ELECTRICAL SENSOR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical sensor, in particular a temperature sensor, with the features of the preamble of claim 1. The electrical sensor comprises a carrier element specifically designed to accommodate at least one electrical or electronic component. This component may be active or passive, in particular a measuring or sensor element. The electrical or electronic component may have connecting wires or contact surfaces for connection to the connecting wires of an electrical connecting cable.

[0002] In its version as a temperature sensor, the electrical sensor should be integrable into a pipe or conduit system in such a way that it allows the measurement of the temperature of a medium flowing through the pipe or conduit system.

[0003] Furthermore, a medium-carrying conduit with an electrical sensor according to the invention is proposed. The conduit can be either a pipe or a bore through which a medium flows. State of the art

[0004] Utility model DE 88 02 130 U1 discloses a temperature sensor comprising a housing and a temperature-sensitive measuring element contained therein, which can be installed in a pipe system such that one end of the housing, containing the measuring element, is immersed in a liquid flowing through the pipe system. The temperature sensor is supported on the outside of the pipe system wall by a flange of the housing. Inside the housing, the measuring element is held in a recess of a plate, which also has support points for connecting wires and conductors, as well as an anchor for strain relief of the conductors. A thermally conductive paste establishes thermal contact between the measuring element and the inner wall of the housing.

[0005] Because the temperature sensor is immersed in the medium being measured, high measurement accuracy can be achieved. However, installing the temperature sensor requires opening the wall of the pipe system, which can lead to leaks.

[0006] Furthermore, German patent application DE 10 2014 118 206 A1 discloses a temperature sensor comprising a carrier tube and a cap attached to the end of the carrier tube, in which a measuring element is housed. The cap is made of a particularly thermally conductive material. To measure the temperature of a surface, for example, the surface of a pipe through which a medium flows, the cap is brought into contact with the surface. Although in this case the wall of the pipe does not need to be penetrated, thus ensuring the pipe's tightness, the temperature of the medium can only be determined indirectly.

[0007] Other state-of-the-art sensors are known, for example, from WO2011 / 042023 A1, JPS57168030 U, US2017 / 284870 A1, and DE102013200772 A1.

[0008] Based on the aforementioned prior art, the present invention aims to provide an electrical sensor, in particular a temperature sensor, which is particularly easy to integrate into a medium-carrying pipe or conduit system in order to measure a property of the medium, especially its temperature. Furthermore, the sensor should exhibit high measurement accuracy and improved response characteristics.

[0009] To solve the problem, an electrical sensor with the features of claim 1 is proposed. Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the respective dependent claims. Furthermore, a medium-carrying line with an electrical sensor according to the invention is specified. Disclosure of the invention

[0010] The proposed support element is at least partially tubular and defines a cavity that is open at least on one side. According to the invention, at least one receptacle for an electrical or electronic component is formed in a surface of the support element facing the cavity and / or in a surface facing away from the cavity.

[0011] As mentioned at the outset, the electrical or electronic component can be either active or passive. To implement a sensor, a measuring or sensor element is preferably used as an electrical or electronic component. For example, a temperature sensor, particularly in the form of a measuring resistor, can be used to implement a temperature sensor. Alternatively or additionally, a pressure measuring element can be integrated into the carrier element to implement a pressure sensor. However, the at least one electrical or electronic component does not necessarily have to be used for temperature and / or pressure measurement. Completely different functionalities can also be implemented using the at least one electrical or electronic component.For example, the flow velocity in a fluid-carrying pipe can be measured using an electrical or electronic component. An example of an active component is a heat-emitting component, which can be used as a heating element to warm the fluid flowing through the pipe.

[0012] To protect the electrical or electronic component from external influences, the proposed carrier element is overmolded after being fitted with the at least one component, according to the invention. The overmolding can completely enclose the carrier element or only partially, for example, only in the area of ​​the at least one electrical or electronic component. Due to its load-bearing function, the carrier element can also be referred to as a "chassis".

[0013] The support element is preferably a prefabricated component on which, for example, an electrical sensor can be built. Unlike a conventional printed circuit board or circuit board, however, the support element is not plate-shaped, but at least partially tubular. In at least one section, the support element therefore has a cavity-enclosing annular cross-section.

