DE102018008986A1 - Temperature detection device - Google Patents

Abstract

A temperature detection device (32) for detecting temperatures at at least two different points on an interface (36) of a structural unit (34), such as a feed pump housing cover with an integrated heating element of a water-conducting household appliance, has a printed circuit board (40) and at least two at a distance from one another temperature sensors (42a, 42b) attached to the printed circuit board (40). The measurement side (38) of the temperature detection device (32) facing the interface (36) of the structural unit (34) has a profile adapted to the interface (36), and the temperature sensors (42a, 42b) are each in one on the printed circuit board (40) the edge area of the temperature detection device (32) facing the measuring side (38).

Description

The present invention relates to a temperature detection device, in particular a temperature detection device for detecting temperatures at at least two different locations on an interface of a structural unit.

Water-carrying household appliances such as dishwashers and laundry treatment devices generally have a heater for heating the water, which can be integrated, for example, in the feed pump in order to save installation space. It is necessary to monitor the heating and water temperatures for the proper and safe operation of the household appliance. The DE 10 2005 018 597 B3 discloses for this purpose a heating system in which a tubular heating element is integrated in the cover of the pump housing and two separate temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of the heating element or the fluid in the pump housing are mounted on this cover.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved system for sensing temperatures at at least two different locations on an interface of a structural unit.

This object is achieved by a temperature detection device with the features of claim 1. Particularly advantageous refinements and developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The temperature detection device according to the invention for detecting temperatures at at least two different locations on an interface of a structural unit has a printed circuit board and at least two temperature sensors, which are attached to the printed circuit board at a distance from one another, with a measurement side of the temperature detection device facing the interface of the structural unit facing the interface has the profile adapted to the structural unit, and the at least two temperature sensors on the printed circuit board are each arranged in an edge region of the temperature detection device facing the measuring side.

By providing a temperature detection device with two temperature sensors spaced apart from one another on a printed circuit board, temperatures at two different locations can be detected with a single device. This reduces the number of components and thus simplifies assembly. In particular, only one temperature detection device needs to be installed and connected to the power supply / control. By adapting the profile of the measuring side of one temperature detection device to the interface of the structural unit to be monitored, the measurement accuracy of the two temperature sensors can also be increased, since the distance between the temperature sensors and the interface can be kept as small as possible and a good thermal coupling can thus be ensured. This also applies in particular to interfaces of a structural unit that do not run in only one plane or in only one direction.

The structural unit whose interface is to be monitored with regard to the temperature can consist of one or more components, depending on the application. The interface of the structural unit is, for example, a surface of one component or adjoining surfaces of several components. The two points of the interface, the temperatures of which are to be recorded, can preferably be in heat-conducting contact with different areas or components, so that temperatures of different areas or components or media can be monitored with the one temperature detection device. The two locations of the interface, the temperatures of which are to be recorded, can also lie in areas of the interface that run in different planes and / or in different directions.

In this context, the adaptation of the measuring side of the temperature measuring device to the profile of the interface of the structural unit should mean that the outer profile of the measuring side of the temperature measuring device at least roughly follows the profile of the interface with respect to planes and directions, so that all temperature sensors of the temperature detection device with the temperature detection device installed are as close as possible to the Interface can be positioned and the best possible heat coupling between the assembly and the temperature detection device can be achieved. A distance between the measuring side of the temperature measuring device and the interface of the structural unit is preferably approximately constant over the entire temperature detection device. An identical configuration of the profile of the measuring side to the profile of the interface is not necessary.

The at least two temperature sensors on the printed circuit board can optionally be the same or different depending on the application and in particular depending on the temperature ranges to be monitored.

In one embodiment of the invention, the printed circuit board has two main sides and a circumferential narrow end face, the at least two temperature sensors each being attached to the printed circuit board on one of the two main sides in the edge region near the narrow end face, and that Profile of the narrow end face of the circuit board in the area of the measuring side of the temperature detection device is adapted to the profile of the interface of the structural unit. The at least two temperature sensors can optionally be attached to the same main side or to different main sides of the circuit board. In this embodiment, the printed circuit board can preferably be oriented at an angle of at least approximately 45 ° and at most approximately 135 °, preferably approximately perpendicularly (ie at an angle of approximately 90 °) to the measuring side of the temperature detection device. In this way, a very space-saving design of the temperature detection device can be achieved. In this embodiment, NTC resistors are preferably used for the at least two temperature sensors. In this context, the angle to the measuring side of the temperature detection device preferably relates to a main direction of expansion of the temperature detection device.

