Conductor track assembly for a temperature sensor, and temperature sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to a conductor track assembly (1) for a temperature sensor (2), comprising at least one conductor track (4) and a plastic part (5) which receives at least some parts of the at least one conductor track (4) and which is composed of at least two modules (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) for a length adjustment, at least two adjacent modules (5.2, 5.3) delimiting a gap (15) and having overlapping and / or interlocking connection geometries (16) in the region of the gap (15). The invention further relates to a temperature sensor (2) having the conductor track assembly (1) according to the invention.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Circuit board assembly for a temperature sensor and temperature sensor

[0003] The invention relates to a conductor assembly for a temperature sensor. Furthermore, the invention relates to a temperature sensor comprising a conductor assembly according to the invention.

[0004] Preferred applications include hydrogen tank valves that incorporate a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature in the hydrogen tank.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Hydrogen tank valves are known for both withdrawing hydrogen from and filling a hydrogen tank. Such a hydrogen tank valve incorporates at least one controllable shut-off valve. In addition, further valves and / or sensors, particularly a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature inside the hydrogen tank, are typically integrated.

[0007] Integrating a temperature sensor into a hydrogen tank valve involves inserting the sensor into a receiving bore and connecting its electrical terminals. This connection is typically made via a connector located in a separate bore, often at an angle, particularly a right angle, to the receiving bore. The two bores are connected by an intersection. Because the sensor is intended to measure the temperature inside the hydrogen tank, but the electrical connections are made outside the tank via this intersection, the temperature sensor must be of a certain length. Depending on the application, this length may vary, requiring either length adjustments or the availability of a variety of different temperature sensors.The latter is uneconomical, so it is preferable that the length of the temperature sensor can be adapted to the respective installation situation.

[0008] Length adjustment is made possible, for example, by a modular design. To change the length, a module is either added or removed. However, the modular design leads to the formation of gaps which – if they expose a conductor track – increase the risk of a short circuit and / or ground fault.

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates this problem using a modular plastic part 5 for accommodating conductive traces 4. Two modules 5.2, 5.2 of the plastic part 5 define a gap 15, so that the conductive traces 4 are exposed in the area of ​​the gap 15. This increases the risk of a short circuit between the two conductive traces 4, for example, due to conductive particles entering the gap 15. Furthermore, the risk of a short circuit between the conductive traces 4 and a sensor sleeve 12 surrounding the plastic part 5 is increased.

[0010] The present invention is concerned with minimizing the risk of a short circuit and / or ground fault in a modularly constructed temperature sensor.

[0011] To solve the problem, a conductor assembly with the features of claim 1 is proposed. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. Furthermore, a temperature sensor with a conductor assembly according to the invention is proposed.

[0012] Disclosure of the invention

[0013] The proposed conductor assembly for a temperature sensor comprises at least one conductor and a plastic part that accommodates at least one conductor, at least partially, and is composed of at least two modules for length adjustment. At least two adjacent modules define a gap and have overlapping and / or interlocking connection geometries in the area of ​​the gap.

[0014] The overlapping and / or interlocking connection geometries increase the length of the gap in the connection area, preferably both between two conductor tracks and between the at least one conductor track and a component surrounding the conductor tracks, such as a sensor sleeve. Accordingly, the short-circuit and / or ground-circuit distances also increase. At the same time, the risk of a short circuit or ground-circuit decreases.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the overlapping and / or interlocking connection geometries allow relative movement of the modules to one another in the longitudinal direction of the at least one conductor track. This relative movement of the two modules to one another minimizes the gap width, preventing particles from entering the gap or at least making it more difficult for particles to enter. This means that particle robustness is increased.

[0016] Reducing the gap width allows for a further increase in the short-circuit and / or ground fault distance, as the gap length also increases when the two gap-limiting modules are pushed together or into each other. Furthermore, component tolerances can be compensated for by moving the modules relative to each other.

[0017] Advantageously, the overlapping and / or interlocking connection geometries dictate a specific orientation of the modules defining the gap relative to each other. This facilitates the alignment of the modules within the gap, thus preventing installation errors.

