Sensor placement

Abstract

This disclosure describes a sensor arrangement including a base (2), a metal body (3) connected to the base (2), a central housing (7) in which the base (2) and the metal body (3) are at least partially disposed, at least one NTC thermistor (4) disposed within the metal body (3), at least one terminal (6) for electrically connecting the sensor arrangement (1), and an internal seal (9). The internal seal (9) is disposed between the metal body (3) and the central housing (7) and is adapted and arranged to seal the interior of the sensor arrangement (1) from the environment. Use of the sensor arrangement (1) is further described.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to sensor placement. [Background technology]

[0002] When using NTC (negative temperature coefficient) based temperature sensors in applications requiring 100% environmental sealing, i.e. in automotive applications, the need for short response times (t63<3s in liquids) has until now necessitated the use of technically complex, heavy and expensive turned metal cases.

[0003] However, current solutions cannot simultaneously meet all requirements: for example, they have a fast response time but a complex and heavy housing, or they are lightweight and easy to manufacture (full plastic sensors) but have a very slow response time (t63 > 15 s in liquids). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a sensor arrangement that overcomes the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] This object is solved by a sensor arrangement and uses of the sensor arrangement according to the independent claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect, a temperature sensor arrangement is described. The temperature sensor arrangement (abbreviated as sensor arrangement) is adapted to measure temperature in a liquid, such as water and / or oil. The sensor arrangement may be intended for use in an automotive application (e.g., electric motor, transmission, refrigerant circuit, etc.).

[0007] The sensor arrangement includes a base. The base is made of plastic. In particular, the base is a molded plastic part. The base is therefore very easy to manufacture and very lightweight. The base is an internal body. In particular, the base is at least partially arranged inside the sensor arrangement.

[0008] The sensor arrangement further includes a metal body. The metal body is sleeve-shaped. The metal body is hollow. The metal body includes an open end and a closed end. The metal body includes a metal casing. The metal body is connected to a substrate, preferably non-releasably connected, for example, clamped, snap-fitted, or glued to the substrate.

[0009] The sensor arrangement further includes a central housing. The central housing is made of plastic. The central housing may be molded. Therefore, the central housing is also a very lightweight component. The base body and the metal body are at least partially disposed inside the central housing. The base body is connected to the central housing, for example, by being clipped or screwed to the central housing.

[0010] The sensor arrangement further includes at least one NTC thermistor disposed within the metal body, and at least one terminal for electrically connecting the sensor arrangement.

[0011] The terminals are disposed inside the base. The at least one terminal and the at least one NTC thermistor are overmolded. The base can be used to overmold the NTC thermistor and the terminals. In other words, the NTC thermistor and the at least one terminal can be overmolded by the plastic material of the base.

[0012] The sensor arrangement further includes an internal seal. The internal seal may include an O-ring. The internal seal may have an inner diameter d of 3.5±0.14 mm. The internal seal may have a thickness t of 1.5±0.08 mm.

[0013] The internal seal is disposed inside the central housing, and is disposed between the metal body (particularly the outer surface of the metal body) and the central housing (particularly the inner surface of the central housing).

[0014] The internal seal is adapted and arranged to seal the interior of the sensor arrangement against the environment. This means that the internal seal is specially designed / formed and arranged and there is a special interrelationship between the internal seal and other parts of the sensor arrangement to seal the interior of the sensor arrangement. The internal seal can prevent liquids from entering the interior of the sensor arrangement, so the internal seal ensures a complete seal where it is attached to the sensor arrangement.

[0015] The internal seal can seal the central housing. In other words, the internal seal can prevent liquid from penetrating between the central housing and other components (e.g., the metal body and / or the substrate) of the sensor arrangement. This prevents liquid from penetrating into the interior of the sensor arrangement.

[0016] Thus, a sensor arrangement is provided that has a very fast response time, is highly reliable, lightweight and easy to manufacture.

[0017] In one embodiment, the internal seal is supported by the base, or in other words, the internal seal may be located on the base, in which case the metal body may include a smooth or straight outer surface.

[0018] The base may include a connection portion. The connection portion may be molded. The base and the connection portion may be made integrally, i.e., may constitute a single part of the sensor arrangement. The connection portion may be adapted and arranged to connect the metal body and the base to each other. An internal seal may be arranged at the location of the connection portion of the base. In this way, a reliable internal seal in the sensor arrangement is provided.

