Temperature sensor assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a temperature sensor assembly (100), in particular a temperature sensor assembly for use in the automotive field, comprising a bracket component (10) with a receiving portion (20) for a temperature pin (50), a sensor element (30) for measuring temperature, and a pushing element (40) for pushing the sensor element (30) into the receiving portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature sensor assembly. Background Art

[0002] Temperature sensors are used in various fields, such as in the automotive sector. Typically, a temperature pin (also called a temperature rod) is used to measure the temperature at a defined location. This pin can be part of an electric engine, for example, and may be the hottest point in the engine where the temperature can be measured. A problem with current temperature sensors is that contacting temperature pins with different shapes, for example due to production processes or the use of different engine models, is difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solution that allows easy access to temperature pins of different shapes.

[0004] This is achieved by a temperature sensor assembly, in particular for use in the automotive sector, comprising a carrier part with a receptacle for a temperature pin, a sensor element for measuring the temperature, and a push element for pushing the sensor element into the receptacle.

[0005] The push element allows contact with temperature pins of different shapes. It is suitable for pushing the sensor element onto temperature pins of different shapes.

[0006] The solution according to the invention can be further improved by the following further developments and advantageous embodiments, which are independent of one another and can be combined as desired.

[0007] To achieve a compact design, the push element can be adapted to push the sensor element into the receptacle at one side of the receptacle and / or laterally into the receptacle. The sensor element is then pushed onto one side of the temperature pin. The push element can be adapted to push the sensor element transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the insertion direction of the receptacle and / or the pin. The insertion direction is the direction in which the pin is inserted into the receptacle. Furthermore, the push element and / or the sensor element can form one side of the receptacle.

[0008] The pushing element may include a spring element to achieve a secure contact. The spring element may be a single element to keep the construction simple. Furthermore, the pushing element may be a single element to keep the construction simple.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment, the spring element can comprise a leaf spring. This makes contacting safe and simple.

[0010] The leaf spring may comprise three curved portions with alternating directions of curvature. This may allow for a defined contact with good contact force. Alternating directions of curvature may mean, for example, that a curved portion curving to the right is located between two curved portions curving to the left.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the leaf spring is attached at its two end portions. In particular, the leaf spring can be attached to a bracket. The bracket can, for example, include slots or small recesses to accommodate the end portions. Contact with the sensor element can occur in the central portion, for example, at the second of the three bends.

[0012] In another embodiment, the urging element may include a spring element and an insulating element. The insulating element may be attached to the spring element and / or vice versa. The spring element may be made of metal, and the insulating element may be made of a thermally and / or electrically insulating material, such as plastic or resin. The sensor element may be at least partially embedded in the insulating element.

[0013] The temperature sensor assembly may include a recess for at least partially accommodating the push element. In particular, the recess may be located in the bracket component. The recess may serve to protect the push element. The recess may be open to and / or communicate with the receiving portion.

[0014] The recess may be groove-shaped to keep the construction compact.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment, the temperature sensor assembly may comprise a connection portion having at least one terminal for connection to the processing module.

[0016] The receiving portion may be located at a first side of the temperature sensor assembly, and the connecting portion may be located at a second side of the temperature sensor assembly opposite to the first side.

[0017] The definition of two sides can be relative to the insertion direction of the receiving portion and / or the pin. One side can be located behind the other side along the insertion direction.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the connection portion may be located in a housing part that is separable from the carrier part. The housing part may be separable or detachable from the carrier part. This allows one of the parts to be easily replaced.

[0019] In other forms, the housing member and / or the connecting portion may be integral with the bracket member.

[0020] In order to allow contact, at least one terminal may be connected to the sensor element. This connection may be made, for example, via an intermediate element such as a wire or cable.

[0021] The bracket component and the housing component can be adapted to be attached to each other. To this end, they can include attachment means, locking means, and / or securing means. In particular, they can include a latching mechanism or a snap mechanism. The connection between the two can be repeatedly disassembled.

[0022] The bracket component may include a housing component receiving portion for at least partially receiving the housing component.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the housing part may be adapted to be fixed to an external element, in particular an element of a motor vehicle.The housing part may comprise fixing means, in particular threaded holes.

[0024] Furthermore, the temperature sensor assembly may include a sealing element. For example, the sealing element may be external and used to seal with other components, such as parts of an automobile. The temperature sensor assembly may alternatively or additionally include a cable seal or a terminal seal to seal between the cable or terminal and a portion of the temperature sensor assembly, such as a housing component.

[0025] A kit for a temperature sensor assembly may include a bracket component with a receptacle for a temperature pin, a sensor element for measuring temperature, a pushing element for pushing the sensor element into the receptacle, and a housing component detachable from the bracket component, the housing component including a connecting portion having at least one terminal for connecting to a processing module.

[0026] The kit may also include at least one cable for connecting the sensor element to the terminals. To allow for a simple manufacturing process, the cable may be pre-mounted on the sensor element.

[0027] In a modular system that allows the creation of a temperature sensor that can be installed in different vehicles, the kit can include at least two different housing elements. The housing elements can have different dimensions, in particular lengths, and / or different fixing means.

