SECURITY ELEMENT FOR AN OBJECT SURFACE

Abstract

A security element for an object surface separated by a vertical distance, in particular an object height, from a floor area, includes a longitudinally extending flat support body including a first and second flat side. The first flat side is designed to be placed on the object surface. A presence detector and an evaluation unit are mounted on the second flat side, and the support body is made of a flexible material. The presence detector includes a detection region spatially extending around the presence detector away from the first flat side. The detection region is formed by a near-field region, and the evaluation unit includes an electrical energy storage device. The presence detector forms a measuring unit including an electrical characteristic variable. The presence detector also includes at least two electrically conductive electrodes, the electrodes being formed substantially along the entire longitudinal extent of the support body.

Claims

1. A security element (1) for an object surface (2), which object surface (2) is at a distance from a floor surface (5), due to a vertical distance, in particular an object height (4) or depth, comprising an elongated support body (6) in the shape of a flat profile, having a first (7) and a second (8) flat side, wherein the support body (6) is configured with the first flat side (7) to be placed on the object surface (2), and wherein a presence sensor (9) and an evaluation unit (10) are disposed on the second flat side (8), and wherein the presence sensor (9) has a detection region (27), which detection region (27) extends, proceeding from the second flat side (8), in the spatial direction of the direction facing away from the first flat side (7), around the presence sensor (9), and wherein the support body (6) is formed from a flexible material, wherein the detection region (27) is formed by a near region, in particular by a region smaller than 15 cm, and wherein the evaluation unit (10) has an electrical energy storage unit (15), and wherein the presence sensor (9) forms a measurement unit (14) having an electrical characteristic value, and furthermore has at least two electrically conductive electrodes (11), which electrodes (11) are configured essentially over the entire longitudinal expanse (12) of the support body (6).

2. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the presence sensor (9) has three electrically conductive electrodes (11).

3. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the electrodes (11) are configured as strip electrodes oriented parallel to one another.

4. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the electrodes (11) are configured in meander shape.

5. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the electrodes (11) form a capacitor, in particular an air capacitor, having a capacitive impedance.

6. The security element according to claim 1, wherein a force sensor and/or temperature sensor and/or light sensor and/or motion detection sensor is disposed on the electrodes (11), electrically connected with the electrodes (11), in particular a piezoelectric sensor or a resistive sensor or a pyro-electric sensor.

7. The security element according to claim 1, wherein an adhesive layer is applied to the first flat side (7).

8. The security element according to claim 1, wherein a cover film that projects beyond the base surface of the support body (6), in a top view, is provided on the side of the second flat side (8), wherein a surface of the cover film that faces the second flat side (8) has an adhesion layer.

9. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit (10) has an electronic circuit (13) that is configured for evaluation of a change in the electrical characteristic value of the measurement unit (14).

10. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit (10) has a wireless communications interface (18).

11. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit (10) has an electrical energy source (16).

12. The security element according to claim 11, wherein a photovoltaic element is disposed on the electrodes (11), in particular a segmented element.

13. The security element according to claim 12, wherein the photovoltaic element forms the electrical energy source.

14. The security element according to claim 11, wherein the evaluation unit (10) has an alarm transmitter (17) that is configured for emitting an alarm if a limit value of the electrical characteristic value of the measurement unit (14) is exceeded and/or not reached.

15. The security element according to claim 11, wherein the energy source (16) is formed by a photovoltaic element that is preferably connected with the energy storage unit (15).

16. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit (10) has an activation circuit (19), which is configured to switch the evaluation unit (10) between operation at rest and detection operation.

17. The security element according to claim 16, wherein the activation circuit (19) is configured in mechanically contact-free manner.

18. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the support body (6) is configured so that it can be shortened in any desired manner or segmented manner, but keeping a minimum length (20).

19. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the object is formed by a windowsill, or a large kitchen appliance, or a piece of furniture, or an access barrier.

20. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the presence sensor (9) and the evaluation unit (10) are disposed next to one another and without overlap.

21. The security element according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of the support body (6) and of the presence sensor (9) disposed on it and of the evaluation unit (10) form a height, which height has a value less than 2 mm.

22. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the near region is formed by a region smaller than 5 mm.

23. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the near region is configured as a contact region.

Description

[0038] The figures show, each in a greatly simplified, schematic representation:

[0039] FIG. 1 the present security element, placed on an object to be secured;

[0040] FIG. 2 a) to c), possible embodiments of the security element;

[0041] FIG. 3 a) a monitoring system comprising multiple security elements;

[0042] b) an electrical circuit schematic of the security element.

[0043] FIG. 1 shows the present security element 1, which is placed on an object surface 2 of an object 3 to be secured. The object surface 2 is spaced apart from a floor surface 5 by an object height 4.

[0044] The security element 1 comprises an elongated support body 6 in the form of a flat profile, having a first 7 and a second 8 flat side, wherein the support body 6 is placed on the object surface 2 with a first flat side 7. Preferably, for this purpose an adhesion layer, for example a double-sided adhesive tape, is applied to the first flat side 7. A presence sensor 9 and an evaluation unit 10 are disposed on the second flat side 8.

[0045] The presence sensor 9 extends over the entire longitudinal expanse 12 of the support body 6, wherein a possible embodiment of the presence sensor 9 is shown in FIG. 1, by means of two electrically conductive electrodes 11. In the embodiment variant shown, the electrodes 11 are structured as strip electrodes that are oriented parallel to one another. According to advantageous further developments, however, it is also possible that three electrically conductive electrodes are provided to change or adapt the detection characteristics, or that the electrodes are configured in meander shape, so as to thereby achieve an increase in sensitivity, for example.

[0046] FIGS. 2a to 2c show possible embodiment variants of the present security element. For reasons of simplification, the object or the object surface to be secured, on which the security element is disposed, is not shown.

[0047] FIG. 2a shows a first possible embodiment of the security element 1. The presence sensor 9 and the evaluation unit 10 are disposed on the second flat side 8 of the support body 6. The presence sensor 9, in particular the electrodes of the presence sensor, form a measurement unit 14 having an electrical characteristic value. The evaluation unit 10 has an electronic circuit 13, which is configured for evaluation of a change in the electrical characteristic value of the measurement unit 14.

[0048] Furthermore, an electrical energy storage unit 15 and/or an electrical energy source 16 is/are connected with the electronic circuit 13. The energy storage unit 15 can be configured as a battery, a rechargeable battery or as a capacitor (supercap), for example. However, it is also possible that the energy source 16 is formed by a photovoltaic element, which is preferably connected with the energy storage unit 15. The evaluation unit 10 can furthermore have an alarm transmitter 17, so as to be able to immediately emit an alarm in the event of detection of the presence of an object in the detection region of the presence detector. This alarm transmitter 17 can be configured for optical and/or acoustical emission of alarm signals, for example as a flashing light, an LED flash and/or as a loudspeaker.

[0049] In the sectional detail representation, it is shown that the presence sensor 9 has a detection region 27 that extends into the spatial region of the second flat side 8. The main expanse direction of the detection region 27 can be established as a function of and so as to be influenced by the configuration of the measurement unit 14. For example, a club-type detection characteristic can be formed, in which the main sensitivity of the detection region 27 is directed essentially away from the second flat side 8. However, a circular or semicircular or elliptical cross-section is possible, so that the detection region 27 has a sensitivity in the direction approximately parallel to the second flat side 8.

[0050] FIG. 2b shows a further possible embodiment of the present security element 1. In this embodiment, elements of the evaluation unit 10 are provided supplementally or alternatively to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2a. To simplify the representation, connection lines between individual elements of the evaluation unit 10 were left out; the connections are described below. The evaluation unit 10 has an electronic circuit 13, which is configured for evaluation of an electrical characteristic value of a measurement unit 14.

