Temperature sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to a temperature sensor (1), comprising a plug coupling (2), which has an integrated temperature sensor (3) and a receptacle (4), which has an opening (5) for inserting a plug pin (6), the position of the opening (5) of the receptacle (4) being variable perpendicularly to the plug direction (R) of the plug coupling (2). The invention further relates to a sensor device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A temperature sensor and a sensor arrangement having a temperature sensor are provided. Background Art

[0002] Temperature sensors are used, for example, to determine the operating temperature of an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. In a vehicle, the engine is operated, in particular, with a load curve that can vary greatly over time. In order to avoid damage to the engine during operation, it is therefore advantageous to accurately determine the operating temperature. In this context, it is particularly important to determine the operating temperature of components within the engine that are subject to strong thermal loads, such as the coils of the stator of an electric motor. Temperature sensors are known, for example, from the publication US2020 / 026689 A1. Summary of the invention

[0003] At least one object of certain specific embodiments of the invention is to provide an improved temperature sensor which can be installed more easily. This object is achieved by the subject matter having the features of claim 1 .

[0004] Advantageous embodiments and developments of the temperature sensor and of the sensor arrangement are specified in the dependent claims.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor comprises a plug-in connector having an integrated temperature probe and a receptacle having an opening for inserting a plug pin, wherein the position of the opening of the receptacle can be varied perpendicular to the plugging direction of the plug-in connector. The plug-in connector is preferably configured for reversible plug-in connection with the plug pin. In other words, the plug-in connection between the plug-in connector and the plug pin can be disconnected without damaging the plug-in connector and the plug pin. Alternatively, the plug-in connector can be configured for irreversible plug-in connection with the plug pin, so that the plug-in connection can only be disconnected by destroying one of the plug-in connector and the plug pin or destroying the plug-in connector and the plug pin.

[0006] The plug-in connector is particularly designed for a positive, non-positive or positive and non-positive connection to the plug pin. For example, the opening of the receptacle and the plug pin have the same or similar cross-sections, so that after plugging the plug-in connector onto the plug pin, a mechanically stable connection is produced between the plug-in connector and the plug pin. Here and hereinafter, a cross-section particularly refers to a surface perpendicular to the plugging direction.

[0007] The opening of the receiving portion is, for example, a blind hole, which is arranged on the end face of the plug connector. The opening has, for example, a circular, oval, square, rectangular or polygonal cross section. The linear expansion of the opening in the plugging direction is preferably greater than the linear expansion of the cross section of the opening. As a result, the plug connection between the plug connector and the plug pin is particularly stable with respect to forces acting on the plug connector opposite to the plugging direction.

[0008] The temperature probe is, for example, an electrical component or part of an electrical component which provides an electrical signal as a measure representing the temperature. Preferably, the temperature sensor is arranged within the plug connector. For example, the temperature probe is embedded in the material of the plug connector. The plug connector can also have a cavity or a hole, into which the temperature probe is introduced. After the plug connector is plugged onto the plug pin, the temperature probe is preferably arranged in the immediate vicinity of the plug pin. For example, the temperature probe is arranged at or near the bottom surface or side surface of the opening of the receptacle. The temperature probe can also be arranged directly on the bottom surface or side surface within the opening.

[0009] The plug connector has, for example, an element or material which increases the thermal conductivity of the plug connector. In particular, the thermal conductivity can be increased in the contact area with the plug pin, thereby improving the thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the plug pin. For example, the plug connector has a matrix material with embedded metal particles, metal fibers or carbon fibers with high thermal conductivity. The matrix material is, for example, plastic.

[0010] The position of the opening of the receptacle is variable, for example, relative to a mounting plate of the temperature sensor. The mounting plate is in particular configured to mechanically fasten the temperature sensor to the housing. For example, the mounting plate can be fixedly screwed to the housing. In particular, the position of the opening of the receptacle is variable, so that the plug connector at least partially compensates for a movement of the plug pin relative to the fastened mounting plate of the temperature sensor when the temperature sensor is plugged onto the plug pin. Furthermore, the opening of the receptacle can be variable, so that the plug connector at least partially compensates for a movement of the plug pin relative to the fastened mounting plate of the temperature sensor during operation of the temperature sensor.

