Sensor device

Abstract

There is described a sensor arrangement comprising: a base body (2); a metal body (3) connected to the base body (2); a central housing (7), the base body (2) and the metal body (3) being arranged at least partially inside the central housing (7); at least one NTC thermistor (4), the at least one NTC thermistor (4) being arranged in the metal body (3); at least one terminal (6) for electrically connecting the sensor device (1); and an inner seal (9). An inner seal (9) is arranged between the metal body (3) and the central housing (7) and the inner seal (9) is adapted and arranged to seal the interior of the sensor device (1) from the environment. Furthermore, a use of the sensor device (1) is described.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor device.

[0002] When using an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient)-based temperature sensor in applications where 100% environmental sealing is required, i.e., in automotive applications, if a fast response time is needed (t63 < 3 s in liquid), it is currently inevitable to use a technically complex, bulky, and expensive turned metal housing.

[0003] However, current solutions do not meet all requirements at once. Do they:

[0004] - Provide a fast response time, but have a complex housing and are bulky, or

[0005] - Be light and easy to manufacture (all-plastic sensor), but provide a very slow response time (t63 > 15 s in liquid).

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a sensor device that solves the above problems.

[0007] This object is solved by a sensor device and a use of the sensor device according to the independent claims.

[0008] According to one aspect, a temperature sensor device is described. The temperature sensor device (abbreviation: sensor device) is adapted to measure the temperature in a liquid (e.g., in water and / or oil). The sensor device may be intended for use in automotive applications (e.g., for electric motors, transmissions, coolant circuits, etc.).

[0009] The sensor device includes a base body. The base body includes plastic. In particular, the base body is a molded plastic part. Therefore, the base body is very easy to manufacture and very light in weight. The base body is an inner body. In particular, the base body is at least partially arranged inside the sensor device.

[0010] The sensor device further includes a metal body. The metal body is in the shape of a sleeve. The metal body is hollow. The metal body includes an open end and a closed end. The metal body includes a metal housing. The metal body is connected to, preferably in an irreleasable manner (e.g., clamped, snap-fitted, or glued), to the base body.

[0011] The sensor device further includes a central housing. The central housing includes plastic. The central housing may be molded. Therefore, the central housing is also a very light-weight component. The base body and the metal body are at least partially arranged inside the central housing. The base body is connected to the central housing, e.g., clamped or screwed to the central housing.

[0012] The sensor device further includes at least one NTC thermistor. The NTC thermistor is arranged within the metal body. The sensor device further includes at least one terminal for electrically connecting the sensor device. The terminal is arranged inside the base body. The at least one terminal and the at least one NTC thermistor are overmolded. The base body can be used for overmolding the NTC thermistor and the terminal. In other words, the NTC thermistor and the at least one terminal can be overmolded with the plastic material of the base body.

[0013] The sensor device further includes an internal seal. The internal seal can include an O-ring. The inner diameter d of the internal seal can be 3.5 mm ± 0.14 mm. The thickness t of the internal seal can be 1.5 mm ± 0.08 mm.

[0014] The internal seal is arranged inside the central housing. The internal seal is arranged between the metal body, in particular the outer surface of the metal body, and the central housing, in particular the inner surface of the central housing.

[0015] The internal seal is adapted and arranged to seal the interior of the sensor device relative to the environment. This means that the internal seal is specifically designed / formed and positioned, and there is a specific interrelationship between the internal seal and the other components of the sensor device to seal the interior of the sensor device. The internal seal ensures complete sealing of the sensor device at its installation location, as liquid ingress into the interior of the sensor device is prevented due to the internal seal.

[0016] The internal seal can seal against the central housing. In other words, the internal seal can prevent liquid from leaking between the central housing and the other components of the sensor device (such as the metal body and / or the base body). Thus, liquid leakage into the interior of the sensor device is prevented.

[0017] Thus, a reliable, lightweight and easy-to-manufacture sensor device with a very fast response time is provided.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the internal seal is supported by the base body. In other words, the internal seal can be located on the base body. In this case, the metal body can include a smooth or straight outer surface.

