WO2020002322A2

WO2020002322A2 - Electrical circuit, method for an electrical circuit and computer program

Info

Publication number: WO2020002322A2
Application number: PCT/EP2019/066815
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dirk Godlinski; Marc-Oliver BECKER; Jonas DEITSCHUN
Original assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
Priority date: 2018-06-25
Filing date: 2019-06-25
Publication date: 2020-01-02
Also published as: DE102018115214A1; WO2020002322A3; EP3811743A2

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to an electrical circuit, to a method for an electrical circuit and to a computer program. The electrical circuit (10) comprises an electrical conducting track structure (12) and a control module (14), which is coupled to the electrical conducting track structure (12). The control module (14) is designed to determine information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical conducting track structure (12) in a first state of the electrical circuit (10). The control module (14) is designed to heat the surroundings of the electrical conducting track structure (12) by means of the electrical conducting track structure (12) in a second state of the electrical circuit (10).

Description

Electrical circuit, method for an electrical circuit

and computer program

Technical field

Exemplary embodiments deal with an electrical circuit, with a method for an electrical circuit and with a computer program, more precisely, but not exclusively, with an electrical circuit in which a conductor track structure is used both to determine information about a capacitance and to to heat an environment of the trace structure.

background

Capacitive sensors are used for a variety of applications. For example, capacitive sensors are used in touch-sensitive screens of mobile phones (as a so-called touchscreen) or for controlling lamps via the lamp surface. One application of capacitive sensors is also the detection of an accumulation of water or ice at a critical point, for example on the wing or within the lines of an aircraft or on a rotor of a wind turbine. If ice is detected there, suitable countermeasures can be initiated, for example by heating.

DE 11 2012 000 923 T5 discloses a heating element operated as a capacitive detection electrode. A heating element that is part of a seat heater is used to determine whether the corresponding seat is also occupied. The circuit is alternatively operated in a heating and in a measuring mode.

DE 11 2014 002 044 T5 discloses a conductive heating device with sensor properties. The publication discloses a large number of possible implementations of a heating device which can simultaneously be used as a capacitive measuring element. If the heating device is designed as a heating layer, fibers of a nonwoven can be coated, for example, in a metallic manner in order to be used as a heating layer and for capacitive measurement. DE 43 38 285 A1 discloses an electronic device for controlling a seat heater of a vehicle seat. In addition to the heating function, the heating element also serves as a capacitive sensor for seat occupancy detection.

DE 197 23 858 Aloffenbart a device for heating a pane, which comprises a heating device which is used depending on the use of the pane. A capacitive moisture sensor is also disclosed, which uses the heating wires for the capacitive moisture measurement.

There is a need to create an improved concept for the detection of ice or liquids. This need is taken into account by exemplary embodiments.

Summary

This need is met by an electrical circuit and by a method for an electrical circuit according to the independent claims.

Exemplary embodiments are based on the knowledge that a conductor track structure which is used for capacitive measurements can also be used to heat an environment of the conductor track structure, for example as a resistance heating element. For example, the electrical conductor track structure can be switched by a switching element between a current source, through which the conductor track structure can be operated as a resistance heater, and a capacitive measuring sensor system. This makes it possible, for example, to detect ice formation by a liquid in the vicinity of the electrical conductor structure and to prevent or dissolve it by the heating functionality. Exemplary embodiments create a single-layer capacitive sensor with a heating function. In other words, exemplary embodiments provide a single-layer resistance heater with a simultaneous (capacitive) sensor function.

Exemplary embodiments therefore create an electrical circuit with an electrical conductor path structure and a control module. The control module is coupled to the electrical conductor track structure. The control module is designed to determine information about an electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor structure (and its surroundings) in a first state of the electrical circuit. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the electrical capacitance is influenced by the surroundings of the electrical conductor track structure. The control module is also designed to control heating of the environment of the electrical conductor structure via the electrical conductor structure in a second state of the electrical circuit.

In at least some exemplary embodiments, the electrical circuit comprises a carrier structure or the electrical circuit is arranged on a carrier structure. The electrical conductor structure can be arranged on the carrier structure. A vertical thickness of the electrical conductor track structure on the carrier structure can be at most 15 mhi in at least some exemplary embodiments. An average lateral width of a conductor track of the electrical conductor track structure can, for example, be at least as large as an average vertical thickness of the electrical conductor track structure on the carrier structure. A flat or two-dimensional profile of the conductor track structure enables a compact electrical circuit in which the stray field capacitance between the electrical conductor track structure and an adjacent conductor can be measured.

In some embodiments, the electrical trace structure may consist of a continuous (and / or branch free) trace. For example, the entire electrical conductor track structure can be used as a resistance heater.

In at least some exemplary embodiments, the electrical conductor track structure is coupled to the control module via a first contact and via a second contact. The electrical conductor structure can have an approximately ohmic resistance between the first contact and the second contact. The electrical conductor structure can be a planar and / or single-layer electrical conductor structure. A planar and / or single-layer structure allows a simple, inexpensive and space-saving construction of the electrical circuit to be achieved.

For example, the electrical conductor track structure can comprise a meandering structure. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical conductor track structure can comprise a spiral structure. For example, by measuring a stray field capacitance of the meander structure or the spin ralstructure a determination of the information about the capacity. At the same time, the meandering structure and the spiral structure can be used to heat the surroundings of the structure and thus prevent or reverse ice formation or moisture formation.

In at least some embodiments, the electrical circuitry may include a support structure, such as a film or a rider plate. The electrical fitter web structure can be at least partially printed on the carrier structure, for example as an electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive material can be, for example, an electrically conductive ink or an electrically conductive paste. The electrically conductive material can comprise at least one element from the group consisting of a metal, a metal alloy, a carbon, silver, copper, a copper-nickel alloy and a metal alloy based on copper (for example a copper alloy with other metallic constituents). In this way, a cheap and flexible production of the electric foal structure can be made possible, which can be used in a variety of forms of support structures.

