Media-tight temperature sensor device for an electric drive system of a motor vehicle as well as motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a temperature sensor device (10) for detecting a temperature in an electric drive system for a motor vehicle, comprising a base body (12) for attaching the temperature sensor device (10) to a component, a spring element (24), a temperature sensor head (30) designed for detecting the temperature, which is arranged on an end face (SE1) of the spring element (24) opposite the base body (12), which projects from the base body (12) and is exposed and thus designed for direct arrangement in a space designed for at least temporarily receiving a lubricating and / or cooling medium, and comprising at least one line (32) running inside the base body (12) in a manner that is sealed against the lubricating and / or cooling medium for transmitting a signal provided by the temperature sensor head (30) and characterizing the detected temperature.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a media-tight temperature sensor device for detecting a temperature in an electric drive system for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with at least one such temperature sensor device.

[0002] DE 10 2019 103 117 A1 discloses a sensor carrier for a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of an electrical component.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a temperature sensor device for an electric drive system for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle with at least one such temperature sensor device, so that a temperature in the electric drive system can be detected particularly advantageously.

[0004] This problem is solved by a temperature sensor device with the features of claim 1 and by a motor vehicle with the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

[0005] A first aspect of the invention relates to a temperature sensor device for detecting, that is, measuring, a temperature in an electric drive system for a motor vehicle, also referred to simply as a vehicle. This means that the motor vehicle, preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car, in its fully manufactured state, comprises the electric drive system and the temperature sensor device by means of which the temperature in the electric drive system can be detected, that is, measured. The temperature sensor device has a base body, also referred to as a base, for attaching the temperature sensor device to a component of the electric drive system. In other words, the base body, and thus the temperature sensor device via the base body, can be attached to or is attached to the component.For this purpose, the base body has, for example, at least one fastening element by means of which the base body, and thus the temperature sensor device, can be attached to the component. The temperature sensor device also has a spring element, which is designed as a mechanical spring and thus as a solid body. The spring element is elastically deformable, at least in a partial region, whereby at least one range of motion of the spring element is movable relative to the base body, particularly along an axis of motion. The range of motion is, or includes, for example, the aforementioned partial region. Alternatively or additionally, the range of motion is, or includes, for example, another partial region of the spring element. In particular, the axis of motion is straight, i.e., along an imaginary straight line.

[0006] The spring element is, for example, connected to the base body at least indirectly, and in particular directly. It is conceivable that the spring element is formed separately from the base body and connected to it at least indirectly, and in particular directly. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the spring element and the base body are formed as a single unit, thus connecting the spring element to the base body. The characteristic that two elements, such as the spring element and the base body, are formed as a single unit, and thus from a single piece, means that the elements are not formed and connected separately, but rather that they are formed from a single piece and thus constituted by a single, integrally manufactured body, and therefore designed as a monoblock.In principle, it would be conceivable for the spring element to be made of a metallic material or a plastic. The base body, for example, could be made of a metallic material or a plastic. In particular, if the spring element and the base body are formed as a single unit, then the spring element and the base body are made of the same material, especially the same plastic or the same metallic material. The temperature sensor device further comprises a temperature sensor head by means of which the temperature can be detected, i.e., measured. Thus, the temperature sensor head is or includes at least one temperature sensor for detecting, i.e., measuring the temperature. The temperature sensor head is arranged on an end face of the spring element opposite the base body and, in particular, facing away from the base body, wherein preferably the end face of the spring element faces the base body along the axis of movement. In particular, the end face of the spring element faces away from the base body along the axis of movement.Preferably, the temperature sensor head, also referred to simply as the sensor head, is formed separately from the spring element and preferably also separately from the base body, and is attached at least indirectly, and in particular directly, to the spring element and to its end face, especially in such a way that relative movements between the spring element and the sensor head are prevented. For example, the temperature sensor head is embedded at least or exclusively partially in the spring element, in particular in the plastic from which the spring element is formed, and thereby attached to the spring element.