[0014] The proposed cross-sectional shape results in increased rigidity, particularly increased bending and torsional stiffness, of the support element. If the support element is overmolded after being fitted with at least one electrical or electronic component, the component can be precisely positioned and held in an injection mold using the support element. This results in a defined coverage of the component with the overmolding material. In this way, an electrical sensor with very high measurement accuracy can be manufactured.

[0015] Furthermore, the proposed cross-sectional shape of the support element according to the invention has further advantages.

[0016] For example, the proposed cross-sectional shape enables the formation of an electrical sensor that is at least partially tubular, allowing for its simple integration into a medium-carrying line. For instance, an electrical sensor formed from a support element according to the invention can itself form a section of the line or be inserted into a line section in such a way that the medium flows through it. The cavity defined by the support element or the electrical sensor can thus be used as a flow path for the medium.

[0017] To create a flow path for the medium, the cavity defined by the support element and / or the electrical sensor is preferably open on both sides, not just one. For example, the support element and / or the electrical sensor can be tubular along its entire length.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, at least one opening can be provided in a tubular section of the support element and / or the electrical sensor, connecting the cavity to the outside. This opening is formed in a wall section of the support element that defines the cavity. For example, a wall section of the support element that defines the cavity can have a bore and / or a slot to form the opening. If the opening is not used as a flow path for a medium, it can serve to accommodate an electrical or electronic component or form a corresponding receptacle. To insert an electrical sensor formed from a support element according to the invention into a medium-carrying conduit, no wall of the conduit needs to be opened, so leaks are not a concern.By having the medium flow through or at least around the electrical sensor, high measurement accuracy can be achieved. At the same time, the sensor's response time is optimized.

[0019] The integration of an electrical sensor formed from a carrier element according to the invention into a medium-carrying conduit can be carried out in such a way that the flow cross-section of the conduit is not reduced. For example, the electrical sensor can be integrated flush with a wall of the conduit. Alternatively, the electrical sensor can be integrated into a medium-carrying conduit in such a way that the flow cross-section of the medium-carrying conduit is deliberately reduced, for example to effect throttling and / or flow control.

[0020] Furthermore, an electrical sensor according to the invention can be integrated into a medium-carrying conduit in such a way that the sensor is immersed in the medium. In this case, the sensor is at least partially surrounded by the medium. To optimize the flow in the conduit, the sensor is preferably aligned parallel to the main flow direction within the conduit. Moreover, the sensor can be integrated into a medium-carrying conduit in such a way that the main flow of a medium is divided into at least two partial flows with the aid of the sensor.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, it is proposed that an electrical sensor according to the invention be integrated into a medium-carrying conduit in such a way that the sensor interacts with a wall of the conduit to form at least one further cavity. This further cavity can also be used for media guidance or for forming a cavity that is fluid-tightly separated from the media-carrying area, for example, to accommodate another electrical or electronic component and / or an electrical conductor. In this case as well, the electrical sensor is preferably oriented substantially parallel to the main flow direction within the media-carrying conduit.

[0022] The application examples described above show that an electrical sensor according to the invention does not necessarily have to have a circular outer contour and / or a circular cavity-defining inner contour in cross-section, but can also have an outer contour and / or cavity-defining inner contour that deviates from a circular shape. Similarly, the support element can also have an outer contour and / or cavity-defining inner contour that deviates from a circular shape in cross-section. In the area of ​​a tubular section, the support element can also have a cross-section that has a cavity-defining inner contour that deviates from the outer contour. This means that the outer and inner contours of the support element can be shaped differently in the area of ​​the tubular section, so that the wall thickness of the tubular section varies around the circumference or in the circumferential direction.The same applies if the support element is tubular along its entire length.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support element has, at least in one section, an outer contour that deviates from a circular shape and / or an inner cavity-defining contour that deviates from a circular shape. The support element thus enables the formation of a large number of different electrical sensors that can be used in a variety of applications.

[0024] Preferably, the support element is tubular along its entire length. The cavity formed within the support element can thus be used to create a flow channel for a medium. If the support element is overmolded after being fitted with at least one electrical or electronic component, the overmolding must be arranged such that a continuous cavity remains. To create a branching flow channel and / or a receptacle for an electrical or electronic component, the support element can also have at least one lateral opening that penetrates a cavity-bounding wall section of the support element and opens the cavity to the outside. The opening can, for example, be designed as a slot or window. The support element can have a constant or varying wall thickness around its circumference or in the circumferential direction.Furthermore, the wall thickness can vary in the longitudinal direction of the support element, so that, for example, the support element has a conically shaped outer or inner contour at least in sections.

