Ring tab sensor and mounting element

Abstract

The invention relates to a ring-tab sensor (1) comprising a sensor element (2) and a first fastening element (4) with a first ring tab (6) suitable for fixing the sensor element to a surface (10) to be measured, wherein the first fastening element comprises a fixing section (9) by means of which the first fastening element is fixed to the sensor element, and wherein the first ring tab is fixed to the surface to be measured by means of a fixing means (20), and further comprising a second fastening element (5) having a spring section (8) suitable for pressing the sensor element against the surface to be measured, wherein the first and the second fastening elements are preferably designed as a single-piece element.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a ring tab sensor.

[0002] A ring-tab sensor is a sensor similar to a temperature sensor, whose sensor head is attached to the objects to be measured, particularly electrical devices, apparatus, and control units in electric cars, using a ring-shaped tab. A common problem is air gaps between the sensor element and the object being measured, which can increase the sensor's response time and distort the measurement result.

[0003] Such an air gap usually results from the permissible manufacturing tolerances of the components used. If the sensor head is smaller than intended, for example, it will not make contact with the surface being measured when attached to a standard component with specified dimensions. If the sensor head is larger than intended and is only attached to the surface on one side, the other side will be pushed away from the surface and protrude. However, mounting it on both sides would involve greater assembly and manufacturing effort.

[0004] One objective of the present invention is therefore to at least partially eliminate the disadvantages described in the prior art.

[0005] The scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

[0006] The invention relates to a ring tab sensor. The ring tab sensor comprises a sensor element and two fastening elements with ring tabs. A ring tab within the meaning of the present invention is any tab with a through-hole suitable for receiving a fixing element.

[0007] A first fastening element has a first ring tab suitable for attaching the sensor element to a surface to be measured.

[0008] The surface to be measured is the surface of an object being measured. Preferably, the sensor is suitable for temperature measurement, and the temperature of the object can preferably be determined by the sensor.

[0009] The first fastening element comprises a fixing section by which the first fastening element is fixed to the sensor element, wherein the first ring tab is fixed to the surface to be measured by means of a fixing means.

[0010] The first fastening element further comprises a second fastening element, preferably but not necessarily with a second ring tab, which is suitable for pressing the sensor element against the surface to be measured.

[0011] The interaction of the first and second mounting elements ensures that the sensor element is securely attached to the object or surface being measured and that it is in contact with the surface. This prevents any gap, such as an air gap, from existing between the surface being measured and the sensor element, which would hinder the measurement, delay the sensor element's response time, and distort the measurement result.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the first and second fastening elements are arranged separately one above the other in a direction perpendicular to the surface to be measured, i.e., in other words, “parallel to the surface normal” or “normal to the surface”.

[0013] Preferably, the first and second ring tabs are formed separately and are designed to be arranged lying flat against each other. When fastened, the first and second ring tabs lie flat against each other, so that they can be attached to the surface to be measured using the single fixing element.

[0014] This facilitates and simplifies the attachment of the fixing elements to the surface or object to be measured. A single fixing element can be applied in a single step to secure the fixing elements. The sensor element is then automatically fixed in place and pressed against the surface to be measured via the fixing elements.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the second fastening element has a spring section that acts as a spring on the sensor element, i.e. exerts a spring force on the sensor element, by which the sensor element is leaning against and pressed against the surface to be measured.

[0016] The spring section preferably has elastic properties and comprises an elastic material, preferably a resilient material, for example but not exclusively selected from a spring steel or a resilient polymer.

[0017] Preferably, the spring section is formed separately from the second ring tab and separately from the first fastening element.

[0018] The spring action causes the fastening element to be pressed firmly against the sensor element, thus pressing the sensor element against the surface to be measured.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the spring section rests against a surface of the sensor element that points away from the surface to be measured, or against an edge of the sensor element that limits the surface of the sensor element that points away from the surface to be measured.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the first and second fastening elements are formed in one piece, which reduces the equipment required and simplifies the construction.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the two fastening elements are formed in one piece and comprise only a single ring tab, wherein the one-piece fastening element in turn has a spring section which acts as a spring on the sensor element, and by which, in the present embodiment, the ring tab is additionally advantageously connected directly to the fixing section.