[0011] By means of the variable position of the opening of the receptacle, in particular, a movement of the plug pin in a direction perpendicular to the plugging direction is compensated. The plug coupling can also be configured to compensate for a movement of the plug pin in the plugging direction after plugging onto the plug pin. Vibrations of the engine during operation, for example, cause relative movements between the housing and the plug pin within the housing. The variable position of the opening of the receptacle thus allows, for example, compensation of such movements.

[0012] According to a further embodiment of the temperature sensor, the position of the opening of the receptacle can be varied by at least 50%, preferably by at least 100% and particularly preferably by at least 200% of the diameter of the opening of the receptacle. In this and the following, the diameter denotes the maximum linear expansion of the cross section. In particular, the position of the opening of the receptacle is variable relative to a mounting plate of the temperature sensor without damaging the temperature sensor. Preferably, the change in the position of the opening of the receptacle is reversible.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the temperature sensor, the opening of the receptacle has an introduction bevel. In other words, the opening of the receptacle has a funnel-shaped section, so that the diameter of the opening of the receptacle at the end face of the plug connector is larger than the diameter of the cross section of the plug pin. For example, the diameter of the opening of the receptacle at the end face of the plug connector is at least 50%, preferably at least 100% larger than the diameter of the cross section of the plug pin.

[0014] The insertion bevel makes it particularly easy to plug the plug connector onto the plug pin. For example, the insertion bevel allows blind mounting of a temperature sensor from outside the housing, wherein the position of the plug pin inside the housing has a tolerance, for example in a direction perpendicular to the plugging direction, of at most 50%, preferably at most 100%, of the diameter of the cross section of the plug pin.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the temperature sensor, the plug connector has a flexible material, so that the position of the opening of the receptacle can be changed by reversible deformation of a part of the plug connector. For example, the length of the plug connector in the plugging direction is greater than the width of the plug connector perpendicular to the plugging direction. In particular, the position of the opening can be changed by bending the plug connector. For example, the plug connector has a flexible plastic, in particular silicone or elastomeric rubber, or consists of one of these materials.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the temperature sensor, the receiving portion comprises a plurality of tightly packed pins, which are arranged parallel to the plug-in direction and can be moved parallel to the plug-in direction. Preferably, the pins can be moved independently of each other. The pins are particularly tightly packed so that directly adjacent pins are at least partially in direct contact.

[0017] The features of the pin described below apply to most pins, preferably to all pins. The pin has, for example, a round, oval, square, rectangular, hexagonal or polygonal cross section. The diameter of the cross section of the pin is preferably smaller than the diameter of the cross section of the plug pin. The length of the pin is preferably greater than the preset insertion depth of the plug pin in the receptacle. In particular, the pin can be moved from the end face of the plug connector to the insertion depth. The pin has, for example, a metal such as iron, copper or aluminum, a plastic, carbon, Teflon, or a ceramic, or consists of one of these materials.

[0018] When the plug connector is plugged onto the plug pin, for example, the part of the pin that is in direct contact with the plug pin moves in the opposite direction of the plugging direction. In particular, an opening is formed in the receptacle by the movement of the pin when the plug connector is plugged onto the plug pin. The position of the opening in the receptacle is thus variable and is adapted to the position of the plug pin when plugged onto the plug pin. Preferably, the diameter of the receptacle in which the pin is arranged is greater than the diameter of the plug pin. For example, the diameter of the receptacle is at least 50%, preferably at least 100% and particularly preferably at least 200% greater than the diameter of the plug pin.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the temperature sensor, the temperature probe is in direct contact with at least one of the pins. The pin thus establishes thermal contact between the temperature probe and the plug pin. Preferably, the pin has a high thermal conductivity. For example, the pin comprises metal. Thus, the temperature of the plug pin can advantageously be determined particularly accurately.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the temperature sensor can be used in a temperature range between −40° C. and 230° C. inclusive. In particular, the flexible material of the plug connector retains its flexible properties in this temperature range.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the temperature sensor, the temperature detector has a temperature-dependent resistor. For example, the temperature detector is a negative temperature coefficient resistor or a positive temperature coefficient resistor. In a negative temperature coefficient resistor, the resistance decreases as the temperature increases, while in a positive temperature coefficient resistor, the resistance increases as the temperature increases.