[0019] The base body can include a connector. The connector can be molded. The base body and the connector can be integrally constructed, i.e., the base body and the connector can form a single component of the sensor device. The connector is adapted and arranged to connect the metal body and the base body to each other. The internal seal can be arranged on the base body at the location of the connector. In this way, a reliable internal seal of the sensor device can be provided.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the metal body includes a flange. In other words, a stepped portion may exist on the outer surface of the metal body (i.e., the outer surface may not be smooth / straight). The internal seal may be arranged on the flange of the metal body. Thus, the internal seal can be at least partially supported by the metal body. In this way, the interior of the sensor device can be sealed relative to the environment in a reliable manner.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the metal body includes a deep-drawn metal housing. By introducing an internal seal, the sensor device can use a deep-drawn metal housing that is easy to manufacture, cost-effective, and lightweight, while maintaining a fast response time. Conventional turned housings are much heavier than deep-drawn housings. Therefore, a significantly lighter sensor device can be achieved compared to conventional sensor devices by using a deep-drawn metal housing.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the response time of the sensor device is very fast. In water, the sensor device can include a response time t63 < 2 s. Thus, a very effective sensor device is provided.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the central housing is designed to connect the sensor device to an application. This means that the central housing has a very specific shape for enabling the connection of the sensor device to the application. The central housing can have an adaptable external shape. In other words, the external shape of the central housing can be adjusted according to different installation positions and / or according to the required installation features.

[0024] Regardless of what the customer interface is, the core design (metal body / housing, base body) of the sensor device can be the same, while the central housing can be adapted to a specific installation situation. Thus, a higher degree of sustainability and the most cost-effective solution can be achieved.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor device further includes at least one fastening device. The fastening device can be adapted and arranged to fasten the sensor device to an application. The fastening device can be located on the outside of the central housing. The fastening device can be part of the central housing. In particular, the fastening device and the central housing can be integrally constructed.

[0026] The central housing, and in particular the fastening device, can be designed / adapted according to a specific installation situation. In other words, the fastening device can be adaptable.

[0027] For example, the fastening device can include at least one clamping element for enabling a snap-fit connection of the sensor device to the application. Alternatively, the fastening device can include lugs. A metal bushing can be provided in the lugs for achieving a threaded connection of the sensor device to the application. Alternatively, the fastening device can include a thread, particularly an external thread of the central housing.

[0028] In summary, a very general and flexibly applicable sensor device is provided, which can be adapted to a specific customer interface.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the operating temperature of the sensor device is between -40°C and 150°C. Thus, a sensor device that can be used in various applications is provided.

[0030] According to another aspect, the use of the sensor device is described. The sensor device is the same as the sensor device described above. Thus, all features described in connection with the sensor device apply to the use of the sensor device, and vice versa.

[0031] The sensor device can be used for temperature measurement of liquids in a sealing system. In particular, the sensor device can be at least partially immersed in a liquid (e.g., water or oil) for measuring the temperature of the liquid. The sensor device can be intended for use in automotive applications (e.g., for electric motors, transmissions, coolant circuits, etc.).

[0032] Due to the specific configuration of the sensor device described above, very fast and effective temperature measurement is provided. The sensor device is completely sealed and thus very reliable and durable.

[0033] Other features, improvements, and conveniences become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1A and Figure 1B shows a sensor device according to a first embodiment,

[0035] Figure 2A and Figure 2B shows a sensor device according to a second embodiment,

[0036] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a sensor device according to a second embodiment,

[0037] Figure 4 shows according to Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of the sensor device installed in an application,

[0038] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a metal body according to a second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view and a top view of the internal seal of the sensor device.

[0040] In Figure 1AAnd Figure 1B shows a temperature sensor device 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as: sensor device 1) according to a first embodiment. The sensor device 1 is an immersion type temperature sensor device. In other words, the sensor device 1 is adapted to measure the temperature in a liquid (such as water and / or oil). The sensor device 1 can be used in a wide temperature range. The operating temperature of the sensor device 1 is between -40°C and 150°C. The sensor device 1 has high precision at both temperature ends. Preferably, the sensor device 1 is used for automotive applications.

[0041] The sensor device 1 includes a plastic base body 2. The base body 2 is molded. The base body 2 is an inner body, which means that the base body 2 is at least partially arranged inside the sensor device 1, which will be described in detail later. The outer diameter of the base body 2 can be adjusted for different application interfaces (such as different pipe diameters, etc.).

[0042] The sensor device 1 further includes a metal body 3. The metal body 3 includes aluminum. The metal body 3 is hollow. The metal body 3 is in the shape of a sleeve. The metal body 3 has an open end and a closed end. The metal body 3 includes a metal shell, especially a deep-drawn metal shell. In this embodiment, the metal body 3 includes a smooth outer surface. In other words, there are no stepped portions on the outer surface of the metal body 3.

[0043] An NTC thermistor 4 is provided inside the metal body 3 ( Figure 1B ). The NTC thermistor 4 is arranged close to the closed end of the metal body 3. The NTC thermistor 4 is overmolded with the plastic material of the base body 2.