[0025] The support element according to the invention exhibits high rigidity due to its cross-sectional shape. As already mentioned, an annular cross-section need not necessarily be circular, but can also have an outer and / or inner contour that deviates from a circular shape. For example, the outer and / or inner contour can have the shape of an ellipse or a polygon. Alternatively, the outer and / or inner contour can form a freeform shape. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the support element can vary along its length or in the longitudinal direction.

[0026] The high rigidity of the support element counteracts unwanted deformation during overmolding. With the aid of the support element, at least one electrical or electronic component can be precisely positioned and held in an injection mold, ensuring a defined coverage of the component with the overmolding material. The support element can therefore be used as a positioning aid during overmolding.

[0027] When the carrier element is fitted with the at least one electrical or electronic component, the component is preferably simultaneously secured in position. Therefore, the at least one receptacle for the component is preferably designed as a recess in the carrier element. The component can thus be inserted—fully or partially—into the recess, securing it against slippage. Preferably, the dimensions of the recess are adapted to the dimensions of the electrical or electronic component to be inserted therein, so that the component is secured against slippage in at least two spatial directions. Securing the component's position via the carrier element particularly counteracts any change in the component's position during a subsequent overmolding process.

[0028] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one guide channel for guiding one or more connecting wires of the electrical or electronic component or an electrical connecting cable is connected to the at least one receptacle. Several connecting wires can also form a connecting strand consisting of several individual wires. If the connecting wire or connecting strand has an insulating sheath, this is preferably removed before the connecting wire or connecting strand is inserted into the guide channel.

[0029] The at least one guide channel preferably runs longitudinally and / or is designed as a longitudinal groove in the support element. This means that the at least one guide channel runs essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the support element. The guide channel can therefore have a straight course, so that the connecting wires do not need to be bent. Several guide channels are preferably arranged at a distance from each other, in particular at an angular distance, so that they are separated from each other by a web of the support element. In this way, an electrical short circuit can be prevented.

[0030] The at least one receptacle for an electrical or electronic component and / or the at least one guide channel for guiding one or more connecting wires can be formed on either the surface facing the cavity or the surface facing away from the cavity of the support element. Inserting the component into the receptacle and / or placing the connecting wires into the at least one guide channel can be simplified by arranging the receptacle and / or guide channel on the surface of the support element facing away from the cavity, i.e., on the outside. If the electrical or electronic component is, for example, a leadless measuring resistor in SMD package, the required electrical contact of the measuring resistor can be simplified by arranging them on the outside.In contrast, the internal arrangement of the electrical or electronic component has the advantage that the distance between the component and the medium can be reduced.

[0031] Preferably, the carrier element has multiple receptacles so that it can be equipped with several electrical or electronic components. For example, the carrier element can be equipped with several identical components, creating a redundant system with increased reliability and thus functional safety. Alternatively, the carrier element can be equipped with several different components, such as multiple measuring resistors covering different measuring ranges. In this way, an electrical sensor can be created that can be used over a very wide measuring range.

[0032] The multiple receptacles are preferably arranged at a distance, particularly an angular distance, from each other in the circumferential direction of the support element. This ensures that longitudinally extending guide channels adjoining the receptacles are also spaced at a distance, particularly an angular distance, from each other, thus reducing the risk of an electrical short circuit.

[0033] In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the support element be designed with rotational symmetry, so that it is mapped onto itself when rotated about its longitudinal axis by a predetermined angle. For this purpose, the multiple receptacles and / or guide channels are arranged at equal angular intervals from one another. In this way, the space available on the support element is optimally utilized for mounting multiple electrical or electronic components.

[0034] Preferably, the support element is made at least partially of plastic, preferably of an electrically insulating and / or thermally conductive plastic. When using an electrically insulating plastic, the support element can simultaneously serve as an insulating component, thus eliminating the need for additional electrical insulation. Using a thermally conductive plastic can improve the response time of an electrical or electronic component used for temperature measurement or heating. This is particularly true if the component is separated from the medium to be measured by at least a section of the support element's wall.

[0035] Furthermore, the support element is preferably an injection-molded part, that is, a molded part produced by injection molding. In this way, the support element can be manufactured in large quantities particularly easily and cost-effectively.

