DE102024200597A1 - Ladder frame assembly for installation in a tank valve or tank end plug, a component group and a system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lead frame assembly for installation in a tank valve or a tank end plug of a hydrogen-powered vehicle, a component group, and a system, wherein the lead frame assembly comprises: a first lead frame with a section that can be deformed in the longitudinal direction, the lead frame having a first end and a second end; a second lead frame with a section that can be deformed in the longitudinal direction, the lead frame having a first end and a second end; the two lead frames being electrically connectable with their first ends to an electrical component, in particular a temperature sensor, and forming a clamping contact part of a clamping connection with their second ends, the two lead frames being received together with their longitudinally deformable sections in an insert that can be subjected to pressure in the longitudinal direction, and the rigidity of the two longitudinally deformable sections being adjustable, in particular depending on a clamping force of a clamping connection of the clamping contact part to a clamping contact part counterpart of the tank valve or tank end plug.

Description

The present invention relates to a ladder frame assembly for installation in a tank valve or a tank end plug of a hydrogen-powered vehicle, a component group comprising a ladder frame assembly, and a system comprising a ladder frame assembly and a component group.

State of the art

In hydrogen tank valves, for example, from OMB Salerie S.P.A., the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the customer connector. The temperature sensor, cable, and connector are manually inserted into the valve block, and the cable is pushed through the hole. Due to installation space constraints, the cable must be joined at a 90° angle. Using a wire or a joining aid, the cable end with the connector is literally fished around and pulled out at a 90° angle. To facilitate assembly using the joining aid, a small O-ring is mounted around the cable end, into which the joining aid can hook. Since the hole intersection is difficult to round, there is a risk of cable damage, which can later lead to loss of function or incorrect temperature predictions.

The printed matter US 10 707 003 B2 discloses an electrical connection device for an electromagnetic valve having a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a medium. The electrical connection device comprises an electrical contact plug. The electrical contact plug is part of a common housing, which additionally contains an actuating coil for the electromagnetic valve and a plug contact for establishing electrical contact with the temperature sensor when the housing is mounted on the electromagnetic valve.

There is great interest in an improved connection of temperature-sensitive clamp connections, such as those used in particular in tank valves, in order to connect the temperature sensor to an electrical connection device of the tank valve via conductor tracks using a clamp connection.

Disclosure of the invention

The present invention provides a leadframe assembly according to independent claim 1, a component group according to independent claim 9 and a system according to independent claim 11.

Accordingly, it is provided:

• einen ersten Leiterrahmen mit einem in Längsrichtung verformbaren Abschnitt,
• wobei der Leiterrahmen ein erstes Ende und ein zweites Ende aufweist;
• einen zweiten Leiterrahmen mit einem in Längsrichtung verformbaren Abschnitt, wobei der Leiterrahmen ein erstes Ende und ein zweites Ende aufweist;
• wobei die beiden Leiterrahmen mit ihren ersten Enden mit einem elektrischen Bauteil, insbesondere einem Temperatursensor, elektrisch verbindbar sind und
• mit ihrem zweiten Ende ein Klemmkontaktteil einer Klemmverbindung bilden, wobei die beiden Leiterrahmen mit ihren in Längsrichtung verformbaren Abschnitten zusammen in einem Einlegeteil aufgenommen sind, welches in Längsrichtung auf Druck belastbar ist, und
• wobei die Steifigkeit, insbesondere axiale Steifigkeit oder Steifigkeit in Längsrichtung, der beiden in axialer Richtung oder in Längsrichtung verformbaren Abschnitte einstellbar ist, insbesondere abhängig von einer Klemmkraft einer Klemmverbindung des Klemmkontaktteils mit einem Klemmkontaktteil-Gegenstück des Tankventils bzw. Tank-Endstopfens.

A ladder frame assembly for installation in a tank valve or tank end plug of a hydrogen-powered vehicle, comprising:

• a first lead frame with a longitudinally deformable section,
• wherein the lead frame has a first end and a second end;
• a second lead frame having a longitudinally deformable portion, the lead frame having a first end and a second end;
• wherein the two lead frames can be electrically connected with their first ends to an electrical component, in particular a temperature sensor, and
• form with their second end a clamping contact part of a clamping connection, wherein the two lead frames with their longitudinally deformable sections are accommodated together in an insert part which can be loaded with pressure in the longitudinal direction, and
• wherein the stiffness, in particular axial stiffness or stiffness in the longitudinal direction, of the two sections deformable in the axial direction or in the longitudinal direction is adjustable, in particular depending on a clamping force of a clamping connection of the clamping contact part with a clamping contact part counterpart of the tank valve or tank end plug.

Furthermore, it is planned:

A component group comprising such a lead frame, wherein the component group comprises a component sleeve and an electrical component received in the component sleeve, wherein the lead frame assembly is inserted into the component sleeve with the first ends of the two lead frames and, in its installed or final position, electrically contacts the electrical component therein, and wherein the component sleeve has a component stop.

It is also planned:

A system comprising a component device, in particular a tank valve or a tank end plug, and such a component group, wherein the component device has a component body with a bore for receiving the component group and a clamping contact part counterpart for electrically contacting the clamping contact part of the lead frame assembly of the component group.

Advantages of the invention

The present invention is based on the discovery that, in a hydrogen tank valve, a temperature sensor is connected to an electrical connection device. A clamp connection is used, among other things. However, such clamp connections cannot tolerate large relative movements over their service life and wear out with increasing number of cycles and magnitude of movement.

The present invention is therefore based on the idea of taking this finding into account and providing an improved electrical connection of the temperature sensor, which counteracts wear of the clamp connection and at the same time enables reliable assembly or installation in the tank valve.

