Temperature sensor

Abstract

Disclosed is a temperature sensor (1) which comprises a plug-in coupling (2) with an integrated temperature probe (3) and a receptacle (4) having an opening (5) for inserting a plug-in pin (6), wherein the position of the opening (5) of the receptacle (4) can be moved perpendicularly with respect to the insertion direction (R) of the plug-in coupling (2). Also disclosed is a sensor assembly.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] TEMPERATURE SENSOR

[0003] A temperature sensor and a sensor arrangement with the temperature sensor are specified.

[0004] Temperature sensors are used, for example, to determine the operating temperatures of electric motors or combustion engines. In vehicles, the engine is operated, in particular, with a load profile that varies significantly over time. To avoid damage to the engine during operation, an accurate determination of the operating temperature is therefore advantageous. In this case, determining the operating temperature of components within the engine that are subject to high thermal stress is particularly important, for example, the coils of a stator of an electric motor. A temperature sensor is known, for example, from the publication US 2020 / 0266689 A1.

[0005] At least one object of certain embodiments of the invention is to provide an improved temperature sensor that is easier to install. This object is achieved by an object having the features of patent claim 1.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the temperature sensor and the sensor arrangement are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor comprises a plug-in coupling with an integrated temperature sensor and a receptacle having an opening for inserting a plug-in pin, wherein the position of the opening of the receptacle can be changed perpendicular to the plug-in direction of the plug-in coupling. The plug-in coupling is preferably designed for a reversible plug-in connection with the plug-in pin. In other words, the plug-in connection between the plug-in coupling and the plug-in pin can be released without damaging the plug-in coupling and the plug-in pin. Alternatively, the plug-in coupling can be designed for an irreversible plug-in connection with the plug-in pin, such that the plug-in connection can only be released by destroying one or both elements, the plug-in coupling and the plug-in pin.

[0008] The plug-in coupling is designed, in particular, for a positive-locking, a non-positive-locking, or a positive-locking and non-positive-locking connection with the plug-in pin. For example, the opening of the receptacle and the plug-in pin have the same or a similar cross-sectional area, so that after the plug-in coupling is plugged onto the plug-in pin, a mechanically stable connection exists between the plug-in coupling and the plug-in pin. Here and in the following, the cross-sectional area refers, in particular, to a surface perpendicular to the plug-in direction.

[0009] The opening of the receptacle is, for example, a blind hole that is arranged on an end face of the plug-in coupling. The opening has, for example, a circular, oval, square, rectangular, or polygonal cross-sectional area. A linear extension of the opening in the plug-in direction is preferably greater than a linear extension of the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening. The plug-in connection between the plug-in coupling and the plug pin is therefore particularly stable against a force that acts on the plug-in coupling counter to the plug-in direction. The temperature sensor is, for example, an electrical component or a part of an electrical component that supplies an electrical signal as a measure of the temperature. The temperature sensor is preferably arranged inside the plug-in coupling. For example, the temperature sensor is embedded in a material of the plug-in coupling.The plug-in coupling can also have a cavity or a hole into which the temperature sensor is inserted. After the plug-in coupling has been plugged onto the plug pin, the temperature sensor is preferably arranged in the immediate vicinity of the plug pin. For example, the temperature sensor is arranged on or near a base surface or a peripheral surface of the opening of the receptacle. The temperature sensor can also be arranged directly on the base surface or the peripheral surface within the opening.

[0010] The plug-in coupling comprises, for example, elements or materials that increase the thermal conductivity of the plug-in coupling. In particular, the thermal conductivity can be increased in a contact area with the plug pin, thereby improving thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the plug pin. For example, the plug-in coupling comprises a matrix material with embedded metallic particles, metallic fibers, or carbon fibers with high thermal conductivity. The matrix material is, for example, a plastic.

[0011] The position of the opening in the receptacle can be changed, for example, relative to a mounting plate of the temperature sensor. The mounting plate is designed, in particular, for mechanically fastening the temperature sensor to a housing. For example, the mounting plate can be firmly screwed to the housing. In particular, the position of the opening in the receptacle can be changed such that the plug-in coupling at least partially compensates for a displacement of the plug pin relative to the fixed mounting plate of the temperature sensor when the temperature sensor is plugged onto the plug pin. Furthermore, the opening in the receptacle can be changed such that the plug-in coupling at least partially compensates for a displacement of the plug pin relative to the fixed mounting plate of the temperature sensor during operation of the temperature sensor.

