CN212721798U - Temperature sensor and probe assembly thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a temperature sensor and a probe assembly thereof. The probe assembly of the temperature sensor includes: a temperature measuring line and a power supply line; a temperature sensing element electrically coupled to the temperature sensing wire, the temperature sensing element configured to sense a temperature of its surroundings and provide a sensing signal to a body of the temperature sensor via the temperature sensing wire; and a conductive terminal electrically coupled to the power supply line, the conductive terminal configured to directly electrically couple a line or component associated with the ac power source such that the conductive terminal supplies power to the body of the temperature sensor via the power supply line, wherein the temperature sensing element and the conductive terminal are secured together and electrically insulated from each other. The temperature sensor provided by the embodiment of the disclosure has the advantages of simple installation, low cost and high reliability.

Description

Temperature sensor and probe assembly thereof

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a temperature sensor, and more particularly, to a probe assembly of a temperature sensor and a temperature sensor having the same.

Background

The temperature sensor can sense ambient temperature and send the sensed temperature information to other devices for use or display. Temperature sensors include active temperature sensors that require a power source to maintain their proper operation and passive temperature sensors. In the industrial field, it is often necessary to apply temperature sensors comprising active temperature sensors, since there is a great need for temperature measurement.

For example, there are various power supply units (such as bus bars, capacitors, etc.) in a switchgear of a power distribution system, and temperature sensors are needed to monitor the temperature of these power supply units at all times to ensure proper operation of the equipment in the switchgear. However, the existing active temperature sensor needs a dedicated power supply to supply power separately, and the existing temperature sensor can only measure temperature at a single point. In addition, since the environment inside the electrical apparatus such as the switch cabinet is complicated, there are problems that installation is complicated, cost is high, and reliability is poor when such a temperature sensor is used in the electrical apparatus such as the switch cabinet.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

To at least partially address the above and other potential problems, embodiments of the present disclosure provide improved temperature sensors and probe assemblies therefor.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a probe assembly of a temperature sensor, the probe assembly including: a temperature measuring line and a power supply line; a temperature sensing element electrically coupled to the temperature sensing wire, the temperature sensing element configured to sense a temperature of its surroundings and provide a sensing signal to a body of the temperature sensor via the temperature sensing wire; and a conductive terminal electrically coupled to the power supply line, the conductive terminal configured to directly electrically couple a line or component associated with the ac power source such that the conductive terminal supplies power to the body of the temperature sensor via the power supply line, wherein the temperature sensing element and the conductive terminal are secured together and electrically insulated from each other.

With embodiments of the present disclosure, the probe assembly may obtain power from the electrical line or component being temperature measured for use by itself while taking a temperature measurement of the electrical line or component being temperature measured. Thereby, the temperature sensor no longer needs to be connected to an additional power supply, which makes the installation and use of the temperature sensor more convenient and reliable.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the probe assembly further comprises: and the encapsulating material is made of insulating heat conduction material and at least filled between the temperature measuring element and the conductive terminal. The encapsulation material with insulativity and thermal conductivity can effectively electrically isolate the temperature measuring element from the conductive terminal and accurately measure the temperature of a circuit or a component connected with the conductive terminal.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the conductive terminal includes: and a holder portion forming a tubular space in which the temperature measuring element is accommodated, the potting material being filled in the tubular space. The space for accommodating the temperature measuring element can be formed in the conductive terminal through the clamping part, so that the temperature measuring element is fixed on the conductive terminal through the potting material.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the probe assembly further comprises: and the first insulating sleeve is arranged between the temperature measuring element and the conductive terminal and surrounds the temperature measuring element. The first insulating sleeve can further enhance high-voltage isolation between the temperature measuring element and the conductive terminal.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, one end of the first insulating sleeve is closed to form a cup-shaped insulating sleeve. The end part of the insulating sleeve is sealed, so that the area of the temperature measuring element possibly opposite to the conductive terminal is further reduced, and the insulating and isolating effect is enhanced.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the probe assembly further comprises: and a second insulating sleeve disposed between the temperature measuring element and the first insulating sleeve and surrounding the temperature measuring element. The high voltage isolation of the probe assembly is further improved by the second insulating sleeve.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the first insulating sleeve is made of a ceramic material and the second insulating sleeve is made of a plastic material. Through this embodiment, guaranteed the high voltage isolation between temperature measurement part and the power supply part for probe subassembly can be applicable to various alternating voltage grades in the cubical switchboard.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the conductive terminal further comprises: an end for mating with a fastener configured to electrically couple a conductive terminal directly to at least one of the following various lines or components in a switchgear cabinet by means of the fastener: copper bar, cable, drawer, condenser, reactor and generating line. With this embodiment, the probe assembly can be mounted to various lines or components associated with an AC power source to meet thermometry needs of various scenarios in a power distribution system.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the probe assembly further comprises: a plug member including terminals electrically coupled to the temperature measuring line and the power supply line, respectively, the plug member being made to be detachably mountable to the body of the temperature sensor to electrically couple the temperature measuring line and the power supply line to the body. By means of such a detachable plug, a more flexible and convenient connection between the probe assembly and the sensor body is provided.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a temperature sensor including: a body configured to receive and process a sensing signal associated with a temperature and provide information indicating the temperature to the outside; and at least one probe assembly, each of the at least one probe assembly being a probe assembly according to the above aspect, the temperature and power supply lines in each probe assembly being electrically coupled to the body to provide the sensing signals and power, respectively, to the body. The temperature sensor provided by the embodiment of the disclosure has the advantages of simple installation, low cost and high reliability.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the body further comprises: a DC power supply interface configured to be electrically coupled with an external DC power supply. The DC power supply interface provides more flexible and reliable power supply selection for the temperature sensor

