only with considerable energy and time expenditure.

 An inventive monitoring of the drying of firewood has the advantage that only pieces of wood or logs must be further dried, which are not yet completely dried; The remaining pieces of wood can already be processed further, resulting in a considerable increase in the efficiency of firewood production. This method can also be used in the monitoring of timber.

When using firewood in addition there is the problem that wet or , - damp wood tends to fume, which on the one hand brings a risk of damage to the kiln, on the other hand also attracts a significant environmental impact. The inconvenient combustion process produces smoke, soot, and increased levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. In particular, in view of the increasing environmental requirements in the operation of kilns, the preliminary testing of firewood represents a simple method for avoiding polluting exhaust gases. By comparing the wood to be tested with a given dry piece of wood can be easily determined whether the piece of wood sufficiently dry is to be used as firewood or lumber.

In addition, the knowledge about water retention or moisture deposits in timber or timber allows an improved statement about the stability of supporting wood components such as beams, as wood with water retention can be deformed easier and faster than dry wood without moisture retention. In the worst case, by measuring the moisture of wood used, for example, in a roof truss, possible material defects can be avoided and thus timely measures for redevelopment be taken.

If the wood is in the form of chips and depending on the quality with about 25kg / cm ^{2 is} pressed together to produce wood pellets, stored in the interior of the wood pellets moisture due to the high pressure escape very badly, whereby drying of the pellets is difficult.

 The moisture stored in the pellets can thus be considered as a risk indicator for sudden deflagration in ovens. It can thus be provided that, after the moisture determination pellets with high humidity are supplied before heating another drying to prevent deflagration inside the furnace.

The production of particle boards involves two steps, each of which removes the moisture from the wood in a drying vessel, whereby the finely shredded wood is subjected to a drying treatment. For the production of wood chipboards, a mixture of glue and sawdust is used. However, the glue contains water that can re-penetrate the wood chips, so further drying is required to remove the water from the chipboard. The chipboard is pressed and dried at 200 ° C. Moist areas will dry up more slowly, which can lead to a lack of quality, as deformations can occur due to moisture retention. As veneers and coatings, such as solid wood, in the wet state on the press cake The still moist mixture of chips and glue can be dried more difficult because the veneers or coatings prevent or slow down the escape of water. The underside and the lateral surfaces of the chipboard are easier to dry than the trapped moisture deposits.

In case of later drying without pressurizing the chipboard, holes may be formed if the water can evaporate. Thus, dents or stresses can easily lead to the initiation of cracks, which can form into extensive cracks, depending on the original distribution of the water. As time progresses, e.g. when laying the floor, the moisture in the interior of the press cake dry out and where in the wet state water molecules have supported the structure of the plates now creates a micro hole or nano hole, possibly even larger holes.

 As a result of the load on the wood, e.g. Persons walking on a wooden floor create extensive cracks that connect with other holes, creating unsightly deformations or visually visible holes.

In the production of wood products can be provided that after the manufacturing process, the moisture content of the wood product is determined according to the invention and then a measurement of the moisture stored in the wood is performed. In advance, the moisture is determined in a reference wood piece having the desired properties in terms of fracture stability, strength, residual water retention and toughness, etc. The two determined moisture values are compared with each other, whereby the wood product to be tested can be given a similar quality as the reference product if it matches or similar values. However, if the product to be tested has strongly different properties from the reference product, it may either be improved, e.g. after-dried, or be discarded.

Increased internal moisture is also a problem for tablets, for example, for medicines, as some ingredients become ineffective due to dampness or their effectiveness is significantly reduced or increased. All these changes in the effect of drugs are potentially hazardous to the patient, so that the determination of the moisture stored in the tablets according to the invention can be applied in quality control after the preparation of the tablets prior to their packaging.

The consumer can also test the effectiveness of the tablet or capsule before ingestion by determining the moisture content. - -

The tablets are, for example, capsules, in particular hard gelatin capsules, which, for example, should disintegrate only at the site of action in the human or animal body and release their ingredients. However, with increased water retention, part of the capsule will not disintegrate at the desired location and the active ingredients in the tablet will be ingested in the wrong place, which may either result in an undesirable increase or decrease in the effect of the drug.