[0018] The overlapping and / or interlocking connection geometries can, for example, have inclined surfaces. The inclined surfaces defining the gap result in a gap that runs at least partially at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the at least one conductor track. Compared to a gap that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the at least one conductor track, an inclined gap has a greater length. With the greater gap length, the risk of electrical flashover, i.e., the risk of a short circuit or ground fault, is reduced.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, it is proposed that the overlapping and / or interlocking connection geometries have projecting and / or recessed surfaces along the longitudinal direction of at least one conductor track. By alternating projecting and recessed surfaces opposite each other in the gap area, a labyrinthine gap pattern can be achieved, which increases the gap length and further enhances particle robustness. Furthermore, a type of plug-in connection between two gap-limiting modules of the plastic part can be achieved via appropriate connection geometries. This plug-in connection facilitates the assembly of the modules. This is particularly true if the plug-in connection also determines the orientation of the modules relative to each other, so that a connection is only possible if the modules are correctly positioned relative to one another.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plastic part forms at least one longitudinal groove for receiving the at least one conductor track. The conductor track received in the longitudinal groove is supported by the plastic part and simultaneously electrically insulated. Preferably, the longitudinal groove is made deep enough that the side walls bounding the longitudinal groove project beyond the conductor track received in the longitudinal groove.

[0021] Since at least two conductor tracks are generally required to connect the electrical terminals of a sensor element, the proposed conductor track assembly preferably forms at least two parallel longitudinal grooves. Each longitudinal groove then accommodates a conductor track, so that the conductor tracks are electrically insulated from each other by the plastic part, preventing short circuits.

[0022] To simplify the insertion of the at least one conductor track into the plastic part during assembly of the conductor track assembly, a further development of the invention proposes that the at least one longitudinal groove be chamfered along at least one longitudinal edge. The longitudinal groove thus opens outwards, which facilitates the insertion of the conductor track.

[0023] Furthermore, it is proposed that the width of the at least one longitudinal groove be slightly larger than the width of the conductor track accommodated therein, so that a certain amount of play is available when inserting the conductor track. To secure the at least one conductor track within the longitudinal groove, it is proposed that the plastic part form clamping lugs projecting into the at least one longitudinal groove to grip the conductor track securely. The clamping lugs are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal groove and offset from each other along the longitudinal direction of the groove.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, it is proposed that the plastic part has at least one pin extending transversely to the at least one longitudinal groove, which is deformable under the influence of temperature. The pin can then be deformed in such a way that it fills the space above the conductor track held in the longitudinal groove, thus securing the conductor track in the longitudinal groove. Preferably, the plastic part has several pins arranged at regular intervals along the at least one longitudinal groove. In this way, multiple retention points can be created, preventing the conductor track from falling out of the longitudinal groove.

[0025] As a further development measure, it is proposed that the at least one conductor track, which is embedded at least partially in the plastic part, has a recess in the area of ​​the at least one pin for a positive-locking connection with the pin. This positive lock is then achieved by deforming the pin under the influence of heat, whereby a portion of the pin material is pressed into the recess of the conductor track. This not only protects the conductor track from falling out of the longitudinal groove but also from longitudinal displacement relative to the plastic part. The deformation of the pin can be achieved, for example, using a thermode for hot or warm staking.

[0026] Since the proposed conductor assembly is used particularly in a temperature sensor, a temperature sensor comprising a sensor element, in particular an NTC element, and a conductor assembly according to the invention is further proposed. The conductor assembly serves to connect the electrical terminals of the sensor element, which can in particular be connecting wires. The use of a conductor assembly according to the invention reduces the risk of electrical flashover and thus of a short circuit and / or ground circuit. Preferably, the sensor element is inserted into at least one module of the plastic part of the conductor assembly and is electrically connected to the at least one conductor of the conductor assembly, for example by resistance welding.If the sensor element has connecting wires as electrical connections, these can be inserted into longitudinal grooves of the plastic part analogously to the at least one conductor track of the conductor track assembly and fixed within the longitudinal grooves, for example with the help of at least one pin that is deformable under the influence of temperature.

[0027] Furthermore, it is proposed that the conductor track assembly be surrounded by a sensor sleeve, at least in the area of ​​the inserted sensor element. The sensor sleeve protects the sensor element from external influences, in particular from harmful mechanical and / or chemical effects.

[0028] Temperature sensors that are installed in different lengths typically require sensor sleeves of varying lengths. The modular design of the plastic component of the circuit board assembly allows for easy length adjustment, enabling the use of identical parts to create temperature sensors of different lengths or temperature sensors with sensor sleeves of different lengths. This saves material and costs.