For example, the carrier structure can be a three-dimensional component, that is to say at least have a non-planar surface. For example, the carrier structure can be an injection molded component or a fiber composite component. The electrical circuit can be arranged on the carrier structure surface (for example the component surface). For example, at least part of the electrical circuit can be printed on the carrier structure, for example the electrical Feiterbahn structure. Alternatively, the carrier structure can be a film and the electrical circuit can be arranged on the film. The film can be attached to the component, for example by an adhesive. In some exemplary embodiments, the component can be wrapped by the film.

In some exemplary embodiments, the electrical circuit is arranged or integrated within a component, for example within an injection molded component or within a fiber composite component. For example, at least a part of the electrical circuit (for example the electrical fitter web structure) can be arranged or integrated within the component by film injection molding. Alternatively, the carrier structure can be a textile layer of a composite material. The electrical circuit can be arranged on the textile layer, and the textile layer can be arranged or integrated within the fiber composite component. In some exemplary embodiments, the control module is designed to change from the first state to the second state if the information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor track structure fulfills a predefined condition. For example, the control module can be designed to change from the first state to the second state if the information about the electrical capacity of the electrical conductor structure indicates a presence of a liquid or a presence of ice in the vicinity of the electrical conductor structure. For example, the heating function can be activated if a liquid and / or ice has been detected and there is a risk of icing.

The control module can be designed to periodically change from the second state to the first state in order to determine whether the information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor structure (still) fulfills the predefined condition. For example, it can be checked whether heating of the surroundings of the electrical conductor structure is still necessary, for example because there is still liquid or ice in the environment of the electrical conductor structure.

In some exemplary embodiments, the control module can also be designed to determine information about a temperature of the electrical conductor track structure. The control module can be designed to change from the first state to the second state if the information about the electrical capacity of the electrical conductor structure indicates a presence of a liquid or a presence of ice in the vicinity of the electrical conductor structure and if the Information about the temperature of the electrical conductor structure indicates that the electrical conductor structure has a temperature below a temperature threshold. For example, the surroundings of the electrical conductor structure can be heated if there is a risk of icing due to the liquid detected, the ice he is familiar with and the temperature.

In at least some exemplary embodiments, the control module can also be designed to determine information about an electrical resistance of the electrical conductor track structure. For example, a temperature of the electrical conductor track structure can be determined via the electrical resistance. The control module can also be designed to provide information about a temperature of the electrical conductor track structure based on the Determine information about the electrical resistance of the electrical conductor structure. For example, the control module can be designed to determine the information about the electrical resistance of the electrical conductor track structure in the second state of the electrical circuit (during heating). Alternatively, the control module can be designed to determine the information about the electrical resistance of the electrical circuit structure in a third state of the electrical circuit. For example, it can be determined between heating periods how high the temperature is in the vicinity of the electrical conductor structure.

In at least some exemplary embodiments, the control module comprises a measuring circuit for determining the information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor track structure. The electrical circuit can further comprise a current source and a switching element. The control module can be designed to switch the switching element in such a way that in the first state the measuring circuit is coupled to the electrical conductor structure and in such a way that in the second state the current source for heating the electrical conductor structure is coupled to the electrical conductor structure. In this way, the same electrical conductor structure can be used to determine the information about the capacitance and to heat the surroundings of the electrical conductor structure.

Embodiments also create a method for an electrical circuit. The method comprises using an electrical conductor structure for determining information about an electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor structure in a first state of the electrical circuit. The method further comprises using the electrical conductor structure for heating an environment of the electrical conductor structure in a second state of the electrical circuit.

Embodiments also create a program with a program code for performing the method when the program code is executed on a computer, a processor, a controller or a programmable hardware component.

Brief Description Some examples of devices and / or methods are only explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

La shows a block diagram of an embodiment of an electrical circuit;

1b shows a block diagram of a further exemplary embodiment of an electrical circuit;

Fig. 2 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for an electrical circuit; and

FIGS. 3 to 5 show further block diagrams of further exemplary embodiments of an electrical circuit.

description

Various examples will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which some examples are shown. In the figures, the strengths of finishes, layers and / or areas can be exaggerated for clarification.

Accordingly, while other examples of various modifications and alternative forms are suitable, some specific examples thereof are shown in the figures and are described in detail below. However, this detailed description does not limit further examples to the particular forms described. Other examples may cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the disclosure. Like or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements throughout the description of the figures, which when compared, may be identical or implemented in a modified form, while providing the same or a similar function. It is understood that if an element is referred to as “connected” or “coupled” to another element, the elements can be connected or coupled directly or via one or more intermediate elements. If two elements A and B are combined using an “or”, this means that all possible combinations are disclosed, ie only A, only B and A and B, unless explicitly or implicitly defined otherwise. An alternative wording for the same combinations is "at least one of A and B" or "A and / or B". The same applies mutatis mutandis to combinations of more than two elements.

The terminology used to describe certain examples is not intended to limit other examples. If a singular form, e.g. For example, "one, one" and "the one that is used" and the use of only a single element is neither explicitly nor implicitly defined as mandatory, other examples can also use plural elements to implement the same function. If a function is described below as being implemented using multiple elements, further examples may implement the same function using a single element or processing entity. It also goes without saying that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has” and / or “having” when used means the presence of the specified features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components and / or a group specify them, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other characteristics, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components and / or a group thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) are used here in their usual meaning in the field to which examples belong.

The figures 1a and 1b show block diagrams of exemplary embodiments of an electrical circuit 10. The electrical circuit 10 comprises an electrical conductor structure and a control module 14. The control module 14 is coupled to the electrical conductor structure 12. The control module 14 is designed to determine information about an electrical Capacitance of the electrical conductor track structure 12 in a first state of the electrical circuit 10. The control module 14 is also designed to control a Heating the surroundings of the electrical conductor structure 12 via the electrical conductor structure 12 in a second state of the electrical circuit 10.