[0019] In one embodiment, the metal body includes a flange. In other words, the outer surface of the metal body may have steps (i.e., the outer surface may not be smooth / straight). The internal sealing part may be disposed on the flange of the metal body. Thus, the internal sealing part may be at least partially supported by the metal body. In this way, the interior of the sensor arrangement may be reliably sealed against the environment.

[0020] In one embodiment, the metal body comprises a deep-drawn metal case. The introduction of the internal seal allows the sensor arrangement to utilize a deep-drawn metal case that is easy to manufacture, cost-effective, and lightweight, while maintaining a fast response time. Conventional turned cases are much heavier than deep-drawn cases. Therefore, the use of a deep-drawn metal case allows for a sensor arrangement that is significantly lighter in weight than conventional sensor arrangements.

[0021] In one embodiment, the response time of the sensor arrangement is very fast. In water, the sensor arrangement may have a response time t63<2s. Thus, a very effective sensor arrangement is provided.

[0022] In one embodiment, the central housing is designed for connecting the sensor arrangement to the application. This means that the central housing has a very specific shape that allows the sensor arrangement to be connected to the application. The central housing may have an adaptable outer shape. In other words, the outer shape of the central housing can be adjusted according to different mounting positions and / or required mounting features.

[0023] The core design of the sensor arrangement (metal body / case, substrate) can remain the same whatever the customer interface, but the central housing can be adapted to specific installation situations, thus enabling a more sustainable and most cost-effective solution.

[0024] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor arrangement further comprises at least one fastening means. The fastening means may be adapted and arranged to fasten the sensor arrangement to the application. The fastening means may be located on the outside of the central housing. The fastening means may be part of the central housing. In particular, the fastening means and the central housing may be made integrally.

[0025] The central housing, and in particular the fastening means, can be designed / adapted according to the specific installation situation, in other words the fastening means is adaptable.

[0026] The fastening means may, for example, comprise at least one clip member that allows the sensor arrangement to be snap-fit ​​connected to the application. Alternatively, the fastening means may comprise lugs. Metal bushings may be provided on the lugs that allow the sensor arrangement to be threadedly connected to the application. Alternatively, the fastening means may comprise threads, in particular external threads on the central housing.

[0027] Overall, a highly versatile and flexibly adaptable sensor arrangement is provided that can be adapted to specific customer interfaces.

[0028] In one embodiment, the operating temperature of the sensor arrangement is between −40° C. and 150° C. Thus, a sensor arrangement is provided that can be used in a wide variety of applications.

[0029] In a further aspect, the use of a sensor arrangement is described, which is the same as the sensor arrangement described above, and therefore all features described in relation to the sensor arrangement also apply to the use of the sensor arrangement, and vice versa.

[0030] The sensor arrangement may be used for temperature measurement in liquids in sealed systems. In particular, the sensor arrangement may be at least partially immersed in a liquid (e.g., water or oil) to measure the temperature of the liquid. The sensor arrangement may be intended for use in automotive applications (e.g., electric motors, transmissions, refrigerant circuits, etc.). [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] The special configuration of the sensor arrangement provides very fast and effective temperature measurement, and because the sensor arrangement is fully sealed it is very reliable and durable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] Further features, improvements and advantages will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings.

[0033] [Figure 1A] 2 shows a sensor arrangement according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1B] 2 shows a sensor arrangement according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2A] 10 shows a sensor arrangement according to a second embodiment. [Figure 2B] 10 shows a sensor arrangement according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a sensor arrangement according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] 2A, 2B and 3 show cross-sectional views of the sensor arrangement mounted in the application; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a metal body according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B show cross-sectional and top views of the internal seal of the sensor arrangement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] 1A and 1B show a temperature sensor arrangement 1 (abbreviated as sensor arrangement 1) according to a first embodiment. The sensor arrangement 1 is an immersion type temperature sensor arrangement. In other words, the sensor arrangement 1 is adapted to measure the temperature in a liquid, for example water and / or oil. The sensor arrangement 1 can be used in a wide temperature range. The operating temperature of the sensor arrangement 1 is -40°C to 150°C. The sensor arrangement 1 has high accuracy at both ends of the temperature range. Preferably, the sensor arrangement 1 is used in automotive applications.

[0035] The sensor arrangement 1 includes a plastic base 2. The base 2 is molded. The base 2 is an inner body, meaning that the base 2 is at least partially disposed inside the sensor arrangement 1, as will be explained in more detail below. The outer diameter of the base 2 is adjustable to suit different application interfaces (e.g., different pipe diameters, etc.).

