Sensor system for an air compressor for a fuel cell

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sensor system (10) for an air compressor (12) for a fuel cell, comprising a sensor element (14), a contact unit (16), a connection unit (18), wherein the sensor element (14) can be arranged in a recess (20) of a winding overmolding (22) of the air compressor (12), wherein the sensor element (14) is arranged on the contact unit (16), wherein the contact unit (16) can be arranged on the connection unit (18), wherein the connection unit (18) is designed to conduct a signal from the sensor element (14) to a control unit (24) by means of the contact unit (16).

Description

Prior ArtThe present invention relates to a sensor system for an air compressor for a fuel cell and to a vehicle.At present, there are a large number of different solutions for monitoring air compressors in the vehicle sector. As a result of the increasing number of components to be monitored on the vehicle and the increasing requirements for monitoring accuracy, the need for innovative and robust methods for air compressor monitoring continuously increases.The steady weight reduction in the vehicle sector for reducing consumption and the increasing competition provides cost pressure, so that favorable and more efficient components for vehicles are more demanded.DE 10 2016 202 963 A1 shows a method for mounting a sensor.Disclosure of the InventionThe sensor system according to the invention for an air compressor for a fuel cell having the features of claim 1 has the advantage over the known art that an easy-to-assemble possibility for replacing the sensor element is provided. Resources can thus be saved, since the entire air compressor no longer has to be replaced, but only the sensor system. Thus, the temperature of the air compressor can be monitored cost-effectively.This is achieved according to the invention in that the sensor system for an air compressor for a fuel cell has a sensor element, a contact unit and a connecting unit. The sensor element can be arranged in a cutout of a winding extrusion coating of the air compressor. In addition, the sensor element is arranged on the contact unit. Furthermore, the contact unit can be arranged on the connection unit, wherein the connection unit is configured to conduct a signal starting from the sensor element by means of the contact unit to a control unit.In other words, the sensor system is plugged onto the air compressor, wherein the sensor element is inserted into a recess on the winding extrusion coating and at the same time the contact unit is contacted with the connecting unit by the insertion of the sensor system on the air compressor. Further preferably, the contact unit can be secured to the connection unit by means of a screw connection or the like. Thus, by simply changing the sensor system, a defective sensor element, such as a temperature sensor, on the air compressor can be replaced. Further preferably, the signal of the temperature sensor of the sensor element can be conducted via the contact unit to the connecting unit and from there to a control unit. In this case, for example, the connecting unit can be connected to the control unit by means of a wire or cable or the like.The dependent claims show preferred developments of the invention.The contact unit preferably has a signal conductor which is connected to the sensor element.An advantage of this embodiment is that the signal conductor is encapsulated by injection molding in the contact unit, for example, in order to be able to provide a cost-effective and stable conductor between the sensor element and the connection unit.The signal conductor preferably has a connecting element, wherein the connecting element is formed by a gap in the signal conductor, such that the connecting element is arranged with a web on the signal conductor in a spring-deflecting manner, wherein the connecting element has at least one bore through which a screw for fixing the contact unit to the connecting unit can be guided.An advantage of this embodiment is that no signal loss occurs between the sensor element and the control unit due to vibrations or the like, since continuous contacting can constantly be ensured by the spring force on the connecting element. The signal conductor can be in particular a busbar or the like, where a gap is punched out, in order to be able to form the connecting element. Further preferably, a sealing element can be arranged adjacent to the connecting element.Further preferably, the sensor element and the signal conductor are substantially completely surrounded by an encapsulation.An advantage of this embodiment is that damage to the sensor element during insertion into the recess can be avoided, since the encapsulation captures possible impacts or forces on the sensor element. In this case, for example, the sensor element, which is fastened to the signal conductor in a signal-conducting and / or energy-conducting manner, can be encapsulated by injection molding with a plastic or the like in order to be able to provide encapsulation of the signal conductor and the sensor