Temperature sensor assembly for arrangement on a circuitry of an electrical machine, circuitry, electrical machine, and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a temperature sensor assembly for arrangement on a circuitry of an electrical machine. The temperature sensor assembly comprises a temperature sensor and a housing. The housing of the temperature sensor assembly encloses the temperature sensor at least in part. Furthermore, the housing has a first end face having a raised portion, and a second end face opposite the first end face. The raised portion is elastically deformable. The raised portion and the second end face are designed to frictionally arrange the temperature sensor assembly on the circuitry.

Description

[0001] Temperature sensor arrangement for arrangement on a circuit of an electrical machine, circuit, electrical machine and vehicle

[0002] The present invention relates to a temperature sensor arrangement for arrangement on a circuit of an electrical machine, a circuit, an electrical machine and a vehicle.

[0003] In an electrical machine, the current flow in the stator windings causes significant heat losses, which must be dissipated. This dissipation can be achieved, for example, using coolants such as oil or water. These coolants are advantageously applied to the areas of the stator that heat up most quickly, such as the winding heads. For this purpose, a coolant delivery device can be adapted to the dimensions of the winding heads and their position within a stator housing, for example, so that the coolant is applied directly and largely evenly to the winding heads.

[0004] Temperature sensors can be installed to monitor temperature development during use. These can be mounted either directly on the windings or on other elements of the electrical machine, such as a circuit, to monitor the temperature. For example, a temperature sensor can be mounted on a circuit with a clamping screw. However, using a clamping screw is complex and can make replacement difficult.

[0005] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved temperature sensor arrangement.

[0006] The object of the invention is achieved by a temperature sensor arrangement for arrangement on a circuit of an electrical machine, a circuit, an electrical machine and a vehicle according to the independent claims. Further aspects and developments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims, the following description and in the figures. According to a first aspect of the invention, a temperature sensor arrangement is provided. The temperature sensor arrangement is for arrangement on a circuit of an electrical machine. The temperature sensor arrangement comprises a temperature sensor and a housing (of the temperature sensor). The housing of the temperature sensor arrangement at least partially surrounds the temperature sensor. Furthermore, the housing comprises a first end face with an elevation and a second end face opposite the first end face. The elevation is elastically deformable.The elevation and the second end face are designed to arrange the temperature sensor arrangement in a force-fitting manner on the circuit.

[0007] The housing of the temperature sensor arrangement, which at least partially surrounds the temperature sensor, makes it possible to arrange the temperature sensor by arranging the housing. The temperature sensor arrangement therefore makes it possible to arrange the temperature sensor on a circuit by means of the second end face and the elevation of the first end face. This simplifies complicated fastening using a clamping disk. Due to the interaction of the second end face and the elevation, the temperature sensor arrangement, and thus also the temperature sensor, can be arranged on the circuit or connected to it in a force-fitting manner. In particular, there is no need for an additional fastening means for attaching the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor arrangement can be arranged on the circuit solely by means of the housing of the temperature sensor arrangement.

[0008] Furthermore, the elastic design of the elevation allows the temperature sensor arrangement to be easily arranged on the circuit. For example, the elevation can first be significantly deformed during arrangement, as a result of which plastic energy can be stored in the elevation or the housing. This plastic energy can then be used to force-fit the housing to the circuit. The plastic energy stored in the housing by the deformation of the elevation can press the second end face against a wall of the circuit. The initially strong deformation of the elevation can therefore partially relax. For example, stress on the elevation can decrease, as a result of which the second end face can be brought into force-fit contact with the circuit. This makes it easier to arrange the temperature sensor arrangement on the circuit.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second end face and / or the elevation can be configured to arrange the temperature sensor arrangement on the circuitry in a force-fitting manner in two spatial directions. The arrangement in two spatial directions can improve contact between the temperature sensor arrangement and the circuitry. This can, for example, improve temperature transfer between the circuitry and the temperature sensor arrangement. Improved temperature transfer can improve temperature determination using the temperature sensor.