[0036] The sensor arrangement 1 further includes a metal body 3. The metal body 3 is made of aluminum. The metal body 3 is hollow. The metal body 3 is sleeve-shaped. The metal body 3 has an open end and a closed end. The metal body 3 includes a metal case, in particular a deep-drawn metal case. In this embodiment, the metal body 3 includes a smooth outer surface. In other words, there are no steps on the outer surface of the metal body 3.

[0037] An NTC thermistor 4 is provided inside the metal body 3 (FIG. 1B). The NTC thermistor 4 is located adjacent to the closed end of the metal body 3. The NTC thermistor 4 is overmolded with the plastic material of the base body 2.

[0038] The metal body 3 is connected to the base 2. The metal body 3 may, for example, be clamped or snapped onto the base 2. In this embodiment, the base 2 includes a connection portion 11. The connection portion 11 is a part of the base 2. In other words, the connection portion 11 and the base 2 constitute a single molded part of the sensor arrangement 1. The connection portion 11 protrudes partially into the interior of the metal body 3 to connect the metal body 3 and the base 2 to each other.

[0039] The metal body 3 and the base body 2 are partially disposed within a central housing 7. The central housing 7 is made of plastic. The central housing 7 is a molded part. The central housing 7 has an upper opening 7A and a lower opening 7B (FIG. 1B). The metal body 3, and thus the NTC thermistor 4 disposed inside the metal body 3, partially protrudes from the lower opening 7B. The base body 2 partially protrudes from the upper opening 7A.

[0040] The base body 2 is connected to the central housing 7. For example, the base body 2 and the central housing 7 are connected by a snap-fit ​​connection. For this purpose, the base body 2 comprises at least one first locking means 16, e.g., a lug, and the central housing 7 comprises at least one mating second locking means 17, e.g., a protrusion (see FIG. 1A). Naturally, any kind of locking means is conceivable, such as lugs, protrusions, clips, elastic arms, screws, etc. The base body 2 and the central housing 7 are firmly connected to each other by the mechanical cooperation of the first locking means 16 and the second locking means 17.

[0041] The sensor arrangement 1 further includes terminals 6 (FIG. 1B) that electrically connect the sensor arrangement 1. Each terminal 6 is disposed inside the substrate 2. As with the NTC thermistor 4, each terminal 6 is overmolded.

[0042] The sensor arrangement 1 further includes a plurality of sealing members 8, i.e., inner and outer O-rings. The sealing members 8 are disposed on the outside of the central housing 7 (see, e.g., Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B) and / or on the outside of the base 2 between the base 2 and the central housing 7 (see, e.g., Figure 2B). The sealing members 8 are used to seal the sensor arrangement 1 and prevent leakage.

[0043] The sensor arrangement 1 constitutes a completely sealed system, i.e., is completely sealed against the environment. For this purpose, the sensor arrangement 1 further comprises an internal seal 9 (FIG. 1B). The internal seal 9 comprises an O-ring. The internal diameter d of the internal seal 9 may be 3.5±0.14 mm (see FIG. 9). The thickness t of the internal seal 9 may be 1.5±0.08 mm (FIG. 9).

[0044] In contrast to the sealing member 8 described above, the internal sealing portion 9 is disposed between the metal body 3 (particularly the outer surface of the metal body 3) and the central housing 7 (particularly the inner surface of the central housing 7). The internal sealing portion 9 is in direct mechanical contact with the metal body 3.

[0045] The internal seal 9 is adapted and arranged to seal against the environment the interior of the sensor arrangement 1. The internal seal 9 can prevent liquids from entering the interior of the sensor arrangement 1 from the bottom side thereof along the metal body 3, thereby ensuring a perfect seal of the sensor arrangement 1 where it is attached.

[0046] 1A and 1B, the internal sealing portion 9 is located on the base 2. In particular, the internal sealing portion 9 is disposed at the position where the connecting portion 11 of the base 2 is molded. In other words, in this embodiment, the internal sealing portion 9 is supported by the base 2, in particular by the circumferential protrusion of the connecting portion 11 of the base 2. The internal sealing portion 9 provides a fully sealed sensor arrangement 1 that is highly reliable, lightweight, and has a very fast response time. In particular, in water, the sensor arrangement 1 has a response time t63<2 s.