The present invention is based on the observation that, in a leadframe assembly for connecting the temperature sensor to an electrical connection device of the tank valve, the clamping contact part of the leadframe assembly for connecting to a clamping contact part counterpart of the electrical connection device is to be thermally decoupled in such a way that there is as little as possible relative movement of the clamping contact part with respect to the clamping contact part counterpart of the electrical connection device. For this purpose, the leadframe assembly has a section that is deformable in the axial direction or in the longitudinal direction, the rigidity of which, in particular the axial rigidity, is adjustable in such a way that there is as little as possible relative movement between the clamping contact part and the clamping contact part counterpart when temperature changes occur. In order to be able to insert or clamp the clamping contact part in the clamping contact part counterpart, the deformable section of the leadframe assembly is also received in an insert part designed to withstand pressure.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the two lead frames with their sections deformable in the axial direction or longitudinal direction are electrically insulated from one another in the insert part and/or electrically insulated from an electrical ground in the installed state, wherein the insert part is in particular a plastic part, preferably a plastic injection-molded part.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the axially or longitudinally deformable section of the first or second leadframe is a meander section with a meander geometry consisting of multiple deflections or a spiral spring section with a spiral spring geometry. The stiffness, in particular axial stiffness or stiffness in the longitudinal direction, is adjustable depending on the number of deflections or spirals, the width of the respective deflection or spiral, and/or the leadframe thickness.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the two lead frames with their meander sections are accommodated side by side in the insert, preferably separated from each other by at least one projection in between to prevent an unwanted short circuit. The deflections of the two meander sections are accommodated in the insert, particularly axially or mirror-symmetrically, next to each other. The advantage here is the use of identical parts. Otherwise, two different parts can also be used.

In one embodiment of the invention, a first sleeve is provided between the first ends of the two lead frames and their longitudinally deformable sections, electrically insulating the two lead frames from one another. The first sleeve is in particular a plastic sleeve and preferably a plastic injection-molded sleeve. The first sleeve preferably has a fastening section and a stop.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a second sleeve is provided between the second ends of the two lead frames and their longitudinally deformable sections, which electrically insulates the two lead frames from each other. The second sleeve is in particular a plastic sleeve and preferably a plastic injection-molded sleeve.

In another embodiment of the invention, at least one of the lead frames has at least one projection in the transverse direction in the region of the first and/or second sleeve in order to prevent a relative movement between the first and/or second sleeve and the lead frames in the longitudinal direction.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the lead frames are made of an electrically conductive material, in particular an electrically conductive sheet metal. The lead frames are, in particular, punched, lasered, and/or cut out of the electrically conductive sheet metal as a two-dimensional lead frame, in particular by means of waterjet cutting.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the first sleeve of the lead frame assembly is received with its fastening section in the component sleeve and rests with its stop on the outside of the component sleeve.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the clamping contact part of the lead frame assembly is thermally decoupled to substantially prevent relative movement between the clamping contact part and the clamping contact part counterpart.

In one embodiment of the invention, the component sleeve, in particular the temperature sensor sleeve, rests with its stop against the bore of the component body in its final or installed position to provide a fixed bearing. The clamping contact part connected to the clamping contact part counterpart provides a floating bearing in the final or installed position of the component group in the bore. The floating bearing, inhibited by the clamping force, is not a frictionless floating bearing.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the rigidity, in particular axial rigidity or rigidity in the longitudinal direction, of the two sections of the leadframe assembly that are deformable in the axial direction or in the longitudinal direction is adjustable such that a displacement force acting on the clamping contact part due to temperature changes is less than or equal to the clamping force of the clamping connection between the clamping contact part and the clamping contact part counterpart.

The above embodiments and developments can be combined with one another as desired, where appropriate. Further embodiments, developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention not explicitly mentioned above or described below with respect to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic forms of the invention.

Short description of the drawings

The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawings.

• 1: einen Ausschnitt einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform einer Leiterrahmen-Baugruppe in einer Teilschnittansicht, welche mit einem Temperatursensor verbunden und in einem Tankventil eines wasserstoffbetriebenen Fahrzeugs eingebaut ist;
• 2: das Tankventil gemäß 1, wobei nur ein Leiterrahmen der Leiterrahmen-Baugruppe dargestellt ist und das Einlegeteil weggelassen wurde;
• 3: eine teilweise geschnittene Perspektivansicht der Bauteil-Gruppe, wie sie in das Tankventil in 1 und 2 eingebaut ist;
• 4 die Bauteil-Gruppe gemäß 3 ohne Einlegeteil;
• 5 die Bauteil-Gruppe gemäß der 1 bis 4 in einer teilweise geschnittenen Draufsicht gezeigt, wobei nur ein Leiterrahmen dargestellt ist und das Einlegeteil fehlt;
• 6 die Leiterrahmen-Baugruppe gemäß 1, wobei das Loslager dabei schematisch angedeutet ist;
• 7 eine Schnittansicht A-A durch die Leiterrahmen-Baugruppe gemäß 6;
• 8 eine Schnittansicht durch die erste Hülse der Leiterrahmen-Baugruppe gemäß 6;
• 9 ein gerader Leiterrahmen ohne Umlenkungen;
• 10 ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Leiterrahmens mit einer Mäandergeometrie, wie er bei der Leiterrahmen-Baugruppe gemäß 1 einsetzbar ist; und
• 11 ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines Leiterrahmens mit einer Mäandergeometrie, wie er bei der Leiterrahmen-Baugruppe gemäß 1 einsetzbar ist.