The internal moisture is characteristic of the efficacy e.g. Foaming effect of the soap. Damp particles are better bound with moist soap.

Other cosmetics have the task to transport moisture or water into human or animal skin. When water is applied to the surface of the skin without any additives, only very little moisture penetrates into healthy skin. Therefore, creams contain additives which encase the moisture, e.g. Fatty substances from Australian sheep etc. These substances allow the water in the cream to penetrate into human or animal skin. The goal is to moisturize a dry, brittle skin and make it look young again dynamically fresh.

 There are two starting points for measuring the moisture stored in the cream. On the one hand, the moisture evaporating from the cream can be determined and used as an indicator of the effect of the cream. However, this method is due to the above-mentioned limited capacity of water through the human or animal skin only partially suitable.

 Alternatively, it is preferably possible to proceed in such a way that first the moisture of a body part to be creamed is measured without prior treatment. In doing so, a reference moisture value is determined. This can be done by a method as already described. Subsequently, the cream is applied to the relevant body part and then left to act. After the reaction time, the part of the cream not yet drawn into the skin is wiped off the skin.

Alternatively, the cream can be further rubbed. This process can be repeated as desired until the entire cream is absorbed into the skin.

 Subsequently, the moisture of this part of the body in the same area of the skin is determined again and the difference to the reference measurement is determined. In this case, the ratio of the two measured values or also the difference between the two measured values can be determined. The two measured values are thus related to each other. This ratio is a measure of how strongly the moisture of the cream is drawn into the body part, and thus a quality indicator of the cream.

For solid foods are strong water retention, over the , ,

level of conventional production, typically an indicator of a partially artificial method of production. It is the food is added to water, which serves primarily the purpose of increasing the price. Such methods are known for many foods, especially for cheese and vegetables. With the method according to the invention, the stored moisture content of foodstuffs to be examined and the moisture content of foods can be measured by known conventional methods of production. Subsequently, the values are compared with each other, wherein a deviation of the stored moisture indicates a different manufacturing process.

 A popular means of the food industry is to produce food artificially by the use of chemical substances, in particular using inexpensive biological substances. Thus artificial cheese, art ham, etc. are produced, which differ from their natural equivalent mainly in that the stored moisture is substantially increased.

 Thus, with the method according to the invention, the type of production of food can be distinguished.

During storage and transport, increased moisture results in lower durability and increased mold growth. The quality of tobacco, coffee or spices decreases significantly with the appearance of internal moisture. Even with these product types, quality differences can be determined by carrying out comparative measurements. In this case, a known product or reference product of the same type, in which the production is known and storage takes place according to predetermined conditions, compared with a product to be examined. In each case, the moisture stored in the product is determined and the two determined moisture values are compared, wherein different moisture values indicate different production processes or storages. In addition, in typically dry products, such as bread, biscuits, potato chips, etc., when a relative to the respective reference product increased moisture is measured, be closed to storage defects.

In the construction industry, the internal moisture is characteristic of the permeability of thermal insulation or the strength of materials such as bitumen, asphalt, hardened concrete, road surfaces. Decisive is the internal humidity in the processing of the material, as a subsequent drying at those points can lead to internal bubbles or pores, etc., where there is an increased internal moisture and this can very bad or no longer dry after installation. As a result, the moisture remains after processing of the material in the masonry, building , - etc. and can escape from this no more or only very slowly.

 A moisture measurement after the installation of the material can

Track down moisture retention and provide a risk indicator for damage

Buildings, especially roadways or insulation elements represent.

 In addition, the likelihood of mold growth is increased in buildings that include water. Residential areas are at humidity levels above 70% up

80% relative humidity massively threatened by mold.

For the determination of moisture, a constant amount of heat is delivered to the masonry and the course of the humidity over a predetermined period of time, in particular from 2 to 5 minutes, measured, with reference as proven dry masonry is used. During the determination of the moisture of the wall part or the reference object, the volume 1 is aerated so that the moisture can escape from the volume 1 at a predetermined rate.

 In the course of time, moisture usually shows an increase up to a maximum moisture in the case of dry or superficially humidified masonry. After the entire amount of water has evaporated from the masonry, due to the aeration of the volume, the moisture decreases and reaches the level of ambient humidity after the end of the measurement.