element.Further preferably, a heat-conducting paste is arranged between the encapsulation and the sensor element.An advantage of this embodiment is that the temperature accuracy for mapping the temperature at the winding encapsulation can be detected more quickly, since the heat-conducting paste can improve the heat flow.Further preferably, the sensor element and a part of the signal conductor protrude from an encapsulation of the contact unit.An advantage of this embodiment is that temperature dynamics on the winding encapsulation can be better detected by exposing the sensor elements.Further preferably, a heat-conducting paste is arranged between the sensor element and the recess of the winding insert molding.An advantage of this embodiment is that a heat flow between the sensor element and the winding encapsulation can be improved.Preferably, the contact unit can be arranged on the connection unit by means of a screw connection.An advantage of this embodiment is that the sensor system can be changed in a globally simple manner, since tools are available worldwide for the exchange by means of a screw connection. Thus, no special tool or the like needs to be provided.Further preferably, a cover element can be arranged on the contact unit, which cover element is configured to protect the screw connection from environmental influences.An advantage of this embodiment is that the replacement of the sensor element is further simplified, since the screw connection does not have to be freed of contaminants before it can be released in order to be able to replace the sensor system.The contact unit preferably has at least one sealing element on an outer contour in order to protect at least the sensor element from environmental influences.An advantage of this embodiment is that the sensor element is protected from corrosion or other invading humidities, in order to be able to provide an increased operating duration of the sensor system.The connection unit can preferably be arranged on an inverter housing, wherein the connection unit has an at least partially angular cross section in order to suppress rotation of the connection unit to the inverter housing.An advantage of this embodiment is that a torque acting on a screw to fix the contact unit to the connection unit experiences a resistance due to the substantially angular cross section of the connection unit and thus the screw can be fastened more easily. This is preferably a hexagonal cross section of the connecting unit.Further preferably, the connecting unit has a screw stop which is configured to define a predetermined force of a screw connection between the contact unit and the connecting unit.An advantage of the screw stop is that over-rotation or a locking of the screw can be prevented, so that the simple change of the sensor system over the operating duration of the air compressor can be ensured.Further preferably, the contact unit has a first web, wherein the connecting unit has a second web, wherein the first web, the second web and a sealing element form a substantially fluid-tight connection.An advantage of this embodiment is that the connecting unit and all the internal electronic components on the air compressor are protected from environmental influences. In this context, essentially means in particular that no ambient moisture or liquids can enter the connection unit.Further preferably, the second web is formed from a housing, such as an inverter housing, for example, so that the contact unit can abut the inverter housing with the first web.Further preferably, the second web has a locking element in order to suppress the connection unit from slipping relative to the second web.An advantage of this embodiment is that the connection unit cannot slip out of the housing or the inverter housing, since the locking element secures the connection unit.A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle which has a sensor system as described above and below.Brief Description of the DrawingsHereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing, the following is: FIG. 1 shows a sensor system according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 shows an air compressor according to one embodiment, FIG. 3 shows a sensor system according to an embodiment, FIG. 4 shows an air compressor according to one embodiment, FIGS. 5 to 9 show a sensor system according to one embodiment, and FIG. 10 illustrates a vehicle according to an embodiment.Embodiments of the InventionAll the same elements, units and / or components in all the figures are preferably provided with the same reference numerals.FIG. 1 shows a sensor system 10 according to an embodiment. The sensor system 10 for an air compressor 12 preferably has a sensor element 14. Sensor element 14 is preferably designed to detect at least one temperature value that is present on winding overmolding 22. In this case, the sensor element 14 is arranged in particular in a cutout 20 of the winding encapsulation 22. Furthermore, the sensor element 14 can be designed to be insertable or executable into the recess 20 by means of the contact unit 16. In this case, the