[0022] Furthermore, a sensor device is proposed. The sensor device has in particular a temperature sensor described here. All features of the temperature sensor are also disclosed for the sensor device and vice versa.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the sensor device has a temperature sensor for plugging onto a plug pin. The temperature sensor has at least one of the features described above. The plug pin is arranged within the housing and is accessible via an opening in the housing, wherein the receptacle of the temperature sensor compensates for a displacement, movement or displacement and movement of the plug pin relative to the opening in the housing by means of its variability, so that thermal contact is produced between the plug pin and the temperature probe. The housing is, for example, the housing of an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. The diameter of the plug pin is, for example, between 1 mm and 1 cm, inclusive.

[0024] For example, a variable opening of the receptacle of the plug connector can compensate for tolerances in the position of the plug pin when the temperature sensor is installed. In particular, the plug connector is plugged onto the plug pin when the temperature sensor is installed. The variable opening of the receptacle of the plug connector can also compensate for displacements, movements, or displacements and movements of the position of the plug pin in the housing during operation of the temperature sensor.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the sensor device, the plug connector closes the opening in the housing in a liquid-tight manner when plugged onto the plug pin. The plug connector can also close the opening in the housing in a liquid-tight and gas-tight manner. For example, the housing is part of an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, wherein no liquid should enter the housing or leave the housing.

[0026] When the plug connector is plugged onto the plug pin, the opening in the housing is sealed in a liquid-tight manner, which in particular enables simple installation and simple replacement of the temperature sensor. For example, the opening in the housing does not have to be sealed in another separate step after the temperature sensor is installed.

[0027] By closing the opening in a liquid-tight manner, for example, a permanent function of an electric motor or an internal combustion engine is ensured. For example, the plug connector closes the opening in a liquid-tight manner with respect to water, oil, gasoline, diesel or a combination of these liquids. Furthermore, the plug connector can close the opening in a liquid-tight manner with respect to an aerosol containing at least one of these liquids.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the sensor device, the plug pin comprises a plug-in coil of a hairpin stator of the electric motor or generator. In particular, the plug connector of the temperature sensor is plugged directly onto the plug-in coil of the hairpin stator. The temperature sensor is therefore configured in particular to accurately determine the temperature of the plug-in coil of the hairpin stator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the temperature sensor and of the sensor arrangement result from the exemplary embodiments described below in conjunction with the figures.

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a temperature sensor according to an embodiment is shown.

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a temperature sensor according to one embodiment is shown.

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic perspective view shows a portion of a temperature sensor according to another embodiment.

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view shows a portion of a temperature sensor according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic sectional view of a sensor arrangement according to one exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0035] Identical, similar or identically functioning elements are provided with the same reference numerals in the drawings. The drawings and the size relationships of the elements shown in the drawings to one another are not to be regarded as being true to scale. Rather, individual elements may be shown exaggeratedly or reduced in size for better illustration or for better understanding. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] according to Figure 1 The temperature sensor 1 of the embodiment in the embodiment comprises a mounting plate 9 having a plug connector 2 arranged thereon. The mounting plate 9 is configured for mechanically fastening the temperature sensor 1 to a housing 11 (not shown). In addition, the mounting plate 9 has a seal 13, by means of which the opening 12 in the housing 11 can be closed liquid-tightly when the temperature sensor 1 is mounted.

[0037] The plug-in connector 2 has a receptacle 4 with an opening 5, so that the plug-in connector 2 can be reversibly plugged onto a plug pin 6 (not shown). In particular, the plug pin 6 is introduced into the opening 5 of the receptacle 4 during insertion. The opening 5 of the receptacle 4 is designed as a blind hole, which is arranged on the end face of the plug-in connector 2. In particular, a form-fitting and force-fitting plug connection can be established between the temperature sensor 1 and the plug pin 6 by means of the plug-in connector 2. In order to improve the mechanical connection between the plug-in connector 2 and the plug pin 6, a projection is provided on the side surface of the blind hole, which projection is configured for a form-fitting connection with a corresponding protrusion on the plug pin 6. In addition, the opening 5 of the receptacle 4 has an introduction bevel 7. The introduction bevel 7 makes it easier to install the temperature sensor 1 blindly.