 When measuring masonry that has absorbed moisture from the ground, there is the effect that moisture from the masonry will be absorbed by the local drying out of the wall part to be tested, and the wall will never dry out completely. The moisture profile of the absorbed moisture is thus characterized by an increase to an approximately constant level or a subsequent decrease to a relative to the ambient humidity substantially increased level.

In the paper industry, adhering to specified moisture limits is essential in conveying the paper over rolls, so that no cracks occur in the conveyed paper. The paper quality depends, among other things, on the moisture stored in the paper, since paper is an ideal breeding ground for molds or spores, etc. If paper is stacked or rolled up, such as banknotes or books or paper rolls in the printing industry, mold growth is exacerbated as the stacking stops the evaporation of water from the paper.

By comparison with a reference paper sheet, it can be determined whether the water retention in the paper to be tested is greatly increased. The produced paper can be fed to a further drying or discarded in this case - - become.

The invention may also be used to determine the risk of a person suffering from a disease.

 The measurement of increased bound moisture in the interior of a human or animal tissue indicates an increased risk that the person in question or the animal in question from a disease such as tumors, rheumatism, cancer.

 In addition, this risk assessment can be improved by measuring the stored amount of water or liquid at different points in the body. This allows the identification of characteristic patterns of water retention that can be compared with reference levels to determine the risk of contracting the disease. Furthermore, the measurement can also be carried out on removed tissue. This measurement can be achieved particularly advantageous with the device according to the invention.

The procedure described can thus also be used for the detection of diseases such as rheumatism or of tumors in the skin. In this case, a heating up to 43 ° C, in particular to 40 ° C to 42 ° C is made. The water vapor or moisture may be released from the skin at different sites, such as intercellular, i. in the tissue between cells, transcellular, i. through the cells, escape. Furthermore, the water vapor may also be transglandular, i. by glands, as well as transfoliular, i. along the hair cells, emerge.

As a result of rheumatic disease, for example, more water is stored in the joints and cartilage of the hand and / or the foot (Figure 4. a). This does not evaporate without heat excitation since it is bound water, i. is bound in the cells of the tissue or between the cells of the tissue.

This bound water is partially activated by heat input, i. bound water becomes unbound water and evaporates (Fig. 4. b, c). The amount of liquid spilled depends on several factors, such as the amount of heat introduced.

Also, as a result of a tumor disease, for example, the skin, more water is bound by the tumor and is not evaporate without affecting the temperature. The water is evaporated by targeted heat input unbound.

For any disease that causes water retention under the skin or tissue, , - A risk indicator can be produced to indicate how likely this condition is. Barrier disorders of human or animal skin also have a dependency on heating, but this has a characteristic slope or a curve.

To avoid disturbances caused by different environmental influences, the

5

 Clean the patient's skin before the measurement and remove sweat and water.

To determine the position of liquid deposits in articles, I Q, in particular in the tissue below the skin itself, a device described above with a multiplicity of moisture sensors 3 arranged next to one another can be used. Advantageously, this sensor has a multiplicity of partial volumes, to each of which a humidity sensor 3 is associated, which measures the humidity in the interior of the partial volume. Advantageously, the moisture sensor 3 is arranged in the interior of the respective sub-volume.

 Alternatively, the moisture-sensitive layer of the moisture sensor 3 can also be in the respective sub-volume or it can be bound. The moisture sensor 3 may be arranged in a recess in a region of the base surface 51, which borders the respective partial volume. The individual partial volumes are divided by subdivisions

20

 separated from each other. The sub-volumes, advantageously also the subdivision webs, are each in contact with the object 4 when an object 4 abuts the opening 54.

 A sensor device with a plurality of moisture sensors 3 allows the image of the moisture of the tissue located under the skin on the respective skin sites. In this case, a separate partial volume can be provided for each skin area to be imaged. Advantageously, the humidity sensors 3 as well as the sub-volumes are arranged in a grid pattern. Advantageously, the partial volumes are the same size and have the same shape and the same volume.

 30

Alternatively, the effect can be used that the water vapor rises up to 1, 5mm vertically laminar. This occurs, for example, when half the diameter of the sub-volume is greater than its height. There is no lateral convection of the water vapor or vapor in the volume and thus also no mixing of the haze above the individual skin areas. Thus, the exhalations of the individual skin areas can be measured or determined independently. By such an arrangement, a division of the volume into a plurality of sub-volumes can be avoided. Nevertheless, different , -

Skin areas can be measured simultaneously, whereby images of the skin can be created.