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one probe assembly includes a plurality of probe assemblies electrically coupled to a neutral line and three phases of an alternating current power source. With this embodiment, the temperature sensor can obtain three-phase ac power, and even in the presence of a faulty probe assembly, the temperature sensor can still obtain a stable ac supply.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, the ontology further comprises at least one of: a built-in antenna configured to perform wireless communication; and an antenna interface configured to couple to an external antenna located outside the body. In this embodiment, the wireless communication manner effectively reduces the wiring of the temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor can perform wireless communication by means of an external antenna far away from the complex electromagnetic environment, which further increases the reliability of the wireless communication.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the body further comprises: an indicator light configured to indicate an operational state of the temperature sensor. By means of the indicator light, the interactivity between the temperature sensor and the user can advantageously be increased.

The summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. The summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

Drawings

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following more particular descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers generally represent like parts throughout the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a temperature sensor 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2a shows a perspective view of a probe assembly 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the probe assembly 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3a illustrates a perspective view of another implementation of a probe assembly 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3b illustrates a cross-sectional view of another implementation of a probe assembly 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the body 110 of the temperature sensor 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the body 110 of the temperature sensor 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. While embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be embodied in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

The term "include" and variations thereof as used herein is meant to be inclusive in an open-ended manner, i.e., "including but not limited to". Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "or" means "and/or". The term "based on" means "based at least in part on". The terms "one example embodiment" and "one embodiment" mean "at least one example embodiment". Other explicit and implicit definitions are also possible below.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an improved probe assembly of a temperature sensor and a temperature sensor having the same. The probe assembly integrates alternating current power taking and temperature acquisition functions, so that the power supply unit can be subjected to temperature measurement, and meanwhile, electric power is directly acquired on the power supply unit to supply power for the temperature sensor. Therefore, a separate power supply cable is not required to be connected to an external power supply, the number of cables is effectively reduced, and the installation of the temperature sensor is obviously simplified. In addition, the probe assembly provides and enhances the electric isolation between the temperature measuring part and the power supply part in the probe assembly through various insulation modes, so that the temperature measuring part and the power supply part which are integrated together do not interfere with each other. The temperature sensor provided by the embodiment of the disclosure has the advantages of simple installation, low cost and high reliability.

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a temperature sensor 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 1, the temperature sensor 100 is mounted on a rail 200. As an example, the rail 200 may be a DIN rail. The guide rail 200 may be part of an electrical distribution device to be measured, such as a switchgear, and the temperature sensor 100 may have a mount 116 (see fig. 5) that mates with the guide rail 200. Thereby, the temperature sensor 100 may be installed in the power distribution equipment to be measured, such as a switchgear. It is noted that the above description is merely illustrative and not restrictive, for example, temperature sensor 100 may also be installed in a switchgear cabinet in any other suitable manner (e.g., via fasteners such as bolts).