[0036] Furthermore, the electrical sensor, in particular a temperature sensor, proposed to solve the aforementioned problem, comprises a support element according to the invention and at least one electrical or electronic component. The component is received in a recess of the support element. Preferably, the component is fixed in position by the support element in at least one spatial direction. This positional fixation counteracts any relative movement of the component with respect to the support element. At the same time, high mechanical stability is achieved through the rigidity of the support element, which is primarily due to its cross-sectional shape. Thus, during a subsequent overmolding process, the support element enables precise positioning of the electrical or electronic component in the mold, ensuring a defined coverage of the component with the overmolding material.The electrical sensor created in this way therefore exhibits high measurement accuracy.

[0037] In the electrical sensor according to the invention, the carrier element according to the invention preferably defines the basic shape of the sensor. Therefore, the electrical sensor is preferably designed as a tube along its entire length or in sections. The proposed electrical sensor can thus be integrated into a medium-carrying line in such a way that it, either on its own and / or in conjunction with the line, defines at least one cavity that can be used as a flow path for the medium.

[0038] The proposed electrical sensor can have a circular or non-circular outer and / or inner cross-section in the tubular section. The cross-sectional shape can also vary along the length of the electrical sensor. Preferably, the electrical sensor is tubular along its entire length. A tubular electrical sensor has the advantage that it can be integrated into a medium-carrying line in such a way that the medium flows through it. Due to its proximity to the medium, the sensor exhibits high measurement accuracy. Furthermore, no opening in the line wall is required to install the sensor, thus ensuring the line's continued tightness. The inner diameter of the tubular sensor can be adapted to the inner diameter of the line, so that the free flow cross-section is not reduced.Alternatively, the sensor can be dimensioned and installed in such a way as to achieve a targeted reduction of the free flow cross-section. The inner diameter of the electrical sensor is preferably defined by the carrier element or by an overmolding formed on the carrier element.

[0039] Regarding the advantages of an electrical sensor according to the invention and specific application examples, reference is made to the advantages and application examples already described in connection with the carrier element according to the invention. This applies in particular to the various possibilities for integrating an electrical sensor according to the invention into a medium-carrying line, which each result from the specific shape of the sensor.

[0040] Preferably, the electrical sensor comprises several electrical or electronic components. At least one of these components is preferably a measuring resistor. Advantageously, the at least one measuring resistor is a platinum measuring resistor, which can be used to perform temperature measurements. For example, a platinum chip temperature sensor with connecting wires according to DIN EN 60751 can be used. This has a flat design with connecting wires exiting from the side. Alternatively, a platinum measuring resistor in SMD (surface-mounted device) form can be used, which has no connecting wires. Furthermore, an NTC (negative temperature coefficient) resistor can be used as the measuring resistor, which is particularly small and therefore enables the development of a miniaturized temperature sensor.

[0041] Using multiple identical measuring resistors that provide redundant information minimizes the risk of failure and increases the sensor's operational reliability. If the carrier element is equipped with measuring resistors of different characteristics, as required—for example, resistors with different response times and / or different electrical connection values—a sensor can be created that not only possesses high measurement accuracy but also covers a wide measuring range. If the at least one electrical or electronic component has connecting wires, these are preferably accommodated in at least one guide channel of the carrier element. Preferably, each connecting wire is placed in its own guide channel to prevent an electrical short circuit.

[0042] According to the invention, the carrier element is overmolded with a plastic, at least partially, preferably in the area of ​​the at least one electrical or electronic component. The plastic overmolding protects the component from external influences. In particular, the plastic overmolding provides a seal for the sensor, protecting the electrical or electronic components from moisture and / or aggressive media. This increases the robustness of the electrical sensor, making it more versatile and / or integrable.

[0043] According to the invention, the overmolding material in the area of ​​the at least one electrical or electronic component is an electrically insulating and / or thermally conductive plastic. Using an electrically insulating plastic simultaneously provides electrical insulation to the overmolded components and / or connecting wires. Using a thermally conductive plastic can improve the response time if the electrical sensor is a temperature sensor. Furthermore, the thermally conductive plastic contributes to the high measurement accuracy of the electrical sensor, particularly the temperature sensor.