contact unit 16 preferably forms the signal- and / or energy-conducting connection between the sensor element 14 and the connection unit 18. Thus, the connecting unit 18 can direct a signal, which originates from the sensor element 14, by means of the contact unit 16 to a control unit 24, in particular of the air compressor 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor element 14 and the signal conductor 26 of the contact unit 16 are substantially completely surrounded by an encapsulation 38. The sensor element 14 and the signal conductor 26 can be made with the encapsulation 38, for example. Plastic can be injection-molded. Further preferably, a heat-conducting paste 40 can be arranged between the encapsulation 38 and the sensor element 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the contact unit 16 is arranged on the connection unit 18 by means of a screw connection 44. By releasing the screw connection 44, the contact unit 16 with the sensor element 14 can be released from the connection unit 18 in order to be able to replace a defective sensor element 14, for example. Further preferably, a cover element 46 can be arranged on the contact unit 16, in order to thus protect the screw connection 44 from environmental influences. Further preferably, the contact unit 16 has at least one sealing element 50 on an outer contour 48, in order to thus protect the sensor element 14 from environmental influences, as is illustrated in FIG. 1.FIG. 2 shows an air compressor 12 according to an embodiment. The sensor system 10 can be arranged on the air compressor 12, which is preferably designed for a fuel cell.FIG. 3 shows the sensor system 10 according to an embodiment. The sensor system 10 has a sensor element 14 which is arranged on the contact unit 16. Further preferably, the contact unit 16 is arranged on the connection unit 18 in such a way that a signal can be conducted from the sensor element 14 via the contact unit 16 to the connection unit 18, where it can be conducted to a control unit 24. In this case, the control unit 24 can pick up the signal from the connection unit 18, in particular by means of a cable 25. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the connection unit 18 can be arranged on an inverter housing 52. In this case, the connection unit 18 has an angular cross section 54 at least partially in order to suppress or prevent rotation of the connection unit 18 to the inverter housing 52. Thus, a counter torque can be formed in order to be able to form the screw connection 44 between the contact unit 16 and the connection unit 18. Further preferably, the contact unit 16 has a first web 58 and the connection unit 18 has a second web 60. By means of at least one sealing element 62, a substantially fluid-tight connection 64 can be formed in the first web 58 and the second web 60, so that no environmental influences can enter the interior of the air compressor 12. Further preferably, the second web 60 has a locking element 66 in order to suppress the connection unit 18 from slipping relative to the second web 60. For example, the second web 60 is formed by the inverter housing 52, so that the locking elements 66 can be arranged on the inverter housing 52, so that the connection unit is prevented from sliding in or out of the inverter housing 52. Further preferably, the connection unit 18 has a screw stop 56, which is configured to define a predetermined force of a screw connection 44 between the contact unit 16 and the connection unit 18. Further preferably, the contact unit 16 has a signal conductor 26 which can preferably form a signal- and / or energy-conducting connection to the connection unit 18.FIG. 4 shows an air compressor 12 on which the sensor system according to one embodiment is arranged. The contact unit 16 is configured such that it can partially engage in a non-visible recess 20 of the winding insert molding 22, thereby simultaneously producing a connection to the connection unit 18.FIG. 5 shows a sensor system 10 according to an embodiment. The sensor system 10 has a sensor element 14 which is arranged on the contact unit 16. The contact unit 16 forms a connection to the connection unit 18. The signal from the sensor element 14, such as a temperature value, can be conducted by means of the signal conductor 26 of the contact unit 16 to the connection unit 18, where it can be tapped by a control unit 24 by means of a cable 25. As can be seen in FIG. 5, a part 42 of the signal conductor 26 projects out of an encapsulation 38 of the contact unit 16. In this case, the sensor element 14 is arranged on the part 42 of the signal conductor 26, in particular in such a way that the sensor element essentially bears against the winding encapsulation 22. Further preferably, a heat-conducting paste 40 can be arranged between the cutout 20 of the winding encapsulation 22 and the sensor element.FIG. 6 shows the sensor system 10 according to an embodiment. The sensor system 10 comprises a signal conductor 26 which can be arranged in the contact unit 16. The signal conductor 26 has a connecting element 28. The connecting element 28 can be formed