2 shows a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a corresponding method for the electrical circuit 10. The method comprises benefits 110 of the electrical conductor structure 12 for determining information about an electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor structure 12 in a first state of the electrical circuit. The method further includes benefits 120 of the electrical conductor structure 12 for heating an environment of the electrical conductor structure 12 in a second state of the electrical circuit.

The electrical circuit 10 can be, for example, a combined liquid sensor heating circuit. For example, the electrical circuit 10 can be suitable for determining a presence of a liquid, a presence of ice or a presence of a conductive object in an environment of the electrical circuit and for heating the environment of the electrical circuit based on the determined presence. For example, the electrical circuit 10 can be an electrical circuit for an aircraft, for example for an aircraft wing. The electrical circuit 10 can be suitable to monitor or observe (not desired) ice formation in liquids. The electrical circuit 10 can be suitable for monitoring or observing ice formation or moisture on surfaces. Alternatively, the electrical circuit 10 can be suitable for monitoring the absence or presence of media to be heated (for example liquids). In some exemplary embodiments, the electrical circuit can be suitable for detecting living beings and heating them locally. The electrical circuit 10 can be, for example, a single-layer capacitive sensor with a heating function.

Exemplary embodiments are based on a double use of the electrical conductor structure 12 for determining the information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor structure 12 and for heating the surroundings of the electrical conductor structure 12. The same electrical conductor structure is used for determining the information about the electrical capacity of the electrical conductor structure 12 and for heating the surroundings of the electrical conductor structure 12. The electrical circuit comprises the electrical conductor track structure 12. The electrical conductor track structure 12 can, for example, be characterized in that it is flat, for example in that it has a flat and / or planar profile. For example, the electrical conductor structure 12 can be planar, ie the complete electrical conductor structure can be arranged in the same plane (without part of the electrical conductor structure crossing in a further plane). The plane can extend along a three-dimensionally shaped support structure. All structures, for example the electrical conductor structure 12, can be applied to three-dimensionally shaped surfaces. The structures can be applied, for example, by means of printing processes. The electrical circuit device 10 can thus comprise a support structure or be arranged on a support structure. At least the electrical conductor track structure 12 can be arranged on the carrier structure. Thus, the electrical conductor track structure 12 can comprise or consist of one or more conductor tracks which are arranged on the upper surface of the carrier structure. For example, a vertical thickness of the electrical conductor structure 12 on top of the support structure can be less than 1 mm (or less than 500 pm, less than 200 mhi, less than 100 mhi, less than 50 gm, less than 20 gm, less than 15 gm, less) less than 10 gm, less than 5 gm). The electrical conductor structure can for example be superficially applied to the carrier structure. Lemer can be an average lateral width of conductor tracks or the conductor track of the electrical conductor structure at least as large (or at least twice as large, at least three times as large, at least 5 times as large, at least 10 times as large) as an average vertical thickness of the electrical conductor track structure 12 on top of the support structure. For example, the electrical conductor structure 12 can consist of a continuous conductor path or a composite conductor path. A continuous conductor track can be a conductor track which does not have a straight 90 ° angle, but in which straight conductor track components are connected to one another by arches. A composite conductor track can be a conductor track in which the straight conductor track components are connected to one another by a straight 45 ° or 90 ° angle. In at least some embodiments, the (composite or continuous) conductor track is branchless or branch-free, ie it has exactly two contacts at the two ends of the conductor track. The average lateral width of the (continuous or composite) interconnect of the electrical interconnect structure can be at least as large (or at least twice as large, at least three times as large, at least 5 times as large, at least 10 times as large) as the average vertical thickness the electrical conductor structure 12 on top of the support structure. For example, the electrical conductor structure can have exactly two contacts. The two contacts can be arranged at the two ends of the electrical conductor structure. For example, the electrical conductor track structure 12 can be coupled to the control module 14 via a first contact and via a second contact. For example, the two contacts may correspond to the first contact and the second contact. The electrical conductor track structure 12 can have an approximately ohmic resistance between the first contact and the second contact. For example, the electrical conductor track structure can form a (simple) ohmic resistor, for example a wire resistor or a meander resistor. The electrical conductor track structure 12 consists of or is based on an electrically conductive material, for example silver, copper, or a metal alloy based on copper, for example a copper-nickel alloy.

In at least some exemplary embodiments, the electrical conductor structure 12 can be a single-layer electrical conductor structure. For example, the (entire) electrical conductor structure 12 can be arranged in a single plane. For example, the electrical circuit can comprise a carrier structure or can be applied to a carrier structure. A vertical direction and a vertical dimension or a thickness of the electrical conductor structure 12 can be measured orthogonally to a main surface of the carrier structure and a lateral direction and lateral dimensions can be measured parallel to the main surface of the carrier structure. For example, the support structure can be a lobe, such as an elastic lobe or a bendable lobe. Alternatively or additionally, the carrier structure can be a printed circuit board (also known as a printed circuit board, PCB). The carrier structure can be, for example, a (laser) composite material or be part of a (laser) composite material. For example, the support structure can be a functionalized layer of textile at any depth in a (laser) composite material. The composite material can be a plastic, such as a carbon fiber reinforced plastic or a glass fiber reinforced plastic. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the carrier structure has at least one non-planar surface. The support structure can be a three-dimensional component, for example. For example, a minimum thickness, a minimum width and / or a minimum depth of the support structure can be greater than 5 mm (or greater than 10 mm, greater than 20 mm). The carrier structure can be any plastic structure, for example a three-dimensionally shaped plastic structure. The electrical conductor track structure 12 on a carrier be applied in one layer. For example, at no point in the carrier structure can more than one layer of the electrical conductor structure 12 be applied vertically one above the other on the carrier structure.