[0028] To adapt to different housing elements, the cable can be pre-installed on the sensor element instead of the terminals. The cable can then be cut to the appropriate length depending on the housing it is to be installed in, and the terminals can then be installed.

[0029] To improve temperature measurement, a thermal paste, also called thermal glue or thermal adhesive, can be placed in the receptacle. This paste can specifically fill the area between and around the temperature pin and the sensor element. The paste can be pre-installed in the receptacle before the temperature pin is inserted, or applied afterwards.

[0030] The processing module may be, for example, an engine control unit (ECU) of a car.

[0031] The invention will now be described in more detail in an exemplary manner using advantageous embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are merely possible configurations, wherein the individual features described above can be provided independently of one another or can be omitted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a temperature sensor assembly;

[0034] Figure 2 Shown is the engine mounted Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 A schematic exploded perspective view of an embodiment of

[0036] Figure 4 Schematic perspective views of the first embodiment are shown from different angles;

[0037] Figure 5 A schematic perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a temperature sensor assembly;

[0038] Figure 6 Shown Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of

[0039] Figure 7 shows a schematic side view of yet another embodiment;

[0040] Figure 8 Shown according to Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] exist Figures 1 to 4 , a first embodiment of a temperature sensor assembly 100, particularly for use in the automotive sector, is shown. Temperature sensor assembly 100 includes a carrier component 10 having a receptacle 20 for a temperature pin 50. Temperature pin 50 may be located, for example, on the engine housing of a vehicle. The temperature measured at temperature pin 50 may be correlated to the temperature of a critical component of the engine.

[0042] In order to sense the temperature at the temperature pin 50, the temperature sensor assembly 100 further comprises a sensor element 30. The sensor element 30 may, for example, comprise a temperature-dependent resistor or other temperature-dependent electrical component.

[0043] Temperature pins 50 often have different shapes due to manufacturing tolerances. For example, they may be welded, and welding can result in different sizes or shapes. To ensure that the temperature pins 50 are always properly contacted, the temperature sensor assembly 100 further includes a pusher element 40 for pushing the sensor element 30 into the receptacle 20 and thus onto the temperature pins 50.

[0044] The pushing element 40 is adapted to push the sensor element 30 into the receptacle 20 at the side 25 of the receptacle 20 and thus onto the side of the temperature pin 50. The pushing element 40 pushes the sensor element 30 in a transverse direction T (transverse to, in particular perpendicular to, the insertion direction I of the receptacle 20) along which the temperature pin 50 is inserted into the receptacle 20. The sensor element 30 and / or the pushing element 40 may form one side of the receptacle 20.

[0045] The push element 40 of the illustrated embodiment is a single element, namely a spring element 41. The spring element 41 is in particular a leaf spring 42 having three bends 44 of alternating curvature directions and two end portions 47 which are retained in the slot 18 of the carrier part 10.

[0046] The pushing element 40 is produced from a metal strip, for example by cutting, bending and / or stamping.

[0047] The pushing element 40 contacts the sensor element 30 at the central curved portion 44. Figure 2 , the sensor element 30 is shown twice. Once, i.e. in a fully visible form, the sensor element 30 is shown in an undeflected position. The deflected configuration of the sensor element 30 is shown in another form in dashed lines.

[0048] The temperature sensor assembly 100 comprises a recess 15 for at least partially accommodating the push element 40 . The recess 15 is open towards the receiving portion 20 , so that the sensor element 30 can be pushed onto the temperature pin 50 .

[0049] The recess 15 is groove-shaped to allow the sensor element 30 and the pushing element 40 to move easily.

[0050] The tension recess 85 on the bracket member 10 allows the receiving portion 20 to expand when the temperature pin 50 is inserted.

[0051] The temperature sensor assembly 100 further comprises a connection portion 60 having at least one terminal 65 for connection to a processing module (not shown in detail). In such a processing module, the signal from the temperature sensor assembly can be further processed.

[0052] To allow for simple installation, the receiving portion 20 is located on a first side 11 of the temperature sensor assembly 100 , and the connecting portion 60 is located on a second side 12 of the temperature sensor assembly 100 opposite to the first side 11 .

[0053] The connecting portion 60 is located in a housing member 70 that is detachable from the bracket member 10. It can be repeatedly attached and detached. In other forms, the housing member 70 and / or the connecting portion 60 can be integral with the bracket member 10.

[0054] At least one terminal 65 in the connection portion 60 is connected to the sensor element 30. This connection may be made directly or indirectly via an intermediate element such as a wire or cable 68.

[0055] The bracket component 10 and the housing component 70 are adapted to be attached to each other. They may include locking, securing or attaching members 75. For example, a latching mechanism may allow a latching connection between the two.

[0056] The bracket component 10 includes a housing component receptacle 17 for at least partially receiving the housing component 70 .

[0057] The housing part 70 is suitable for being fixed to an external element, in particular an element of a motor vehicle. It comprises a fixing member 77 , for example in the form of at least one threaded hole 78 .