[0012] The variable position of the receptacle opening compensates, in particular, for any displacement of the plug pin in a direction perpendicular to the plug-in direction. The plug-in coupling can also be designed to compensate for any displacement of the plug pin in the plug-in direction after it has been plugged onto the plug pin. Vibrations of the motor during operation, for example, lead to a relative displacement between the housing and the plug pin within the housing. The variable position of the receptacle opening thus makes it possible, for example, to compensate for this displacement.

[0013] According to a further embodiment of the temperature sensor, the position of the opening of the receptacle can be changed by at least 50%, preferably by at least 100%, and particularly preferably by at least 200% of a diameter of the opening of the receptacle. Here and below, the diameter refers to a maximum linear extent of the cross-sectional area. In particular, the position of the opening of the receptacle relative to the mounting plate of the temperature sensor can be changed without damaging the temperature sensor. The change in the position of the opening of the receptacle is preferably reversible.

[0014] According to a further embodiment of the temperature sensor, the opening of the receptacle has an insertion bevel. In other words, the opening of the receptacle has a funnel-shaped section, so that the diameter of the opening of the receptacle on the end face of the plug-in coupling is larger than the diameter of the cross-sectional area of ​​the plug-in pin. For example, the diameter of the opening of the receptacle on the end face of the plug-in coupling is at least 50%, preferably at least 100%, larger than the diameter of the cross-sectional area of ​​the plug-in pin.

[0015] The insertion bevel makes it particularly easy to plug the plug-in coupling onto the plug-in pin. For example, the insertion bevel allows for blind mounting of the temperature sensor from outside the housing, whereby the position of the plug-in pin inside the housing, for example, has a tolerance in a direction perpendicular to the

[0016] In the plug-in direction of at most 50%, preferably of at most 100% of the diameter of the cross-sectional area of ​​the plug pin.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the temperature sensor, the plug-in coupling comprises a flexible material, so that the position of the opening of the receptacle can be changed by reversibly deforming a part of the plug-in coupling. For example, a length of the plug-in coupling in the plug-on direction is greater than a width of the plug-in coupling perpendicular to the plug-on direction. In particular, the position of the opening can be changed by bending the plug-in coupling. For example, the plug-in coupling comprises a flexible plastic, in particular a silicone or an elastomer rubber, or consists of one of these materials.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the temperature sensor, the receptacle comprises a plurality of densely packed pins arranged parallel to the insertion direction and displaceable parallel to the insertion direction. Preferably, the pins are displaceable independently of one another. In particular, the pins are packed so densely that immediately adjacent pins are at least partially in direct contact.

[0019] The features of a pin described below apply to the majority of pins, preferably to all pins. The pin has, for example, a circular, oval, square, rectangular, hexagonal or polygonal cross-sectional area. A diameter of the cross-sectional area of ​​the pin is preferably smaller than the diameter of the cross-sectional area of ​​the plug pin. A length of the pin is preferably greater than a predetermined insertion depth of the plug pin in the receptacle. In particular, the pin can be moved from the end face of the plug-in coupling to the insertion depth. The pin has, for example, a metal such as iron, copper or aluminum, a plastic, carbon, Teflon, or a ceramic, or is made of one of these materials.