[0022] The assembly is thus further simplified. Further details can also be found in the figures.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the fixing means is guided through the first and second ring tabs or the single ring tab and fixes the two ring tabs and thus the two fastening elements and the sensor element fixed to the first fastening element on the surface to be measured or on the object to be measured.

[0024] The fixing device can be, in particular, a screw or a rivet.

[0025] The screw or rivet is guided through the ring tabs and secures the fasteners to the surface or object to be measured.

[0026] By attaching the second mounting element to the surface (or object) to be measured, the second mounting element is pressed against the sensor element in such a way that the second mounting element presses the sensor element against the surface to be measured. In this way, force and torque can be transmitted.

[0027] The first mounting element is fixed to the sensor element or permanently connected to it. This means that by fixing the first mounting element to the surface to be measured, the sensor element is also fixed to the surface to be measured.

[0028] The first fastening element is firmly connected to the sensor element, e.g. by clamping or concealment.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the ring tab sensor further comprises an electrical contact element that is attached to one side of the sensor element, preferably fixed in place. In particular, this can be wires or cables through which the sensor element is electrically connected.

[0030] Preferably, the first and second ring tabs or the single ring tab are arranged on a side of the sensor element where the electrical contact element is not attached.

[0031] If, for example, the sensor element is a cuboid with six side surfaces, including a contact surface to the surface to be measured and five other side surfaces, and the contact element is attached to a first other side surface, then the first and the second ring tab or the single ring tab are preferably arranged next to the second, third, fourth or fifth other side surface and attached to one or more or all of the second, third, fourth or fifth other side surfaces.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first and second ring tabs or the single ring tab are arranged on a side of the sensor element that points in the opposite direction to the side of the sensor element on which the electrical contact element is attached.

[0033] The first and second ring tabs are arranged on the same side of the sensor element. The first and second ring tabs are preferably arranged overlapping and preferably congruently, or formed as a single ring tab.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the ring tab, preferably the individual ring tab, has one or more through holes suitable for receiving fixing elements with different outer diameters. This allows the ring tab sensor to be fixed to the surface to be measured using different fixing elements of varying sizes.

[0035] In particular, screws or rivets of different diameters can be used.

[0036] In one embodiment, the ring tab has a through-hole composed of two or more recessed circular segments with different radii. The circular segments overlap or abut each other, thus forming a single through-hole into which various screws or rivets can be inserted.

[0037] The ring tab sensor according to any embodiment is particularly suitable for use in temperature control and / or measurement of electrical devices and apparatus or control units, especially in electric vehicles such as electric cars.

[0038] Furthermore, the invention relates to a measuring setup comprising a measuring object with the surface to be measured and the ring tab sensor according to one of the previously defined embodiments, which is fixed and pressed against the surface to be measured by the ring tab.

[0039] When the surface to be measured is mentioned in the present text, it always refers to a surface of the object to be measured.

[0040] In various embodiments, the sensor element can have a cubic, cuboid, ellipsoidal or cylindrical shape.

[0041] The invention further relates to the fastening element, which is composed of the first and the second fastening element. Preferably, the fastening element is made in one piece. The fastening element can include all previously introduced features. Further preferred features, which may also apply to the fastening elements described above, are mentioned below.

[0042] In one embodiment, the fastening element comprises the two ring tabs arranged one above the other, wherein the ring tabs are fixed to a surface by means of the fixing means.

[0043] Furthermore, the fastening element includes a fixing section configured to fix the fastening element to an object to be fastened and which is directly connected to one of the ring tabs. Furthermore, the fastening element includes the spring section, which is configured and arranged in such a way that the spring section acts as a spring, pressing the object to be fastened against the surface and which is directly connected to a second of the ring tabs.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment, the fastening element comprises a single ring tab, wherein the single ring tab is fixed to a surface by means of the fixing means, and further comprises the fixing section, which is configured to fix the fastening element to an object to be fastened, and further comprises a spring section, which is configured and arranged such that the spring section acts as a spring, pressing the object to be fastened against the surface and wherein the spring section further connects the one-piece ring tab to the fixing section directly. The spring section is preferably arranged here as a curved spring between the ring tab and the fixing section, but fulfills the same spring function as in the previous embodiment.