In another embodiment of the invention, the printed circuit board is an angled printed circuit board with a connection section and a measuring section, the at least two temperature sensors each being attached to a main side of the measuring section on the printed circuit board and the profile of the measuring section of the printed circuit board to the profile of the interface of the structural unit is adjusted. The at least two temperature sensors can optionally be attached to the same main side or to different main sides of the circuit board. The at least two temperature sensors can be attached either on the main side facing the measuring side or on the main side of the circuit board facing away from the measuring side. The circuit board can either be a rigid circuit board or a flexible circuit board. In this embodiment, the connection section of the printed circuit board can preferably be oriented at an angle of at least approximately 45 ° and at most approximately 135 °, preferably approximately perpendicular (i.e. at an angle of approximately 90 °) to the measuring side of the temperature detection device. In this embodiment, the at least two temperature sensors are preferably designed as meandering conductor tracks of the printed circuit board, preferably made of copper. In this context, the angle to the measuring side of the temperature detection device preferably relates to a main direction of expansion of the temperature detection device.

In one embodiment of the invention, the circuit board with the at least two temperature sensors is cast in a thermally conductive material. This encapsulation serves to protect the electronic components of the temperature detection device. Silicone, for example, is used as the heat-conducting material.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the printed circuit board has contact surfaces for connection to a controller for controlling the at least two temperature sensors and evaluating the measurement signals generated by the at least two temperature sensors. The contact surfaces are preferably provided in a region of the temperature detection device facing away from the measurement side. For example, the contact areas are positioned near the narrow end face in the above first embodiment and in the connection section of the printed circuit board in the above second embodiment. The number of contact surfaces provided depends on the number and type of temperature sensors on the circuit board.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the temperature measuring device is glued to the interface of the structural unit. The adhesive material is preferably heat-resistant and heat-conductive.

The temperature detection device according to the invention can advantageously be used in a heating device for a fluid which has a fluid space for at least temporarily receiving a fluid and a heating element for heating the fluid in the fluid space. In this case, the temperature detection device is arranged on an interface of a structural unit which is formed from a housing element delimiting the fluid space and / or the heating element. In this context, a fluid is a flowable medium such as water. For example, the temperature detection device is used to detect temperatures at at least two points on an interface of a cover with an integrated heating element of a feed pump of a dishwasher.

In one embodiment of the invention, the temperature detection device has at least one first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the heating element and at least one second temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the fluid in the fluid space. In other configurations of the invention, the temperature detection device can also have a plurality of temperature sensors for detecting the temperatures of different heating elements or different areas of the fluid in the fluid space.

The heating device according to the invention with the temperature detection device according to the invention can advantageously be used in a household appliance, in particular a water-bearing household appliance such as a dishwasher or a laundry treatment appliance.

In one embodiment of the invention, the household appliance also has a feed pump in or on which the heating device with the temperature detection device is mounted.

The mentioned embodiments of the invention can also be combined with one another in any manner.

• 1 eine Schnittansicht einer Förderpumpe für ein wasserführendes Haushaltsgerät gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 2 eine Schnittansicht einer Temperaturerfassungsvorrichtung gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 3 eine andere Schnittansicht der Temperaturerfassungsvorrichtung von 2 aus Blickrichtung III in 2;
• 4 eine Schnittansicht einer Temperaturerfassungsvorrichtung gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung; und
• 5 eine andere Schnittansicht der Temperaturerfassungsvorrichtung von 4 aus Blickrichtung V in 4.

The above and other features and advantages of the invention can be better understood from the following description of preferred, non-restrictive exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing. Most of them show schematically:

• 1 a sectional view of a feed pump for a water-bearing household appliance according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 2nd a sectional view of a temperature detection device according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• 3rd another sectional view of the temperature detection device of FIG 2nd from the line of sight III in 2nd ;
• 4th a sectional view of a temperature detection device according to a second embodiment of the invention; and
• 5 another sectional view of the temperature detection device of FIG 4th from the line of sight V in 4th .