[0007] The spring element projects from the base body, in particular such that it projects from the base body along the axis of movement. More specifically, the spring element projects from the base body in a direction that coincides with or runs parallel to the axis of movement, with the direction of projection, for example, pointing from the base body towards the sensor head. Furthermore, the spring element is exposed, i.e., unenclosed, so that, when considering only the temperature sensor device, the spring element is not surrounded by a housing. This allows the spring element to be directly positioned in a space within the drive system designed to at least temporarily receive a lubricating and / or cooling medium, particularly a liquid, such as a fluid.In other words, the space contains or holds the preferably liquid, and thus liquid-type, lubricating and / or cooling medium, also simply referred to as the medium or fluid, so that during operation of the electric drive device, the fluid is at least temporarily contained within the space. This means, in particular, that the medium is at least temporarily stored or contained within the space and / or that the space is permeable to the medium, i.e., the lubricating and / or cooling medium, for lubricating and / or cooling at least one area of ​​the drive system. Since the spring element is exposed, i.e., unenclosed, it can be arranged or is arranged directly within the space, so that, for example, at least one flow area of ​​the spring element is directly contactable or in contact with the medium that is at least temporarily contained or contained within the space.Thus, for example, the medium flowing through the space, particularly during the operation of the drive system, can directly flow towards and around the flow area of ​​the spring element, causing the flow area to come into direct contact with the medium or to be in direct contact with the medium.

[0008] For example, the sensor head is arranged in the movement area so that, for example, the sensor head is movable translationally under elastic deformation of at least the partial area of ​​the spring element, particularly along the axis of movement relative to the base body, and in particular at least or exclusively.

[0009] For example, the temperature that can be measured by means of the sensor head is the temperature of a surface, in particular a surface, of the drive system, in particular of a component of the drive system. For example, the sensor head is held in a support system, in particular directly, with the surface, in particular such that the sensor head is pressed directly against the surface.

[0010] The temperature sensor device also includes a line, which is specifically separate from the spring element, the base body, and, for example, the sensor head, by means of which a signal, particularly an electrical signal, characterizing the detected temperature, can be transmitted. This signal can be provided or is provided by the temperature sensor head. For example, the signal can be transmitted via the line to an electronic processing unit of the drive system, which can receive the signal. Subsequently, the electronic processing unit can, for example, operate the drive system depending on the temperature, in particular by controlling or regulating it.

[0011] The conduit runs at least partially within the base body. For example, the conduit also runs partially within the spring element. This means that a first length of the conduit runs within the base body, and, for example, a second length of the conduit runs within the spring element. The conduit runs within the base body in a manner that is sealed against the medium. Preferably, the conduit also runs within the spring element in a manner that is sealed against the medium. This means that the conduit, i.e., the first length of the conduit, runs within the base body in such a way that the first length of the conduit runs within a channel of the base body and passes through the channel of the base body, the channel through which the first length of the conduit passes being sealed against the medium, so that the medium cannot penetrate the channel of the base body.Accordingly, the line, that is, the second length of the line, runs within the spring element in such a way that it runs within and through a channel of the spring element, the channel being sealed to prevent the medium from entering. For example, the first length of the line is encapsulated or overmolded with the base body, particularly with the plastic from which the base body is formed. Similarly, the second length of the line is encapsulated or overmolded with the spring element, particularly with the plastic from which the spring element is formed. In other words, the line, also referred to as a connecting line or signal line, is sealed to prevent the medium from entering the base body and the spring element.This allows the signal from the temperature sensor head to be carried away via the cable and transmitted, for example, to the electronic computing unit, without the medium escaping the space via the spring element and the base body and reaching, for example, the surrounding environment, particularly the environment of a system housing that defines the space. This allows the temperature to be measured precisely by the temperature sensor device without unwanted leakage. The feature that the spring element is exposed, i.e., designed to be exposed, means that, considering only the temperature sensor device, no housing is provided around the spring element (also referred to as a spring); rather, the spring element is exposed and thus located directly within the space of the electrical drive system.For example, the space is a compartment within the gearbox of the drive system, where, for instance, at least one area of ​​the gearbox can be lubricated and / or cooled by means of a medium. For example, the medium is oil, so the compartment is also referred to as an oil compartment. The oil compartment is sealed off from the electrical compartment by the sensor unit, preventing any medium from entering. No oil is permitted in the electrical compartment beneath the sensor unit to protect the electronics.

[0012] For example, the component in question is an inverter. It is conceivable that the main body, in particular the temperature sensor device, is located within the component.

[0013] Since the sensor head, also simply referred to as the head, is located on the end face of the spring element and thus attached to the spring element, and in particular, is at least partially movable along the axis of movement relative to the base body under elastic deformation of the spring element, the sensor head is, for example, held against the base body by the spring element along the axis of movement. This allows for particularly advantageous temperature measurement.