Showing:

• 1 : a section of an embodiment of a ladder frame assembly according to the invention in a partial sectional view, which is connected to a temperature sensor and installed in a tank valve of a hydrogen-powered vehicle;
• 2 : the tank valve according to 1 , where only one lead frame of the lead frame assembly is shown and the insert is omitted;
• 3 : a partially sectioned perspective view of the component group as it is incorporated into the tank valve in 1 and 2 is installed;
• 4 the component group according to 3 without insert;
• 5 the component group according to the 1 to 4 shown in a partially sectioned plan view, with only a lead frame shown and the insert missing;
• 6 the ladder frame assembly according to 1 , whereby the floating bearing is indicated schematically;
• 7 a sectional view AA through the ladder frame assembly according to 6 ;
• 8 a sectional view through the first sleeve of the lead frame assembly according to 6 ;
• 9 a straight ladder frame without deflections;
• 10 an embodiment of a ladder frame with a meander geometry, as used in the ladder frame assembly according to 1 can be used; and
• 11 another embodiment of a ladder frame with a meander geometry, as used in the ladder frame assembly according to 1 can be used.

Embodiments of the invention

1 shows a section of an embodiment of a lead frame assembly 1 according to the invention in a partial sectional view, which is connected to an electrical component 2, here temperature sensor 3, and is installed together with this as a component group 4 in a component device 5, here tank valve 6, of a hydrogen-powered vehicle. In the 1 In the example shown, the temperature sensor 3 comprises, for example, a thermistor chip that is encased in glass, for example, and then thermally coupled to the sleeve, hereinafter referred to as component sleeve 19, by means of a suitable adhesive. However, the invention is not limited to this thermal sensor 3. Any other suitable thermal sensor 3 can be provided and suitably connected to the component sleeve 19.

In 2 The tank valve 6 is shown in a sectional view with the installed temperature sensor 3 and the ladder frame assembly 1. For reasons of clarity, only one ladder frame 7 of the ladder frame assembly 1 is shown. An insert for receiving a part of the ladder frame assembly 1 has also been omitted for reasons of clarity.

The explanations for the installation of the component group 4 in a component device 5, here the tank valve 6, as shown in the 1 to 11 also apply accordingly to installation in a tank end plug or tank end plug of the vehicle tank of the hydrogen-powered vehicle and are therefore not repeated.

The leadframe assembly 1 is connected to the temperature sensor 3 and installed together with it into the tank valve 6 of a hydrogen pressure vessel of a hydrogen-powered vehicle. To connect the temperature sensor 3 via the leadframe assembly 1 to an electrical connection device of the component device 5, here the tank valve 6, the leadframe assembly 1 has a clamping contact part 8, e.g., a contact blade, a contact fork, or a contact pin. The clamping contact part 8 is connected, e.g., plugged together, to a corresponding clamping contact part counterpart, e.g., a clamping contact or an insulation displacement contact, of an electrical connection device of the component device 5, here the tank valve 6, to provide a clamping connection.

In this way, the temperature sensor 3 is electrically connected to the electrical connection device of the tank valve 6 via the clamp connection. The connection device of the tank valve 6 can in turn be connected, for example, to a vehicle wiring harness, etc.

The use of different materials in component devices 5 and assemblies, etc., results in different changes in length as a result of temperature effects and different thermal expansion coefficients.

To ensure a reliable electrical connection between the leadframe assembly 1 and the electrical connection device of the component device 5, here the tank valve 6, through the clamp connection and to prevent the clamp connection from becoming loose due to relative movements, in particular due to temperature effects, the leadframe assembly 1 is designed such that the clamp contact part 8 is decoupled from the thermal expansion of other components, e.g., for the connection to the tank valve 6. By deliberately decoupling the clamp contact part 8 of the leadframe assembly 1 from thermal expansion, the relative movement can be reduced and the robustness of the leadframe assembly 1 and its clamp contact part 8 can be increased. This applies to all embodiments of the invention.

The leadframe assembly 1 according to the invention has a first and a second leadframe 7, 9, each with a first or inner end 10 and a second or outer end 11. The first or inner end 10 connects the respective leadframe 7, 9 to an electrical component 2, in this case a sensor, in particular a temperature sensor 3. The second end or outer end 11 of the first and second leadframes 7, 9 in turn provides the clamping contact part 8, e.g., the contact blade section or the contact blade, respectively. The clamping contact part 8 of the leadframe assembly is connected, e.g., plugged together, to the corresponding clamping contact part counterpart of the electrical connection device of the tank valve 6 to provide the clamping connection.

The first or second leadframe 7, 9 has a first or inner section 12 with the first or inner end 10, a second or outer section 13 with the second or outer end 11 and an intermediate, central section 14 which is deformable in the axial direction or longitudinal direction, e.g. a meander section 15 with a meander geometry or a spiral spring section with a spiral spring geometry. The invention is explained with reference to the 1-11 This is explained using the example of a meander geometry, whereby a spiral spring geometry is also possible and, accordingly, a spiral spring section can be provided instead of the meander section 15. The spiral spring section requires more installation space than the meander section 15.

The meander section 15 is formed with a meander geometry consisting of a plurality of deflections 16, as shown in 2 and subsequent 3-7 is shown.

The stiffness, in particular axial stiffness or stiffness in the longitudinal direction, of the meander section 15 of the respective ladder frame 7, 9 can be adjusted, for example, by means of the number of deflections 16 and the width of the respective deflection 16 and the resulting lever arm length, as well as the ladder frame thickness, etc. In the following 10 and 11 Two embodiments of meander sections 15 of ladder frames 7 are shown, which have a different width. In contrast, for comparison, the following 9 a straight ladder frame or web 17 without deflections is shown.