[0058] The temperature sensor assembly 100 further includes sealing elements 91, 92, namely a sealing element 91 for sealing with other elements such as a part of a vehicle, and a cable seal 92 or terminal seal for sealing between a cable or terminal and a part of the temperature sensor assembly 100 (e.g., housing component 70).

[0059] exist Figure 5 and 6 , a second embodiment of a temperature sensor assembly 100 is shown. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment particularly in the length of housing component 70, in which connection portion 60 is located. In the second embodiment, housings 70, 70B are longer in the insertion direction than housings 70, 70A in the first embodiment. This longer housing component 70 allows temperature sensor assembly 100 to be used in a variety of engines and / or vehicles.

[0060] Each of these two embodiments can be considered as a kit 200 for a temperature sensor assembly 100, the kit 200 comprising a bracket part 10 with a receptacle 20 for a temperature pin 50, a sensor element 30 for measuring temperature, a pushing element 40 for pushing the sensor element 30 into the receptacle 20, and a housing part 70 detachable from the bracket part 10, the housing part 70 comprising a connecting portion 60 having at least one terminal 65 for connecting to a processing module.

[0061] Advantageously, the kit 100 also includes at least one cable 68 for connecting the sensor element 30 to the terminals 65. The cable 68 can be pre-installed on the sensor element 30 but not on the terminals 65, so that the same cable 68 can be used to produce different temperature sensor assemblies 100. Depending on the length of the housing component 70, the cable 68 can be cut to the appropriate length, and the terminals 65 can then be added to the cable 68.

[0062] The kit 200 may in particular comprise at least two different housing elements 70, 70A, 70B, for example differing in size, in particular length, or in the type and number of fixing members 77. With such a kit 200, a user can create a suitable temperature sensor assembly 100 for different types of vehicles.

[0063] To improve temperature measurement, a thermally conductive paste, also known as thermal glue or thermal adhesive, may be present in the receptacle 20. The thermally conductive paste may, in particular, fill the area between and around the temperature pin 50 and the sensor element 30. The thermally conductive paste may be pre-installed in the receptacle 20 before the temperature pin 50 is inserted, or applied afterwards.

[0064] Figure 7 and 8 Another embodiment of a temperature sensor assembly 100 is shown. The sensor element 30 is again pushed into the receiving portion by the pushing element 40. The pushing element 40 includes a spring element 41 attached to an insulating element 48. The spring element 41 can be made of metal, and the insulating element 48 can be made of a thermally and electrically insulating material, such as plastic. The sensor element 30 can be at least partially embedded in the insulating element 48.

Claims

1. A temperature sensor assembly (100), in particular for use in the automotive sector, comprising a carrier component (10) with a receptacle (20) for a temperature pin (50), a sensor element (30) for measuring the temperature of the temperature pin (50), and a push element (40) for pushing the sensor element (30) into the receptacle and deflecting the sensor element (30) relative to the temperature pin (50).

2. The temperature sensor assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein The pushing element (40) is adapted to push the sensor element (30) into the receiving portion (20) at a side (25) of the receiving portion (20).

3. The temperature sensor assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein The pushing element (40) comprises a spring element (41).

4. The temperature sensor assembly (100) according to claim 3, wherein The spring element (41) comprises a leaf spring (42).

5. The temperature sensor assembly (100) according to claim 4, wherein The leaf spring (42) includes three curved portions (44) having alternating directions of curvature.

6. The temperature sensor assembly (100) according to claim 5, wherein The leaf spring (42) is attached at both end portions (47).

7. The temperature sensor assembly (100) according to claim 6, wherein The temperature sensor assembly (100) comprises a recess (15) for at least partially accommodating the pushing element (40).

8. The temperature sensor assembly (100) according to claim 7, wherein The recess (15) is groove-shaped.

9. The temperature sensor assembly (100) according to claim 8, wherein The temperature sensor assembly (100) includes a connecting portion (60) having at least one terminal (65) for connecting to a processing module.

10. The temperature sensor assembly (100) according to claim 9, wherein The receiving portion (20) is located on a first side (11) of the temperature sensor assembly (100), and the connecting portion (60) is located on a second side (12) of the temperature sensor assembly (100) opposite to the first side (11).

11. The temperature sensor assembly (100) according to claim 10, wherein The connecting portion (60) is located in a housing member (70) that is detachable from the bracket member (10).

12. The temperature sensor assembly (100) according to claim 11, wherein The bracket component (10) includes a housing component receiving portion (17) for at least partially receiving the housing component (70).

13. The temperature sensor assembly (100) according to claim 12, wherein The housing part (70) is suitable for being fastened to an external element, in particular an element of a motor vehicle.

14. A kit (200) for a temperature sensor assembly (100), comprising a bracket part (10) with a receiving portion (20) for a temperature pin (50), a sensor element (30) for measuring the temperature of the temperature pin (50), a pushing element (40) for pushing the sensor element (30) into the receiving portion (20) and deflecting the sensor element (30) relative to the temperature pin (50), and a housing part (70) detachable from the bracket part (10), the housing part (70) including a connecting portion (60) having at least one terminal (65) for connecting to a processing module.

15. The kit (200) of claim 14, wherein: The kit (200) comprises at least two distinct housing elements.

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