[0020] When the plug-in coupling is placed onto the plug-in pin, for example, some of the pins that are in direct contact with the plug-in pin are moved opposite to the direction of insertion. In particular, the opening in the receptacle is formed by the displacement of the pins when the plug-in coupling is placed onto the plug-in pin. The position of the opening in the receptacle is thus variable and adapts to the position of the plug-in pin when it is placed onto the plug-in pin. The receptacle with the pins arranged therein preferably has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the plug-in pin. For example, the diameter of the receptacle is at least 50%, preferably at least 100%, and particularly preferably at least 200% larger than the diameter of the plug-in pin.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the temperature sensor, the temperature sensor is in direct contact with at least one of the pins. The pins thus establish the thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the plug pin. The pins preferably have high thermal conductivity. For example, the pins comprise a metal. Thus, the temperature of the plug pin can advantageously be determined particularly accurately.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the temperature sensor can be used in a temperature range between -40 ° C and 230 ° C inclusive. In particular, the flexible material of the plug-in coupling retains its flexible properties in this temperature range.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of the temperature sensor, the temperature sensor has a temperature-dependent electrical resistance. For example, the temperature sensor is a thermistor or a PTC thermistor. In a thermistor, the electrical resistance decreases with increasing temperature, whereas in a PTC thermistor, the electrical resistance increases with increasing temperature. Furthermore, a sensor arrangement is specified. The sensor arrangement, in particular, has a temperature sensor described here. All features of the temperature sensor are also disclosed for the sensor arrangement, and vice versa.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the sensor arrangement has a temperature sensor for plugging onto a plug pin. The temperature sensor has at least one of the features described above. The plug pin is arranged within a housing and is accessible via an opening in the housing, wherein the receptacle for the temperature sensor, with the aid of its variability, compensates for a displacement, a movement, or a displacement and movement of the plug pin relative to the opening in the housing such that thermal contact exists between the plug pin and the temperature sensor. The housing is, for example, a housing of an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. The diameter of the plug pin is, for example, between 1 mm and 1 cm inclusive.

[0025] For example, the adjustable opening of the plug-in coupling receptacle compensates for a tolerance in the position of the pin during temperature sensor installation. Specifically, the plug-in coupling is plugged onto the pin during temperature sensor installation. The adjustable opening of the plug-in coupling receptacle can also compensate for a shift, movement, or both shift and movement of the position of the pin in the housing during temperature sensor operation.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the sensor arrangement, the plug-in coupling seals the opening in the housing in a liquid-tight manner when plugged onto the pin. The plug-in coupling can also seal the opening in the housing in a liquid-tight and gas-tight manner. For example, the housing is part of an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, and no liquids should enter or exit the housing.

[0027] The liquid-tight sealing of the opening in the housing when plugging the plug-in connector onto the pin enables easy installation and replacement of the temperature sensor. For example, the opening in the housing does not need to be sealed in a separate step after installing the temperature sensor.

[0028] The liquid-tight closure of the opening ensures, for example, the long-term functionality of the electric motor or combustion engine. For example, the plug-in coupling seals the opening liquid-tight against water, oil, gasoline, diesel, or several of these liquids. Furthermore, the plug-in coupling can seal the opening tightly against aerosols containing at least one of these liquids.

[0029] According to a further embodiment of the sensor arrangement, the plug pin comprises a plug-in coil of a hairpin stator of an electric motor or an electric generator. In particular, the plug-in coupling of the temperature sensor is plugged directly onto the plug-in coil of the hairpin stator. Thus, the temperature sensor is configured, in particular, for precisely determining the temperature of the plug-in coil of the hairpin stator. Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the temperature sensor and the sensor arrangement emerge from the exemplary embodiments described below in conjunction with the figures.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a temperature sensor according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a temperature sensor according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of part of a temperature sensor according to a further embodiment.

[0033] Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view of part of a temperature sensor according to a further embodiment.

[0034] Figure 5 shows a schematic sectional view of a sensor arrangement according to an embodiment.

[0035] Identical, similar, or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures. The figures and the relative sizes of the elements depicted in the figures are not to scale. Rather, individual elements may be exaggeratedly large or small for clarity or clarity.

[0036] The temperature sensor 1 according to the embodiment in Figure

[0037] 1 comprises a mounting plate 9 with a plug-in coupling 2 arranged thereon. The mounting plate 9 is designed for mechanically fixing the temperature sensor 1 to a housing 11 (not shown). Furthermore, the mounting plate 9 has a seal 13 with which an opening 12 in the housing 11 can be sealed in a liquid-tight manner during installation of the temperature sensor 1.