Referring to the highly simplified representation of 1 An application of a temperature detection device according to the invention in a dishwasher is first described as an example. However, the temperature detection device can also be used in other household appliances or devices in which two or more different temperatures have to be detected.

The dishwasher has a feed pump designed, for example, as a circulation pump 10th with one through a pump housing 14 formed pump chamber 12 on. The pump housing 14 has an influx 16 and an expiry 18th . In the pump housing 12 there is a conveyor element 20th by a drive motor 22 , for example a brushless DC motor, is driven off. The drive motor 22 is through a controller 24th controlled.

The pump housing 14 has a housing cover 26 on, in this embodiment on the side of the inlet 16 is provided and accordingly a through opening for the inlet 16 Has. The housing cover 26 is essentially annular and has the pump chamber on it 12 facing away from an annular recess 30th . In this specialization 28 is an annular heating element 30th arranged, which can for example be tubular or band-shaped. The heating element 30th heats the water in the pump chamber 12 .

To ensure proper and safe operation of the feed pump 10th and to ensure the entire dishwasher, the temperatures of both the heating element 30th as well as the water in the pump chamber 12 be monitored. On the one hand, the water should be at a sufficiently high temperature depending on the washing program and the program, on the other hand, the water and the heating element must overheat 30th be avoided.

For monitoring the temperatures of the heating element 30th and water is at the top interface from the housing cover 26 and the integrated heating element 30th formed unit at at least one position in the circumferential direction of the housing cover 26 a temperature detection device 32 arranged. This temperature detection device 32 is also with the controller 24th connected which the temperature detection device 32 controls and evaluates their measurement signals. As in 1 illustrated, the outer interface of the housing cover runs 26 with integrated heating element 30th especially due to the connections to the pump housing 14 and the inflow 16 neither in a plane nor in one direction and is the temperature detection device 32 adapted to this profile.

Referring to 2nd and 3rd is a first embodiment of a temperature detection device according to the invention 32 explained in more detail in the feed pump 10th from 1 can be used.

The temperature detection device 32 has a circuit board 40 that extends in one plane and a first main page 40a , a second main page 40b and a circumferential narrow face 40c having. On the first main page 40a the circuit board are a first temperature sensor 42a and a second temperature sensor 42b at a distance from each other on the measuring side 38 facing edge area attached. The two temperature sensors 42a , 42b are, for example, NTC resistors.

In the measurement page 38 the marginal area facing away are on the first main page 40a the circuit board 40 also several contact areas 44 provided the electrically conductive with the temperature sensors 42a , 42b are connected. About these contact areas 44 can the temperature sensors 42 , 42b the temperature detection device 32 with the help of an appropriate connection cable 46 with the controller 24th get connected. The number of contact areas required 44 depends on the number and type of temperature sensors 42a , 42b from. In the case of two NTC resistors, for example, there are two contacts to the two temperature sensors 42a , 42b and another contact to the ground connection of the circuit board 40 intended.

The circuit board 40 with the temperature sensors 42a , 42b is shed for their protection. The encapsulation 48 consists of a heat-conducting material (e.g. silicone).

The entire temperature sensing device 32 , ie especially the circuit board 40 , are designed to be heat-resistant according to the application (e.g. up to 250 ° C).

The measurement side 38 the temperature detection device 32 is with the interface 36 the unit 34 preferably glued. The adhesive material is both heat-resistant and heat-conductive.

As in 2nd are illustrated, the profile of the narrow face 40c the circuit board 40 in the area of the interface 36 the unit 34 facing measurement side 38 and the measurement side 38 the temperature detection device 32 to the profile of this interface 36 customized. The course of the face 40c the circuit board 40 essentially follows the profile of the interface 36 the unit 34 so the circuit board 40 a constant distance from the interface 36 Has. In this way, good heat coupling between the assembly 34 and the temperature detection device 32 are secured and are both temperature sensors 42a , 42b close to the interface 36 the unit 34 positioned.