[0051] Aside from local alarm emission by an alarm transmitter 17, it can also be provided that the evaluation unit 10 has a wireless communication interface 18, by way of which the security element 1 can be connected with a central controller. The communications interface is preferably as a HF interface, but configuration as an optical interface (particularly IR) or acoustical interface (particularly ultrasound) is also possible. According to a further possible embodiment, the energy source 16 can be configured by a remote station for wireless energy transmission. In this way, completely independent and continuous operation is made possible, in that the security element 1 is supplied with electrical energy from an external remote station.

[0052] An advantageous further development also consists in that the security element 1, in particular those parts of the electronic circuit 13 that evaluate the electrical characteristic value of the measurement unit 14, are active only when needed. For this reason, it can also be provided that the evaluation unit 10 has an activation circuit 19, which is configured for switching the evaluation unit 10, in particular the electronic circuit 13, between a rest state and a detection state. For example, the present security element can be placed on a windowsill, wherein detection of the presence of an object is only necessary when the window is open. The activation circuit 19 is preferably configured in mechanically contact-free manner, and can be formed, for example, by a (magnetic) field switch, but an embodiment as an optical reflex switch is also possible.

[0053] FIG. 2c shows a further possible advantageous embodiment of the present security element 1. Since the electrically conductive electrodes of the presence sensor 9 extend over the entire longitudinal expanse, individual adaptation of the entire length of the security element 1 to the local conditions is possible. In particular, it is possible that the security element 1 can be shortened to the desired length by the end customer or user himself/herself. In order to guarantee that the electrical characteristic value of the measurement unit 14 of the presence sensor 9 reaches a sufficient value that can be evaluated, it is provided that the support body 6 and thereby the security element 1 must have a specific minimum length 20. Starting from this length, it can be provided that the support body 6 can be shortened at specific or optional positions 21, without impairing the function of the presence sensor 9, in particular of the electrodes. This is particularly advantageous with regard to the most efficient production possible, since in this way, the support body 6 with the presence sensor 9 can be produced as an endless product, on which an evaluation unit 10 is disposed at regular intervals.

[0054] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the evaluation unit 10 and the presence sensor 9 are disposed next to one another and without overlap on the second flat side 8. This embodiment has the advantage that in this way, a very flat security element can be formed. However, according to a further development, not shown, it is also possible that the evaluation unit 10 is disposed, in part or entirely, on or above the presence sensor 9 in a partial section of the presence sensor. A further embodiment can also consist in that the security element has a multi-layer construction, so that the evaluation unit 10 can be disposed on the support body 6, for example. Or the presence sensor 9 is disposed above the evaluation unit 10 on the second flat side 8.

[0055] FIG. 3a shows a possible embodiment of a security system, in which multiple security elements 1 are connected with a central unit 23, in each instance, by way of a communications connection 22 that is preferably configured in wireless manner. In the embodiment shown, it is furthermore provided that the security elements 1 are supplied with electrical energy by a central energy supply module 24, wherein wireless transmission of electrical energy is preferred. The central unit 23 is now configured to evaluate the plurality of the security elements 1, and, specifically, in particular taking into consideration a sequence pattern of detected presences, to be able to emit an optical and/or acoustical alarm by a signal transmitter 25. A more complex evaluation pattern of detected presences of an object in the detection region of a security element 1 can consist in that an alarm is only emitted if the individual security elements 1 detect a presence of an object in the detection region in a specifically established sequence. In this way, false alarms can be reduced.