[0045] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and accompanying figures. Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the entire measurement setup from a perspective view, comprising a first embodiment of the ring tab sensor and the fastening elements. Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the one-piece fasteners. Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the one-piece fasteners with extended tongue. Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the one-piece fasteners with a laterally arranged ring tab. Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the one-piece fasteners with a single ring tab and spring-loaded connecting strips. Fig. Figure 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the one-piece fasteners with a single ring tab and spring-loaded connecting strips. Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the one-piece fasteners with a single ring tab and spring-loaded connecting strips. Fig. Figure 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the one-piece fasteners with a single ring tab and spring-loaded connecting strips.

[0046] Similar or seemingly identical elements in the figures are marked with the same reference symbol. The figures and their proportions are not to scale.

[0047] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the entire measurement setup.

[0048] A ring-type sensor 1, configured here as an example for temperature measurement and including, for instance, a thermistor, is mounted on a surface 10 to be measured. The surface to be measured can be, for example, the surface of a busbar, a circuit board, a metal plate, a plastic object, or any other object to be measured.

[0049] The ring-tab sensor 1 comprises a sensor element 2, which contains the functional component that performs the sensor functionality, e.g., a thermistor for temperature detection. The sensor element 2 may also include a housing that surrounds and shields the functional component. The functional component protects the functional component from external chemical and mechanical influences and may be electrically insulating.

[0050] The functional component can, for example, include a plastic or resin material (mixture).

[0051] The sensor element is electrically contacted externally by a contact element such as the two electrically conductive cables 3. The cables preferably comprise wires and electrically insulating sheaths. The wires are arranged and fixed to a first side of the sensor element 2, which is preferably a short side of the sensor element 2. In the exemplary embodiment, the ring tabs 4, 5 are arranged on the opposite side of the sensor element 2.

[0052] In the example shown, the sensor element has a cuboid-like shape. However, the sensor element can also be shaped differently, e.g., as an ellipsoid or cylinder.

[0053] In the example shown, fasteners 4 and 5 are made of metal. However, the material of fasteners 4 and 5 is not particularly restricted. The material can be thermally conductive, but it does not have to be.

[0054] Both fastening elements 4 and 5 have ring tabs 6 and 7 which are arranged flat on top of each other, so that the through holes of the ring tabs lie flat on top of each other.

[0055] In the example shown, the two fastening elements are designed as a single component, which simplifies the assembly of the measuring setup and the manufacturing of the fastening elements.

[0056] In this example, the first fastening element 4 is clamped to the sensor element 2 by means of a fixing section 9, which has several locking tabs along one long side, e.g., two pairs of opposing locking tabs. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening element 4 can also be connected to the sensor element in any other way, e.g., by plug connection, by adhesive bonding, etc.

[0057] The first fastening element 4 also has the ring tab 6, which rests directly on the surface to be measured and by means of which the fastening element 4 can be screwed or riveted to the surface 10 to be measured.

[0058] The second fastening element 5 is obtained here by bending over a section of the first fastening element that is not attached to the sensor element 2. The second fastening element 5 has a section that, in the installed state, lies flat on the first fastening element 4; in particular, the two ring tabs 6, 7 of the two fastening elements 4, 5 lie flat and preferably congruently on top of each other in the installed state.

[0059] As long as the fastening elements 4, 5 are not installed (see e.g. Fig. 4), the ring tabs 6 and 7 do not have to lie on top of each other, but are suitable to be attached in such a way that the ring tabs 4, 5 lie flat on top of each other and preferably congruently.

[0060] Thus, both ring tabs can be screwed to the surface to be measured using a single screw 20. The screw 20 is guided through the two superimposed ring tabs 6, 7 and screwed into the surface to be measured using a thread. Alternatively, a rivet can be used.