As shown in fig. 1, the temperature sensor 100 may include a body 110 and a probe assembly such as indicated by 120, 130, 140, and 150. In fig. 1, the probe assemblies 120, 130, 140, and 150 are disposed on one side of the body 110. It is to be noted that fig. 1 shows only a part of the components of the probe assembly so as to exemplarily show a state when the probe assembly is connected to the sensor body. In addition, any number of probe assemblies and corresponding interfaces can be arranged as required, the probe assemblies and the corresponding interfaces can be arranged at different positions of the body as required, and the plurality of probe assemblies and the corresponding interfaces can also be arranged on different side surfaces of the body as required. The probe assemblies 120, 130, 140, and 150 may have the same components and structures as one another. The probe assembly 120 will be described in detail below by way of example.

Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of probe assembly 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and fig. 2b shows a cross-sectional view of probe assembly 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the probe assembly 120 may include a temperature measurement line 121 and a power supply line 122. The temperature measurement line 121 may be used to transmit a sensing signal related to temperature, and the power supply line 122 may be used to transmit power. For example, the temperature measurement wire 121 may be a teflon two-core wire, and the power supply wire 122 may be a teflon wire. The temperature measuring wire 121 and the power supply wire 122 may be wrapped together, for example by a (soft) heat shrink tubing, to form an apparent wire harness.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the probe assembly 120 may further include a plug 123, the plug 123 may include terminals electrically coupled to the temperature measurement line 121 and the power supply line 122, respectively, and the plug 123 may be made to be detachably mountable to the body 110 of the temperature sensor 100 to electrically couple the temperature measurement line 121 and the power supply line 122 to the body 110. Returning briefly to fig. 1, fig. 1 shows a plug member 123, which plug member 123 may be inserted into the ac interface 112 (see fig. 4) of the body 110 and has a detachable mounting means, thereby making the connection between the probe assembly and the sensor body more flexible and convenient.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the probe assembly 120 may include a temperature sensing element 124 electrically coupled to the temperature sensing line 121, the temperature sensing element 124 may be configured to sense the temperature of its surroundings and provide a sensing signal to the body 110 of the temperature sensor 100 via the temperature sensing line 121. For example, the temperature measuring element 124 may be a negative temperature coefficient NTC element, and both ends of the NTC element are connected to the NTC lead wires, i.e., two cores of the temperature measuring wire 121, respectively. However, it will be appreciated that the temperature sensing element 124 may be any suitable type of temperature sensing element, such as a thermocouple, a thermal resistor, or a thermistor.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the probe assembly 120 may include an electrically conductive terminal 125 electrically coupled to the power supply line 122, the electrically conductive terminal 125 may be configured to electrically couple directly to a line or component associated with an ac power source such that the electrically conductive terminal 125 supplies power to the body 110 of the temperature sensor 100 via the power supply line 122. For example, the conductive terminal 125 may be a terminal made of a conductive material, and the conductive material may have a certain mechanical strength and have a high conductivity, such as aluminum, copper, or the like. As an example, the conductive terminal 125 may be an OT terminal. However, it is understood that the conductive terminals 125 may be any other suitable type of terminal. As an example, the power supply wire 122 may be connected to one end of the conductive terminal 125 by welding (e.g., soldering) or crimping or to any other suitable location of the conductive terminal 125, for example, the power supply wire 122 may be connected to a dedicated connection tab of the end of the conductive terminal 125 (as shown in fig. 2 a), or may be directly connected to an end portion of the conductive terminal 125 (as shown in fig. 3 a), which is shown by 1251.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the conductive terminal 125 further includes an end 1252 for mating with a fastener, the end 1252 being configured to electrically couple the conductive terminal 125 directly to at least one of the following various lines or components in the switchgear by way of the fastener: copper bar, cable, drawer, condenser, reactor and generating line. As an example, as shown in fig. 2a, the conductive terminal 125 includes an O-shaped end 1252 such that a fastener, such as a bolt, can pass through the O-shaped end 1252 and secure the conductive terminal 125 to various power supply units of the switchgear. These power supply units include, but are not limited to, copper bars, cables, drawers, capacitors, reactors, and bus bars. For example, the power supply unit of the switchgear may provide an ac voltage of 110V, 220V, 380V, 690V, etc. Thus, various power supply units of the switchgear may supply ac power to the body 110 of the temperature sensor 100 via the conductive terminals 125 and the power supply lines 122. However, it will be appreciated that the end 1252 for mating with a fastener is not limited to the configuration shown in fig. 2a, but may be any other configuration that enables mechanical and electrical connection with a power supply unit. Furthermore, the power supply unit is also not limited to the lines or components listed above, but may be any line or component that connects to an ac power source.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the temperature sensing element 124 can be secured with the electrically conductive terminal 125 and electrically isolated from each other. Since the temperature sensing element 124 and the conductive terminal 125 are secured together, the probe assembly 120 can simultaneously provide power and a sensing signal indicative of temperature to the sensor body 110. That is, by means of the probe assembly 120, the temperature sensor 100 can take power from the power supply unit for its own use while measuring the temperature of the power supply unit. Thus, the temperature sensor 100 no longer needs to be connected to an external power source, which makes installation and use of the temperature sensor more convenient and reliable. On the other hand, the AC voltage level at the conductive terminals 125 may be as high as several hundred volts, and the temperature measuring element 124 is used to provide a temperature measuring signal, which is a control signal. That is, the conductive terminals belong to the primary circuit of the primary side of the power distribution system, and the temperature measuring element 124 belongs to the control and protection circuit of the secondary side of the power distribution system. Therefore, the temperature measuring element 124 and the conductive terminal 125 can be fixed together in an electrically insulated manner, so as to prevent the high voltage of the main circuit from adversely affecting the temperature measuring element or the sensor body.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the probe assembly 120 further includes a potting material 126, the potting material 126 being made of an insulating thermally conductive material and filled at least between the temperature sensing element 124 and the electrically conductive terminal 125. The potting material 126 should have insulating properties, thereby achieving electrically insulating isolation between the thermometric and power supply components. At the same time, the potting material 126 should also have good thermal conductivity so that the temperature sensing element can accurately sense the temperature of the power supply unit. By way of example, the potting material 126 may be made of a highly thermally conductive epoxy and may be able to withstand temperatures above 240 ℃. It will be appreciated that the potting material 126 may also be made of any other suitable material, with both insulation and thermal conductivity ensured.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the conductive terminal 125 includes a clip portion 1251, the clip portion 1251 forming a tubular space in which the temperature measuring element 124 is received, and the potting material 126 is filled in the tubular space. For example, the end of the conductive terminal 125 can have a clip portion 1251, and the clip portion 1251 can be a pair of clip tabs, thereby forming an at least partially enclosed space that receives the temperature sensing element 124. The temperature sensing element 124 may be secured within the space by a potting material 126 and electrically isolated from the conductive terminals 125.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the probe assembly 120 further includes a first insulating sleeve 127, the first insulating sleeve 127 being disposed between the temperature sensing element 124 and the conductive terminal 125 and surrounding the temperature sensing element 124. To increase the level of electrical isolation, a first insulating sleeve 127 can be provided between the temperature sensing element 124 and the electrically conductive terminal 125. In some cases (e.g., the ac voltage of the connected power supply unit is a low voltage level, and thus the voltage isolation level is low), a first insulating sleeve 127 may be disposed between the temperature sensing element 124 and the electrically conductive terminal 125 without the potting material 126. Furthermore, the first insulating sleeve 127 may be disposed between the temperature element 124 and the electrically conductive terminal 125 with the potting material 126 filled, whereby the potting material 126 may fill the gap between the first insulating sleeve 127 and the temperature element 124 or the electrically conductive terminal 125, thereby further improving the effect of electrical insulation. As an example, the first insulating sleeve 127 may be made of a ceramic material. However, it will be appreciated that the first insulating sleeve 127 can be made of any suitable material that can effect insulation of the temperature sensing element from the conductive terminal.