[0038] The plug-in coupling 2 has a receptacle 4 with an opening 5, so that the plug-in coupling 2 can be reversibly plugged onto a plug pin 6 (not shown). In particular, when plugging it on, the plug pin 6 is inserted into the opening 5 of the receptacle 4. The opening 5 of the receptacle 4 is designed as a blind hole that is arranged on an end face of the plug-in coupling 2. In particular, the plug-in coupling 2 can be used to create a positive and non-positive plug-in connection between the temperature sensor 1 and the plug pin 6. To improve a mechanical connection between the plug-in coupling 2 and the plug pin 6, bulges are arranged on the outer surfaces of the blind hole, which are designed for a positive connection with corresponding knobs on the plug pin 6. Furthermore, the opening 5 of the receptacle 4 has an insertion bevel 7.The insertion bevel 7 particularly facilitates blind mounting of the temperature sensor 1 .

[0039] The plug-in coupling 2 comprises a flexible material, for example a silicone or an elastomer rubber. The plug-in coupling 2 is therefore bendable and the position of the opening 5 of the receptacle 4 can be changed perpendicular to the plug-in direction R and relative to the mounting plate 9. The position of the opening 5 of the receptacle 4 can be moved by at least 50% of the diameter D of the opening 5 of the receptacle 4 perpendicular to the plug-in direction R. This makes it possible to compensate for a tolerance between the position of the plug pin 6 in the housing 11 and the position of the opening 12 in the housing 11 when mounting the temperature sensor 1, for example.

[0040] A temperature sensor 3 is embedded in the plug-in coupling 2 and is arranged next to the opening 5 of the receptacle 4. Thus, during operation of the temperature sensor 1, there is good thermal contact between the temperature sensor 3 and the plug pin 6. The temperature sensor 3 is, for example, a temperature-dependent electrical resistor.

[0041] Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the temperature sensor according to the exemplary embodiment described in connection with Figure 1. In particular, a cavity 14 is formed within the plug-in coupling 2 and is arranged next to the opening 5 of the receptacle 4. The cavity 14 is, for example, a drilled hole and extends from a side of the plug-in coupling 2 facing away from the end face into the receptacle 4. The temperature sensor 3 is arranged within the cavity 14.

[0042] The plug-in coupling 2 of a temperature sensor 1 according to the exemplary embodiment in Figure 3 has a receptacle 4 with a plurality of pins 8 that form a tight package. Directly adjacent pins 8 touch each other at least in places. The pins 8 are each mounted on a spring and can be displaced independently of one another parallel to the insertion direction R.

[0043] When plugging the plug-in coupling 2 onto a plug-in pin 6, the pins 8, which are in direct contact with the plug-in pin 6, are pressed into the receptacle 4 opposite to the plug-in direction R. This creates an opening 5 in the receptacle 4 in which the plug-in pin 6 is arranged.

[0044] A temperature sensor 3 is in direct contact with at least one pin 8. Thus, the pins 8 establish a thermal contact between the plug pin 6 and the temperature sensor 3.

[0045] Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-section of the plug-in coupling 2 of a temperature sensor 1 according to the exemplary embodiment described in conjunction with Figure 3. In particular, Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the plug-in direction R in the region of the receptacle 4. The pins 8, which are pressed into the receptacle 4 when the plug-in coupling 2 is plugged onto the plug-in pin 6, are shown hatched here. By plugging the plug-in coupling 2 onto the plug-in pin, the opening 5 is thus formed in the receptacle 4. A diameter D of the opening 5 in the receptacle 4 is smaller than a diameter of the receptacle in which the pins 8 are arranged. For example, the diameter D of the opening 5 in the receptacle 4 is at most 50% of the diameter of the receptacle 4.

[0046] In particular, the opening 5 can be formed in any area within the receptacle 4 where pins 8 are arranged. Thus, the position of the opening 5 of the receptacle 4 is variable and can adapt to the position of the plug pin 6 during installation of the temperature sensor 1. This simplifies, for example, blind installation of the temperature sensor 1.

[0047] The sensor arrangement 10 according to the embodiment in Figure

[0048] 5 comprises a housing 11 with an opening 12 and a temperature sensor 1. The housing 11 is, for example, a part of an electric motor. The temperature sensor 1 corresponds to the embodiment described in connection with Figure 1. In particular, the temperature sensor

[0049] 1 a mounting plate 9 and a flexible plug-in coupling 2 with a temperature sensor 3 and a receptacle 4 for a plug pin 6.