[0061] In addition to the ring tab 7, the second fastening element 5 further comprises a tongue 8, which is arranged such that it rests against the sensor element 2 on the side of the sensor element 2 that points away from the surface to be measured. Alternatively, the tongue 8 rests against an edge of the sensor element 2 that surrounds the surface to be measured.

[0062] The tongue 8 is firmly connected to the ring tab 5; in particular, the tongue 8 and the ring tab 5 are made in one piece in the second fastening element.

[0063] The tongue 8 functions primarily as a spring. The tongue 8 can, for example, be made of spring steel. The tongue 8 presses the sensor element 2 or the first fastening element 4, and with it the sensor element 2, against the surface 10 to be measured.

[0064] Fig. Figure 2 shows again the first embodiment of the one-piece fastening elements 4 and 5 without the sensor element and the object to be measured.

[0065] The ring tabs 6 and 7 are preferably of the same shape, dimensions and design and arranged exactly congruently.

[0066] The two ring tabs 6 and 7 are connected by a bent strip. The first ring tab 6 is connected by another bent strip, which points in a different direction than the first bent strip, to a short side of the fixing section 9 of the first fastening element 4, which fixes the first fastening element 4 to the sensor element 2.

[0067] The fixing section 9 ensures that the first fastening element 4 is firmly connected to the sensor element 2 and that the sensor element 2 and the first fastening element 4 cannot be moved relative to each other.

[0068] The second ring tab 7 is connected to the first ring tab by means of a curved strip, as described. The tongue 8 projects from the ring tab 7 in the opposite direction to the curved strip, towards the sensor element 2.

[0069] The force exerted by the screw 20 on the second ring tab 7 is preferably transferred via the tongue 8 to the first fastening element 4 and via this to the sensor element 2, or transferred directly to the sensor element 2, such that the sensor element 2 is pressed against the surface to be measured.

[0070] In the Fig. 3 and Fig. Four alternative designs are shown, based on the same principle.

[0071] Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which the tongue is longer than in the first embodiment. This shifts the point of application where the force is transferred from the tongue 8 to the sensor element 2. The point of application of the force, as well as the direction and magnitudes of the acting normal and tangential forces and torques, can therefore be variably adjusted by changing the tongue length.

[0072] Fig. Figure 4 shows a possible arrangement of the fastening elements on a different side of the sensor element than in the first embodiment. While the ring tabs are arranged on a short side of the sensor element 2 in the first embodiment, they are arranged on a long side in the second embodiment.

[0073] The locking lugs from the previous embodiments serve in the embodiment shown above. Fig. 4 simultaneously as the curved strips for connecting the fixing section 9 with the first ring tab 6. On the short side of the fixing section 9, where a curved strip was provided in the first example, an additional locking lug is now provided.

[0074] The Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 or 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows further alternative features. Here, the two fastening elements or the two ring tabs are each implemented in a single element.

[0075] The individual ring tab 40 has a through-hole composed of several circular segments 41, 42. These circular segments have different radii, allowing the insertion of various screws or rivets. These features of the individual ring tab 40 are also applicable to one or both of the ring tabs 6 and 7.

[0076] The ring tab 40 is connected to the fixing section 9 via two spring-loaded curved strips 43 and is thus a first fastening element for fixing the sensor element.

[0077] The spring-loaded curved strips 43 continue to exert a spring force on the fixing section 9 and via this on the sensor element 2, so that the first fastening element also presses the sensor element 2 against the surface to be measured and is thus also the second fastening element.