 Optionally, an image of a body part can be created, in which the respective skin areas are colored with colors, which are each assigned to the determined for the skin area moisture. If necessary, grayscale images can also be used. Advantageously, the individual moisture sensors 3 are arranged in a grid shape.

By changing the temperature of the humidity sensor 3, for example by heating by means of the further heating element, the absorption or absorption of moisture water can be adjusted. Absorption refers to the release of water vapor or molecules from the moisture sensor 3, absorption refers to the opposite process of the uptake of water molecules into the sensor. The humidity is determined by measuring the conductance or the capacitance of the humidity sensor 3. The conductance and the capacitance of the moisture-sensitive layer of the humidity sensor 3 are highly dependent on the moisture-water absorbed in this layer, which results in the measurement of the capacitance or the conductance to the humidity in the vicinity of the humidity sensor 3 can be closed.

Alternatively, the current used for measuring the capacitance or the resistance of the moisture sensor 3 can also be used to heat the moisture sensor.

An energy-saving alternative is that a number of sub-volumes is hermetically sealed and the remaining sub-volumes have an air passage in the region of the moisture sensor 3 to the ambient air, for example via channels extending in the sensor device. Due to the air passage, a cooler temperature is achieved in the partial volumes, since the heat emitted by the body or object can escape and cooler ambient air penetrates into the partial volume. This temperature difference causes a different Ausdampfverhalten, which allows conclusions about the internal humidity. A significant advantage of this arrangement is that in the measurement of living tissue, the internal heat development in the tissue can be exploited to heat the partial volumes. It can be regulated on the lack of ventilation existing isolation of the individual sub-volumes, the self-adjusting temperature.

The volumes or the sub-volumes are preferably 1 mm high, and have a , ,

Area from 1 mm ² to 200mm ² on. In the area of moisture determination of masonry, larger areas of up to 100 cm ² can sometimes be used.

1

 When the invention is used for medical purposes, preferably the ambient temperature or temperature of the article as well as the ambient humidity are measured. This can be done in particular by arranged on the sensor device measuring devices. If necessary, the ambient pressure can also be determined, since the living organism, in contrast to inanimate objects, has a control loop and emits more or less atmospheric humidity as a function of the environmental conditions into the environment.

 IQ example of a temperature control of a living organism is sweating. When comparing persons to be examined or tissue to be examined with healthy reference persons or healthy reference tissue, the described environmental factors of temperature, ambient humidity and ambient pressure can be compensated. The difference between a healthy person and a sick one

After the compensation of the environmental factors, the examined person consists only in the liquid or moisture released from the diseased tissue, which can be specifically determined and used as a risk indicator for the presence of a disease.

A pathological change in the skin leads to a storage and binding of water to the diseased cells, for example tumor cells in cancers or cartilage, joint deposits in rheumatism. Without the targeted heating these moisture components would not be available for transport.

As a risk indicator for rheumatism, for example, the moisture or liquid quantity determined by measuring the cartilages or wrists or the foot cartilage or ankles can be used.

To eliminate sweat in a patient from the outset, 3Q ambient temperatures below 20 ° C can be set. It is expedient to take account of this process or to prepare the skin by wiping off the examined site or to carry out the measurement quickly.

In general, bound and unbound moisture can be determined separately. Initially, the moisture evaporating from the article or the skin is determined without the action of a heating element. Subsequently, the temperature is continuously increased or continuously supplied heat. As a result, the water output of the object or the skin increases. The additional amount of liquid , ,

which is released from the object during its heating, comes from originally bound water, which has overcome its binding by the action of heat and is freely available. Thus, bound and unbound moisture of an article can be determined separately.

In medical applications, an additional portion of unbound water that occurs relative to a reference person usually results from wounding or peeling of the skin. Additional bound water is often an indicator of a disease, such as tumors, especially skin tumors, cancer or rheumatism.

A further exemplary embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 9, shows a specially designed measuring head 70 with a housing 75, which has an opening 79 on its end face 78. In this particular embodiment, the housing 75 is formed of plastic.