[0010] In one embodiment, the housing may further comprise a recess. The recess may comprise an element for positive connection to a fixing structure. The recess may improve contact between the temperature sensor arrangement and the circuitry. For example, an end face of the housing and / or the temperature sensor may be pressed against an end face of the circuitry through the recess in interaction with the fixing structure. This may improve temperature transfer.

[0011] In one embodiment, the housing can be formed in one piece. This can simplify the production of the temperature sensor assembly and / or reduce manufacturing costs.

[0012] In one embodiment, an end face of the temperature sensor can be flush with the rear of the housing or protrude beyond the rear of the housing. This allows the temperature sensor to be directly contacted with the circuitry. By directly contacting the temperature sensor with the circuitry, determining the temperature of the circuitry using the temperature sensor can be improved.

[0013] In one embodiment, the housing may comprise or consist of plastic, epoxy, or metal. The housing material can be adapted to an application. For example, a conductive metal housing or a low-cost epoxy housing can be used. Depending on the application of the temperature sensor arrangement, a material parameter of the housing can be advantageously adapted.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a circuit for an electrical machine for arranging a temperature sensor arrangement comprises a recess. The recess is designed to accommodate the temperature sensor arrangement described above. A side surface of the recess is designed to establish a force-fitting contact between the temperature sensor arrangement and the circuit perpendicular to a surface of the circuit. For example, the temperature sensor arrangement can be force-fittingly connected to the circuit perpendicular to an end face of the circuit. The end face can in particular provide an enlarged contact surface between the temperature sensor arrangement and the circuit. This can improve temperature transfer between the circuit and the temperature sensor arrangement.The side surface of the recess can therefore lead to a force that presses an end face of the temperature sensor arrangement against an end face of the circuit.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an electrical machine comprises a circuit and a temperature sensor arrangement as described above. The circuit comprises a surface with a recess for arranging the temperature sensor arrangement. The temperature sensor arrangement is non-positively connected to the circuit by means of the elevation and the second end face. This makes it possible to provide an electrical machine in which a temperature sensor can be arranged in a simplified manner.

[0016] In one embodiment, an end face of the temperature sensor can be in direct contact with the circuitry. This can improve temperature transfer between the circuitry and the temperature sensor.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a vehicle comprises an electric machine configured to drive the vehicle. The electric machine is an electric machine as described above and / or comprises a circuit and / or a temperature sensor arrangement as described above.

[0018] The present invention will be described below purely by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. They show:

[0019] Figs. 1a and 1b show examples of a temperature sensor arrangement and a circuit;

[0020] Figs. 2a and 2b show an arrangement of a temperature sensor according to the prior art and an arrangement of a temperature sensor arrangement according to the invention;

[0021] Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of the temperature sensor arrangement from Fig. 2;

[0022] Figs. 4a and 4b show an arrangement of a temperature sensor arrangement on a circuit; and

[0023] Fig. 5 shows an example of an electrical machine according to the invention.

[0024] Figs. 1a and 1b show examples of a temperature sensor arrangement 100 and a circuit 150. Fig. 1a shows an oblique plan view of the temperature sensor arrangement 100. The temperature sensor arrangement 100 is for arrangement on a circuit (see, for example, Fig. 1b) of an electrical machine. The temperature sensor arrangement 100 comprises a temperature sensor (not shown) and a housing 110 (of the temperature sensor). The housing 110 of the temperature sensor arrangement 100 at least partially surrounds the temperature sensor. Furthermore, the housing 110 comprises a first end face with an elevation 120 and a second end face 130 opposite the first end face. The elevation 120 is elastically deformable. The elevation 120 and the second end face 130 are designed to arrange the temperature sensor arrangement 100 in a force-fitting manner on the circuit.

[0025] The interconnection can be a device or component used to connect windings in electrical machines, such as transformers or electric motors, to one another and / or to a voltage source. For example, the interconnection can electrically connect a plurality of windings to one another and / or at least one winding to a voltage source. The interconnection can connect windings, for example, in star or delta configurations.

[0026] The interconnection can therefore be a connecting structure that serves to establish a connection between the windings and / or to the voltage source. For example, the interconnection can be a connecting structure that is specifically designed for connecting windings and / or for controlling an electrical interconnection in an electrical machine.