by a gap 30 in the signal conductor 26, so that the connecting element 28 can be arranged on the signal conductor 26 with a web in a spring-deflecting manner. In this case, the connecting element 28 preferably has at least one bore 34, through which a screw 36 for fixing the contact unit 16 on the connecting unit 18 can be guided.FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the sensor system 10. the sensor system 10 comprises a sensor element 14, a contact unit 16 and a connection unit 18. Preferably, the contact unit 16 can form a screw connection 44 between the contact unit 16 and the connection unit 18 by means of a screw 36 which has been guided through the connection element 28 or the bore 34 of the connection element 28.FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the sensor system 10. The connecting unit 18 is arranged in an inverter housing 52, which forms the second web 60. The contact unit 16 has a first web 58, which in cooperation with a sealing element 62 forms a substantially fluid-tight connection 64.FIG. 9 shows a sensor system 10 according to an embodiment. The sensor system 10 has a sensor element 14 which abuts a busbar 80. The sensor element 14 is arranged on the contact unit 16 so that it can be easily connected to a connecting unit 18.FIG. 10 shows a vehicle 100 according to an embodiment. The vehicle 100 has a sensor system as described above and below.References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedDE 10 2016 202 963 A1

[0004]

Claims

Sensor system (10) for an air compressor (12) for a fuel cell, having: - a sensor element (14), - a contact unit (16), - a connecting unit (18), wherein the sensor element (14) can be arranged in a cutout (20) of a winding encapsulation (22) of the air compressor (12), wherein the sensor element (14) is arranged on the contact unit (16), wherein the contact unit (16) can be arranged on the connecting unit (18), wherein the connecting unit (18) is configured to conduct a signal proceeding from the sensor element (14) by means of the contact unit (16) to a control unit (24).Sensor system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the contact unit (16) has a signal conductor (26) which is connected to the sensor element (14).Sensor system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal conductor (26) has a connecting element (28), wherein the connecting element (28) is formed by a gap (30) in the signal conductor (26), such that the connecting element (28) is arranged with a web (32) on the signal conductor (26) in a resiliently deflecting manner, wherein the connecting element (28) has at least one bore (34), through which a screw (36) for fixing the contact unit (16) to the connecting unit (18) can be guided.Sensor system (10) according to one of Claims 2 to 3, wherein the sensor element (14) and the signal conductor (26) are completely surrounded by an encapsulation (38).Sensor system (10) according to Claim 4, wherein a heat-conducting paste (40) is arranged between the encapsulation (38) and the sensor element (14).Sensor system (10) according to one of Claims 2 to 3, wherein the sensor element (14) and a part (42) of the signal conductor (26) protrude from an encapsulation (38) of the contact unit (16).Sensor system (10) according to Claim 6, wherein a heat-conducting paste is arranged between the sensor element (14) and the cutout (20) of the winding encapsulation.Sensor system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact unit (16) can be arranged on the connection unit (18) by means of a screw connection (44).Sensor system (10) according to claim 8, wherein a cover element (46) can be arranged on the contact unit (16), which cover element is configured to protect the screw connection (44) from environmental influences.Sensor system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact unit (16) has at least one sealing element (50) on an outer contour (48) in order to protect at least the sensor element (14) from environmental influences.Sensor system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection unit (18) can be arranged on an inverter housing (52), wherein the connection unit (18) has an at least partially angular cross section (54) in order to suppress rotation of the connection unit (18) with respect to the inverter housing (52).Sensor system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection unit (18) has a screw stop (56) which is configured to define a predetermined force of a screw connection (44) between the contact unit (16) and the connection unit (18).Sensor system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact unit (16) has a first web (58), wherein the connection unit (18) has a second web (60), wherein the first web (58) and the second web (60) and a sealing element (62) form a substantially fluid-tight connection (64).Sensor system (10) according to claim 13, wherein the second web 60 comprises a locking element (66) in order to suppress the connection unit (18) from slipping towards the second web 60.Vehicle 100 comprising a sensor system (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images