[0044] Depending on the position of the at least one electrical or electronic component, the surface facing the cavity and / or the surface facing away from the cavity and / or at least one end face of the support element can be at least partially overmolded with the plastic. The plastic overmolding preferably completely covers the at least one electrical or electronic component with the plastic in order to prevent direct contact between the measuring resistor and the medium when the sensor is integrated into a medium-carrying line.

[0045] According to the invention, the carrier element is overmolded, at least in certain areas, with different plastics, preferably a first plastic being a thermally conductive plastic and a second plastic being a thermally non-conductive plastic. The use of the thermally conductive plastic can then be limited to the area of ​​an electrical or electronic component used for temperature measurement in order to achieve high measurement accuracy and short response times. In the remaining areas, a conventional non-thermally conductive plastic can be used for overmolding. Since different plastics often bond better than similar plastics, very tight transitions can be created. This ensures the required seal.

[0046] In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the electrical sensor comprises at least one additional electrical or electronic component. This means that the electrical sensor can perform additional tasks as needed. In this way, the functionality of the electrical sensor can be increased. The additional electrical or electronic component can be connected directly or indirectly, for example via a plastic overmolding, to the carrier element of the electrical sensor.

[0047] Preferably, the additional electrical or electronic component is a pressure measuring element for forming a pressure sensor. When the electrical sensor is integrated into a fluid-carrying line, the pressure in the fluid-carrying line can thus be measured. The electrical sensor can, for example, be a combined pressure and temperature sensor. Pressure measuring elements for forming a pressure sensor are available in miniaturized versions, so that integration into an electrical sensor according to the invention is easily possible.

[0048] Preferably, at least one further electrical or electronic component is integrated circumferentially or at the end face of the electrical sensor. For example, a circumferential or end-face recess can be formed in the sensor in which the component is at least partially received. If the electrical sensor is tubular, the further electrical or electronic component can be arranged at one end of the tubular electrical sensor so that it completely or partially closes the cavity formed by the electrical sensor.

[0049] Since the electrical sensor according to the invention is preferably used to measure at least one property, in particular the temperature, of a flowing medium in a conduit, a medium-carrying conduit with an electrical sensor according to the invention is further proposed. Preferably, the conduit has a section or a branch formed by an electrical sensor according to the invention and / or in which an electrical sensor according to the invention is accommodated. The electrical sensor is thus located in the flow path of the medium or itself forms part of the flow path for the medium. Due to the proximity of the electrical sensor to the medium, short response times and high measurement accuracy can be achieved. Furthermore, the wall of the medium-carrying conduit does not need to be opened to integrate the electrical sensor. This means that the tightness of the conduit is not compromised.For this purpose, the electrical sensor is preferably integrated into the medium-carrying line in such a way that a longitudinal axis of the electrical sensor is aligned parallel to the main flow direction of the medium.

[0050] The invention and its advantages are explained in more detail below with reference to specific embodiments, which can be seen in the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section through an electrical sensor with a support element according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-section through the sensor of the Fig. 1 Fig. 3 shows a sectional view through an electrical sensor with a support element according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the sensor. Fig. 3Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a carrier element equipped with electrical components for an electrical sensor according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a carrier element equipped with an electrical component for an electrical sensor according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of the drawings

[0051] The one in the Figure 1 and 2 The electrical sensor 2 according to the invention is designed at least partially as a tube, wherein the tube has an annular cross-section (see Fig. 2 The cross-sectional shape of the electrical sensor 2 is defined by a support element 1, which is also tubular. The support element 1 is equipped with two electrical components 7, which are located opposite each other on the outer circumference of the support element 1.

[0052] To fix the position of the electrical components 7, the support element 1 has receptacles 6 whose dimensions are adapted to the dimensions of the components 7. The receptacles 6 are formed in a surface 5 of the support element 1, which defines the outer circumference of the tubular support element 1. Guide channels 8 are also formed in the same surface 5, which serve to accommodate connecting wires 9. The guide channels 8 extend longitudinally along the support element 1, that is, parallel to a longitudinal axis A of the support element 1, which also forms a longitudinal axis of the electrical sensor 2. This ensures that the connecting wires 9 do not cross each other.