[0027] The interconnection may, for example, be a terminal block for establishing a secure electrical connection, a switchable interconnection (for switching between different interconnection types), a junction box (for centralizing and / or supporting the connections) and / or a circuit board.

[0028] The temperature sensor can be, for example, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature sensor, an infrared temperature sensor, and / or a temperature measuring device. In particular, the temperature sensor arrangement 100 can comprise a plurality of temperature sensors, for example, a thermocouple and a resistance temperature sensor. By using multiple temperature sensors, more comprehensive temperature monitoring and / or temperature control can be achieved.

[0029] The elevation 120 can be an intentional unevenness of the first end face. For example, the elevation 120 can be a protrusion, a projection, such as a collar, and / or a non-removed region of the end face. The elevation 120 can, for example, be a geometric feature of the housing 110 that is designed to be elastically deformed. The elevation 120 can have any desired structure. For example, the elevation 120 can be spiral-shaped like a spring. Alternatively, the elevation 120 can be a projection, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1. The elevation 120 is designed so that, when subjected to deformation by an external force, it can return to its original shape after the external forces are removed.If the protrusion 120 is elastically deformable, this may mean that the protrusion 120 exhibits a certain degree of elasticity, i.e., the ability to temporarily change its shape under the action of forces and then regain its original shape after the load is removed. In particular, the protrusion 120 may follow Hooke's law when deformed. As long as the load on the protrusion 120 remains within a certain range, which can be referred to as the elastic range, no plastic deformation of the protrusion 120 occurs.

[0030] Due to the elastic deformability of the elevation 120, it can be used to apply a force parallel to a longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor arrangement 100. For example, a force perpendicular to the first end face can be applied by the elevation 120. This force, also referred to as a contact force, can be used to press the second end face 130 against a wall of the circuit. As a result, the temperature sensor arrangement 100 can be arranged on the circuit in a force-fitting manner parallel to the longitudinal axis of the temperature sensor arrangement 100.

[0031] For example, to arrange the temperature sensor arrangement 100, the elevation 120 can be pressed against a wall of the circuit. This allows the elevation 120 to deform elastically. The temperature sensor arrangement 100 can then be arranged in a recess in the circuit. The elevation 120 can then relax, whereby the second end face 130 can be pressed against a wall of the circuit. The elevation 120 can therefore be pressed against a first wall, e.g., a recess or an elevation in the circuit, and the second end face 130 can then be pressed against a second wall, e.g., the recess or a second elevation in the circuit. The first wall of the recess can be opposite the second wall of the recess. This allows the temperature sensor arrangement 100 to be arranged on a circuit in a simplified manner. Additional fastening means are not required.This can result in time and / or cost savings in the manufacture of an electrical machine.

[0032] In particular, the elevation 120 and the second end face 130 allow the temperature sensor assembly 100 to be mounted without any additional fastening means. The temperature sensor assembly 100 can be mounted on the circuitry using only the housing 110. The arrangement of the housing 110 also allows the temperature sensor to be mounted on the circuitry. Fasteners such as a clamping screw can be avoided.

[0033] The contact force acts in at least one spatial direction, for example in the spatial direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of the temperature sensor arrangement 100. Optionally, a contact force can also be applied in multiple spatial directions by the elevation 120 and / or the second end face 130. For this purpose, in one exemplary embodiment, the second end face 130 and / or the elevation 120 can be designed to arrange the temperature sensor arrangement on the circuitry in a force-fitting manner in two spatial directions. For example, the second end face 130 can have a convex surface. Due to the convex surface, a force perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the temperature sensor arrangement 100 can act on the temperature sensor arrangement 100. For example, the second end face 130 can be pressed against an end face of the circuitry by adapting to a wall of the circuitry parallel to the wall.Alternatively, the second end face 130 can have a wedge-shaped or non-planar surface designed to apply a contact force perpendicular to an end face of the circuit. Optionally or alternatively, the elevation can also have a convex or wedge-shaped surface, for example.