The first temperature sensor 42a recorded in the use case of 1 for example the temperature of the heating element 30th in a temperature range of, for example, up to about 200 ° C. The second temperature sensor 42b recorded in the use case of 1 for example the temperature of the water in the pump chamber 12 in a temperature range of, for example, up to about 85 ° C.

For other applications, more than two temperature sensors can be used 42 for measuring temperatures at more than two points on the interface 36 the unit 34 , several first temperature sensors 42a and / or several second temperature sensors 42b be provided.

As especially in 3rd recognizable is the circuit board 40 essentially vertical, ie at an angle W from about 90 ° to the measuring side 38 the temperature detection device 32 aligned. The vertical orientation of the circuit board 40 refers to a main direction of expansion (right / left direction in 2nd or right / left direction in 3rd ) of the temperature detection device 32 . The temperature detection device 32 can be very space-saving on the unit 34 to be assembled.

Referring to 4th and 5 is a second embodiment of a temperature detection device according to the invention 32 explained in more detail in the feed pump 10th from 1 can be used. The same or corresponding components with the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment of FIG 2nd and 3rd featured.

The temperature detection device 32 has an angled PCB 50 with a first main page 50a and a second main page 50b on. The circuit board 50 has a connection section 52a and a measuring section 52b . The angular course of the circuit board 50 between connection section 52a and measuring section 52b is, for example, by a flexible circuit board 50 reached.

In the measuring section 52b the circuit board 50 are on the measurement side 38 facing first main page 50a a first temperature sensor 54a and a second temperature sensor 54b provided at a distance from each other. As in 5 the two temperature sensors are indicated 54a , 54b for example through meandering conductor tracks (e.g. made of copper) of the circuit board 50 educated.

In the measurement page 38 the edge area facing away are on the first main page 50a the circuit board 50 several contact areas 44 provided the electrically conductive with the temperature sensors 54a , 54b are connected. About these contact areas 44 can the temperature sensors 54 , 54b the temperature detection device 32 with the help of an appropriate connection cable 46 with the controller 24th get connected. The number of contact areas required 44 depends on the number and type of temperature sensors 54a , 54b from. In the case of two conductor tracks, for example, there are three contact areas 44 intended.

The circuit board 50 with the temperature sensors 54a , 54b is shed for their protection. The encapsulation 48 consists of a heat-conducting material (e.g. silicone).

The entire temperature sensing device 32 , ie especially the circuit board 50 , are designed to be heat-resistant according to the application (e.g. up to 250 ° C).

The measurement side 38 the temperature detection device 32 is with the interface 36 the unit 34 preferably glued. The adhesive material is both heat-resistant and heat-conductive.

As in 4th are illustrated are the profile of the measuring section 52b the circuit board 50 and the measurement side 38 the temperature detection device 32 to the profile of the interface 36 the unit 34 customized. The course of the measurement section 52b the circuit board 50 essentially follows the profile of the interface 36 the unit 34 so that the measuring section 52b a constant distance from the interface 36 Has. In this way, good heat coupling between the assembly 34 and the temperature detection device 32 are secured and are both temperature sensors 54a , 54b close to the interface 36 the unit 34 positioned.

The first temperature sensor 54a recorded in the use case of 1 for example the temperature of the heating element 30th in a temperature range of, for example, up to about 200 ° C. The second temperature sensor 54b recorded in the use case of 1 for example the temperature of the water in the pump chamber 12 in a temperature range of, for example, up to about 85 ° C.

For other applications, more than two temperature sensors can be used 54 for measuring temperatures at more than two points on the interface 36 the unit 34 , several first temperature sensors 54a and / or several second temperature sensors 54b be provided.

As especially in 4th recognizable is the connection section 52a the circuit board 50 essentially vertical, ie at an angle W from about 90 ° to the measuring side 38 the temperature detection device 32 aligned. The vertical alignment of the connection section 52a the circuit board 50 refers to a main direction of expansion (right / left direction in 4th or right / left direction in 5 ) of the temperature detection device 32 . The temperature detection device 32 can be very space-saving on the unit 34 to be assembled.