In at least some exemplary embodiments, the electrical conductor track structure 12 is at least partially (single-layered) printed on the carrier structure. For example, the electrical conductor track structure 12 can be printed at least partially (in one layer) as an electrically conductive material on the carrier structure. The electrically conductive material can be, for example, an electrically conductive ink or an electrically conductive paste. The electrically conductive material can comprise at least one element from the group of silver, copper and a copper-nickel alloy. For example, the electrical conductor track structure 12 can be printed at least partially as a silver conductor track on the carrier structure. The silver conductor track can be based on silver flakes or on nano-silver.

In at least some exemplary embodiments, the electrical conductor track structure 12 comprises a meandering structure. For example, more than 20% (or more than 30%, more than 40%, more than 50%) of a surface or a substance of the electrical conductor structure 12 can form the meander structure or consist of the meander structure. For example, the meandering structure can have two or more connected / concatenated, straight, lateral lines which form an ohmic electrical connection. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical conductor structure 12 comprises a (flat and / or single-layer) spiral structure. For example, more than 20% (or more than 30%, more than 40%, more than 50%) of a surface or a substance of the electric rider structure 12 can form the spiral structure or consist of the spiral structure. For example, the spiral structure can comprise two opposing spirals that lead into and out of a spiral of the spiral structure within a (single) vertical layer.

In exemplary embodiments, the control module 14 can correspond to any controller or processor or a programmable hardware component. For example, the control module 14 can also be implemented as software that is programmed for a corresponding hardware component. In this respect, the control module 14 can be implemented as programmable hardware with correspondingly adapted software. Any processors such as digital signal processors (DSPs) can be used. exemplary embodiments games are not limited to a specific type of processor. Any processors or a plurality of processors for implementing the control module 14 are conceivable. The control module 14 can further, as shown in FIG. 1b, comprise a measuring circuit 14a for determining the information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor track structure 12 (and its surroundings). For example, the measuring circuit 14a can be designed to measure and / or approximate the electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor structure 12 (and the surroundings of the electrical conductor structure). The measuring circuit 14 a and / or the control module 14 can be designed to determine the information about the electrical capacitance based on the measured or approximated capacitance of the electrical conductor structure 12 (and the surroundings of the electrical conductor structure).

The control module 14 is coupled to the electrical conductor structure 12. For example, the control module 14 can be coupled to the electrical conductor structure 12 via a switching element 18 of the electrical circuit. For example, as shown in FIG. 1b, the electrical circuit 10 may further include a current source 16 (or energy source 16) and a switching element 18. In some exemplary embodiments, the control module 14 can include the switching element 18. The switching element 18 can be, for example, a relay, such as a switching relay, a switching transistor or a multiplexer. The control module 14 can be designed to switch the switching element 18 such that in the first state the measuring circuit 14 a is coupled to the electrical conductor structure 12 and such that in the second state the current source 16 for heating the electrical conductor structure 12 to the electrical one Conductor structure 12 is coupled. This is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 using the microcontrollers 414, 514 (which may correspond to the control module 14), the current sources 416, 516 (which may correspond to the current source 16), the switching element 518 (which may correspond to the switching element 18) and the capacitive measuring unit 515 (which can correspond to the measuring circuit 14a).

The electrical circuit has at least two states, a first state and a second state. For example, the electrical circuit 10 can have exactly two states during operation of the electrical circuit. In some cases, the electrical circuit can be in a third state. The electrical circuit can then have, for example, exactly three states during operation of the electrical circuit. In at least In some exemplary embodiments, the first state is a measurement state, for example a capacitance measurement state. In the first state, the electrical circuit 10 can be designed to measure the electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor track structure (and its surroundings). The second state can be a heating state. In the second state, the electrical circuit 10 can be designed to heat the surroundings of the electrical conductor track structure. For example, the control module 14 in the second state can be designed to control a current source in such a way that the surroundings of the electrical conductor structure 12 are heated by / via the electrical conductor structure 12. For example, the first state and the second state can be mutually exclusive: for example, the electrical circuit 10 can have either the first state or the second state. The third state can be a measurement state, such as a resistance measurement state or a temperature measurement state. In the third state, the electrical circuit 10 can be designed to measure an electrical resistance of the electrical conductor structure 12 or a temperature of the electrical conductor structure 12. The first state, the second state and the third state can be mutually exclusive: for example, the electrical circuit 10 can have either the first state, the second state or the third state.