[0050] The plug pin 6 is arranged within the housing 11 and is configured to establish thermal contact with the temperature sensor 3. The plug pin 5 comprises, for example, a plug coil of a hairpin stator of the electric motor. The temperature sensor 1 is thus configured to measure the operating temperature of the plug coil of the hairpin stator as accurately as possible.

[0051] A displacement V between the position of the opening 12 in the housing 11 and the position of the plug pin 6 is, for example, a result of vibrations during operation of the electric motor, or of tolerances in the manufacture of the electric motor. The displacement V, for example, complicates the assembly of the temperature sensor 1. The displacement V can be compensated by the flexible, in particular bendable plug-in coupling 2 of the temperature sensor 1. For example, the flexible plug-in coupling

[0052] 2 a change in the position of the opening 5 of the receptacle 4 by at least 50% of the diameter of the opening 5 of the receptacle 4 . This advantageously makes it easier to blind mount the temperature sensor 1 . Furthermore, the flexible plug-in coupling 2 can compensate for displacements V due to vibrations during operation of the electric motor . The mounting plate 9 has a seal 13 which closes the opening 12 in the housing 11 in a liquid-tight manner when the plug-in coupling 2 is plugged onto the plug pin 6 . This prevents liquids, such as water, from penetrating the electric motor . Furthermore, the temperature sensor 1 is therefore easy to replace.

[0053] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, the invention encompasses any novel feature and any combination of features, including, in particular, any combination of features in the claims, even if this feature or combination itself is not explicitly stated in the claims or embodiments.

[0054] Reference sign

[0055] 1 temperature sensor

[0056] 2 Plug-in coupling 3 Temperature sensor

[0057] 4 Recording

[0058] 5 Opening the recording

[0059] 6 pins

[0060] 7 Insertion bevel 8 Pin

[0061] 9 Mounting plate

[0062] 10 Sensor arrangement

[0063] 11 housings

[0064] 12 Opening in the housing 13 Seal

[0065] 14 Cavity

[0066] R On plug-in direction

[0067] D Diameter

[0068] V Shift

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Temperature sensor (1), comprising a plug-in coupling (2) with an integrated temperature sensor (3) and a receptacle (4) which has an opening (5) for inserting a plug-in pin (6), wherein the position of the opening (5) of the receptacle (4) can be changed perpendicular to the plug-in direction (R) of the plug-in coupling (2).

2. Temperature sensor (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the position of the opening (5) of the receptacle (4) is variable by at least 50% of a diameter (D) of the opening (5) of the receptacle (4).

3. Temperature sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (5) of the receptacle (4) has an insertion bevel (7).

4. Temperature sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug-in coupling (2) comprises a flexible material, so that the position of the opening (5) of the receptacle (4) can be changed by a reversible deformation of a part of the plug-in coupling (2).

5. Temperature sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (4) comprises a plurality of densely packed pins (8) which are arranged parallel to the plug-on direction (R) and are displaceable parallel to the plug-on direction (R).

6. Temperature sensor (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the temperature sensor (3) is in direct contact with at least one of the pins (8).

7. Temperature sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which can be used in a temperature range between -40°C and 230°C inclusive.

8. Temperature sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature sensor (3) has a temperature-dependent electrical resistance.

9. Sensor arrangement (10), comprising a temperature sensor (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 for plugging onto a plug pin (6), wherein the plug pin (6) is arranged within a housing (11) and is accessible via an opening (12) in the housing (11), and wherein the receptacle (4) compensates for a displacement (V) or movement of the plug pin (6) relative to the opening (12) in the housing (11) by means of its variability in such a way that there is thermal contact between the plug pin (6) and the temperature sensor (3).

10. Sensor arrangement (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the plug-in coupling (2) closes the opening (12) in the housing (11) in a liquid-tight manner when plugged onto the plug pin (6).

11. Sensor arrangement (10) according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the plug pin (6) comprises a plug coil of a hairpin stator of an electric motor or an electric generator.

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