Each deflection 16 with its lever arm thus has a certain stiffness. The stiffnesses, in particular axial stiffnesses or stiffnesses in the longitudinal direction, of the deflections 16 of the meander section 15 are connected in series. This allows the force or displacement force to be specifically adjusted by the meander section 15 with its deflections 16 on the clamping contact part 8. In particular, the respective meander section 15 with its rigidity, in particular axial rigidity or rigidity in the longitudinal direction, can be adjusted such that when the lead frame assembly 1 with its two lead frames 7, 9 and their meander sections 15 expands or contracts in the axial direction or longitudinal direction due to temperature changes, the resulting maximum force or maximum displacement force is preferably less than or equal to a clamping force with which the clamping contact part 8 of the lead frame assembly 1 is held or clamped in the clamping contact counterpart of the electrical connection device therein. The rigidity of the lead frames 7, 9 or conductor tracks is not sufficient to absorb the insertion force for connecting the clamping contact part 8 to the clamping contact counterpart, which is not what it is intended to do. The plastic elements, ie the first and second sleeves 20, 27 and the insert 18, which move to a block when the contact is inserted, are used for this purpose, which means that only the rigidity of the plastic elements and between the terminal plug and the plastic element.

Because the set resulting maximum displacement force is preferably less than or substantially equal to the clamping force, it is possible to prevent the clamping contact part 8 and the clamping contact part counterpart from moving relative to one another. In particular, this ensures that the clamping contact part counterpart, e.g., a clamping part or an insulation displacement terminal, can hold the clamping contact part 8, in particular a knife clamp, and the clamping connection is not loosened or released.

By preventing or appropriately reducing the relative movement between the clamping contact part 8 and the clamping contact part counterpart, the occurrence of wear can be counteracted and the robustness of the clamping connection can be increased.

The deflections of the first and second lead frames 7, 9 are identical in the embodiments shown, as can be seen in particular from 2 and the following 4 , 5 , 6 , 10 and 11 The deflections 16 of the first and second lead frames 7, 9 are identical in terms of their shape and dimensions. Depending on the function and intended use, it is also conceivable that at least two deflections 16 of the respective lead frames 7, 9 are designed differently and differ, for example, in terms of their shape and/or dimensions.

Furthermore, the deflections 16 of the first lead frame 7 and the deflections 16 of the second lead frame 9 are identical in the embodiments shown, as for example in the following 4 The deflections 16 of the first and second lead frames 7, 9 are identical in terms of their shape, e.g., square and/or round shape of the windings, and their dimensions, e.g., thickness, length, width of the deflections. As shown in the following 4 As shown, the two lead frames 7, 9 can preferably be arranged next to one another in opposite directions or axially or mirror-symmetrically and accommodated in an insert 18, in particular a slide-in sleeve. This has the advantage of using the same parts for the lead frames. However, different parts can also be used for the two lead frames.

The respective lead frame 7, 9 with its meander section 15 can be punched or cut out, for example, as a simple, two-dimensional structure from a corresponding, electrically conductive material, in particular an electrically conductive metal sheet, e.g. by means of water jet cutting or laser cutting, etc. In principle, the lead frames or conductor tracks can also be manufactured in several parts using various processes and, for example, welded together.

Furthermore, the two lead frames 7, 9, with their respective meandering sections 15, are accommodated in the aforementioned insert 18, as described further below. The insert 18, in particular the insertion sleeve, is made of an electrically insulating material, e.g., plastic or electrically insulating plastic.

The lead frame assembly 1 is accommodated in a component sleeve 19 of an electrical component 2, here the temperature sensor 3, as shown in 1 is shown. For this purpose, the leadframe assembly 1 is inserted into the component sleeve 19 with its first or inner section 12 to contact the temperature sensor 3 in the component sleeve 19 with the first or inner end 10. So that the leadframe assembly 1 cannot be inserted too deeply into the component sleeve 19 and for fastening and guiding the leadframe assembly 1 in the component sleeve 19, the leadframe assembly 1 has a first sleeve 20, in particular a first plastic sleeve, with a fastening section 21 and a stop 22. The leadframe assembly 1 is overmolded with the first plastic sleeve 20, for example. So that the first sleeve 20 cannot accidentally shift in the longitudinal direction on the leadframe assembly 1, at least one of the two Ladder frame 7, 9, at least one lateral projection or a projection 23 in the transverse direction, for example in the form of a barb or driver or bone, which prevents an unwanted relative movement between the first sleeve 20 and the ladder frame 7, 9 in the longitudinal direction.

The leadframe assembly 1 is inserted with its first sleeve 20 into the component sleeve 19 up to an installation or end position. In the installation or end position, the first sleeve 20 rests with its stop 22 on the outside of the component sleeve 19 and the temperature sensor 3 is electrically contacted in the component sleeve 19 by the leadframe assembly 1, and in particular its first or inner end 10. As in the embodiment in 1 As shown, the fastening section 21, with which the first sleeve 20 is inserted into the component sleeve 19, can have additional fastening ribs or fastening lips 24 on its outer wall. This has the advantage that the fastening section 21 can be inserted more easily into the component sleeve 19, and manufacturing tolerances can be compensated. On the outside, the component sleeve 19 can also be provided with an additional sealing device 25. A sealing and O-ring, as an example of the sealing device 25, seals the component sleeve 29 below the O-ring position (25), which is located in the tank, to the HTV body. It essentially isolates the tank pressure from the environment. Everything that is in 3 above the O-ring position (25) is then pressureless.

Depending on the length of the first or inner section 12, with which the lead frame assembly 1 is inserted into the component sleeve 19, the first or inner section 12 can optionally be additionally attached to at least one or, as in 1 As shown, it can be provided at several points with additional plastic sleeves 26, in particular overmolded, for additional stabilization and positioning of the lead frame assembly 1 in the component sleeve 19 and for reliable contact with the temperature sensor 3, as well as for electrically insulating the two lead frames 7, 9 from one another. The component sleeve 19 of the temperature sensor 3 is made, for example, of stainless steel or another suitable material, depending on its function and intended use.

In this context, the two lead frames 7, 9 with their respective meander sections 15 are also received in the insert 18 to enable the lead frame assembly 1 to be inserted and secured in the component sleeve 19. This insert 18, e.g., made of plastic, enables the lead frame assembly 1 to be subjected to compressive stress. The insert 18 can thus be inserted as a rigid insertion sleeve together with the two lead frames 7, 9 and their meander sections 15 into the component sleeve 19 for assembly. In particular, this prevents the meander sections 15 from being unintentionally compressed longitudinally in such a way that they bend or become damaged.