[0034] For example, a first contact force can be applied parallel to the longitudinal extent of the temperature sensor arrangement 100 and a second contact force can be applied perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the temperature sensor arrangement 100. The first contact force can be used in particular to arrange the temperature sensor arrangement on the circuit. The second contact force can be used in particular to establish contact for temperature transmission between the temperature sensor arrangement 100 and the circuit. The second contact force can therefore in particular improve temperature transmission between the temperature sensor arrangement 100 and the circuit. The second contact force can therefore improve temperature determination by means of the temperature sensor. The formation of the second end face 130 and / or the elevation 120 represents merely one possibility for applying the second contact force.

[0035] For example, the housing 110 can comprise a further region for applying the second contact force. Optionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the housing 110 can further comprise a recess. The recess can comprise an element for a positive connection to a fixing structure, for example a fastening means such as a screw or a rivet. The fastening means can be arranged on the circuit and engage in the recess. For example, the recess can comprise a raised portion, such as a groove, or a notch. The fastening means can, for example, engage in the groove and be fastened to the circuit. As a result, the housing 110 or the temperature sensor arrangement 100 can be pressed against the circuit by means of the recess perpendicular to an end face of the circuit.

[0036] In one embodiment, the housing 110 can be formed in one piece. This can simplify the manufacture of the temperature sensor assembly 100 and / or reduce manufacturing costs.

[0037] In one embodiment, an end face of the temperature sensor can be flush with a rear side of the housing 110 or protrude beyond the rear side of the housing 110. The end face of the temperature sensor can therefore not be covered by the housing. The end face of the temperature sensor can be arranged opposite an end face of the circuitry. This can improve temperature transfer between the circuitry and the temperature sensor. In particular, the end face of the temperature sensor can be in direct contact with the end face of the circuitry. For example, the end face of the temperature sensor can be pressed against the end face of the circuitry by a second contact force. Alternatively, the temperature sensor can be completely enclosed by the housing 110. This can increase protection of the temperature sensor against external influences.

[0038] In one embodiment, the housing can comprise or consist of plastic, epoxy and / or metal. The material of the housing can be adapted to an application. For example, the temperature sensor can be encased in glass. In this case, the housing can be made of a metal, for example aluminum or copper. This can improve temperature transfer between the circuitry and the temperature sensor arrangement 100. Optionally or alternatively, the housing 110 can be made of plastic or comprise plastic. For example, the temperature sensor can be at least partially encapsulated with plastic in an injection molding process. Optionally or alternatively, an epoxy can also be at least partially cast around the temperature sensor. The use of plastic and / or epoxy can reduce costs for manufacturing the temperature sensor arrangement 100.

[0039] The temperature sensor arrangement 100, for example a plastic-encapsulated temperature sensor, can be fixed flatly to the component to be monitored, i.e., the circuit, via a form fit. An elastic element or compensating element, i.e., the elevation 120, can be used to both fix the temperature sensor arrangement 100 and compensate for tolerances. In particular, the temperature sensor arrangement 100 can be manufactured in a single process step. Additional parts such as metal clips and clamping disks can be omitted. The advantages of this include a reduction in the number of components, tolerance compensation of the temperature sensor arrangement 100, and / or the ability to be removed again, for example, when replaced during servicing.

[0040] Fig. 1b shows a schematic representation of a circuit 150. The circuit is shown in a plan view. The circuit 150 can be used to arrange a temperature sensor arrangement, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1a. The circuit 150 is for an electrical machine for arranging a temperature sensor arrangement and comprises a recess 155. The recess 155 is designed to accommodate the temperature sensor arrangement described with reference to Fig. 1. A side surface 174 of the recess 155 is designed to establish a force-fitting contact between the temperature sensor arrangement and the circuit 150 perpendicular to a surface 178 of the circuit 150. For example, the temperature sensor arrangement can be force-fittingly connected to the circuit 150 perpendicular to an end face 178 of the circuit 150.The end face 178 can in particular provide an enlarged contact area between the temperature sensor arrangement 100 and the circuit 150.