[0053] The arrangement of the electrical components 7 in the outer surface 5 of the support element 1, which defines the outer circumference, has the advantage that the assembly of the support element 1 with the components 7 is simplified. This is because the surface 5 is more easily accessible than a surface 4 that encloses a cavity 3 of the tubular support element 1. Alternatively or additionally, the surface 4 of the support element 1 enclosing the cavity 3 can also be equipped with at least one component 7.

[0054] The ring-shaped cross-section of the support element 1 offers the advantage that an electrical sensor 2 with a corresponding cross-section can be easily created. Such an electrical sensor 2 can be integrated into a medium-carrying conduit in such a way that it forms part of the medium's flow path. The medium flows directly past the sensor 2 in the longitudinal direction, i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis A, or through the remaining cavity 3 of the sensor 2. In this way, short response times and high measurement accuracy can be achieved.

[0055] The depicted electrical sensor 2 can, in particular, be a temperature sensor comprising two platinum measuring resistors as electrical components 7. These are arranged on the surface 5 of the support element 1 facing away from the cavity 3. Since the support element 1 is made of a thermally conductive plastic, the arrangement of the components 7 on the surface 5 facing away from the cavity 3 does not represent a significant disadvantage with regard to short response times and high measuring accuracy.

[0056] To protect the electrical components 7 from external influences, particularly aggressive media, the carrier element 1 is overmolded with a plastic 10, at least in the area of ​​the components 7. This plastic 10 is thermally conductive to ensure short response times and high measurement accuracy. The overmolding with the plastic 10 extends over a length Lx parallel to the longitudinal axis A, on both surface 5 and surface 4 of the carrier element 1. Furthermore, the carrier element 1 has an end face 11, which is also overmolded with the plastic 10. The end of the carrier element 1 containing the components 7 is thus completely surrounded by the plastic 10. Adjoining the section with length Lx is a section with length Ly, which is overmolded with another plastic 12.This is a thermally non-conductive plastic. This plastic 12 is also arranged on the carrier element 1 both on its outer and inner circumference, directly adjacent to the overmolding with the plastic 10. Thus, the carrier element 1 is completely enclosed in plastic, resulting in optimal sealing. The overmolding with the additional plastic 12 ensures that the connecting wires 9 of the electrical components 7 are also protected.

[0057] The thickness of the overmolding with plastics 10, 12 is chosen to be uniform around the entire circumference, leaving an inner diameter DI that corresponds to the inner diameter of the carrier element 1 minus twice the thickness of the inner overmolding. After the electrical sensor 2 is installed in a medium-carrying line (not shown), this cross-section is available as the flow cross-section for the medium. The outer diameter DA corresponds to the outer diameter of the carrier element 1 plus twice the thickness of the outer overmolding. The electrical sensor 2 can be designed such that, for example, the inner diameter DI or the outer diameter DA corresponds to the inner diameter of the medium-carrying line, so that the free flow cross-section of the line is neither restricted nor intentionally reduced.

[0058] The Fig. 3A modification of the previously described embodiment can be seen here. In this embodiment, electrical components in the form of measuring resistors for temperature measurement and a further electrical component 13 are integrated into the electrical sensor 2. The further electrical component 13, which in this case is a pressure measuring element for forming a pressure sensor, is arranged on the end face and connected to the carrier element 1 via an overmolding with a plastic 12.

[0059] The one in Fig. 3The illustrated electrical sensor 2 can be integrated into a medium-carrying line such that the longitudinal axis A of the sensor 2 is aligned parallel to the main flow direction of the medium within the line, and a portion of the medium flows into the cavity 3 of the sensor 2. To ensure flow through the line, the outer diameter DA of the electrical sensor 2 is preferably chosen to be smaller than the inner diameter of the line, so that the medium flows both into the sensor 2 and past the outside of the sensor 2. The pressure in the medium-carrying line can also be measured using the additional electrical component 13.

[0060] The electrical sensor 2 of the Fig. 3 It also features wired measuring resistors as components 7. This means that the measuring resistors are provided with connecting wires 9 (see Fig. 4), which are inserted into guide channels 8 when inserting the measuring resistors into receptacles 6 (see Fig. 4 The step of electrically contacting the measuring resistors is therefore eliminated. The additional electrical component 13, arranged at the front, has connecting leads 14 that extend out of the front of the component 13 (see Fig. 4 ).