[0044] The metal body 3 is connected to the base body 2. For example, the metal body 3 can be clamped or snap-fitted to the base body 2. In this embodiment, the base body 2 includes a connector 11. The connector 11 is a part of the base body 2. In other words, the connector 11 and the base body 2 form a single molded part of the sensor device 1. The connector 11 partially protrudes into the interior of the metal body 3 for connecting the metal body 3 and the base body 2 to each other.

[0045] The metal body 3 and the base body 2 are partially arranged in a central housing 7. The central housing 7 includes plastic. The central housing 7 is a molded part. The central housing 7 has a top opening 7A and a bottom opening 7B ( Figure 1B ). The metal body 3 and thus the NTC thermistor 4 arranged inside the metal body 3 partially protrude from the bottom opening 7B. The base body 2 partially protrudes from the top opening 7A.

[0046] The base body 2 is connected to the central housing 7. For example, the base body 2 and the central housing 7 are connected by snap-fit connection. For this purpose, the base body 2 includes at least one first locking device 16, such as a lug, and the central housing 7 includes at least one mating second locking device 17, such as a projection (see Figure 1A ). Of course, all different kinds of locking devices can be envisaged, such as lugs, projections, clamping elements, elastic arms, threaded elements, etc. The base body 2 and the central housing 7 are firmly connected to each other by the mechanical cooperation of the first locking device 16 and the second locking device 17.

[0047] The sensor device 1 also includes terminals 6 for electrically connecting the sensor device 1 ( Figure 1B ). The corresponding terminals 6 are arranged inside the base body 2. As in the case of the NTC thermistor 4, the corresponding terminals 6 are overmolded.

[0048] The sensor device 1 also includes a plurality of sealing elements 8, namely an inner O-ring and an outer O-ring. The sealing elements 8 are arranged on the outer side of the central housing 7 (for example, see Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2A , Figure 2B ) and / or on the outer side of the base body 2 between the base body 2 and the central housing 7 (for example, see Figure 2B ). The sealing elements 8 are used to provide sealing of the sensor device 1 and to prevent leakage.

[0049] The sensor device 1 constitutes a completely sealed system, that is, the sensor device 1 is completely sealed with respect to the environment. For this purpose, the sensor device 1 also includes an internal seal 9 ( Figure 1B ). The internal seal 9 includes an O-ring. The inner diameter d of the internal seal 9 can be 3.5 mm ± 0.14 mm (see Figure 6 ). The thickness t of the internal seal 9 can be 1.5 mm ± 0.08 mm ( Figure 6 ).

[0050] Compared with the aforementioned sealing elements 8, the internal seal 9 is arranged between the metal body 3, in particular the outer surface of the metal body 3, and the central housing 7, in particular the inner surface of the central housing 7. The internal seal 9 is in direct mechanical contact with the metal body 3.

[0051] The internal seal 9 is adapted and arranged to seal the interior of the sensor device 1 with respect to the environment. The internal seal 9 ensures complete sealing of the sensor device 1 in its installed position, because the internal seal 9 prevents liquid from seeping out along the metal body 3 from the bottom side of the sensor device 1 and into the interior of the sensor device 1.

[0052] According to Figure 1A andFigure 1B In the embodiment shown, the internal seal 9 is located on the base body 2. In particular, the internal seal 9 is arranged on the base body 2 at the position where the connector 11 is molded. In other words, in this embodiment, the internal seal 9 is supported by the base body 2, in particular by the circumferential protrusion of the connector 11 of the base body 2. By means of the internal seal 9, a fully sealed sensor device 1 can be provided, which is reliable, light and has a very fast response time. In particular, in water, the sensor device 1 includes a response time t63 < 2 s.

[0053] Only due to the introduction of the internal seal 9, the sensor device 1 can use a deep-drawn metal housing that is easy to manufacture, cost-effective and light, while maintaining a fast response time. Therefore, compared with conventional sensor devices, a significantly lighter sensor device 1 can be achieved by using a deep-drawn metal housing as the metal body 3.

[0054] In addition to the features described above, the sensor device 1 is also adaptable. The central housing 7 can be adapted to the specific application / customer interface for which the sensor device 1 is intended. In particular, the central housing 7, i.e., the outer shape of the central housing 7, can be adapted to different mounting positions and / or adjusted according to the required mounting features.

[0055] Regardless of the customer interface, the core design of the sensor device 1 (metal body 3, base body 2, terminals 6 and NTC thermistor 4) remains substantially unchanged, while the central housing 7 can be adapted to the specific installation situation.