 For the creation of the housing 75 can be used about ABS Teluran or other plastic, which has a low water absorption capacity.

Behind this opening 79 is located on a moisture sensor 73, which closes the opening 79, so that between the humidity sensor 73 and the opening 79 of the measuring head 70, a volume 71 is formed. The volume 71 has the thickness which corresponds to the thickness of the housing 75 in the region of the opening 79, in the present embodiment, the thickness is about 1 mm. The area of the opening in this embodiment is about 4 mm ² . The volume 71 is open from the end face 78, so that ambient air can penetrate into the volume 71. By contrast, the volume is closed airtight by the humidity sensor 73 from the opposite side. The humidity sensor 73 is constructed as a moisture-sensitive, resistive and capacitive element. In this specific embodiment, it is a salt-containing humidity sensor 73, as described above. Of course, other humidity sensors 73 may be used.

 The terminals 83 of the humidity sensor 73, which are used for the electrical measurement of humidity, are outside the volume.

On the side facing away from the volume 71 of the humidity sensor 71, a heating element 72 is arranged. In the present embodiment, a Peltier element was chosen for this, but it is also possible to choose any other heating element 72. The heating element 72 lies with its two thermally active surfaces on the entire surface of the humidity sensor 73. Thus, it is possible to either heat the humidity sensor 73 or - if necessary - to cool.

The heating element 72 has two electrical connections 82, by means of which the Depending on the coupling, heating element 72 can supply heat to the humidity sensor 73 or dissipate heat from the humidity sensor 73. The heating element 72 is in this concrete

1

 Embodiment glued to the humidity sensor 73.

 Furthermore, the illustrated embodiment has a thermally conductive body 74, which consists in the present example of aluminum with a thermal conductivity of 236 W / (m K). In general, for this body 74, other heat conducting materials,

5

 such as metals are used, but aluminum and sintered aluminum are particularly suitable. The body 74 is located on the moisture sensor 73 flat. The body is connected in this preferred embodiment with the humidity sensor 73 via a thermal adhesive.

 In addition, in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the body 74 has a channel 76 for receiving the terminals 83 of the humidity sensor 73 and the heating element 72. The diameter of the channel 76 is chosen so that the terminals 83 of the humidity sensor 73 and the heating element 72 can be easily passed. The channel 76 leads from the region of the heating element 72 as well as the

15 adjacent humidity sensor 73 through the body 74 through to a located at the other end of the body 76, not shown control unit.

 Alternatively, it can also be provided that the channel 76 is formed by a recess or notch in the body 74 and an adjoining part of the housing 75.

 20

 In the following, measures for improving the thermal efficiency will be described with reference to the illustrated embodiment.

The thermal conductivity of the heating element 72 and the humidity sensor 73 is in

25

 Range of 28 W / (m K) and corresponds approximately to the thermal conductivity of aluminum oxide (99.6% a-Al 2 O 3). Water vapor has a thermal conductivity of 0.0248 W / (m K). Air (21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen) has a thermal conductivity of 0.0262 W / (m K). On the other hand, precipitating water has a much higher thermal conductivity of 30 0.5562 W / (m K).

The side of the heating element 73 and the humidity sensor 73 is a circumferential volume 71 densely separated from the volume, further filled with air volume 77, which leads into the channel 76. By the air in this volume 77 is further ensured that the thermal effect of the heating element 72 is optimized. The formation of an effective thermal bridge between the thermal contacts of the heating element 72 designed as a Peltier element is prevented by the air space of the further volume 77, the effect of the heating element 72 being optimized. , ,

 The humidity sensor 73, the heating element 72, the body 74 and the housing 75 are pressed against each other in the present embodiment, wherein the housing 75 and the body 74 are screwed together to ensure a constant contact pressure. By this compression ensures that the volume 71 is particularly dense. So can be effectively avoided that settles water with a much higher thermal conductivity in the other volume and causes a thermal short circuit.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention it is provided that the described compression of the housing 75, the body 74, the heating element 72 and the humidity sensor 73 is provided instead of the bond. Otherwise, the adhesive in the area of the opening 79 is prevented from diffusing or evaporating into the volume 71 and influencing the measurements.