[0014] The invention is based in particular on the following findings and considerations: It is desirable to use the temperature sensor head to detect, i.e., measure, the temperature at a measuring point. Typically, a component tolerance exists, especially along a mounting direction, between the measuring point and the temperature sensor device, also referred to as the sensor. This tolerance should be compensated for, particularly under various requirements. In other words, it is desirable to compensate for tolerances such as geometric mounting tolerances in order to be able to measure the temperature at the desired measuring point using the temperature sensor head.

[0015] Since the medium is, for example, an oil, the signal in question is also referred to as an oil temperature signal. This signal, and thus the temperature characterized by the signal and detected by the sensor head, is used, for example, to operate a transmission designed, for instance, as a hydraulically actuated transmission. In particular, it is conceivable that shifting operations of the transmission are carried out depending on the signal and thus depending on the detected temperature. This means that the transmission can be operated with knowledge of the temperature, specifically in such a way that each shifting operation can be performed with knowledge of the measured temperature. By detecting the temperature, it is known, which allows, for example, viscosity changes of the medium, such as hydraulic oil, to be compensated for.In conventional solutions, the temperature in an electro-hydraulic control system (EHS) is determined by a sensor in a directly screwed-on control unit. Geometric component tolerances between the EHS and the control unit do not exist in this case, as the control unit is screwed directly onto the EHS. However, this can change in fully integrated electric motors and transmission controls within a single control unit, since, for example, the EHS and the control unit are located separately. This results in previously non-existent component tolerances between the temperature sensor device and the measuring point, and these tolerances should be compensated for to ensure precise temperature measurement. In the invention, the housing, also referred to as the sensor housing, contains the cable and, in this case, also the spring element in a media-tight manner, and preferably the spring element also contains the cable in a media-tight manner.

[0016] The cable, also known as a sensor cable, is guided through the base body, also referred to as a sensor housing or housing, by means of a potting compound, creating a seal against the medium. This means, in particular, that the base body is made of a first material and the potting compound of a second material different from the first. The potting compound is positioned between the first material (the base body) and the cable, specifically to create a seal against the medium. The first and / or second material can be a plastic. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the base body is manufactured by injection molding, specifically from the aforementioned plastic.In the injection molding process, for example, the base body is injection molded onto the pipe, thus encasing the pipe in the base body in such a way that the base body, or the so-called base body channel, is sealed against the medium. In particular, the pipe is sealed against oil, water, and air by the base body, so that unwanted leaks can be advantageously avoided.

[0017] For example, the conductor exits the base body at an end of the base body that is directed away from the spring element, particularly along the axis of movement, and is connected, for example, to at least one contact point, particularly an electrical one.

[0018] For example, the temperature sensor head is or includes an NTC element, also known as a thermistor, NTC resistor, or NTC resistor (NTC - Negative Temperature Coefficient). The temperature sensor head is clipped into the spring element at its end, creating a positive connection with the spring.

[0019] The invention enables a particularly fast response time for the temperature sensor device, since the sensor head can advantageously make direct contact with the surface whose temperature is measured. A simple and efficient sealing concept can be implemented, thus preventing unwanted leakage. Furthermore, the temperature sensor device can be manufactured very cost-effectively.

[0020] Preferably, the temperature sensor head is thermally insulated from the spring element to prevent interfering temperature influences from other components. This allows for particularly accurate temperature measurement. The spring element could be made entirely of plastic. Alternatively, it could be made of a metallic material. The temperature sensor head is, for example, embedded in a plastic casing and thus connected to it, with the plastic casing being, for example, positively interlocked with the spring element. The plastic casing is open towards the surface or measuring point, allowing the temperature sensor head to come into direct contact with the medium.The plastic casing thermally insulates the temperature sensor head from the spring element, allowing for particularly precise temperature measurement.

[0021] For example, the aforementioned injection molding process connects the spring element to the base body in a media-tight or media-sealing manner. In this case, the spring element is, for instance, a direct and non-reversible component of the base body. Furthermore, it would be conceivable that the spring element and the base body are formed separately and connected to each other, particularly in such a way that the spring element is clipped to the base body, especially clipped into it, so that the spring element can be positively connected to the base body. The spring element would then be an assembly part that is positively connected to the base body, also referred to as a housing or sensor housing, and thus attached to it.