The control module 14 is designed to determine the information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor structure 12 in the first state of the electrical circuit 10. For example, the control module 14 can be designed to determine whether the electrical conductor structure 12 based on the electrical capacity To give the electrical conductor structure 12 is wet or dry, or it is referenced. The information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor structure 12 can, for example, correspond to a binary state, which states that the electrical capacity of the electrical conductor structure 12 (and the surroundings of the electrical conductor structure) is above a threshold value, which is a presence (or absence) ) of liquid, ice or a living being. For example, the control module 14, for example via the measuring circuit 14a, can be designed in the first state to measure or approximate the electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor structure 12 (and the vicinity of the electrical conductor structure) and, based on the measured or approximated electrical capacitance, the information about to determine the capacity. The electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor structure 12 can be influenced, for example, by an environment of the electrical conductor structure 12. Is there a conductive substance in the Surrounding the electrical conductor structure 12, an electrical capacitance, such as a stray field capacitance, of the electrical conductor structure 12 may increase. For example, the control module 14 can be designed, for example via the measuring circuit 14a, to measure or approximate a stray field capacitance of the electrical conductor track structure 12. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the electrical circuit comprises a further electrical conductor track structure. The further electrical conductor track structure can be coupled to the measuring circuit 14a and / or the control module 14. For example, the measuring circuit 14a can be designed to measure or approximate the capacitance between the electrical conductor structure 12 and the further electrical conductor structure. The further electrical conductor structure can be arranged laterally adjacent to the electrical conductor structure 12. The further electrical conductor track structure can be arranged laterally adjacent to the electrical conductor track structure 12 on the carrier structure. For example, the electrical conductor track structure 12 can be arranged on the same level as the further electrical conductor track structure on the carrier structure. The electrical conductor structure 12 can be (co) planar with the further electrical conductor structure. The electrical conductor track structure 12 and the further electrical conductor track structure can, for example, be arranged laterally alternately or laterally parallel to one another on the surface of the carrier structure. The further electrical conductor structure can, for example, be implemented similarly to the electrical conductor structure 12. An (average) vertical thickness of the further electrical conductor structure can differ, for example, less than 10% from an (average) vertical thickness of the electrical conductor structure 12. The control module 14 can be designed to measure or approximate the capacitance (for example the stray field capacitance) between the electrical conductor track structure 12 and the further electrical conductor track structure. The capacitance between the electrical conductor structure 12 and the further electrical conductor structure can, for example, be influenced by an environment of the electrical conductor structure 12 (and / or the further electrical conductor structure). If the electrical conductor track structure 12 comprises a meandering structure, the control module 14 can be designed to measure or approximate the capacitance between the meanders of the meander structure and the further electrical conductor track structure. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor track structure 12 corresponds, for example, to a quantized value of the measured or approximated electrical capacitance. The control module 14 is also designed to heat the surroundings of the electrical conductor track structure 12 via the electrical conductor track structure 12 in the second state of the electrical circuit 10. The control module 14 can be designed to control the switching element 18. For example, the control module 14 can be designed to control the switching element 18 in the second state such that the electrical conductor structure 12 forms a circuit with the current source 16. The control module 14 can be designed to switch the electrical circuit in such a way that the electrical conductor track structure 12 is used as a resistance heater in the second state.

In at least some exemplary embodiments, the control module 14 is designed to change from the first state to the second state if the information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor track structure 12 fulfills a predefined condition. The predefined condition can be, for example, a threshold value for the electrical capacity. Alternatively, the predefined condition can also be a rate of change in the electrical capacitance. For example, the control module 14 can be designed to change from the first state to the second state if the electrical capacitance is above (or below) a threshold value. The threshold value can, for example, indicate a presence (presence) (or absence) of liquid or ice. For example, the threshold value can be adaptable: The control module 14 can be designed to determine the threshold value based on a presence and based on an absence of the liquid or ice. For example, the threshold value can be selected such that measurements above the threshold value indicate the presence of water / ice and such that measurements below the threshold value indicate an absence of water / ice. In the following, the term "liquid" is also used in places for other aggregate states of the liquid (such as ice or gas). The control module 14 can be designed to change from the first state to the second state if the information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical interconnect structure 12 is a presence (or absence) of a liquid or a presence (or absence) of ice in the Indicated around the electrical conductor structure 12.

In at least some exemplary embodiments, the control module 14 is designed to change from the second state to the first state if the information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor track structure 12 fulfills a further predefined condition. The predefined condition can, for example, be a further threshold value for the electrical capacity. Alternatively, the predefined condition may also be a speed of change in electrical capacitance. For example, the control module 14 can be designed to change from the second state to the first state if the electrical capacitance is below (or above) a threshold value. The further threshold value can, for example, indicate an absence of liquid or ice. The control module 14 may be configured to change from the second state to the first state if the information about the electrical capacity of the electrical conductor structure 12 indicates an absence of a liquid or an absence of ice in the environment of the electrical conductor structure 12 ,

In some embodiments, the electrical circuitry can be used in a liquid heater. The electrical conductor structure can be arranged, for example, on or in a glass or ceramic base of a heating vessel. The control module 14 can be designed to change from the first state to the second state if the information about the electrical capacity of the electrical conductor structure 12 indicates a presence of a liquid in the heating vessel, such as a presence of a predefined amount of liquid in the heating vessel. The control module 14 can be designed to change from the second state to the first state if the information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical interconnect structure 12 indicates an absence of the liquid in the heating vessel. In some exemplary embodiments, the liquid can be in the heating vessel for a longer time. Alternatively, the heating vessel can be a pipeline and the liquid can flow through the heating vessel.

Alternatively, the electrical circuit can be used for local heating of surfaces. Control module 14 should be designed to detect the presence of a living being, such as a human or animal, in the vicinity of the electrical conductor structure. The control module 14 can be designed to change from the first state to the second state if the information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor structure 12 indicates a presence of a living being in the vicinity of the electrical conductor structure 12, for example a presence of a person that sits on a surface that can be heated by the electrical conductor track structure 12. For example, the electrical circuit 10 can be included in a seat. The electrical conductor track structure 12 can be arranged under a seat surface of the seat. The control module 14 can be be to change from the second state to the first state if the information about the electrical capacity of the electrical conductor structure 12 indicates an absence of the living being or of living beings in the vicinity of the electrical conductor structure 12.

In at least some exemplary embodiments, the control module 14 is designed to periodically switch from the second state to the first state in order to determine whether the information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor structure 12 is the predefined condition (or the further predefined condition). Fulfills. For example, the control module 14 can be designed to switch from the second state to the first state at most once per second (or at most two times per second, at most five times per second, at most ten times per second) in order to determine whether the information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor structure 12 fulfills the predefined condition (or the further predefined condition). Alternatively, the control module 14 can be designed to move from the second state into the first state at least 10 times per second (or at least 20 times per second, at least 50 times per second, at least 100 times per second, at least 1000 times per second) switch to determine whether the information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical interconnect structure 12 meets the pre-defined condition (or the further pre-defined condition).