In operation, the thermally conductive body 74 forms a heat or cold storage whose internal temperature remains approximately equal. Neither influences of the person operating the sensor device nor of the person whose skin moisture is measured, nor the required heating by the heating element 72, have significant effects on the temperature of the conductive body 74. The housing 75 itself has no significant thermal conductivity and heat capacity. Since the housing 75 touches the heating element 72 and the humidity sensor 73 only at a few points, and the further volume 77 filled with air is formed between the housing 75, the heating element 72 and the humidity sensor 73, it occurs between the housing 75 and the heating element 72 or the humidity sensor 73 only to low thermal influences.

 The humidity sensor 73 and the volume 71 can be kept at a constant temperature by the heating element 72 formed as a Peltier element, whereby the

Influence of temperature on the measurement is only slightly influenced.

 In the region of the volume 71, a temperature sensor is arranged, by means of which

Measured the activation of the heating element 72 and the temperature is kept constant. In an alternative embodiment, a temperature control can also be omitted.

 The housing 75 is connected to a control unit, not shown, with a handle. The operating device has a display and the control unit connected to the terminals 82, 83 of the heating element 72 and the humidity sensor 73. Furthermore, a trigger button for initiating the measurement is available.

Claims

Claims: 1

 1. Sensor device for determining the quantity of liquid contained or stored in an object to be tested (4), wherein the sensor device comprises at least one heating element (2) and at least one moisture sensor (3),

 5

 wherein the sensor device during operation forms at least one lockable volume (1), in particular by contact with the surface (41) of the object (4) to be tested,

 wherein the heating element (2) is adapted to heat at least part of the volume (1) Q bounding surface (41) of the article (4), and

 wherein the humidity sensor (3) measures the humidity inside the volume (1).

2. Sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that the volume (1) is delimited by the sensor device, which can be covered on one side by a test object 5 (4) opening (54).

3. Sensor device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor device comprises a housing (5), of which the volume (1) and the opening (54) are limited.

0

 4. Sensor device according to claim 3, characterized in that the housing (5) is designed such that the volume (1) with a maximum thickness of less than 5mm, in particular less than 1mm, measured normal to the opening (54) or to the surface (41) of the object (4) closing the opening (54) is formed.5

Sensor device according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the housing (5) has a, preferably flat, base surface (51) and a self-contained circumferential and / or annular projection (52) arranged on the base surface (51) ), wherein the base surface (51) and the projection (52) define the volume (1) and the projection (52) delimits the opening (54).

6. Sensor device according to claim 5, characterized in that the projection (52) relative to the base surface (51) has a projection height of 1 mm to 5mm, and5 of the base surface (51) facing away from the end face (53) of the projection (52) Bearing surface for the article (4), wherein the end face (53) is optionally widened or widened outwards.

7. Sensor device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the heating element (2) in the, preferably annular, projection (52) is arranged or the projection (52) is formed.

8. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio of the thickness of the volume (1), in particular the height of the projection (52), to the diameter or the maximum extent of the opening (54) 1: 1 to 1: 100, in particular 1: 2 to 1: 20, is.

9. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating element (2) at least one, in particular in the annular projection (52) encircling, heating wire, which in contact with the object (4) in thermal, especially direct, conductive contact with the surface (41) of the object (4) can be brought or runs directly on the surface of the projection (52).

10. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating element (2) arranged on the housing (5) and / or on the projection (52), in particular on the base surface (51) of the housing (5), radiation sources, in particular LEDs, is formed, and / or that the heating element (2) on a volume (1) defining wall of the base surface (51) and the housing are arranged.

11. Sensor device according to claim 4 to 10, characterized in that the annular projection (52) is annular or in the form of a circumferential rectangular ring.

12. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the moisture-sensitive part of the humidity sensor (3) within the volume (1) is arranged or bounded, and in the volume (1) located air with this part, in particular via a Channel, in contact.

13. Sensor device according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the moisture sensor (3) in a base in the surface (51) formed recess (31) is arranged and preferably flush with the base surface (51).

14. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the moisture sensor (3), in particular only the moisture-sensitive Part of the surface or its with the volume (1) in contact standing part, with a water-repellent and / or vapor-permeable film (32), in particular made of Teflon, covered or surrounded.

15. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a water vapor permeable and / or dirt-repellent protective film (33) between the humidity sensor (3) and the object in contact (4) is provided, which prevents contamination of the sensor (3) ,

16. Sensor device according to claim 15, characterized in that the protective film (33) covers the opening (54), and / or that the heating element (2) is optionally realized as on the protective film (33) arranged, in particular meandering, heating wire.

17. Sensor device according to one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that the dirt-repellent protective film (33), in particular as a screen film, with opening sizes in the range of 10pm to 1 mm, in particular from 50pm to 100pm, is formed and in particular by steel mesh, sintered filter , Teflon or a membrane filter is formed.

18. Sensor device according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the dirt-repellent protective film (33) is taut.

19. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the volume (1) in conditioning of the article (4) by closing the opening (54) vapor-tight, preferably airtight, is completed.

20. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one further heating element, which is arranged such that it heats the humidity sensor (3).

21. Sensor device according to claim 20, characterized in that the further heating element surrounds the moisture sensor (3), in particular as a heating wire is formed, which surrounds the moisture sensor (3), in particular wound around it.

22. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of humidity sensors (3) is provided, which are arranged in a grid shape.

23. Sensor device according to claim 22, characterized in that the volume (1) is subdivided by a number of subdivision webs into a plurality of subvolumes, which are in contact with the article (4) and each of which a moisture sensor (3 ), which measures the moisture in the respective sub-volume.

24. Sensor device according to claim 23, characterized in that a number of sub-volumes when an object (4) at the opening (54) is hermetically sealed and the remaining sub-volumes have an in the range of the moisture sensor (3) located air passage, optionally in Connection to the ambient air is.

25. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

a housing (75) is provided which has an end face (78) in which a continuous opening (79) is formed, and in that the humidity sensor (3, 73) the opening (79) from the opposite side of the end face (78) sealingly closes, wherein the volume (1, 71) in the region of the opening (79) is formed.

26. Sensor device according to claim 25, characterized in that the humidity sensor (2, 72), in particular via a thermal adhesive, with the heating element (3, 73) is in contact.

27. Sensor device according to claim 26, characterized in that the heating element (3, 73) is in contact with a thermally conductive body (74), in particular made of aluminum or aluminum sinter.

28. Sensor arrangement according to claim 27, characterized in that the heating element (72) is designed as a Peltier element and that between the housing (75), the body (74), the heating element (72) and the humidity sensor (73) from the Volume (1, 71) separate further volume (77) is formed.

29. Sensor arrangement according to one of claims 27 or 28, characterized in that the housing (75) has a channel (76) and / or that the body (74) has a continuous recess, wherein between this continuous recess and the housing (75 ) a channel (76) is formed.

30. Sensor arrangement according to one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the body (74), the heating element (72) and the humidity sensor (73) in the housing (75) are pressed, wherein the housing (75) optionally with the body (74) is screwed and or that the housing (75) and the moisture sensor (73) in the region of the opening (79) are sealingly connected to each other exclusively by pressing, in particular adhesive-free, the volume (71).

31. Cap for closing the volume (1), in particular a sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, preferably for placing on the projection (52) comprising an annular or closed circumferential base body (62) and a contact surface (61) for applying the sensor device an article (4) characterized by a vapor-permeable protective film (33) which is arranged in the inner region of the annular or closed circumferential base body (62) and closes the opening formed by the annular or closed circumferential base body (62),

wherein preferably the cap (6) has a wall which rests against the wall delimiting the volume (1) and has a flow-through opening through which the air in the volume (1) can be brought into contact with the moisture sensor (3).

32. Cap according to claim 31, characterized in that the base body (62) in the plane of the opening formed by the annular or closed circumferential base body (62) is curved outward, whereby the abutment surface (61) is flared outwards.

33. cap according to one of claims 31 or 32, characterized in that in the base body (62) a heating element (2), in particular in the form of a basic body (62) surrounding the heating wire is arranged, wherein the heating wire with the contact surface (61) thermally is conductively coupled or the heating wire on the contact surface (61) extends.

34. Cap according to one of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that it comprises a heating element which is formed on or on the protective film (33) in the form of a, in particular printed, preferably meandering, heating wire.

35. Cap according to one of claims 31 or 34, characterized in that a connecting line in the interior of the main body (62) of the cap (6) and when plugged onto a sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 30 in electrical contact with a in the Sensor device located energy source can be brought.