Fig. 3a and 3b illustrate another implementation of a probe assembly 120 according to an embodiment of the invention, where fig. 3a is a perspective view and fig. 3b is a cross-sectional view. The probe assembly 120 shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b further enhances the strength of the electrical isolation between the temperature sensing element and the electrically conductive terminal as compared to the probe assembly 120 of FIGS. 2a and 2 b.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, one end of the first insulating sleeve 127 is closed to form a cup-shaped insulating sleeve. As shown in FIG. 3b, the first insulating sleeve 127 is formed as a tubular structure that is closed at one end, whereby, for the temperature measuring element 124, not only is it surrounded on its side by the first insulating sleeve 127, but also the end portion thereof on the side where the temperature measuring wire is not connected is surrounded by the first insulating sleeve 127, which further enhances the electrical isolation at the end portion of the temperature measuring wire, thereby improving the electrical isolation effect between the temperature measuring element 124 and the electrically conductive terminal 125 as a whole.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the probe assembly 120 further includes a second insulating sleeve 128, the second insulating sleeve 128 being disposed between the temperature sensing element 124 and the first insulating sleeve 127 and surrounding the temperature sensing element 124. By providing the second insulating sleeve 128 within the first insulating sleeve 127, the strength of the electrical isolation may be further enhanced between the temperature sensing element 124 and the electrically conductive terminal 125, particularly on the side of the temperature sensing element 124 that is closer to the electrically conductive terminal 125, so that the probe assembly 120 of the temperature sensor 100 may be adapted for use with higher voltage class power supply units. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the first insulating sleeve 127 is made of a ceramic material and the second insulating sleeve 128 is made of a plastic material. The ceramic insulating material has good chemical stability and thermal stability, and good electrical and mechanical properties, so that the first insulating sleeve 127 made of a ceramic material can be used as a main insulator for the temperature measuring element 124 and the conductive terminal 125. The plastic material also has good insulation properties and is easy to machine and mold, so that the second insulating sleeve 128 made of the plastic material can advantageously assist the first insulating sleeve 127 to further enhance the insulation properties. It is understood that the first insulating sleeve 127 and the second insulating sleeve 128 may also be made of other insulating materials as desired. As shown in fig. 3a and 3b, a first insulating sleeve 127 and a second insulating sleeve 128 may be provided between the temperature measuring element 124 and the conductive terminal 125 with potting material 126 filled, and the cooperation of these insulating members enhances the electrical insulating property and mechanical stability between the temperature measuring part and the power supply part. The configuration of the probe assembly shown in fig. 3a and 3b is merely exemplary, and it will be appreciated that the first and second insulating sleeves 127, 128 may be provided without or with a small amount of potting material 126, as desired.