[0022] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the temperature sensor head comprises at least or exactly one sensor pellet by means of which the temperature is measured, i.e., detected. Thus, the sensor pellet is, or comprises, for example, the aforementioned temperature sensor. The sensor pellet is at least partially surrounded by a casing, whereby, for example, the sensor pellet is at least partially arranged within the casing. In other words, the sensor pellet is, for example, at least partially embedded in the casing. Preferably, the casing is open at at least or exactly one point towards the environment of the temperature sensor head, so that the medium can come into direct contact with the sensor pellet at that point. This allows the temperature to be detected particularly advantageously.Furthermore, the casing provides advantageous thermal insulation for the sensor pellet, particularly from heat sinks such as the spring element. This allows for particularly efficient temperature measurement.

[0023] It has proven particularly advantageous if the casing is made of glass, an epoxy resin, aluminum, and / or ceramic. This allows for particularly effective thermal insulation of the sensor pellet, especially towards the spring element, enabling optimal temperature detection and measurement. It is crucial that the sensor pellet is pressure-resistant so that it can be pressed directly against the surface to be measured. This is achieved through the casing. While it would be conceivable for the casing to be formed by the spring element itself, it has proven especially advantageous if the casing is made of a different material and the spring element of a different material. For example, the casing can be separate from the spring element and connected to it at least indirectly, and preferably directly.For example, the casing is embedded at least or exclusively partially in the spring element, particularly at the end face of the spring element, whereby the casing and, via the casing, the sensor pill are advantageously held on the spring element, in particular in such a way that relative movements between the spring element and the sensor pill are prevented.

[0024] To compensate for tolerances particularly effectively and thus to measure temperature with greater efficiency, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the spring element is designed as a spiral or helical spring, which is connected at one end to the base body by means of a first groove and at the other end to a cover by means of a second groove. The temperature sensor head, which is preferably designed separately from and connected to the cover, is connected to the spring element via the cover. The cover is, or comprises, for example, the aforementioned casing. For example, the temperature sensor head is held against the cover by a stop surface and, for example, within the cover.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention, the grooves are formed in a respective conical circumferential surface of the base body and the cover. This allows, for example, the temperature sensor device to be manufactured particularly easily, thus enabling advantageous temperature measurement.

[0026] It has proven particularly advantageous if the conical circumferential surfaces are designed to correspond to each other, which makes it possible to manufacture the temperature sensor device in a particularly simple, time-saving and cost-effective manner.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the spring element is designed as a circumferential flat band. This allows, for example, tolerances to be compensated for particularly well, so that the temperature can be measured particularly accurately.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, the spring element is designed in an accordion-like manner. This allows for advantageous elastic deformability of the spring element, which effectively compensates for tolerances. Consequently, the temperature can be measured, i.e., recorded, particularly accurately.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the invention, the spring element is designed in the form of a C-shape open on exactly one side. This allows tolerances to be compensated for particularly advantageously, enabling particularly accurate temperature detection, i.e., measurement.

[0030] A second aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle, also referred to simply as a vehicle, and preferably designed as a motor car, in particular as a passenger car, which has at least one temperature sensor device according to the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention and vice versa.

[0031] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0032] The drawing shows in: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a temperature sensor device for an electric drive system of a motor vehicle; Fig. 2. Partial schematic sectional view of the temperature sensor device according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3. Partial schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of the temperature sensor device; Fig. 4 a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of the temperature sensor device; Fig. 5. Partially a schematic sectional view of the temperature sensor device according to Fig. 4; Fig. 6 a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the temperature sensor device; Fig. 7 a schematic sectional view of the temperature sensor device according to Fig. 6; Fig. 8 a schematic perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the temperature sensor device; and Fig. 9. Partial schematic sectional view of the temperature sensor device according to Fig. 8.

[0033] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a temperature sensor device 10, also referred to as a sensor, for an electric drive system of a motor vehicle, also referred to simply as a vehicle. This means that the motor vehicle, preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car, has the electric drive system and the temperature sensor device 10 and can be driven electrically by means of the electric drive system, in particular purely electrically. The temperature sensor device 10 can detect a temperature in the drive system.