[0029] The invention and its advantages are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section through a conductor track assembly with a modular plastic part for receiving conductor tracks, but without connection geometries according to the invention.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a schematic longitudinal section through a conductor track assembly according to the invention with a modularly constructed plastic part for receiving

[0032] Conductor tracks, Fig. 3 a) and b) each show an enlarged section of Figure 1 in the area of ​​a gap bounded by two modules of the plastic part at different gap widths,

[0033] Fig. 4 a) and b) each show an enlarged section of figure 2 in the area of ​​a gap bounded by two modules of the plastic part at different gap widths,

[0034] Fig. 5 a) and b) each show a section analogous to Figures 4a) and 4b) but with different connection geometries of the modules limiting the gap,

[0035] Fig. 6 shows a top view of another conductor track assembly according to the invention with a modularly constructed plastic part,

[0036] Fig. 7 shows an enlarged section of Figure 6 in the connection area of ​​two modules of the plastic part and

[0037] Fig. 8 a) to c) each shows top views of the components of a temperature sensor according to the invention, a) before assembly, b) after pre-assembly of the conductor track assembly according to the invention and c) after complete assembly of the temperature sensor.

[0038] Detailed description of the drawings

[0039] Figure 1 was already explained in more detail in the introductory section to clarify the problem. Therefore, reference is made to the introductory section in connection with Figure 1.

[0040] Figure 2 shows a first conductor track assembly 1 according to the invention. This assembly comprises two conductor tracks 4 and a plastic part 5 for receiving the two conductor tracks 4. The plastic part 5 has a modular structure, such that a gap 15 is formed between two modules 5.2, 5.2. The gap 15 is labyrinthine in shape, since the modules 5.2, 5.2 that define the gap 15 each have a connection geometry 16 with projecting surfaces 18 and / or recessed surfaces 19. The modules 5.2, 5.2 can thus be positioned relative to each other so that the connection geometries 16 interlock. This increases the length of the gap 15, thereby increasing particle robustness. This is particularly true when the two modules 5.2, 5.2 are pushed into each other to such an extent that the width of the gap 15 is minimal. For, as exemplified in Figures 4a) and 4b), the width x' changes.y' also represents the length of the gap 15, where in this case the length of the gap 15 is given by the path s, which represents the shortest gap-bridging connection. The further the two modules 5-2, 5.2 are pushed into each other, the longer the path s becomes.

[0041] Figures 3a) and 3b), which show an enlarged view of the gap 15 of Figure 1, demonstrate that the path s is minimal when the connection geometry 16 according to the invention is absent. Furthermore, the width x or y of the gap 15 has no influence on the path s.

[0042] A modification of the connection geometries 16 of modules 5.2, 5.2 of a modular plastic part 5 for a conductor track assembly 1 according to the invention is shown by way of example in Figures 5a) and 5b). Here, the gap 15 is bounded by inclined surfaces 17. This means that the connection geometries 16 overlap each other. This also results in a gap 15 with an increased length. If the width x" of the gap 15 (see Figure 5a)) is reduced to the width y"" (see Figure 5b)), the gap length or the path s, which represents the shortest gap-bridging connection, can be further increased.

[0043] A further advantage of the connection geometries 16 shown in Figures 4a) and 4b) as well as in Figures 5a) and 5b) is that the connection geometries 16 allow relative movement of the modules 5.2, 5.2 to each other in the longitudinal direction of the conductor tracks 4. This allows component tolerances to be compensated for.

[0044] As illustrated by way of example in Figure 6, the modular plastic part 5 of a conductor track assembly 1 according to the invention can consist of a plurality of modules 5.1, 5.2, 5.3. The modules 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 can perform different functions. For example, module 5.1 can form a base body to which further modules 5.2, 5.3 can be attached, depending on the length of the temperature sensor 2 to be manufactured. The length of the plastic part 5 can then be adjusted by varying the number of further modules 5.2, 5.3. In addition to the base body module 5.1, the plastic part 5 can comprise at least one further module 5.2, which serves as a spacer element. The length of the plastic part 5 is then adjusted by adding or removing such a spacer element. The further module 5.3 can, in particular, be a support element for receiving a sensor element 3 of the temperature sensor 2.To reduce the risk of a short circuit or ground fault in the area of ​​the gap 15 remaining between modules 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, each module 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 can be equipped with a connection geometry 16 according to the invention, whereby different connection geometries 16 can also be used in combination, as shown in the enlarged section of Figure 6 in Figure 7. An electrical flashover between the two conductor tracks 4 is prevented by means of overlapping connection geometries 16 in the form of inclined surfaces 17. Conversely, an electrical flashover from a conductor track 4 to an external body (not shown) surrounding the conductor track assembly 1 is prevented by interlocking connection geometries 16.

[0045] With reference to Figures 8a) to 8c), the structure of a temperature sensor 2 according to the invention is described below, which comprises a conductor track assembly 1 according to the invention for contacting the electrical connections of a sensor element 3.