[0041] The recess 155 can be formed by a first elevation 160 and a second elevation 170. A side surface 174 of the second elevation 170 is designed to press a temperature sensor arrangement against the end face 178 of the circuit 150. The second elevation 170 can, for example, be partially wedge-shaped. Alternatively, the side surface 174 can also have a partially concave surface. The recess 155 can be formed by a depression within the circuit 150. Alternatively, the recess 155 can be formed by protruding structures, such as the elevations 160, 170. Optionally, the first elevation 160 can comprise a recess for receiving the elevation of the housing of the temperature sensor arrangement. This can simplify the arrangement of the temperature sensor arrangement on the circuit 150.

[0042] Figs. 2a and 2b show an arrangement of a temperature sensor 202 according to the prior art and an arrangement of a temperature sensor arrangement according to the invention. In Fig. 2a, the temperature sensor 202 is attached to the circuitry with a metal crimp 204. The metal crimp 204 is fixed by means of a clamping disc 206. This attachment of the temperature sensor is complex to install and / or can be problematic during servicing or replacement.

[0043] Fig. 2b shows a temperature sensor arrangement 200 according to the invention. The temperature sensor arrangement 200 comprises two elevations 220 on a first end face of a housing 210 of the temperature sensor arrangement 200. The housing 210 can be formed by overmolding the temperature sensor. In particular, the housing 210 can be made of plastic. The two elevations 220 can permanently keep the temperature sensor arrangement 200 under tension at the circuitry 250. This can prevent the temperature sensor arrangement 200 from becoming detached from the circuitry 250.

[0044] Furthermore, Fig. 2b discloses an optional tongue-and-groove locking mechanism. The optional tongue-and-groove locking mechanism is shown in detail in Fig. 3.

[0045] Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of the temperature sensor arrangement from Fig. 2. The temperature sensor arrangement 300 is arranged on a circuit 350. Two elevations 320 are formed on a first end face 324. These elevations 320 press against a first side surface 364 of the circuit 350. A second end face 330 is formed opposite the first end face 324. The second end face 330 presses against the second side surface 374 of the circuit. The temperature sensor arrangement 300 can be arranged on the circuit 350 due to the pressure of the elevations 320 on the first side surface 364 and the pressure of the second end face 330 on the second side surface 374.

[0046] An optional recess 380 is enclosed by the housing 320. The optional recess 380 may include a groove 384. The groove 384 may be an element for positive connection to a fixing structure 390. The fixing structure 390 may be a pin or a screw. In particular, the fixing structure 390 may include an area for receiving the groove 384. As a result, the temperature sensor arrangement 300 can be pressed against an end face of the circuit 350 through the interaction of the recess 380 and the fixing structure 390.

[0047] Figs. 4a and 4b show an arrangement of a temperature sensor arrangement on a circuit. As can be seen in Fig. 4a, the temperature sensor arrangement can be inserted into a recess in the circuit from above. The elevations of the temperature sensor arrangement are pressed against a side surface of the recess in the circuit. This elastically deforms the elevations of the temperature sensor arrangement. The temperature sensor arrangement can therefore be inserted into the circuit, in particular at an angle from above. This is schematically illustrated by the arrow 410 in Fig. 4b.

[0048] This insertion of the temperature sensor assembly can result in the elevations being elastically deformed, for example, compressed. The elastic deformation of the elevations is schematically represented by arrow 420. The elastic deformation of the elevations can cause the temperature sensor assembly to be pressed down. Furthermore, locking, schematically represented by arrow 440, can be achieved.

[0049] After the temperature sensor arrangement has been arranged in the recess of the circuit, for example, after being pressed down, a tension may remain. In particular, a counterpressure, schematically represented by arrow 430, can lead to the temperature sensor arrangement being fixed to the circuit.

[0050] Fig. 5 shows an example of an electric machine 502 according to the invention. The electric machine can, for example, be part of a vehicle 500.

[0051] The electric machine 502 comprises a circuit 550 (for example, a circuit as described in connection with Fig. 2) and a temperature sensor arrangement 510, as described in connection with Fig. 1. The circuit 550 comprises a surface with a recess for arranging the temperature sensor arrangement 510. The temperature sensor arrangement 510 is non-positively connected to the circuit 550 by means of the elevation and the second end face. This makes it possible to provide an electric machine in which a temperature sensor can be arranged in a simplified manner.