[0035] The temperature sensor device 10 has a base body 12, which is, for example, formed in one piece and thus made from a single component. For example, the base body 12 is made of a first plastic and is produced, for example, by injection molding. In other words, the base body 12 is made of a first material, which can be, for example, the aforementioned first plastic. The base body 12 is also referred to as a housing or sensor housing. In the fully assembled state of the motor vehicle, the base body 12, and thus the temperature sensor device 10, is attached to a component of the electric drive system via the base body 12, in particular in such a way that relative movement between the base body 12 and the component is prevented.For this purpose, the base body 12 has at least one fastening element 14 by means of which the base body 12 can be attached to or is attached to the component. For example, the fastening element 14 is or comprises a through-hole, also referred to as a screw hole, which is penetrated, for example, by a corresponding second fastening element, in particular designed as a screw element. By penetrating the through-hole, the base body 12 is attached to the component by means of the second fastening element. The second fastening element can be the aforementioned screw element or a clip, also referred to as a snap-fit ​​element, which, for example, interacts positively with the component to thereby attach the base body 12 to the component. The base body 12 has a base region 16 from which a projection 18 extends in a first direction.The projection 18 engages, for example, in a corresponding recess of the component, thereby allowing the base body 12 to be positioned relative to the component. Alternatively or additionally, for example in a process for manufacturing the electric drive system, a robot can grasp the projection 18 and thus the base body 12, holding it in place. Subsequently, the robot can move the base body 12 relative to the component, and in particular move it towards the component and position it on the component, whereupon the base body 12 can be, or is, attached to the component by means of the fastening element 14. Fig. Figure 4 shows that the base body 12 has a second projection 20, which extends in a second direction from the base area 16. The projection 20 is or forms a pressure point onto which, for example, a pressure force is applied during the process in order to press the base body 12 (sensor housing) against the component, in particular against the component, and thereby, for example, press the projection 18 into the corresponding recess. The base body 12 also has a receptacle 22, in this case designed as an annular groove, in which a sealing element, for example an O-ring, is received or can be received. The base body 12 is sealed or is sealed against the component by means of the sealing element.

[0036] The temperature sensor device 10 has a spring element 24, which in the first embodiment is formed separately from the base body 12. In the first embodiment, the spring element 24 is designed as a helical spring. The spring element 24 is a mechanical spring and thus designed as a solid body. In the first embodiment, the spring element 24 is, for example, made of a metallic material. In other words, the spring element 24 is, for example, made of a second material, which can be the metallic material. The second material is a material different from the first material. In the first embodiment, the spring element 24 is formed separately from the base body 12 and attached to the base body 12.Under elastic deformation of at least a partial area of ​​the spring element 24, at least a movement area 26 of the spring element 24 is movable along an imaginary straight line axis of movement 28 relative to the base body 12, in particular translationally.

[0037] The temperature sensor device 10 also has a temperature sensor head 30 by means of which the temperature can be detected. In the first embodiment, the temperature sensor head 30, also simply referred to as the head or sensor head, is formed separately from the spring element 24 and separately from the base body 12. The temperature sensor head 30 is, as can be seen particularly well in conjunction with Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the temperature sensor head 30 is arranged on an end face SE1 of the spring element 24 opposite the base body 12 along the axis of movement 28. Furthermore, the temperature sensor head 30 is arranged in the movement area 26. The temperature sensor head 30 is connected to the spring element 24, particularly within the movement area 26. The temperature sensor head 30 is movable along the movement area 26 relative to the base body 12 along the axis of movement 28, particularly translationally, which allows tolerances to be compensated for particularly advantageously.

[0038] It is evident that the spring element 24 projects from the base body 12 in the first direction of projection and is exposed at least in a free area FB, thus enabling its direct placement in a space of the drive system. This space is designed to at least temporarily receive a lubricating and / or cooling medium, preferably a liquid, which can also be simply referred to as a fluid or medium. The temperature sensor head 30 is also exposed and therefore unhoused, so that at least the temperature sensor head 30 can be brought into and held in direct contact with a surface of a component. This allows the temperature of the surface to be measured, i.e., detected, particularly advantageously by means of the temperature sensor head 30.

[0039] The temperature sensor device 10 also comprises at least one line 32, also referred to as a connecting line, which is, for example, separate from the base body 12 and preferably separate from the spring element 24 and preferably also separate from the temperature sensor head 30. The temperature sensor head 30 can provide a signal, particularly an electrical one, which is also referred to as a temperature signal and characterizes, i.e., indicates, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor head 30. The line 32 can transmit the temperature-characterizing signal provided or available by the temperature sensor head 30 and thus, for example, carry it from the temperature sensor head 30 to an electronic computing unit of the drive system, whose electronic computing unit can receive the signal.