[0038] The plug connector 2 comprises a flexible material, for example silicone or an elastomer rubber. The plug connector 2 is therefore bendable and the position of the opening 5 of the receptacle 4 can be varied perpendicularly to the plug-in direction R and relative to the mounting plate 9. Here, the position of the opening 5 of the receptacle 4 can be shifted perpendicularly to the plug-in direction R by at least 50% of the diameter D of the opening 5 of the receptacle 4. As a result, when installing the temperature sensor 1, for example, tolerances between the position of the plug pin 6 in the housing 11 and the position of the opening 12 in the housing 11 can be compensated.

[0039] A temperature sensor 3 is embedded in the plug connector 2 and is arranged next to the opening 5 of the receptacle 4. During operation of the temperature sensor 1, a good thermal contact is thus produced between the temperature sensor 3 and the plug pin 6. The temperature sensor 3 is, for example, a temperature-dependent resistor.

[0040] Figure 2 Shown according to the combination Figure 1Sectional view of a temperature sensor of the described exemplary embodiment. In particular, a cavity 14 is formed within the plug connector 2, which is arranged next to the opening 5 of the receptacle 4. The cavity 14 is, for example, a blind hole and extends from the side of the plug connector 2 facing away from the end face into the receptacle 4. The temperature sensor 3 is arranged within the cavity 14.

[0041] according to Figure 3 The plug connector 2 of the temperature sensor 1 of the embodiment in FIG. 4 has a receptacle 4 with a plurality of pins 8, which are arranged in a close arrangement. In this case, directly adjacent pins 8 at least partially touch each other. The pins 8 are in particular each supported on a spring and can be moved independently of each other parallel to the plug-in direction R.

[0042] When the plug connector 2 is plugged onto the plug pin 6 , the pin 8 , which is in direct contact with the plug pin 6 , is pressed into the receptacle 4 opposite to the plugging direction R. As a result, an opening 5 is formed in the receptacle 4 , in which the plug pin 6 is arranged.

[0043] The temperature probe 3 is in direct contact with at least one pin 8 . The pin 8 thus establishes thermal contact between the plug pin 6 and the temperature probe 3 .

[0044] Figure 4 Shown according to the combination Figure 3 Schematic cross section of a plug connector 2 of a temperature sensor 1 of the described embodiment. In particular, Figure 4 A cross section perpendicular to the plug-in direction R in the region of the receptacle 4 is shown. The pin that is pressed into the receptacle 4 when the plug connector 2 is plugged onto the plug pin 6 is shown here with oblique lines. As a result of plugging the plug connector 2 onto the plug pin, an opening 5 is formed in the receptacle 4. The diameter D of the opening 5 in the receptacle 4 is smaller than the diameter of the receptacle in which the pin 8 is arranged. For example, the diameter D of the opening 5 in the receptacle 4 is at most 50% of the diameter of the receptacle 4.

[0045] In particular, the opening 5 can be formed in any region within the receptacle 4 where the pin 8 is arranged. The position of the opening 5 of the receptacle 4 is thus variable and can be adapted to the position of the plug pin 6 during the installation of the temperature sensor 1. This simplifies, for example, blind installation of the temperature sensor 1.

[0046] according to Figure 5 The sensor device 10 of the embodiment in the embodiment comprises a housing 11 with an opening 12 and a temperature sensor 1. The housing 11 is, for example, part of an electric motor. The temperature sensor 1 corresponds to a combination Figure 1 In particular, the temperature sensor 1 has a mounting plate 9 and a flexible plug-in connector 2 which has a temperature probe 3 and a receptacle 4 for a plug pin 6 .