36. A method for determining the amount of liquid in an object (4), characterized in that

a) the article (4) is heated in a localized area,

b) the steam emitted by the article in this region during heating is collected in a volume (1) which closes this region, in particular vapor-tight,

c) the humidity in the volume (1) is measured, and

d) this is regarded as the measured value for the amount of liquid stored in the article (4).

37. A method according to claim 36, characterized in that before and / or during the heating of the article (4) the moisture of the air in the volume (1) is measured, the measured moisture profile over time as an indicator of in the subject ( 4) stored amount of liquid is considered.

38. The method according to any one of claims 36 or 37, characterized in that the moisture at predetermined time intervals, in particular at intervals of 1 ms to 3s, is measured.

39. The method according to claim 36 to 38, characterized in that the article (4) on the surface by 0.01 to 5 ° C, in particular 0.1 ° C to 5 ° C, is heated, in particular to a maximum of 43 ° C, preferably at 40 ° C to 42 ° C.

40. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 39, characterized in that the object (4) with a predetermined heat amount between 10 ^"12 W / mm ² _and. 0.1 W / mm ^2, in particular between ^{10" 10} W / mm ² and 0.1 W / mm ² , preferably between 10 ^{~ 10} W / mm ² and 8 10 ^-6 W / mm ^{2 is} applied.

41. Method according to claim 36, characterized in that firstly the amount of liquid stored in a reference object is measured according to a method according to one of the claims 36 to 40 and the measurement value determined by measuring the reference object is determined by the measurement of the object ( 4), in which case a multiplicity of measurements of the reference object and of the object (4) are made if appropriate, and then the respectively determined air humidity profiles are determined and compared and assessed with one another;

wherein in particular the reference object and the article (4) in the course of WO 2011/050382. _4Q . PCT / AT2010 / 000412

Heating be applied to the same temperature or with the same amount of heat.

42. Method according to claim 36, characterized in that first the moisture evaporating from the article (4) or the skin is determined without heating and this liquid fraction is determined and assessed as an unbound liquid fraction,

Subsequently, the temperature is increased or heat is supplied, whereby the water release of the article or the skin increases, and

the additional amount of liquid that is released from the object during its heating, is determined and this liquid fraction is determined and assessed as a bound liquid content.

43. The method according to claim 36 or 42, characterized in that a human or animal body part is used as the reference object, which is free of a predetermined disease, for example, free of tumors or rheumatism, and as the object (4) or objects (4) corresponding body parts in particular, an increased moisture content of the article (4) relative to the reference article implies an increased risk of being affected by a disease.

44. Method according to one of claims 36 to 43, characterized in that a reference measurement is carried out to check the moisture delivery of skin cream to the skin by determining the moisture of a human or animal body part or tissue predetermined as a reference object,

then skin cream is applied to this part of the body and allowed to act on the skin for a given period, and

Subsequently, the body part is subjected to a second moisture measurement, wherein the moisture release of the skin cream is determined by the determined in the course of the reference measurement of moisture and the moisture determined in the course of the second moisture measurement relative to each other.

45. The method according to claims 36 and 44, characterized in that for the determination of moisture in a wall part, a predetermined amount of heat is delivered to the masonry and the course of the humidity over a predetermined period of time, in particular from 2 to 5 minutes, measured as Reference object proven to be used dry masonry.

A method according to claim 45, characterized in that during the determination of the moisture of the wall part or of the reference object, the volume (1) is aerated so that the moisture can escape from the volume (1) at a predetermined rate.

47. Use of a sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 30 or one

5

 A cap according to any one of claims 31 to 35 for determining the moisture content of a wood product or paper.

48. Use of a sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 30 or a cap according to one of claims 31 to 35 for determining the moisture content of the skin of a person or an animal.

49. Use of a sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 30 or a cap according to one of claims 31 to 35 for determining the moisture content5 of masonry, structures, asphalt or concrete.

50. Use of a sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 30 or a cap according to one of claims 31 to 35 for determining the moisture content of food.

0

 51. Use of a sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 30 or a cap according to one of claims 31 to 35 for determining the moisture content of medicaments, in particular hard gelatin capsules. 5

0

5