In some exemplary embodiments, the control module 14 is also designed to determine information about an electrical resistance of the electrical conductor track structure 12. For example, the control module 14 can be designed to measure or approximate the electrical resistance of the electrical conductor track structure 12. For example, the control module 14 can comprise a further measuring circuit for measuring the electrical resistance of the electrical conductor structure. The control module 14 can be designed to determine the information about the electrical resistance of the electrical conductor structure 12 in the second state of the electrical circuit 10. Alternatively or additionally, the control module 14 can be designed to determine the information about the electrical resistance of the electrical conductor track structure 12 in a third state of the electrical circuit 10.

The electrical resistance can then be used to determine or approximate a temperature of the electrical conductor structure. The control module 14 can also be configured to determine information about a temperature of the electrical conductor structure 12, for example based on the information about the electrical resistance of the electrical conductor structure 12. For example, the control module 14 can include a table (also English lookup table) with a relationship between the electrical resistance of the electrical conductor structure 12 and the temperature of the electrical conductor structure 12. The electrical resistance of the electrical conductor structure 12 can be dependent on the temperature of the electrical conductor structure 12.

The control module 14 may be configured to change from the first state to the second state if the information about the electrical capacity of the electrical conductor structure 12 is a presence (or absence) of a liquid or a presence (or absence) of ice in the environment of the electrical conductor structure 12 and if the information about the temperature of the electrical conductor structure 12 indicates that the electrical conductor structure 12 has a temperature below a temperature threshold. For example, the control module 14 can be configured to change from the first state to the second state if the information about the electrical capacity of the electrical conductor structure 12 indicates a presence of a liquid in the vicinity of the electrical conductor structure 12 and if the temperature of the electrical Conductor structure 12 indicates that ice formation can occur.

More details and aspects of the electrical circuit and / or method are given in connection with the concept or examples described before or after (e.g. Figs. 3 to 5). The electrical circuit and / or method may include one or more additional optional features that correspond to one or more aspects of the proposed concept or examples as described before or after.

At least some embodiments deal with an electrical resistance heater, which also has a (capacitive and / or resistive) sensor function, characterized by an intelligent, single-layer layout for the common use of conductor tracks for the heating and sensor functions. In other words, execution examples deal with a capacitive sensor with a heating function. A single-layer layout can combine a capacitive sensor function with electrical resistance heating. Capacitive sensors can be used to a) monitor (undesired) ice formation in liquids (also English monitoring), for example in fuel lines in airplanes or satellites, exhaust gas cleaning lines in diesel vehicles, washer fluid lines in vehicles, etc .; b) to monitor the formation of ice or moisture on surfaces (eg on wing profiles in aviation or wind turbines). After detection of ice, the function may have to be switched off or a separate heater switched on;

c) to detect an absence / presence of media / liquids / moisture / gases to be heated

d) to be used as a level sensor; or

e) Detect animals and heat them locally, for example in a heated seat, which only switches on automatically when occupied.

In at least some systems, a separate heater (heating element with electronics) must be installed in addition to the sensor (sensor element with electronics) for detection. This can be solved by two separate circuits / components for heater and sensor in one layer or in a multi-layer structure. The sensory (capacitive and / or resistive) circuits and the heating circuits can be installed separately.

In at least some exemplary embodiments, a fitter web structure that is used for heating and measuring is single-layered. The electrical circuit of at least some exemplary embodiments consists of a circuit which combines the sensory functions and the heating function.

At least some embodiments include an electrical (ohmic) resistance heater with a simultaneous (capacitive and / or resistive) sensor function, characterized by an intelligent, single-layer faience (English for arrangement, for example the electrical Feiterbahnstruktur) for the common use of Feiterbahnen / conductive structures for the heating and sensor function.

Exemplary embodiments of the electric fitter structure: 1. Printed silver conductor tracks on film, can be applied to components (such as the support structure)

2. Printed layout directly on or in component (such as the support structure)

3. Wires / conductive structures, the component (such as the support structure) can be wrapped / heating mats

In at least some exemplary embodiments, one electronic circuit is used instead of two, as a result of which the electrical circuit can become smaller, flatter, cheaper and / or more robust. The electrical circuit can be easily integrated on components or foils by a single-layer design of the electrical conductor track structure.

In some exemplary embodiments, the electrical circuit only heats up or switches on automatically when liquid / ice is also present. The electronics in the background can be responsible for this, for example the control module 14, which can be freely programmed. In at least some exemplary embodiments, a measuring range and a heating range of the electrical circuit can be identical. Saving material and a more compact / lighter design can be important advantages of the electrical circuit. At least some design examples can have an individual design that can be adapted to individual requirements.

At least some exemplary examples deal with the detection and prevention of the icing of media in lines, for example of fuel in fuel lines and tanks, of urea in urea lines and tanks (exhaust gas cleaning for diesel vehicles) or of water / alcohol in washer fluid lines and tanks.

Some exemplary embodiments also deal with the detection of living beings and local heating of the surfaces.

At least some embodiments deal with the detection and prevention of the penetration of moisture or the icing of media on surfaces. Possible surfaces / support structures are for example:

Wings in wind turbines

Sensors and devices in aircraft or weather stations (e.g. Pitot tube) Profiles, wings and rotors of aircraft (aircraft, helicopters, drones, ...)

- Made of composite materials (glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP), carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), ...)

(Transparent) panes

It can be heated, for example, if the air humidity exceeds a certain value (also known as anti fog). In the case of underfloor heating / seat heating / steering wheel heating etc., heating can only be carried out, for example, where people are currently (for example to ensure that their feet are warm).

The following figures FIGS. 3 to 5 outline the invention in different degrees of detail. Fig. 3 shows a basic structure of an electrical circuit for a single-layer capacitive sensor with heating function. FIG. 3 shows an electrical conductor track structure 312 (which can correspond to the electrical conductor track structure 12 of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b), which is connected to a power supply / current source 316 (also known as Power Source, that of the current source 16 of FIG. 1 b) may correspond), a switching relay 318 (which may correspond to the switching element 18 of FIG. 1b) and a microcontroller / microprocessor for capacitive sensor technology (MCU) 314 for capacitive measurement (which may correspond to the control module 14 of FIGS. 1a and 1b) is. In this case, switching relay 318 can be used to switch between a heating function of the electrical fitter structure 312 and a measuring function of the electrical fitter structure 312 (via the microcontroller 314).