[0047] The plug pin 6 is arranged in the housing 11 and is configured to establish thermal contact with the temperature probe 3. The plug pin 5 comprises, for example, a plug-in coil of a hairpin stator of an electric motor. The temperature sensor 1 is therefore configured to measure the operating temperature of the plug-in coil of the hairpin stator as accurately as possible.

[0048] The displacement V between the position of the opening 12 in the housing 11 and the position of the plug pin 6 is, for example, the result of vibrations during operation of the electric motor or tolerances during the manufacture of the electric motor. The displacement V makes the installation of the temperature sensor 1 more difficult, for example. The displacement V can be compensated by the flexible, in particular bendable plug connector 2 of the temperature sensor 1. For example, the flexible plug connector 2 can allow the position of the opening 5 of the receptacle 4 to be varied by at least 50% of the diameter of the opening 5 of the receptacle 4. As a result, the temperature sensor 1 can advantageously be installed blindly more simply. Furthermore, the flexible plug connector 2 can compensate for the displacement V caused by vibrations during operation of the electric motor.

[0049] The mounting plate 9 has a seal 13 which seals the opening 12 in the housing 11 in a liquid-tight manner when the plug connector 2 is plugged onto the plug pin 6. As a result, no liquid, such as water, can enter the electric motor. In addition, the temperature sensor 1 can be replaced easily.

[0050] The invention is not limited to this by the description based on the exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention includes any novel features and any combination of features, which in particular includes any combination of features in the claims, even when the feature or the combination itself is not explicitly described in the claims or exemplary embodiments.

[0051] List of reference numerals:

[0052] 1 Temperature sensor

[0053] 2 Plug connector

[0054] 3 Temperature probes

[0055] 4. Accommodation

[0056] 5 Opening of the receiving part

[0057] 6 Connector pin

[0058] 7. Introducing the Incline

[0059] 8 Pins

[0060] 9 Mounting plate

[0061] 10Sensor device

[0062] 11 Shell

[0063] 12 Opening in the housing

[0064] 13 Seals

[0065] 14 Cavity

[0066] R Plug direction

[0067] D Diameter

[0068] V Move

Claims

1. A temperature sensor (1), comprising a plug-in connector (2), the plug-in connector having an integrated temperature probe (3) and a receptacle (4), the receptacle having an opening (5) for inserting a plug pin (6), wherein the position of the opening (5) of the receptacle (4) can be varied perpendicularly to a plug-in direction (R) of the plug-in connector (2).

2. The temperature sensor (1) according to the preceding claim, The position of the opening (5) of the receiving portion (4) can be varied by at least 50% of the diameter (D) of the opening (5) of the receiving portion (4).

3. The temperature sensor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, The opening (5) of the receiving portion (4) has an introduction bevel (7).

4. The temperature sensor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, The plug-in connector (2) comprises a flexible material, so that the position of the opening (5) of the receptacle (4) can be varied by reversible deformation of a part of the plug-in connector (2).

5. The temperature sensor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, The receiving portion (4) comprises a plurality of tightly packed pins (8), which are arranged parallel to the plug-in direction (R) and can move parallel to the plug-in direction (R).

6. Temperature sensor (1) according to the preceding claim, The temperature probe (3) is in direct contact with at least one of the pins (8).

7. The temperature sensor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, The temperature sensor described therein can be used in a temperature range between -40° C. and 230° C. inclusive.

8. The temperature sensor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, The temperature sensor (3) has a temperature-dependent resistance.

9. A sensor device (10), comprising: A temperature sensor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, for being plugged onto a plug pin (6), wherein the plug pin (6) is arranged within a housing (11) and is accessible via an opening (12) in the housing (11), and wherein the receptacle (4) compensates for a displacement (V) or movement of the plug pin (6) relative to the opening (12) in the housing (11) by means of its variability, so that thermal contact is produced between the plug pin (6) and the temperature probe (3).

10. The sensor device (10) according to the preceding claim, The plug-in coupling (2) closes the opening (12) in the housing (11) in a fluid-tight manner when plugged onto the plug pin (6).

11. The sensor device (10) according to claim 9 or 10, The plug pin (6) comprises a plug-in coil of a hairpin stator of an electric motor or a generator.

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