Furthermore, a second sleeve 27, in particular a second plastic sleeve, is provided on the second or outer section 13, for example by overmolding. The second sleeve 27 is provided on the second section 13 in such a way that the second or outer end 11 with the clamping contact part 8, e.g., contact blade, remains free for electrical connection to the corresponding clamping contact part counterpart, e.g., a clamping contact or an insulation displacement contact, of an electrical connection device of the tank valve 6.

In order that the second sleeve 13, in particular the second plastic sleeve, cannot also move unintentionally in the longitudinal direction on the lead frame assembly 1, at least one of the two lead frames 7, 9 has at least one lateral projection 23 or projection in the transverse direction, for example in the form of a barb or driver or bone, which prevents an unintentional relative movement between the second sleeve 13 or guide sleeve and the two lead frames 7, 9 in the longitudinal direction.

As in 1 As shown, the component group 4, which essentially consists of the component sleeve 19, the temperature sensor 3 and the conductor track assembly 1 electrically contacted with the temperature sensor 3, is fastened in the component device 5, here tank valve 6, of the vehicle and connected there to an electrical connection device. More precisely, the component group 4 is inserted into a bore 28 of a component body 29, here tank valve body 30 of the tank valve 6, of the component device 5 and fastened. The tank valve body 30 can, for example, be an aluminum tank valve body. Instead of being fastened in the tank valve 6 and its tank valve body 30, the component group 4 can also be fastened, as previously explained, for example in a tank end plug or tank end plug (end plug) of the vehicle tank. More precisely, the component group 4 can be fastened in a bore of the tank end plug body, e.g., a tank end plug aluminum body.

In order for component group 4 to fit into the tank valve body 30 and for the clamp connection to be closed, the described pressure-resistant insert 18 is required, which, however, is relieved under operating conditions and no longer has any force-exerting components. The insert 18, e.g. in the form of a simple plastic The injection-molded part allows the two lead frames 7, 9 with their meander sections 15 to be held in position relative to one another to prevent a short circuit. The insert 18 can be subjected to compressive but not tensile stress during installation. In this way, the component group 4 can be inserted into the bore 28 of the tank valve body 30. The first and second sleeves 20, 27 each form a first and second guide element or guide sleeve.

Furthermore, the insert 18 encloses the two lead frames 7, 9 in such a way that it electrically insulates them from the electrical ground of the tank valve body 30. The insert 18 protects the two lead frames 7, 9 accommodated therein and electrically insulates them from each other.

For this purpose, the insert part 18 is designed as an elongated, in particular rigid, insertion sleeve with a longitudinally extending recess 31, in particular a groove-shaped depression, for inserting the meander sections 15 of the two lead frames 7, 9. The insert part 18 is made of an electrically insulating material, for example, plastic. In one exemplary embodiment, the insert part 18 is made, for example, as an injection-molded part from a plastic. In the plastic elements described herein, the plastic is an electrically insulating plastic.

The two meander sections 15 of the first and second lead frames 7, 9 are received in the insert part 18 such that they can expand and contract to a predetermined extent in the axial direction or longitudinal direction of the lead frame assembly 1 and the insert part 18, respectively, while the two lead frames 7, 9 are or remain electrically insulated from each other. However, the expansion and contraction do not exceed the clamping force of the clamping connection between the clamping contact part 8 and the clamping contact part counterpart.

In the in the 1 and 2 In the illustrations of the installation of component group 4 into the tank valve body 30 shown, the component sleeve 19 of the electrical component 2, here temperature sensor 3, has a component stop 32. With the component stop 32, the component group 4 with its component sleeve 19 rests in a final or installed position on the tank valve body 30 as a component device 5 after it has been inserted into the corresponding bore 28 of the tank valve body 30. The circumference of the component stop 32, in turn, preferably serves as a guide for the assembly in order to ensure the necessary accuracy for an O-ring and support ring combination, if necessary.

This stop area, in which the component sleeve 19 of the temperature sensor 3 rests against the tank valve body 30 in the final or installed position, forms a form of fixed bearing. The temperature sensor sleeve or component sleeve 19 can therefore not move any further in the direction of the bore 28. Across the free length, a temperature change due to the different materials has a corresponding effect on the relative final or installed position of the clamping contact part 8. In the final or installed position, the clamping contact part 8 forms a form of floating bearing. The clamping contact part 8 can be connected or is connected to the clamping contact part counterpart and forms a clamp connection. With a length of 96 mm, for example, a constant temperature distribution results in a difference of approximately 43 µm.

As previously explained, each deflection 16 of the meander section 15 of a lead frame 7, 9, with its lever arm, has a certain stiffness, in particular axial stiffness or stiffness in the longitudinal direction. Since the stiffnesses, in particular axial stiffness or stiffness in the longitudinal direction, of the deflections 16 of the meander section 15 are connected in series, the force or displacement force exerted by the respective meander section 15 with its deflections 16 on the clamping contact part 8 can be specifically adjusted. In particular, the respective meander section 15 with its deflections 16 can be adjusted such that when the leadframe assembly 1 with its two leadframes 7, 9 and their meander sections 15 expands or contracts axially or longitudinally due to temperature changes, the resulting maximum force or maximum displacement force in the axial or longitudinal direction is preferably less than or equal to a clamping force with which the clamping contact part 8 of the leadframe assembly 1 is held or clamped in the clamping contact counterpart of the electrical connection device. In other words, the rigidity can be varied by means of the number of deflections 16, their width and thus lever arm length and/or the sheet thickness. Each deflection 16 with its lever arm thus has a predetermined rigidity, in particular axial rigidity or rigidity in the longitudinal direction, and these rigidities of the deflections 16 are connected in series. Thus, the force on the clamping contact part 8 can be reduced to values less than or equal to the displacement force or clamping displacement force, so that the clamping connection or the clamping contact part counterpart is able to hold the clamping contact part 8, e.g. contact blade, and prevent any relative movement from occurring.