[0040] As a result, for example, the electronic computing device can operate the drive system depending on the temperature, in particular control or regulate it.

[0041] Looks especially good Fig. 2. It is evident that the line 32 runs within the base body 12 in a manner that prevents the passage of the lubricating and / or cooling medium. This means that a first length section L1 of the line 32 runs within the base body 12 and, in particular, passes through the base body 12 in such a way that the length section L1 passes through a base body channel 34 of the base body 12 and thus runs within the base body channel 34, which is sealed against the medium. This means that the medium cannot penetrate the base body channel 34.

[0042] Out of Fig. Figure 1 shows that a length section LB of the line 32 emerges from the base body 12 at an end E1 of the base body 12 facing away from the temperature sensor head 30 along the axis of movement, wherein the length section LB runs in an environment 36 of the temperature sensor device 10. For example, the length section LB, in particular an end of the length section LB, is connected to the electronic computing device, in particular electrically, whereby the signal can be transmitted via the line 32 from the temperature sensor head 30 to the electronic computing device.

[0043] Out of Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows that the temperature sensor head 30 has at least or exactly one sensor pellet 38 by means of which the temperature can be detected. The sensor pellet 38 is or comprises at least or exactly one NTC element, also referred to as a thermistor, NTC resistor, or NTC thermistor (NTC - Negative Temperature Coefficient), by means of which the temperature can be detected. The sensor pellet 38 is, in this case, only partially surrounded by a casing 40, which is made, for example, of glass, an epoxy resin, aluminum, and / or a ceramic and / or a second plastic, wherein the second plastic can be the first plastic or a second plastic different from the first.The sensor pellet 38 is thermally insulated from the spring element 24 by means of the casing 40, thus preventing unwanted heat exchange between the sensor pellet 38 and the spring element 24. In particular, the conductor 32 is connected to the sensor pellet 38. The casing 40 directly contacts the sensor pellet 38 and is, for example, integrated into the shape of the sensor pellet 38. An additional cover 42, particularly made of plastic, may be provided, in which, for example, the sensor pellet 38 and the casing 40 are received, so that the cover 42 is designed or functions as a housing, particularly a plastic housing. It is conceivable that the casing 40 and / or the cover 42 is open at, in particular, a specific point S1, such that the casing 40 and / or the cover 42 is open towards a side pointing away from the base body 12 along the axis of movement 28.This side allows the sensor pill 38 and / or the casing 40 to come into direct contact with the medium, which makes it particularly advantageous to measure the temperature.

[0044] In the first embodiment, the spring element 24, designed as a helical spring, is connected at one end to the base body 12 by means of a first groove 44 and at the other end to the cover 42 by means of a second groove 46. The cover 42, along with the movement area 26 and the sensor pellet 38, is translationally movable relative to the base body 12 along the axis of movement 28. It can be seen that a first, circumferential, and conical surface 50 of the base body 12 adjoins the groove 44 in a first direction that coincides with or runs parallel to the axis of movement 28, as illustrated by an arrow 48, and extends from the groove towards the temperature sensor head 30. This surface 50 is also referred to as the circumferential surface of the base body 12 and tapers in the first direction, towards the sensor head.In a second direction, coinciding with or running parallel to the axis of movement 28, illustrated by an arrow 52, ​​opposite to the first direction and pointing from the groove 46 towards the base body 12, a second conical surface 54 of the cover 42 adjoins the groove 46. This second conical surface 54 is an inner circumferential surface of the cover 42, whose conical surface 54 extends in the second direction. The conical surfaces 50 and 54 are configured to correspond with each other.

[0045] The spring element 24 engages in the grooves 44, 46 and thereby, at least along the axis of movement 28, interacts positively with the temperature sensor head 30 and the base body 12, whereby the spring element 24 is connected along the axis of movement 28 with the temperature sensor head 30 on the one hand and with the base body 12 on the other, in particular positively.

[0046] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of the temperature sensor device 10. In the second embodiment, the spring element 24 is connected to the base body 12 in such a way that at least or exactly one area B1 of the spring element 24 is cast into the base body 12.