Fig. 4 shows another block diagram of an embodiment of an electrical circuit device. 4 shows, for example, the construction of a circuit with a single-layer capacitive sensor with a heating function. FIG. 4 shows a measurement / heating area (or sensor-heater area) 412 (which may correspond to the electric fitter structure 12 of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b), which is provided with a power source / energy supply for the heating function 416 (that of the power source 16 of FIG 1b) and a microcontroller / microprocessor 414 for capacitive measurement (which may correspond to the control module 14 of FIGS. 1a and 1b) is coupled. The measuring heating area 412 is connected to the microprocessor 414 via a data line for the capacitive sensor system and is connected by a data line for switching the sensor and heating function between the microprocessor 414 and the measuring heating area 412 by galvanic isolation by means of a relay with a microprocessor. The measuring heating range can be one Combination of a capacitive sensor with a resistance heater in a one-layer layout (e.g. from printed electrically conductive structures). The microcontroller / microprocessor 414 can be a microprocessor for the detection of the capacitive changes and for the control of a relay for switching between the capacitive sensor system and the heating function. The microcontroller 414 can be designed to switch the measurement / heating area 412 between measuring and heating and to perform the capacitive measurement.

The energy supply (direct current / alternating current) 416 can supply the heating structure of the measuring heating region 412 with the required power. The heating structure (such as the electrical conductor structure) can be adjusted either in the choice of resistance materials or / and in the layout so that differently sized areas can be heated or different heating outputs (W / m ² ) can be achieved. For this purpose, for example, printing processes with electrically conductive materials can be used for the capacitive sensor function, further electrically conductive structures can be integrated (for example in the form of an interdigital structure resulting with parts or the entire heating structure) 412. Changes in the capacitance below (ie in the substrate material due to moisture etc.) or above (ie ice, moisture, objects approaching etc. on the substrate surface) of the single-layer sensor with heating function (such as the electrical conductor structure) can be capacitively detected and at the same time regulated by the heating. The single-layer sensor with heating function can be applied to the surface of a substrate / component (for example the support structure) or can be integrated in a component, for example by means of a functionalized layer of textile at any depth in a (laser) composite material. It can be controlled by a microprocessor 414. The single-layer capacitive sensor with heating function can be expanded by integrating a thermocouple for temperature measurement (see, for example, Fig. 5 520). fig. 5 shows another block diagram of an embodiment of an electrical circuit. A detailed structure of a circuit with a single-layer capacitive sensor layout with temperature measurement and heating function is shown. 5 shows a measurement / heating circuit 512 (which can correspond to the electrical conductor structure 12 of FIGS. 1a and 1b), which has a current source 516 (which can correspond to the current source 16 of FIG. 1b), a switching relay 518 (which corresponds to the Switching element 18 which can correspond to FIG. 1b) and a capacitive measuring unit 515 (which comprises the control module 14 of FIGS. 1b and 1b) can be coupled). The switching relay 518 can be used to switch between a heating function of the measuring / heating circuit 512 and a measuring function of the measuring / heating circuit 512 (via a microcontroller 514, which can be included in the control module 14 of FIGS. 1a and 1b). In at least some exemplary embodiments, the measuring / heating circuit 520 is arranged, which comprises a temperature sensor 522. The microcontroller 514 can control the switching relay 518 based on the analyzed capacitive measured values and based on measured temperature values of the temperature sensor 522.

The aspects and features described together with one or more of the previously detailed examples and figures can also be combined with one or more of the other examples to replace a same feature of the other example or to add the feature to the other example introduce.

Examples may further be or refer to a computer program with program code for executing one or more of the above methods when the computer program is executed on a computer or processor. Steps, operations, or processes of various methods described above can be performed by programmed computers or processors. Examples may include program storage devices, e.g. B. digital data storage media, which are machine, processor or computer readable and encode machine executable, processor executable or computer executable programs of instructions. The instructions perform or cause some or all of the steps in the procedures described above. The program storage devices may e.g. B. digital storage, magnetic storage media such as magnetic disks and tapes, hard drives or optically readable digital data storage media include or be. Other examples may include computers, processors, or control units that are programmed to perform the steps of the methods described above, or (field) programmable logic arrays ((F) PLAs = (Field) Programmable Logic Arrays) or (field) Programmable Gate Arrays ((F) PGA = (Field) Programmable Gate Arrays) that are programmed to perform the steps of the methods described above.

The description and drawings illustrate only the principles of the disclosure. Furthermore, all examples listed here are intended to serve expressly only for illustrative purposes in order to assist the reader in understanding the principles of the disclosure and to support the concepts contributed by the inventor (s) for the further development of technology. All statements here about principles, aspects and examples of the disclosure, as well as concrete examples thereof, include their correspondences.

A function block referred to as "means for ..." executing a specific function can refer to a circuit that is designed to execute a specific function. Thus, a "means for something" can be implemented as a "means trained for or suitable for something", e.g. B. a component or a circuit designed for or suitable for the respective task.

Functions of various elements shown in the figures, including each function block designated as "means", "means for providing a signal", "means for generating a signal", etc., can be in the form of dedicated hardware, e.g. B "of a signal provider", "a signal processing unit", "a processor", "a controller" etc. as well as hardware capable of executing software in connection with associated software. When provided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some or all of which can be shared. However, the term “processor” or “controller” is by no means limited to hardware that is capable of executing software only, but can be digital signal processor hardware (DSP hardware; DSP = digital signal processor), network processor, application-specific integrated circuit ( ASIC = Application Specific Integrated Circuit), field programmable Fogi arrangement (FPGA = Field Programmable Gate Array), read-only memory (ROM = Read Only Memory) for storing software, random access memory (RAM = Random Access Memory) and non-volatile storage device (storage) , Other hardware, traditional and / or custom, can also be included.