[0078] The Fig. 5 and Fig.Figures 6, 7 and 8 show possible suitable shapes for such curved strips with spring action from perspective views and in cross-section from the side. Reference symbol list 1 ring tab sensor 2 Sensor element 3 Contact element 4 first fastening element 5 second fastening element 6 first ring flap 7 second ring flap 8 Tongue 9 Fixation section 10 Measuring surface 20 screws, rivets 40 individual ring flaps 41 Circular segment / through hole 42 Circular segment / through hole 43 curved, springy strips

Claims

[1] Ring tab sensor (1) comprising a sensor element (2) and a first fastening element (4) with a first ring tab (6) suitable for fixing the sensor element to a surface (10) to be measured, wherein the first fastening element comprises a fixing section (9) by means of which the first fastening element is fixed to the sensor element, and wherein the first ring tab is fixed to the surface to be measured by means of a fixing means (20), and further comprising a second fastening element (5) having a spring section (8) suitable for pressing the sensor element against the surface to be measured. [2] Ring tab sensor according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second fastening element are arranged separately one above the other in a direction normal to the surface to be measured and the second fastening element comprises a second ring tab (7) formed separately from the first ring tab, wherein the first and the second ring tab are formed separately, so that the first and the second ring tab are suitable to be arranged lying flat on top of each other and to be attached to the surface to be measured by means of the single fixing means. [3] Ring tab sensor according to claim 2, wherein the second fastening element has a spring section which acts as a spring on the sensor element, by which the sensor element is pressed against the surface to be measured, and wherein the spring section is firmly connected to the second ring tab, so that a force acting on the second ring tab from the fixing means can be transmitted to the sensor element through the spring section. [4] Ring tab sensor according to claim 3, wherein the spring section rests against a surface of the sensor element that points away from the surface to be measured, or rests against an edge of the sensor element that limits the surface of the sensor element that points away from the surface to be measured. [5] Ring tab sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and the second fastening element are made in one piece. [6] Ring tab sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fixing means is guided through the first and the second ring tab. [7] Ring tab sensor according to claim 1, wherein the first and second fastening elements are formed in one piece and comprise a single ring tab (40), wherein the second fastening element has a spring section (43) that acts as a spring on the sensor element, by which the sensor element is pressed against the surface to be measured, wherein the spring section further connects the ring tab in one piece with the fixing section. [8] Ring tab sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fixing means is a screw or a rivet. [9] Ring tab sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first fastening element is firmly connected to the sensor element by clamping or concealment. [10] Ring tab sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the ring tab sensor further comprises an electrical contact element (3) which is attached to one side of the sensor element. [11] Ring tab sensor according to claim 10, wherein the ring tabs are arranged on a side of the sensor element where the electrical contact element is not attached, in particular on a side of the sensor element which borders the side where the electrical contact element is attached. [12] Ring tab sensor according to claim 11, wherein the ring tabs are arranged on a side of the sensor element which points in the opposite direction to the side of the sensor element on which the electrical contact element is attached. [13] Ring tab sensor according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the ring tabs have one or more through holes suitable for receiving fixing means with different outer diameters. [14] Ring tab sensor according to claim 13, wherein the ring tabs have a through hole (41,42) which is composed of two or more recessed circular segments (41,42) with different radii. [15] Ring tab sensor, wherein the ring tab sensor has a sensor element having a cubic, cuboid, ellipsoid or cylindrical shape. [16] Ring tab sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for use in temperature control and / or measurement of electrical devices and apparatus or control units, in particular in electric vehicles. [17] Measurement setup, comprising a measuring object with the surface to be measured and the ring tab sensor (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, which is fixed and pressed onto the surface to be measured by one or more ring tabs (6, 7). [18] One-piece fastening element (4,5) comprising two ring tabs (6,7) arranged one above the other, wherein the ring tabs are fixed to a surface (10) by means of a fixing means (20), further comprising a fixing section (9) configured to fix the fastening element to an object to be fastened and directly connected to a first of the ring tabs (6), further comprising a spring section (8) configured and arranged such that the spring section acts as a spring, pressing the object to be fastened against the surface (10) and directly connected to a second of the ring tabs (7). [19] One-piece fastening element (4,5) comprising a single ring tab (40), wherein the single ring tab is fixed to a surface (10) by means of a fixing means (20), further comprising a fixing section (9) configured to fix the fastening element to an object to be fastened, further comprising a spring section (8,43) configured and arranged such that the spring section acts as a spring to press the object to be fastened against the surface (10) and wherein the spring section further connects the one-piece ring tab directly to the fixing section.

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