[0046] Figure 8a) shows two parallel conductor tracks 4, rotated 180° relative to each other, a modular plastic part 5, and a sensor element 3 before assembly. The conductor tracks 4 have recesses 6 at one end, spaced equally apart. These recesses 6 divide the conductor tracks 4 into sections. The conductor tracks 4 can also be easily cut to length in the area of ​​the recesses 6, for example, to adjust their length. At the other end, each of the conductor tracks 4 has an angled end to form a contact tab.

[0047] Analogous to the conductor tracks 4, the length of the plastic part 5 can also be adjusted, as it has a modular design. In particular, the length can be adjusted by adding or removing a module 5.2, which functions as a spacer. The module 5.3 serves to accommodate the sensor element 3. Figure 8b) shows the components of Figure 8a) after assembly, that is, a pre-assembled conductor track assembly 1 according to the invention with the sensor element 3 inserted. The conductor tracks 4 are inserted into longitudinal grooves 7 of the modules 5.1, 5.2 of the modular plastic part 5 and fixed in the longitudinal grooves 7 by hot crimping. During hot crimping, pins 10 arranged along the longitudinal grooves 7 are deformed under the influence of heat, so that part of the material of the pins 10 enters recesses 11 in the conductor tracks 4.In this way, a positive fit is achieved between the conductor tracks 4 and the plastic part 5, which fixes the conductor tracks 4 in the longitudinal grooves 7. The sensor element 3 is inserted into the module 5.3 of the plastic part 5, with the electrical connections of the sensor element 3 in the form of connecting wires being inserted into longitudinal grooves 7 of the module 5.3 and fixed in the longitudinal grooves 7 analogously to the conductor tracks 4.

[0048] Figure 8c) shows the fully assembled temperature sensor 2, which, in addition to the conductor track assembly 1 according to the invention and the sensor element 3, comprises a sensor sleeve 12. The illustrated temperature sensor 2 can, in particular, be used in a hydrogen tank valve (not shown) to measure the temperature in the hydrogen tank. Installation must be carried out in such a way that no hydrogen escapes from the hydrogen tank to the outside. Therefore, an O-ring 14 is preferably arranged on the sensor sleeve 12 as a sealing ring and fixed by means of a support ring 13.

Claims

Claims 1. Conductor assembly (1) for a temperature sensor (2), comprising at least one conductor (4) and a plastic part (5) which receives at least one conductor (4) at least partially and which is composed of at least two modules (5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3) for length adjustment, wherein at least two adjacent modules (5.2, 5.3) define a gap (15) and have overlapping and / or interlocking connection geometries (16) in the area of ​​the gap (15).

2. Conductor assembly (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the overlapping and / or interlocking connection geometries (16) allow a relative movement of the modules (5.2, 5.3) to each other in the longitudinal direction of the at least one conductor (4).

3. Conductor assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the overlapping and / or interlocking connection geometries (16) specify a certain orientation of the modules (5.2, 5.3) limiting the gap (15) to each other.

4. Conductor assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overlapping and / or interlocking connection geometries (16) have inclined surfaces (17) and / or surfaces (18) projecting in the longitudinal direction of at least one conductor track (4) and / or recessed surfaces (19).

5. Conductor track assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic part (5) forms at least one longitudinal groove (7), preferably two parallel longitudinal grooves (7), for receiving the at least one conductor track (4).

6. Conductor assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the plastic part (5) forms clamping lugs (9) projecting into the at least one longitudinal groove (7) for clamping the at least one conductor (4), which are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal groove (7) and offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal groove (7).

7. Conductor assembly (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the plastic part (5) has at least one pin (10) extending transversely to the at least one longitudinal groove (7), which is deformable under the influence of temperature, wherein preferably several pins (10) are arranged at regular intervals to each other along the at least one longitudinal groove (7).

8. Conductor assembly (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one conductor (4) which is at least partially incorporated in the plastic part (5) has a recess (11) in the area of ​​the at least one pin (10) for a positive connection with the pin (10).

9. Temperature sensor (2) with a sensor element (3), in particular an NTC element, and a conductor assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein preferably the sensor element (3) is inserted into at least one module (5.2) of the plastic part (5) of the conductor assembly (1) and is electrically connected to the at least one conductor (4) of the conductor assembly (1), for example by resistance welding.

10. Temperature sensor (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that the conductor track assembly (1) is surrounded by a sensor sleeve (12) at least in the area of ​​the inserted sensor element (3).

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