Because the set resulting maximum displacement force is preferably smaller than or essentially equal to the clamping force, The clamping contact part 8 and the clamping contact part counterpart, which form a loose bearing, must be prevented from moving relative to one another. This is a so-called loose bearing with frictional force - displacement force, and not a frictionless loose bearing. In particular, this ensures that the clamping contact part counterpart, e.g., a clamping part or an insulation displacement connector, can hold the clamping contact part 8, e.g., contact blade, contact fork, contact pin, etc., and the clamping connection is not loosened or released.

A necessary displacement force in clamp connections, e.g. fork clamp connections, is in the range of a few Newtons, e.g. between 1N and 10N depending on the design, and is thus lower than the corresponding force when the temperature changes, as shown in the following 9 To reduce the displacement force to a suitable level, the respective ladder frame 7, 9 must be reduced in its axial or longitudinal stiffness so that the resulting deformation is absorbed by temperature changes within the two bearing points. This can be achieved using the described meander sections 15 of the ladder frames 7, 9 or, alternatively, spiral spring sections.

In the following 10 and 11 A variation of the width of the deflections 16 of a meandering section 15 of a lead frame 7 is shown, as can be used in the lead frame assembly 1 according to the invention, and how the generated force behaves in this case. The number of deflections 16 and the sheet thickness can be adjusted in order to achieve a sufficiently low level of displacement force, so that the clamping contact part 8, e.g. a fork or contact fork, ensures that its clamping contact part counterpart of the electrical connection device of the tank valve 6 is itself capable of holding and fixing the clamping contact part 8 of the lead frame assembly 1 without any relative movement occurring. However, this effect means that without additional axial support between the fixed bearing and the loose bearing position, the clamping contact part 8 would not be able to be inserted into or connected to the clamping contact part counterpart during installation, since the rigidity of the lead frames 7, 9 with their meander sections 15 is too low and would be compressed.

For this reason, the insert 18 or the insertion sleeve, as shown in the 1 and 2 and subsequent 3 and 4 shown, is pushed between the two storage positions over the two lead frames 7, 9 and their meander sections 15. The insert part 18 or the insertion sleeve has three functions. The first function is to absorb the assembly force when inserting the clamping contact part 8 into the clamping contact part counterpart. The second function is to protect the two lead frames 7, 9 from short circuits. The third function is to insulate the lead frames 7, 9 from electrical ground towards the tank valve body 30. When a mating connector and its clamping contact part counterpart make contact with the clamping contact part 8, the clamping contact part 8 is pushed slightly downwards or inwards. 1 to the left or in the direction of the insert part 18. The second sleeve 27 or plastic sleeve is also pushed to the left or in the direction of the insert part 18 via the driver 23 until the second sleeve 27 rests against the insert part 18. After that, the second sleeve 27 and the insert part 18 are pushed further in the direction of the first sleeve 20 and its driver 23. Now the contacts are closed and the actual joining process of the clamp connection takes place by pushing the clamp contact part counterpart, e.g. fork terminal, of the mating connector in the direction of the second end 11 and connecting it to the clamp contact part 8. Now the assembly is compressed and when the assembly heats up, the insert part 18 pushes the second sleeve 27 or plastic sleeve back in the other direction, i.e. to the right in 1 This continues until the maximum temperature is reached. The maximum temperature is the highest temperature reached at the end position. As soon as the temperature is below the maximum temperature again, the contacts between the first sleeve 20 with its driver 23, the insert 18 and the second sleeve 27 with its driver 23 are opened and the insert sleeve 18 is free again, ie there is a gap 35 on both sides of the insert sleeve 18 in 1 .

In one embodiment of the invention, the insert part 18 or the insertion sleeve can additionally be secured against rotation on one or both of the plastic guide elements on the fixed bearing or floating bearing. For this purpose, the insertion sleeve 18 can be provided with a dihedral. The dihedral serves as a guide to prevent the insert part 18 from rotating excessively relative to the first and second sleeves 20, 27. For this purpose, the longitudinal end of the insert part 18 can be designed to be plugged together with the first and/or second sleeves 20, 27 in the longitudinal direction, in particular loosely and not in the sense of a press fit, such that the insert part 18 cannot rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the first or second sleeve 20 or 27 in the plugged-together state, or can only rotate within a predetermined tolerance range. The gaps 35 between the respective end of the insert part 18 and the first or second sleeve 20, 27 remain in the assembled state.

For example, the respective first or second sleeve 20, 27 can have two additional projections at its longitudinal end, with which the longitudinal end of the respective first or second sleeve 20, 27 is pushed onto a corresponding longitudinal end of the insert part or insert sleeve 18, so that the insert sleeve cannot rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the respective first or second sleeve 20, 27, or can only rotate to a predetermined extent. A reversed arrangement of the projections on the insert part is also possible.

For assembly or installation, component group 4 with its insert 18 is essentially only subjected to compressive stress, allowing insertion of component group 4 into the bore 28 of component body 29, here the tank valve body 30, and insertion of the clamping contact part 8 into the corresponding clamping contact part counterpart. As soon as the temperature changes in this state or in the installed state, the electrically non-conductive plastic material of component group 4, e.g., the first sleeve 20, the second sleeve 27, the insert 18, etc., will generally thermally expand more than the two lead frames 7, 9, the component sleeve 19 of the temperature sensor 3, and the tank valve body 30.