[0056] This will be described in more detail below:

[0057] The sensor device 1 includes at least one fastening device 5, which is adapted and arranged to fasten the sensor device 1 to the application. The fastening device 5 is located on the outside of the central housing 7. The fastening device 5 is part of the central housing 7. In particular, the fastening device 5 and the central housing 7 are integrally constructed.

[0058] The fastening device 5 can be adjusted according to the way the sensor device 1 is installed in the application. According to Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the embodiment shown, the fastening device 5 is designed to include an elastic clamping element 5C and / or a hook 5D for enabling snap-fit connection of the sensor device 1 to the application. The clamping element 5C protrudes from the outer surface of the central housing 7 and is designed to mechanically cooperate with a mating structure of the application, such as a notch (not explicitly shown), for firmly connecting the sensor device 1 to the application. Another example is to design the central housing 7 to have a bayonet lock (not explicitly shown) or a thread for achieving a threaded connection with the application (see Figure 4 ).

[0059] In particular, the fastening device 5 can be any form of fastening structure adapted to the fastening structure of the application, while the base body 2 and the metal body 3 remain substantially unchanged. In this way, a high degree of sustainability and a very cost-effective solution are provided.

[0060] Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 shows a sensor device 1 according to a second embodiment. Hereinafter, described are Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 the differences between the sensor device 1 shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B and the sensor devices shown in

[0061] Compared with the embodiments shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the base body 2 is screwed to the central housing 7. For this purpose, the locking device 16 of the base body 2 includes a thread, in particular an external thread ( Figure 2B ). The second locking device 17 of the central housing 7 includes a mating thread. The base body 2 and the central housing 7 are connected by the mechanical mating of the threads. A sealing element 8 ( Figure 2B and Figure 4 ) is arranged between the inner surface of the central housing 7 and the outer surface of the base body 2, in particular in the grooves of the threads, to provide a seal between the base body 2 and the central housing 7.

[0062] Furthermore, compared with the embodiments shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the metal body 3 does not include a smooth outer surface. Instead, the metal body 3 includes a flange 3A (see Figure 2B and Figure 5 ), i.e., a circumferential protrusion. The flange 3A is located in the region of the open (i.e., upper) end of the metal body 3 (in particular, see Figure 5 ).

[0063] Therefore, the upper part 13 of the metal body 3 has a larger diameter D than the lower part 14 of the metal body 3 (i.e., the part protruding from the central housing 7) 上 . The diameter D of the upper part 13 上 can be 5.4 mm ± 0.05 mm. The diameter D of the lower part 14 下 can be 2.9 mm ± 0.1 mm. The height H of the upper part 13 can be 2.1 mm ± 0.1 mm (see Figure 5 in the context).

[0064] The base body 2, in particular the lower end portion of the base body 2, is partially inserted into the upper portion 13 of the metal body 3 for connecting the metal body 3 and the base body 2 to each other, as Figure 2B shown. Preferably, the base body 2 and the metal body 3 are clamped or glued to each other. The NTC thermistor 3 is arranged in the lower portion 14 of the metal body 3.

[0065] Since the metal body 3 includes a flange 3A, the inner seal 9 is arranged on the flange 3A of the metal body 3 between the metal body 3 and the central housing 7 (see Figure 2B and Figure 4 ). Thus, the inner seal 9 is at least partially supported by the metal body 3.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment and compared with the embodiments shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the inner seal 9 is supported by the central housing 7, in particular by the circumferential projection 15 of the central housing 7. The circumferential projection 15 isolates the bottom side portion of the central housing 7 from the environment. By means of the inner seal 9, a complete seal between the metal body 3 and the central housing 7 is achieved, as described above.

[0067] In addition and compared with the embodiments shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the sensor device 1 does not provide a snap-fit mechanism to be connected to the application. Instead, in this embodiment, a screw fixing solution is provided. For this purpose, the central housing 7, and in particular the fastening means 5, includes a lug 5A (see Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3 ). The lug 5A extends transversely to the main longitudinal axis X of the sensor device 1. The lug 5A and the central housing 7 are integrally constructed, i.e., the lug 5A and the central housing 7 form a single molded part. The lug 5A includes a through hole 10. A metal bushing 12 is arranged inside the through hole 10 to enable the introduction of a screw 5B for fixing the sensor device 1 to the application.

[0068] Finally, in this embodiment, the outer surface of the central housing 7 is threaded. The sealing element 8 is arranged in the groove of the thread ( Figure 2B , Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) to provide an external seal for the sensor device 1.