Returning to fig. 1, and referring to fig. 4 and 5 concurrently, fig. 4 and 5 illustrate a body 110 of a temperature sensor 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from different perspectives. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the body 110 of the temperature sensor 100 is configured to receive and process a sensing signal associated with a temperature and provide information indicating the temperature to the outside. As an example, the body 110 may include a plurality of ac interfaces 112, and the number of the ac interfaces 112 may be arbitrarily selected according to needs, so that multipoint temperature measurement may be implemented. The body 110 may further include a processing circuit and a communication circuit (not shown). The processing circuit and the communication circuit of the body 110 may further process the sensing signal received through the ac interface 112 and transmit the sensing signal to the outside, such as a gateway device, a protection device, or a display device, in a wired or wireless manner (e.g., using Zigbee technology). As an example, the inside of the body 110 may further include a power supply circuit implemented by power electronics technology to convert different levels of alternating voltage (e.g., 110/220/380/690V AC voltage) received through the alternating current interface 112 into direct current voltage required by the sensor itself.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the body 110 further includes a dc power interface 114, the dc power interface 114 configured to electrically couple with an external dc power source. As an example, the dc supply interface 114 may be connected to a 24V dc supply commonly found in a switchgear. Accordingly, a power circuit implemented by power electronics inside the body 110 may convert the received direct current into a direct current voltage required by the sensor itself. Thus, the temperature sensor 100 further provides a dc power supply in practice based on the probe assembly 120 integrated with the ac power supply function, which provides a more flexible and reliable power supply option for the temperature sensor.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the body 110 may further include at least one of an internal antenna configured for wireless communication and an antenna interface 118 configured to couple to an external antenna located external to the body 110. As described above, the communication circuit of the body 110 may wirelessly transmit the processed temperature information to the outside. The body 110 of the temperature sensor 100 can wirelessly communicate with an external device using the built-in antenna of the body 110. Further, in some cases, the body 110 may be in or adjacent to a more complex electromagnetic environment. By providing the antenna interface 118, the temperature sensor 100 may also communicate wirelessly by way of an external antenna that is remote from the complex electromagnetic environment. Thus, the temperature sensor can communicate with an external device in a wireless manner, thereby reducing wiring. In addition, the antenna interface for the external antenna further increases the reliability of communication.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the body 110 may further include an indicator light configured to indicate an operational status of the temperature sensor 100. For example, the indicator light may indicate in different colors that the temperature sensor 100 is in a normal operating state or a malfunction alert state. The indicator light of the body 110 advantageously increases the interactivity between the temperature sensor 100 and the user.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature sensor 100 may include at least one probe assembly, each of which may be the same as the probe assembly 120 described above, the temperature measurement line 121 and the power supply line 122 in each probe assembly being electrically coupled to the body 110 to provide the sensing signal and power, respectively, to the body 110. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one probe assembly includes a plurality of probe assemblies 120, 130, 140, and 150 electrically coupled to a neutral line and three phases of an alternating current power source. A plurality of probe assemblies 120, 130, 140 and 150 connected to an ac power source can provide three-phase power to the temperature sensor 100. Thus, even in the presence of a faulty probe assembly, the temperature sensor 100 is still able to receive ac power to maintain proper operation. It will be appreciated that in some cases, the temperature sensor 100 may also include other types of probe assemblies, such as probe assemblies without power supply functionality (e.g., which may be used to monitor ambient temperature, or to monitor the temperature of more locations or components).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a temperature sensor and a probe assembly thereof are provided. The probe assembly of the temperature sensor can obtain alternating current power from the power supply unit with measured temperature to provide electric energy for the probe assembly while performing a temperature measurement function. Thus, it is no longer necessary to provide a dedicated power cable to connect an additional power source to power the temperature sensor. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a temperature sensor capable of multipoint thermometry, which has simplified installation and use, and also has higher power supply reliability.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the disclosure are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, while the above description and the related figures describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of components and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of components and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In this regard, for example, other combinations of components and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims (14)