[0056] FIG. 3b shows an electrical block schematic of the components of the evaluation unit 10. The evaluation unit 10 comprises an electronic circuit 13 that is connected with the measurement unit 14 of the presence sensor and evaluates the electrical characteristic value of the measurement unit 14. If applicable, an automatic adjustment module 26 is interposed, so as to establish a rest state or a rest value of the electrical characteristic value of the measurement unit 14. Furthermore, the measurement unit 14 or the presence sensor is supplied with electrical energy from an energy storage unit 15 or an energy source 16, by way of the electronic circuit 13. The supply with electrical energy can now take place continuously or cyclically. However, it is also possible that it is detected, by way of an activation circuit 19, whether detection of the presence of an object in the detection region is to be carried out. Outside of the detected need for presence detection, the electronic circuit 13 and, in particular, the presence sensor or the measurement unit 14 can be put into a particularly energy-saving rest state. If the electronic circuit 13 determines a presence of an object in the detection region of the presence sensor, due to a change in the electrical characteristic value of the measurement unit 14, an optical and/or acoustical signal is emitted by way of an alarm transmitter 17.

[0057] In the figure description, possible embodiment variants are described making reference to an object to be secured, which object is elevated by an object height relative to the floor surface. It is explicitly stated that the present security element is also suitable and can be used for securing openings in the floor, such as stairs, for example. The descriptions listed herein are therefore also applicable to a negative object height.

[0058] The particular advantage of the present security element lies in that an autarchic system was created, which can be disposed on any surface, to the greatest possible extent, due to the flexible structure of the support body, and can perform presence monitoring there without further interaction with or attention from a user. If a presence is detected, an alarm is issued automatically, so that a user can react and avert possible endangerment.

[0059] In conclusion, it should be stated that in the different embodiments described, the same parts are provided with the same reference symbols or component designations, wherein the disclosures contained in the description as a whole can be applied analogously to the same parts having the same reference symbols or the same component designations. Also, the position information chosen in the description, such as at the top, at the bottom, on the side, etc., refer to the figure being directly described and shown, and this position information must be transferred analogously to a new position in the event of a change in position.

[0060] In FIGS. 2 and 3, further embodiment of the security element, which can be independent, are shown, wherein once again, the same reference symbols or component designations are used for the same parts as in the previous figures. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding figures, i.e. this is pointed out.

[0061] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, wherein it should be noted at this point that the invention is not restricted to the specifically shown embodiment variants of the same, but rather diverse combinations of the individual embodiment variants with one another are also possible, and this variation possibility lies within the ability of a person skilled in the art of the technical field, on the basis of the teaching for technical action provided by the present invention.

[0062] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and the drawings should be used for an interpretation of the claims. Individual characteristics or combinations of characteristics of the different exemplary embodiments that are shown and described can represent independent inventive solutions on their own. The task on which the independent inventive solutions are based can be derived from the description.

[0063] All the information regarding value ranges in the present description should be understood to mean that any and all partial ranges of them are included; for example, the information 1 to 10 should be understood to mean that all partial ranges, proceeding from a lower limit of 1 and including the upper limit of 10, are included, i.e. all partial ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end at an upper limit of 10 or less, for example 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0064] For the sake of good order, it should be pointed out, in conclusion, that for a better understanding of the structure, some elements were shown not to scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced in size.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LISTING

[0065] 1 security element

[0066] 2 object surface

[0067] 3 object to be secured

[0068] 4 object height

[0069] 5 floor surface

[0070] 6 support body

[0071] 7 first flat side

[0072] 8 second flat side

[0073] 9 presence sensor

[0074] 10 evaluation unit

[0075] 11 electrodes

[0076] 12 longitudinal expanse

[0077] 13 electronic circuit

[0078] 14 measurement unit

[0079] 15 energy storage unit

[0080] 16 energy source

[0081] 17 alarm transmitter

[0082] 18 communications interface

[0083] 19 activation circuit

[0084] 20 minimum length

[0085] 21 position

[0086] 22 communications connection

[0087] 23 central unit

[0088] 24 energy supply module

[0089] 25 signal transmitter

[0090] 26 adjustment module

[0091] 27 detection region