[0069] In another embodiment (not explicitly shown in the drawings), the thread arranged on the outer surface of the central housing 7 can be used to fix (i.e., screw) the sensor device 1 to the application. In this case, the previously described fastening means 5 including the lug 5A and the screw 5B may be redundant.

[0070] Regarding all other components of the sensor device 1, reference is made to the description made in conjunction with Figure 1A and Figure 1B herewith.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments based on its description. On the contrary, the present invention includes any new feature and any combination of features, which particularly includes any combination of features in the claims, even if such feature or combination itself is not explicitly stated in the claims or embodiments.

[0072] Reference numerals

[0073] 1 Sensor device

[0074] 2 Base body

[0075] 3 Metal body

[0076] 3 Flange

[0077] 4 NTC thermistor

[0078] 5 Fastening device

[0079] 5A Lug

[0080] 5B Screw

[0081] 5C Clamping element

[0082] 5D Hook

[0083] 6 Terminal

[0084] 7 Central housing

[0085] 7A Top opening

[0086] 7B Bottom opening

[0087] 8 Sealing element

[0088] 9 Inner seal

[0089] 10 Through-hole

[0090] 11 Connector

[0091] 12 Metal bushing

[0092] 13 Upper part of the metal body

[0093] 14 Lower part of the metal body

[0094] 15 Circumferential protrusion

[0095] 16 First locking device

[0096] 17 Second locking device

[0097] Inner diameter of the inner seal

[0098] Thickness of the inner seal

[0099] D 上 Diameter

[0100] D 下 Diameter

[0101] H Height

[0102] X Main longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A temperature sensor device (1) for measuring the temperature in a liquid, the temperature sensor device (1) comprising: - A base body (2), - A metal body (3), the metal body (3) being connected to the base body (2), - A central housing (7), wherein the base body (2) and the metal body (3) are at least partially arranged inside the central housing (7), - At least one NTC thermistor (4), the at least one NTC thermistor (4) being arranged within the metal body (3), - At least one terminal (6), the at least one terminal (6) being for electrically connecting the sensor device (1), - An internal seal (9), wherein the internal seal (9) is arranged between the metal body (3) and the central housing (7), and wherein the internal seal (9) is adapted and arranged to seal the interior of the sensor device (1) relative to the environment.

2. The temperature sensor device (1) according to claim 1, Among them, The internal seal (9) is supported by the base body (2) or the metal body (3).

3. The temperature sensor device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, Among them, The internal seal (9) seals against the central housing (7).

4. The temperature sensor device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, The base body (2) includes a connector (11), the connector (11) being adapted and arranged to connect the metal body (3) and the base body (2) to each other, and wherein the internal seal (9) is arranged on the base body (2) at the location of the connector (11).

5. The temperature sensor device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, Among them, The metal body (3) includes a flange (3A), and wherein the internal seal (9) is arranged on the flange (3A) of the metal body (3).

6. The temperature sensor device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, The metal body (3) includes a deep-drawn metal housing.

7. The temperature sensor device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, The internal seal (9) includes an O-ring.

8. The temperature sensor device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, The central housing (7) is designed to connect the sensor device (1) to an application, wherein the central housing (7) has an adaptable external shape, and wherein the external shape can be adapted to different mounting positions and / or mounting features.

9. The temperature sensor device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, The temperature sensor device (1) further includes at least one fastening device (5), the at least one fastening device (5) being adapted and arranged to fasten the sensor device (1) to an application.

10. The temperature sensor device (1) according to claim 9, Among them, The fastening device (5) is part of the central housing (7), and wherein the fastening device (5) and the central housing (7) are integrally constructed.

11. The temperature sensor device (1) according to claim 9 or claim 10, Among them, The fastening device (5) includes at least one clamping element (5C).

12. The temperature sensor device (1) according to claim 9 or claim 10, Among them, The fastening device (5) includes a lug (5A), wherein a metal bushing (12) is provided in the lug (5A).

13. The temperature sensor device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, The base body (2) includes a molded plastic part.

14. The temperature sensor device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, The at least one terminal (7) and the at least one NTC thermistor (3) are overmolded.

15. The temperature sensor device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, The central housing (7) includes plastic.

16. The temperature sensor device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, The operating temperature of the sensor device (1) is between -40 °C and 150 °C.

17. The temperature sensor device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, In water, the sensor device (1) includes a response time t63 < 2 s.

18. A use of the temperature sensor device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the temperature sensor device (1) being used for measuring the temperature of a liquid in a sealed system.

19. A use of the temperature sensor device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, the temperature sensor device (1) being used for automotive applications.

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