1. A probe assembly (120) for a temperature sensor (100), comprising:

a temperature measuring line (121) and a power supply line (122);

a temperature sensing element (124) electrically coupled to the temperature sensing line (121), the temperature sensing element (124) being configured to sense the temperature of its surroundings and to provide a sensing signal to the body (110) of the temperature sensor (100) via the temperature sensing line (121); and

an electrically conductive terminal (125) electrically coupled to the power supply line (122), the electrically conductive terminal (125) configured to directly electrically couple a line or component associated with an alternating current power source to cause the electrically conductive terminal (125) to provide power to a body (110) of the temperature sensor (100) via the power supply line (122),

wherein the temperature sensing element (124) and the electrically conductive terminal (125) are secured together and electrically insulated from each other.

2. The probe assembly (120) of claim 1, further comprising:

a potting material (126) made of an insulating heat conductive material and filled at least between the temperature measuring element (124) and the conductive terminal (125).

3. The probe assembly (120) of claim 2, wherein the conductive terminal (125) comprises:

a holder portion (1251) forming a tubular space in which the temperature measuring element (124) is accommodated, the potting material (126) being filled in the tubular space.

4. The probe assembly (120) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

a first insulating sleeve (127) disposed between the temperature sensing element (124) and the conductive terminal (125) and surrounding the temperature sensing element (124).

5. The probe assembly (120) of claim 4, wherein one end of the first insulating sleeve (127) is closed to form a cup-shaped insulating sleeve.

6. The probe assembly (120) of claim 5, further comprising:

a second insulating sleeve (128) disposed between the temperature sensing element (124) and the first insulating sleeve (127) and surrounding the temperature sensing element (124).

7. The probe assembly (120) of claim 6, wherein the first insulating sleeve (127) is made of a ceramic material and the second insulating sleeve (128) is made of a plastic material.

8. The probe assembly (120) of claim 1, wherein the conductive terminal (125) further comprises:

an end portion (1252) for mating with a fastener configured to electrically couple the conductive terminal (125) directly to at least one of the following various lines or components in a switchgear cabinet by means of the fastener: copper bar, cable, drawer, condenser, reactor and generating line.

9. The probe assembly (120) of claim 1, further comprising:

a plug (123) comprising terminals electrically coupled to the temperature measuring line (121) and the power supply line (122), respectively, the plug (123) being made detachably mountable to the body (110) of the temperature sensor (100) to electrically couple the temperature measuring line (121) and the power supply line (122) to the body (110).

10. A temperature sensor (100), comprising:

a body (110) configured to receive and process a sensing signal associated with a temperature and to provide information indicative of the temperature to the outside; and

at least one probe assembly (120, 130, 140, 150), each of which is according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the temperature (121) and power (122) lines in each probe assembly being electrically coupled to the body (110) to provide the sensing signals and power, respectively, to the body (110).

11. The temperature sensor of claim 10, wherein the body (110) further comprises:

a DC power supply interface (114) configured to electrically couple with an external DC power source.

12. The temperature sensor of claim 10, wherein the at least one probe assembly (120, 130, 140, 150) includes a plurality of probe assemblies electrically coupled to a neutral line and three phases of the alternating current power source.

13. The temperature sensor of claim 10, wherein the body (110) further comprises at least one of:

a built-in antenna configured to perform wireless communication; and

an antenna interface (118) configured to couple to an external antenna located outside the body (110).

14. The temperature sensor of claim 10, wherein the body (110) further comprises:

an indicator light configured to indicate an operational state of the temperature sensor (100).

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