[0047] Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of the temperature sensor device 10. In the third embodiment, the spring element 24 is designed as a flat band, in particular a closed circumferential band, which surrounds and directly delimits a through-opening 56, such that the through-opening 56 is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly and thus at least more than half or completely, surrounded by the flat band along the circumferential direction. Fig. Figure 5 shows that a second length section L2 of the line 32 runs preferably in a manner that is sealed to the medium within the spring element 24, in particular such that the second length section L2 runs within and through a spring element channel 58, wherein the spring element channel 58 is sealed to the medium. For example, in the third embodiment, the base body 12 and the spring element 24 are formed integrally and thus from a single piece, so that, for example, the spring element 24 and the base body 12 are formed by a single-piece body, thus integrally manufactured and designed as a monoblock. The body is made of a plastic and is manufactured, for example, by injection molding, so that the spring element 24 and the base body 12 are formed from said plastic.During injection molding, for example, the plastic from which the spring element 24 and the base body 12 are formed is injected against the line 32, so that the line 32 is injection molded onto and / or overmolded with the plastic, i.e., with the spring element 24 and the base body 12. It can be seen that the sensor head, in particular the sensor pellet 38, is embedded in the spring element 24 and thus in the plastic from which the spring element 24 is formed. The spring element 24 has a point arranged in overlap with the sensor head or with the sensor pellet 38, at which the spring element 24 is open, so that the sensor head (temperature sensor head 30), in particular the sensor pellet 38, can come into direct contact with the medium at this point.

[0048] Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the temperature sensor device 10. In the fourth embodiment, the spring element 24 is designed in the form of a C open on exactly one side S2. In other words, the spring element 24 is designed as a C which is open on exactly one side S2. Thus, the spring element 24 has a free end FE opposite the base body 12. It is conceivable that the spring element 24 and the base body 12 are formed integrally, i.e., made from a single piece. Furthermore, it would be conceivable that the spring element 24 is formed separately from the base body 12 and is connected to the base body 12, in particular by a positive locking connection.

[0049] Finally, they show Fig. 8 and Fig.9 a fifth embodiment of the temperature sensor device 10. In the fifth embodiment, the spring element 24 is designed in an accordion-like manner, such that the spring element 24 has accordion-like length regions LF1 and LF2, which are arranged next to each other along a straight line perpendicular to the axis of movement. Reference symbol list 10 Temperature sensor device 12 basic shapes 14 Passage opening 16 Basic area 18 lead 20 lead 22nd recording 24 spring element 26 Range of motion 28 axis of movement 30 Temperature sensor head 32 Line 34 Base body channel 36 surroundings 38 sensor pills 40 sheathing 42 lids 44 Nut 46 Nut 48 Arrow 50 lateral surface area 52 Arrow 54 Surface area 56 Passage opening 58 spring element channel FB Free Area LB length range SE1 Front S1 position L1 length range B1 area FE free end S2 page LF1 length range LF2 length range QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2019 103 117 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Temperature sensor device (10) for detecting a temperature in an electric drive system for a motor vehicle, comprising a base body (12) for attaching the temperature sensor device (10) to a component, comprising a spring element (24), comprising a temperature sensor head (30) designed for detecting the temperature, which is arranged on an end face (SE1) of the spring element (24) opposite the base body (12), which protrudes from the base body (12) and is exposed and thus designed for direct arrangement in a space designed for at least temporarily receiving a lubricating and / or cooling medium, and comprising at least one line (32) running inside the base body (12) in a manner that is sealed against the lubricating and / or cooling medium for transmitting a signal provided by the temperature sensor head (30) and characterizing the detected temperature. [2] Temperature sensor device (10) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the temperature sensor head (30) has at least one sensor pill (38) which is at least partially surrounded by a casing (40). [3] Temperature sensor device (10) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the casing (40) is made of glass, an epoxy resin, aluminium and / or ceramic. [4] Temperature sensor device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the spring element (24) is designed as a spiral or helical spring which is connected at one end to the base body (12) by means of a first groove (44) and at the other end to a cover (42) by means of a second groove (46), via which the temperature sensor head (30) is connected to the spring element (24). [5] Temperature sensor device (10) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the grooves (44, 46) are formed in a respective conical circumferential surface (50, 54) of the base body (12) and the cover (42). [6] Temperature sensor device (10) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the conical circumferential surfaces (50, 54) are formed correspondingly to each other. [7] Temperature sensor device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the spring element (24) is designed as a circumferential flat band. [8] Temperature sensor device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the spring element (24) is designed in an accordion-like manner. [9] Temperature sensor device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the spring element (24) is designed in the form of a C open on exactly one side (S2). [10] Motor vehicle, with at least one temperature sensor device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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