During cooling, this in turn leads to a relief at the two bearing points, i.e. the fixed bearing 33 and the floating bearing 34, and a distance or gap is created between these and the insert 18. The clamping contact part counterpart of the tank valve 6 holds the clamping contact part 8 of the lead frame assembly 1 firmly in its position. During heating, the insert 18 would therefore expand more and the clamping contact part 8 would press more strongly into the clamping contact part counterpart of the tank valve 6 in 1 and 2 immerse. However, this relative movement can be accepted because it only occurs once and its displacement is based on the maximum temperature reached. After this time, the clamping force between clamping contact part 8 and the clamping contact part counterpart is again sufficiently high, and the clamping contact part is sufficiently secured against slipping back out of the clamping contact part counterpart. Since the clamping force between the clamping contact part 8 and the clamping contact part counterpart is less than or equal to the holding force of the clamping contact part, further temperature changes would always occur within it, and the clamping contact part would not be subjected to any further stress.

In the 3 and 4 a partially sectioned perspective view of the component group 4 is shown, as it is in the tank valve 6 in the 1 and 2 is installed. In 4 For reasons of clarity, the insert is not shown. In 5 is component group 4 according to the 1 to 4 also shown in a partially sectioned plan view, with only one lead frame 7 shown and the insert also not shown for reasons of clarity.

As in the 3 , 4 and 5 As shown, the component group 4 has the component sleeve 19, here the temperature sensor sleeve, in which the electrical component 2, here the temperature sensor 3, is accommodated. Furthermore, the component group 4 has the lead frame assembly 1, which is electrically contacted with the temperature sensor 3 in the component sleeve 19. The lead frame assembly 1 has the first and second lead frames 7, 9, which are arranged next to one another and each have a meander section 15 that is accommodated in the insert part 18. The meander sections 15 of the two lead frames 7, 9 are arranged opposite one another or axially or mirror-symmetrically next to one another, as best shown in 4 shown, wherein they are separated from each other by the projection 36 of the insert 18 extending therebetween, so that they cannot accidentally touch each other. The first and second sleeves 20, 27 are each injection-molded from plastic onto the two lead frames 7, 9 and electrically insulate the two lead frames 7, 9 from each other, as shown for the first sleeve 20 in the following 8 is shown as an example.

The first sleeve 20 rests externally on the component sleeve 19 with its stop 22. As previously described, at least one of the lead frames 7, 9 can have at least one lateral projection 23 that prevents relative movement between the first sleeve 20 and the two lead frames 7, 9. Accordingly, at least one of the lead frames 7, 9 can also have at least one lateral projection 23 that prevents relative movement between the second sleeve 27 and the two lead frames 7, 9.

In 6 is the ladder frame assembly 1 of component group 4 from the 1 to 5 shown in a partially sectioned view, showing only a ladder frame. In 7 is a sectional view AA through the meander section 15 of the ladder frame assembly 1 according to 6 shown, whereby both lead frames 7, 9 are arranged next to each other in opposite directions or axially or mirror-symmetrically. 8 a sectional view of the first sleeve 20 of the conductor track assembly 1 is shown, with which the conductor track assembly 1 is inserted into the component sleeve 19 and fastened therein.

In the 5 and 6 the first sleeve 20 of the lead frame assembly 1 is shown as it is in the component sleeve 19 or temperature sensor sleeve on is taken and with its stop 22 abuts or rests on the outside of the component sleeve 19.

As in 7 As shown, the insert part 18 electrically insulates the two lead frames 7, 9 from one another in order to prevent a short circuit. For this purpose, the recess of the insert part 18, in particular in the form of a longitudinal groove, in which the lead frames 7, 9 are received, has, for example, at least one projection 36 in the longitudinal direction, which extends at least over a partial length or the entire length of the insert part or its recess, and wherein a lead frame 7 is inserted on one side of the projection 36 or into the recess of the insert part 18. The projection 36 thus electrically separates the two lead frames 7, 9 arranged next to one another in the recess of the insert part 18. The lead frames 7, 9 can expand and contract with their meandering sections 15 in the longitudinal or axial direction when the temperature changes. However, the projection 36 between the two lead frames 7, 9 prevents unwanted contact, so that no short circuit can occur.

The first and second sleeves 20, 27 insulate the two adjacently arranged lead frames 7, 9 from each other, as the sectional view of the first sleeve 20 in 8 shows.

In the 9 , 10 and 11 A ladder frame 7, 9 is shown. The ladder frame in 9 is a straight web 17 with a web width of 0.8mm, for example. It has, like the lead frames 7, 9 in the 10 and 11 , at its two end sections, on each side, has a lateral projection 23 or a projection in the transverse direction. Such lateral projections 23 can be provided, as previously described, for additionally fixing molded-on plastic sleeves 20, 26, 27 in order to prevent relative movement in the longitudinal direction between sleeve 20, 26, 27 and lead frame 7, 9.

In the 10 and 11 The respective lead frame 7 is in turn provided with a meander section 15 with a meander geometry, as can be used in the lead frame assembly 1 according to the invention. The meander sections 15 of the two lead frames 7 in the 10 and 11 differ in the width of the deflections 16 or meander width. The meander width in 10 is 2.0mm and the meander width in 11 is approximately 3.8mm and is almost twice as large as the 10 .

As previously with reference to the 1-11 As described, the temperature sensor 3, consisting of a stainless steel sleeve and a plastic conductor track construction, is inserted and fastened into a bore 28 of a component body 29, e.g., an aluminum body. At the end 11 of the conductor track or the lead frame 7, 9, there is the interface to a clamping contact part counterpart of a clamp connection and/or insulation displacement connection. Clamp connections do not tolerate large relative movements over time and wear with increasing number of cycles and magnitude of movement. The use of different materials results in various changes in length, which are caused by temperature effects and different thermal expansion coefficients. If the clamping force is exceeded, a relative movement occurs, which can lead to wear and unduly increase the contact resistance. By the targeted decoupling of the clamping contact part 8 according to the invention, as previously described with reference to 1-11 As described above, the relative movement can be reduced or substantially prevented, thus increasing the robustness of the contact. According to the invention, decoupling means that the forces that arise due to temperature changes and that pull or push on the clamping connection, in particular the clamping contact part 8, are smaller than the clamping or holding force that the clamping connection can withstand or provides in terms of holding force.