[0061] The Fig. 5 A carrier element 1 according to the invention for forming an electrical sensor 2 can be taken from the carrier element 2, which has two wired measuring resistors as electrical components 7. In contrast to the embodiments of the Figures 1 to 4The tubular support element 1 does not have an annular cross-section, but rather a square cross-section. The support element 1 has both a square outer contour and a square inner contour in cross-section. The outer and inner corners are each slightly rounded. The measuring resistors are, by way of example, located in two diagonally arranged walls of the support element 1 that define the cavity 3, specifically in a surface 5 of the support element 1 facing away from the cavity 3.

[0062] Another preferred embodiment of a support element 1 according to the invention for an electrical sensor 2 is described in the Fig. 6The support element 1 is also tubular in shape, with its cross-section based on a freeform form. The cavity 3 is bounded by walls that are concave or convex to varying degrees. An electrical component 7, in the form of a measuring resistor, is mounted in a recess 6 in one wall, specifically on a surface 5 facing away from the cavity 3. Reference symbol list

[0063] 1 Carrier element 2 Sensor 3 Cavity 4 Surface 5 Surface 6 Receptacle 7 Component 8 Guide channel 9 Connecting wire 10 Plastic 11 End face 12 Plastic 13 Component 14 Connecting cable

Claims

1. Electrical sensor (2), in particular temperature sensor, having a carrier element (1) and at least one electrical or electronic component (7), which is received in a receiving arrangement (6) of the carrier element (1) and is preferably fixed in position by the carrier element (1) in at least one spatial direction, wherein the carrier element (1) is embodied in a tubular manner at least in sections and delimits a cavity (3) that is open at least on one side, and wherein the receiving arrangement (6) for the electrical or electronic component (7) is embodied in a surface (4) that is facing the cavity (3) or in a surface (5) of the carrier element (1) that is remote from the cavity (3), characterised in that the carrier element (1) is overmoulded at least in regions using different synthetic materials (10, 12), wherein preferably a first synthetic material (10) is a thermally conductive synthetic material and a further synthetic material (12) is a thermally nonconductive synthetic material, and wherein the carrier element (1) is overmoulded in the region of the at least one electrical or electronic component (7) using a synthetic material (10), which is an electrically insulating and / or thermally conductive synthetic material.

2. Electrical sensor (2) according to claim 1, characterised in that the carrier element (1) comprises, at least in one section, an outer contour that deviates from the circular shape and / or an inner contour that delimits the cavity and deviates from the circular shape.

3. Electrical sensor (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the at least one receiving arrangement (6) is designed as a recess in the carrier element (1), wherein the dimensions of the recess are preferably adapted to the dimensions of the electrical or electronic component (7) to be inserted therein.

4. Electrical sensor (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one guide channel (8) for guiding one or more connection wires (9) of the electrical or electronic component (7) or an electrical connection line is connected to the at least one receiving arrangement (6), wherein the guide channel (8) preferably runs in the longitudinal direction and / or is designed as a longitudinal groove in the carrier element (1).

5. Electrical sensor (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the carrier element (1) comprises a plurality of receiving arrangements (6), which are preferably arranged at a distance from one another, in particular at an angular distance, in the circumferential direction of the carrier element (1).

6. Electrical sensor (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the carrier element (1) is manufactured at least in sections from synthetic material, preferably from an electrically insulating and / or thermally conductive synthetic material, and / or is an injection moulded part.

7. Electrical sensor (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electrical or electronic component (7) is a measuring resistor, for example a platinum measuring resistor, in particular a platinum measuring resistor in SMD design, or an NTC resistor.

8. Electrical sensor (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electrical or electronic component (7) comprises connection wires (9), which are received in at least one guide channel (8) of the carrier element (1).

9. Electrical sensor (2) according to claim 1 characterised in that the surface (4) that is facing the cavity (3) and / or the surface (5) that is remote from the cavity (3) and / or at least one end face (11) of the carrier element (1) is or are overmoulded at least in regions using the synthetic material (10).

10. Electrical sensor (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electrical sensor (2) comprises at least one further electrical or electronic component (13), which is preferably a pressure measuring element for forming a pressure sensor.

11. Electrical sensor (2) according to claim 10, characterised in that the at least one further electrical or electronic component (13) is integrated circumferentially or at the end face into the electrical sensor (2).

12. Media-conducting line having a section or a branch, which is embodied by an electrical sensor (2) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and / or in which an electrical sensor (2) according to one of claims 1 to 11 is received.