[0052] In one embodiment, an end face of the temperature sensor may be in direct contact with the circuitry 550. This may improve temperature transfer between the circuitry and the temperature sensor.

[0053] A vehicle 500 may include the electric machine 502. The electric machine 502 may be configured to drive the vehicle. The temperature sensor arrangement 510 according to the invention offers additional advantages, particularly in the field of vehicle use: The performance of the electric machine 502 in the vehicle environment is high, making precise determination of the temperature of a circuit 550 all the more important.

[0054] List of reference symbols

[0055] 100 temperature sensor arrangement

[0056] 110 housings

[0057] 120 survey

[0058] 130 second frontal surface

[0059] 150 interconnection

[0060] 155 recess

[0061] 160 first survey

[0062] 170 second survey

[0063] 174 side area

[0064] 178 Front face of the interconnection

[0065] 200 temperature sensor arrangement

[0066] 202 Temperature sensor

[0067] 204 Metal crimp

[0068] 206 clamping disc

[0069] 210 housing

[0070] 220 surveys

[0071] 250 interconnection

[0072] 300 temperature sensor arrangement

[0073] 320 surveys

[0074] 324 first frontal surface

[0075] 330 second frontal surface

[0076] 350 interconnection

[0077] 364 first side surface

[0078] 374 second side surface

[0079] 380 recess

[0080] 384 groove

[0081] 390 Fixing structure

[0082] 410 Pressing down the temperature sensor assembly

[0083] 420 elastic deformation of the elevation

[0084] 430 Back pressure for arranging the temperature sensor arrangement

[0085] 440 Locking the temperature sensor assembly 500 Vehicle

[0086] 502 electric machine

[0087] 510 Temperature sensor arrangement

[0088] 550 interconnection

Claims

Patent claims 1. A temperature sensor arrangement (100) for arrangement on a circuit (150) of an electrical machine (502), comprising: a temperature sensor; and a housing (110) of the temperature sensor, wherein the housing (110) at least partially surrounds the temperature sensor, and wherein the housing (110) comprises: a first end face with an elevation (120), wherein the elevation (120) is elastically deformable; a second end face (130) opposite the first end face, wherein the elevation (120) and the second end face (130) of the temperature sensor arrangement (100) are designed to be arranged in a force-fitting manner on the circuit.

2. The temperature sensor arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the second end face or the elevation (120) is designed to arrange the temperature sensor arrangement (100) on the circuitry in a force-fitting manner in two spatial directions.

3. The temperature sensor arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, the housing (110) further comprising a recess, wherein the recess comprises an element for positive connection to a fixing structure.

4. The temperature sensor assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (110) is formed in one piece.

5. The temperature sensor arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an end face of the temperature sensor is flush with a rear side of the housing (110) or projects beyond the rear side of the housing (110).

6. The temperature sensor assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (110) comprises or consists of plastic, epoxy or metal.

7. A circuit (150) for an electrical machine for arranging a temperature sensor arrangement (100) comprising a recess (155), wherein the recess (155) is designed to receive the temperature sensor arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims and wherein a side surface (174) of the recess (155) is designed to produce a force-fitting contact between the temperature sensor arrangement (100) and the circuit (150) perpendicular to a surface of the circuit (150).

8. An electrical machine (502) comprising a circuit (550) comprising a surface with a recess for arranging a temperature sensor arrangement (510) according to one of claims 1-6; and the temperature sensor arrangement (510) according to one of claims 1-6, wherein the temperature sensor arrangement (510) is non-positively connected to the circuit (550) by means of the elevation and the second end face.

9. The electric machine (502) of claim 8, wherein an end face of the temperature sensor is in direct contact with the circuitry.

10. A vehicle (500), comprising: an electric machine (502) configured to drive the vehicle (500), wherein the electric machine (502) is an electric machine (502) according to any one of claims 8-9, or comprises a circuit (150) according to claim 7, or a temperature sensor arrangement (100) according to any one of claims 1-6.

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