In summary, the present invention relates to a component group 4 with a leadframe assembly 1, the clamping contact part 8 of which is thermally decoupled, in particular from the other components of the component group 4 and the component device 5 in the installed state, such that in the event of temperature changes the clamping contact part 8 can be held in the clamping contact part counterpart and no or substantially no relative movement occurs.

QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 10 707 003 B2 [0003]

Claims (14)

A ladder frame assembly (1) for installation in a tank valve (6) or a tank end plug of a hydrogen-powered vehicle, comprising: a first ladder frame (7) with a longitudinally deformable portion (14), the ladder frame (7) having a first end (10) and a second end (11); a second ladder frame (9) with a longitudinally deformable portion (14), the ladder frame (9) having a first end (10) and a second end (11); wherein the two lead frames (7, 9) are electrically connectable with their first ends (10) to an electrical component (2), in particular a temperature sensor (3), and form a clamping contact part (8) of a clamping connection with their second ends (11), wherein the two lead frames (7, 9) are received together with their longitudinally deformable sections (14) in an insert (18) which can be subjected to compression in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the rigidity of the two longitudinally deformable sections (14, 14) is adjustable, in particular depending on a clamping force of a clamping connection of the clamping contact part (8) to a clamping contact part counterpart of the tank valve (6) or tank end plug. Ladder frame assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein the two lead frames (7, 9) with their longitudinally deformable sections (14) in the insert part (18) are electrically insulated from one another and/or are electrically insulated from an electrical ground in the installed state, wherein the insert part (18) is in particular a plastic part, preferably a plastic injection-molded part. Ladder frame assembly according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the longitudinally deformable section (14) of the first or second lead frame (7, 9) is a meander section (15) with a meander geometry comprising a plurality of deflections (16) or a spiral spring section with a spiral spring geometry, wherein the stiffness is adjustable in particular depending on the number of deflections (16) or spirals, the width of the respective deflection (16) or spiral and/or the lead frame thickness. Ladder frame assembly according to Claim 1 , 2 or 3 , wherein the two lead frames (7, 9) with their meander sections (15) are accommodated next to one another in the insert part (18), wherein the deflections (16) of the two meander sections (15) are accommodated in particular axially or mirror-symmetrically next to one another in the insert part (18), in particular in a recess, preferably a longitudinal groove, and/or wherein the meander sections (15) are separated from one another by at least one projection (36) running in the longitudinal direction of the insert part (18). Ladder frame assembly according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , wherein a first sleeve (20) is provided between the first ends (10) of the two lead frames (7, 9) and their longitudinally deformable sections (14), which first sleeve electrically insulates the two lead frames (7, 9) from one another, wherein the first sleeve (20) is in particular a plastic sleeve and preferably a plastic injection-molded sleeve and/or wherein the first sleeve (20) preferably has a fastening section (21) and a stop (22). Ladder frame assembly according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , wherein between the second ends (11) of the two lead frames (7, 9) and their longitudinally deformable sections (14) a second sleeve (27) is provided, which electrically insulates the two lead frames (7, 9) from one another, wherein the second sleeve (27) is in particular a plastic sleeve and preferably a plastic injection-molded sleeve. Ladder frame assembly according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , wherein at least one of the lead frames (7, 9) has at least one projection (23) in the transverse direction at least in the region of the first and/or second sleeve (20, 27) in order to prevent a relative movement between the first or second sleeve (20, 27) and the lead frame (7, 9) in the longitudinal direction. Ladder frame assembly according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , wherein the lead frames (7, 9) are made of an electrically conductive material, in particular an electrically conductive sheet, and in particular are punched out, lasered out and/or cut out as a two-dimensional lead frame (7, 9), in particular by means of water jet cutting. Component group comprising a lead frame assembly according to one of the Claims 1 until 8 wherein the component group (4) has a component sleeve (19) and an electrical component (2) received in the component sleeve (19), wherein the lead frame assembly (1) is inserted into the component sleeve (19) with the first ends (10) of the two lead frames (7, 9) and, in its installed or final position, electrically contacts the electrical component (2) therein, and wherein the component sleeve (19) has a component stop (32). Component group according to Claim 9 , wherein the first sleeve (20) of the lead frame assembly (1) with its fastening section (21) is received in the component sleeve (19) and rests with its stop (22) on the outside of the component sleeve (19). System comprising a component device (5), in particular a tank valve (6) or a tank end plug, and a component group (4) according to one of the Claims 9 or 10 , wherein the component device (5) has a component body (29) with a bore (28) for receiving the component group (4) and a clamping contact part counterpart for electrically contacting the clamping contact part (8) of the lead frame assembly (1) of the component group (8). System according to Claim 11 , wherein the clamping contact part (8) of the lead frame assembly (1) is thermally decoupled in order to substantially prevent relative movement between the clamping contact part (8) and the clamping contact part counterpart. System according to Claim 11 or 12 , wherein the component sleeve (19), in particular temperature sensor sleeve, rests with its stop (32) on the bore (28) of the component body (29) in its end or installed position to provide a fixed bearing (33) and the clamping contact part (8) connected to the clamping contact part counterpart provides a loose bearing (34). System according to Claim 11 , 12 or 13 , wherein the rigidity of the two longitudinally deformable sections (14) of the lead frame assembly (1) is adjustable such that a displacement force acting on the clamping contact part (8) due to temperature changes is less than or equal to the clamping force of the clamping connection between the clamping contact part (8) and the clamping contact part counterpart.