[0047] The introduction of the internal seal 9 allows the sensor arrangement 1 to use a deep-drawn metal case that is easy to manufacture, cost-effective and lightweight, while maintaining a fast response time. Thus, by using a deep-drawn metal case as the metal body 3, a sensor arrangement 1 can be achieved that is significantly lighter in weight than conventional sensor arrangements.

[0048] In addition to the above features, the sensor arrangement 1 is adaptable. The central housing 7 is adaptable to the particular application / customer interface in which the sensor arrangement 1 can be used. In particular, the central housing 7, i.e. the outer shape of the central housing 7, can be adapted to different mounting locations and / or required mounting features.

[0049] The core design of the sensor arrangement 1 (metal body 3, substrate 2, terminals 6 and NTC thermistor 4) remains substantially unchanged whatever the customer interface, but the central housing 7 is adaptable to specific installation situations.

[0050] This is explained in more detail below.

[0051] The sensor arrangement 1 comprises at least one fastening means 5 adapted and arranged to fasten the sensor arrangement 1 to the application. The fastening means 5 is located on the outside of the central housing 7. The fastening means 5 is part of the central housing 7. In particular, the fastening means 5 and the central housing 7 are made in one piece.

[0052] The fastening means 5 can be adapted depending on the way the sensor arrangement 1 is attached to the application. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the fastening means 5 is designed to include elastic clip members 5C and / or hooks 5D that allow a snap-fit ​​connection of the sensor arrangement 1 to the application. The clip members 5C protrude from the outer surface of the central housing 7 and are designed to mechanically cooperate with matching structures, such as recesses (not shown), on the application to firmly connect the sensor arrangement 1 to the application. As another example, the central housing 7 is designed with a bayonet lock (not shown) or screws (see Figure 4) that allow a screw-on connection to the application.

[0053] In particular, the fastening means 5 can be any form of fastening structure that adapts to the fastening structure of the application, while leaving the base body 2 and the metal body 3 substantially unchanged, thus providing a highly sustainable and very cost-effective solution.

[0054] Figures 2A, 2B, 3, and 4 show a sensor arrangement 1 according to a second embodiment. Below, differences between the sensor arrangement 1 shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 3, and 4 and the sensor arrangement 1 shown in Figures 1A and 1B will be described.

[0055] 1A and 1B, the base body 2 is screwed into the central housing 7. For this purpose, the locking means 16 of the base body 2 comprise threads, in particular external threads (FIG. 2B). The second locking means 17 of the central housing 7 comprise mating threads. The base body 2 and the central housing 7 are connected by mechanical cooperation of the threads. A sealing member 8 is arranged between the inner surface of the central housing 7 and the outer surface of the base body 2, in particular in the thread groove (FIGS. 2B and 4), to provide a seal between the base body 2 and the central housing 7.

[0056] 1A and 1B, the metal body 3 does not include a smooth outer surface. Rather, the metal body 3 includes a flange 3A (see FIGS. 2B and 5), i.e., a circumferential protrusion. The flange 3A is located in the region of the open end (i.e., upper end) of the metal body 3 (see especially FIG. 5).

[0057] Therefore, the upper part 13 of the metal body 3 has a larger diameter D compared to the lower part 14 of the metal body 3, i.e. the part that protrudes from the central housing 7. up The diameter D of the upper part 13 up The diameter D of the lower portion 14 may be 5.4±0.05 mm. low may be 2.9±0.1 mm. The height H of the upper portion 13 may be 2.1±0.1 mm (see FIG. 5 in this regard).

[0058] 2B, the substrate 2, particularly the lower end of the substrate 2, is partially inserted into the upper portion 13 of the metal body 3 to connect the metal body 3 and the substrate 2 to each other. Preferably, the substrate 2 and the metal body 3 are clamped or glued together. The NTC thermistor 3 is disposed on the lower portion 14 of the metal body 3.

[0059] Because the metal body 3 includes a flange 3A, the internal sealing portion 9 is disposed between the metal body 3 and the central housing 7 on the flange 3A of the metal body 3 (see FIGS. 2B and 4). Thus, the internal sealing portion 9 is at least partially supported by the metal body 3.

[0060] 1A and 1B, the internal seal 9 is supported by the central housing 7, and in particular by the circumferential protrusion 15 of the central housing 7. The circumferential protrusion 15 restricts the bottom surface of the central housing 7 from the environment. As described above, the internal seal 9 provides a complete seal between the metal body 3 and the central housing 7.