Reference symbol list

10th

Feed pump, e.g. Circulation pump

12

Pump chamber

14

Pump housing

16

Intake

18th

procedure

20th

Conveyor element

22

Drive motor

24th

control

26

Housing cover

28

deepening

30th

Heating element

32

Temperature detection device

34

Unit, for example 26 & 30

36

Interface

38

Measurement side

40

Circuit board

40a

first main page

40b

second main page

40c

narrow face

42a

first temperature sensor, especially NTC resistor

42b

second temperature sensor, especially NTC resistor

44

Contact areas

46

connection cable

48

Encapsulation

50

Circuit board

50a

first main page

50b

second main page

52a

Connection section

52b

Measuring section

54a

first temperature sensor, in particular conductor track

54b

second temperature sensor, in particular conductor track

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102005018597 B3 [0002]

Claims (13)

Temperature detection device (32) for detecting temperatures at at least two different locations on an interface (36) of a structural unit (34), comprising: a circuit board (40; 50); and at least two temperature sensors (42a, 42b; 54a, 54b) which are mounted at a distance from one another on the printed circuit board (40; 50), wherein a measuring side (38) of the temperature detection device (32) facing the interface (36) of the structural unit (34) has a profile adapted to the interface (36) of the structural unit (34), and wherein the at least two temperature sensors (42a, 42b; 54a, 54b) on the printed circuit board (40; 50) are each arranged in an edge region of the temperature detection device (32) facing the measuring side (38). Temperature detection device after Claim 1 , in which the printed circuit board (40) has two main sides (40a, 40b) and a circumferential narrow end face (40c), the at least two temperature sensors (42a, 42b) each on one of the two main sides (40a, 40b) in the edge region near the narrow one End face (40c) are attached to the printed circuit board (40), and the profile of the narrow end face (40c) of the printed circuit board (40) in the region of the measuring side (38) of the temperature detection device (32) to the profile of the interface (36) of the structural unit ( 34) is adjusted. Temperature detection device after Claim 2 , in which the printed circuit board (40) is oriented at an angle (W) of at least 45 ° and at most 135 ° to the measuring side (38) of the temperature detection device (32). Temperature detection device after Claim 2 or 3rd , in which the at least two temperature sensors (42a, 42b) are NTC resistors. Temperature detection device after Claim 1 , in which the printed circuit board (50) is an angled printed circuit board with a connection section (52a) and a measuring section (52b), the at least two temperature sensors (52a, 52b) each on a main side (50a, 50b) of the measuring section (52b) are attached to the printed circuit board (50), and the profile of the measuring section (52b) of the printed circuit board (50) is matched to the profile of the interface (36) of the structural unit (34). Temperature detection device after Claim 5 , in which the connection section (52a) of the printed circuit board (50) is oriented at an angle (W) of at least 45 ° and at most 135 ° to the measuring side (38) of the temperature detection device (32). Temperature detection device after Claim 5 or 6 , in which the at least two temperature sensors (54a, 54b) are meandering conductor tracks of the printed circuit board (50). Temperature detection device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the printed circuit board (40; 50) with the at least two temperature sensors (42a, 42b; 54a, 54b) is cast in a heat-conducting material. Temperature detection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the printed circuit board (40; 50) contact surfaces (44) for connection to a controller (24) for controlling the at least two temperature sensors (42a, 42b; 54a, 54b) and evaluating the at least two Temperature sensors (42a, 42b; 54a, 54b) has generated measurement signals. A heating device for a fluid, comprising: a fluid space (12) for at least temporarily receiving a fluid; a heating element (30) for heating the fluid in the fluid space (12); and at least one temperature detection device (32) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged at an interface (36) of a structural unit (34) comprising a housing element (26) delimiting the fluid space (12) and / or the heating element (30). Heater after Claim 10 , wherein the temperature detection device (32) has at least one first temperature sensor (42a; 54a) for detecting a temperature of the heating element (30) and at least one second temperature sensor (42b; 54b) for detecting a temperature of the fluid in the fluid space (12). Household appliance, having a heating device after Claim 10 or 11 . Household appliance after Claim 12 which further comprises a feed pump (10), the heating device being mounted in / on the feed pump (10).

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