For example, a block diagram may represent a rough circuit diagram that implements the principles of the disclosure. Similarly, a flowchart, a flowchart, a state transition diagram, a pseudo code and the like may represent various processes, operations or steps that are, for example, essentially represented in computer readable medium and so by a computer or processor are executed regardless of whether such a computer or processor is explicitly shown. Methods disclosed in the description or in the claims can be implemented by a device having means for performing each of the respective steps of these methods.

It goes without saying that the disclosure of a plurality of steps, processes, operations or functions disclosed in the description or the claims should not be interpreted as being in the specific order, unless this is explicitly or implicitly otherwise, e.g. B. for technical reasons. Therefore, by disclosing multiple steps or functions, these are not limited to any particular order unless these steps or functions are not interchangeable for technical reasons. Furthermore, in some examples, a single step, function, process or operation can include and / or be broken up into several sub-steps, functions, processes or operations. Such sub-steps can be included and can be part of the disclosure of this single step, unless they are explicitly excluded.

Furthermore, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, where each claim can stand on its own as a separate example. While each claim may stand on its own as a separate example, it should be noted that - although a dependent claim in the claims may refer to a particular combination with one or more other claims - other examples also include a combination of the dependent claim the subject matter of any other dependent or independent claim. Such combinations are explicitly proposed here, unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended. Features of a claim should also be included for any other independent claim, even if that claim is not directly dependent on the independent claim.

Claims

claims

1. An electrical circuit (10) comprising: an electrical interconnect structure (12); a carrier structure, the electrical conductor structure (12) being at least partially printed on the carrier structure as an electrically conductive material; and a control module (14),

coupled to the electrical conductor structure (12),

the counter module (14) being designed for:

Determining information about an electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor structure (12) in a first state of the electrical circuit (10), and controlling a heating of the surroundings of the electrical conductor structure (12) via the electrical conductor structure (12) in a second state of the electrical Circuit (10).

2. The electrical circuit (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a support structure, the electrical conductor structure (12) being arranged on the support structure,

wherein a vertical thickness of the electrical conductor track structure (12) on the carrier structure is at most 15 pm,

and / or wherein an average lateral width of a conductor track of the electrical conductor track structure is at least as large as an average vertical thickness of the electrical conductor track structure (12) on the carrier structure.

3. The electrical circuit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical conductor structure (12) consists of a continuous conductor be, and / or wherein the electrical conductor structure (12) via a first contact and a second contact with the counter llmodul (14) is coupled, the electrical conductor track structure (12) has an approximately ohmic resistance between the first contact and the second contact. and / or wherein the electrical conductor structure (12) is a planar electrical conductor structure, and / or wherein the coherent electrical conductor structure (12) is a layered electrical conductor structure. and / or wherein the electrical conductor structure (12) comprises a meandering structure, and / or wherein the electrical conductor structure (12) comprises a spiral structure.

4. The electrical circuit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically conductive material is an electrically conductive ink or an electrically conductive paste,

and / or wherein the electrically conductive material comprises at least one element from the group of silver, copper, a copper-nickel alloy and a metal alloy based on copper.

5. The electrical circuit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier structure is a film,

or wherein the support structure is a printed circuit board,

or wherein the carrier structure is a textile layer of a composite material, or wherein the carrier structure has at least one non-planar surface.

6. The electrical circuit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control module (14) is designed to change from the first state to the second state if the information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor structure (12) meets a predefined condition.

7. The electrical circuit (10) according to claim 6, wherein the control module (14) is formed to change from the first state to the second state if the Information about the electrical capacity of the electrical conductor structure (12) indicates a presence of a liquid or a presence of ice in the vicinity of the electrical conductor structure (12).

8. The electrical circuit (10) according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the control module (14) is further configured to determine information about a temperature of the electrical conductor structure (12), wherein the control module (14) is formed to change from the first state to the second state if the information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor structure (12) indicates a presence of a liquid or a presence of ice in the vicinity of the electrical conductor structure (12) and if the information about the Temperature of the electrical conductor structure (12) indicates that the electrical conductor structure (12) has a temperature below a temperature threshold.

9. The electrical circuit (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the control module (14) is designed to periodically change from the second state to the first state to determine whether the information about the electrical Ka capacity of the electrical conductor structure (12) meets the predefined condition.

10. The electrical circuit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control module (14) is further configured to determine information about an electrical resistance of the electrical conductor structure (12), wherein the control module (14) is further configured to determine information about a temperature of the electrical conductor structure (12) based on the information about the electrical resistance of the electrical conductor structure (12).

11. The electrical circuit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control module (14) comprises a measuring circuit (14a) for determining the information about the electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor structure (12).

12. The electrical circuit (10) according to claim 11 further comprising a current source (16) and a switching element (18), wherein the control module (14) is designed to switch the switching element (18) so that in the first state the measuring circuit (14a) is coupled to the electrical conductor structure (12) and such that in the second state the current source (16) for heating the electrical conductor structure (12) is coupled to the electrical conductor structure (12).

13. A method for an electrical circuit, the method comprising:

Use of an electrical conductor structure (12) for determining information about an electrical capacitance of the electrical conductor structure (12) in a first state of an electrical circuit, the electrical conductor structure (12) being at least partially printed as an electrically conductive material on a carrier structure ; and

Use of the electrical conductor structure (12) for heating an environment of the electrical conductor structure (12) in a second state of the electrical circuit.

14. Program with a program code for performing the method according to claim 13, when the program code is executed on a computer, a processor, a control module or a programmable hardware component.