[0061] 1A and 1B, the sensor arrangement 1 does not include a snap-fit ​​mechanism for connecting to the application. Rather, in this embodiment, a screw-type solution is provided. For this purpose, the central housing 7, and in particular the fastening means 5, include lugs 5A (see FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3). The lugs 5A extend transversely to the main longitudinal axis X of the sensor arrangement 1. The lugs 5A and the central housing 7 are made integrally, i.e., constitute a single molded part. The lugs 5A include through-holes 10. Metal bushings 12 are arranged inside the through-holes 10 so that bolts 5B can be inserted therein to secure the sensor arrangement 1 to the application.

[0062] Finally, in this embodiment, the outer surface of the central housing 7 is threaded. A sealing member 8 is disposed in the groove of the thread (FIGS. 2B, 3, 4) to provide an external seal for the sensor arrangement 1.

[0063] In a further embodiment (not explicitly shown in these figures), threads provided on the outer surface of the central housing 7 may be used to secure (i.e. screw) the sensor arrangement 1 to the application, in which case the fastening means 5 comprising the lugs 5A and bolts 5B described above may become unnecessary.

[0064] For all other components of the sensor arrangement 1, please refer to the description associated with Figures 1A and 1B.

[0065] The invention is not limited to the embodiments based on this description, but rather includes any novel feature and any combination of features, particularly including any combination of claimed features, even if that feature or combination itself is not explicitly recited in the claims or embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1. Sensor placement 2 Base 3 Metal body 3A flange 4 NTC thermistors 5 Fastening means 5A Lug 5B Bolt 5C Clip material 5D Hook 6 terminals 7 Central housing 7A Top opening 7B Bottom opening 8 Sealing material 9 Internal seal 10 through holes 11 Connection 12 Metal bushing 13 Upper part of metal body 14 Lower part of metal body 15 Circumferential protrusion 16 First locking means 17 Second locking means d Inner diameter of the internal seal t Thickness of the inner seal D up diameter D low diameter H Height X main vertical axis

Claims

1. A temperature sensor arrangement (1) for measuring temperature in a liquid, comprising: A substrate (2), a metal body (3) connected to the base body (2); a central housing (7) in which the base body (2) and the metal body (3) are at least partially disposed; At least one NTC thermistor (4) disposed within the metal body (3); At least one terminal (6) for electrically connecting said sensor arrangement (1); an internal sealing portion (9) disposed between the metal body (3) and the central housing (7), the internal sealing portion (9) being adapted and disposed to seal the interior of the sensor arrangement (1) from the environment.

2. 2. The temperature sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the internal seal (9) is supported by the base body (2) or the metal body (3).

3. The temperature sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal seal (9) seals the central housing (7).

4. 10. The temperature sensor arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (2) comprises a connection portion (11) adapted and arranged to connect the metal body (3) and the base (2) to each other, and the internal sealing portion (9) is arranged at the position of the connection portion (11) of the base (2).

5. 3. The temperature sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the metal body (3) comprises a flange (3A), and the internal sealing portion (9) is arranged on the flange (3A) of the metal body (3).

6. 10. The temperature sensor arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the metal body (3) comprises a deep-drawn metal case.

7. 10. The temperature sensor arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal seal (9) comprises an O-ring.

8. The central housing (7) is designed to connect the sensor arrangement (1) to an application, the central housing (7) having an adaptable outer shape, the outer shape comprising:

10. The temperature sensor arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which is adaptable to different mounting positions and / or mounting features.

9. 10. The temperature sensor arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one fastening means (5) adapted and arranged to fasten the sensor arrangement (1) to an application.

10. 10. The temperature sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 9, wherein the fastening means (5) are part of the central housing (7), and the fastening means (5) and the central housing (7) are made in one piece.

11. The temperature sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the fastening means (5) comprises at least one clip member (5C).

12. The temperature sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the fastening means (5) comprises a lug (5A) provided with a metal bushing (12).

13. 10. The temperature sensor arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate (2) comprises a molded plastic part.

14. 10. The temperature sensor arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one terminal (7) and the at least one NTC thermistor (3) are overmolded.

15. 10. The temperature sensor arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central housing (7) is made of plastic.

16. The temperature sensor arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating temperature is between -40°C and 150°C.

17. 10. The temperature sensor arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in water, the sensor arrangement (1) has a response time t63<2s.

18. Use of a temperature sensor arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims for measuring temperature in a liquid in a sealed system.

19. Use of a temperature sensor arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 in an automotive application.

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