Temperature sensor, assembly, rotary electric machine, and method for manufacturing temperature sensor

Abstract

A temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a coil provided to a vehicle contributes to improvement of workability in relation to assembly of a device provided with the temperature sensor to the vehicle. The temperature sensor (10) is provided with a heat sensing element (12) including a heat sensing body (121) and a pair of electric wires (122) extending in a first direction (x), a pair of lead frames (131, 132) connected to the electric wires (122) and connected to terminals of a counterpart connector (9), and a housing (14) including a first holding portion (141) that holds the heat sensing element (12) and a second holding portion (142) that holds the lead frames (131, 132). The lead frames (131, 132) each include a first portion (131A, 132A) extending in the first direction (x) from a connection portion to the electric wire (122), and a second portion (131B, 132B) connected to the first portion and extending in a second direction (y) different from the first direction (x). The second holding portion (142) integrally includes an engagement portion (15) formed along the lead frames (131, 132) and engaged with the counterpart connector (9).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a temperature sensor, an assembly, a rotary motor, and a method for manufacturing a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of coils in a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] For example, to prevent excessive temperature rise in the coils of a rotary motor installed in an electric vehicle, a temperature sensor mounted on the coil is used to detect the coil's temperature.

[0003] The temperature sensor in Patent Document 1 is installed in a parallel section between a first coil element and a second coil element, both of which are part of the stator coil, and includes a first sensor in contact with the first coil element, a second sensor in contact with the second coil element, and a housing that houses and holds the first and second sensors.

[0004] The first sensor includes a thermally sensing element such as a thermistor, wires leading from the thermally sensing element, and a cover that makes surface contact with the coil. The second sensor is similar. The wires of the first sensor and the second sensor are connected to a circuit board or the like via connectors.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6282791 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] After mounting the temperature sensor onto the stator coil, the rotary motor is assembled into a vehicle or similar appliance. To avoid interference with surrounding components, the rotary motor is retracted into a designated position on the vehicle while its orientation is adjusted appropriately. Since it would be difficult to work with the wires connected to the temperature sensor running unguided, the wires are bundled and moved to a location where they are less likely to obstruct work. Next, after retracting the rotary motor into its designated position on the vehicle, the wire bundle is untied and the wiring is performed. The complexity of the work related to the temperature sensor's wiring cannot be overlooked during the assembly process of the rotary motor.

[0010] Based on the above, the object of the present invention is to provide a temperature sensor, an assembly, a rotary motor, and a method for manufacturing a temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a coil in a vehicle, and can contribute to improving workability related to the assembly of a device having the temperature sensor into a vehicle.

[0011] Methods used to solve problems

[0012] The present invention is a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a coil in a vehicle, comprising: a thermal element including a thermal body and a pair of wires electrically connected to and extending from the thermal body in a first direction; a pair of lead frames, one end of which is electrically connected to the pair of wires and the other end of which is electrically connected to a terminal of a connector; and a housing including a first holding portion for holding the thermal element and a second holding portion for holding the pair of lead frames.

[0013] A pair of lead frames each includes a first portion extending from the connection portion with the wire in a first direction, and a second portion connected to the first portion and extending in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0014] The second retaining part integrally has a fitting part formed along a pair of lead frames and fitting with the other connector.

[0015] In the temperature sensor of the present invention, preferably, the coil includes a first coil element and a second coil element extending in the same direction as the first coil element and positioned opposite to the first coil element; the first holding portion has a first wall abutting against the first coil element and a second wall abutting against the second coil element.

[0016] In the temperature sensor of the present invention, it is preferable that the first holding portion is formed as a cuboid extending in the first direction and disposed between the first coil element and the second coil element of the coil.

[0017] In the temperature sensor of the present invention, it is preferable that a pair of coil guide portions extending along the first direction are provided at both ends of at least one of the first wall and the second wall in the shorter direction.

[0018] In the temperature sensor of the present invention, preferably, a pair of guide portions protrude from both the first wall and the second wall; the first coil element and the second coil element are both disposed between the pair of guide portions.

[0019] In the temperature sensor of the present invention, preferably, the first holding part includes a molded body that houses a thermal sensing element and a filler material that is filled into the inside of the molded body and cured; and a cover is provided on the thermal sensing element that is housed inside the molded body while covering the thermal sensing element.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention is an assembly comprising a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a coil present in a vehicle. The temperature sensor comprises: a thermal element including a thermal body and a pair of wires electrically connected to and extending from the thermal body in a first direction; a pair of lead frames, one end of which is electrically connected to the pair of wires and the other end of which is electrically connected to a terminal of a connector; and a housing including a first holding portion for holding the thermal element and a second holding portion for holding the pair of lead frames.

[0021] A pair of lead frames each includes a first portion extending in a first direction from the connection portion with the wire, and a second portion connected to the first portion and extending in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0022] The housing integrally has a mating portion formed along a pair of lead frames and engaging with the other connector.

[0023] The assembly includes: a temperature sensor; and a fixing part for fixing the temperature sensor disposed on the coil to the coil or to a component of the vehicle.

[0024] In the assembly of the present invention, preferably, the coil includes a first coil element and a second coil element extending in the same direction as the first coil element and positioned opposite to the first coil element; the first holding portion has a first wall abutting against the first coil element and a second wall abutting against the second coil element, and is fixed to the first coil element and the second coil element by a resin molding body.

[0025] Furthermore, the present invention is a rotary motor for use in a vehicle, comprising: a coil; a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the coil; and a fixing part for fixing the temperature sensor disposed on the coil to the coil or to a component of the vehicle.

[0026] The temperature sensor includes: a thermal sensing element, including a thermally sensitive body and a pair of wires electrically connected to and extending from the thermally sensitive body in a first direction; a pair of lead frames, one end of which is electrically connected to the pair of wires and the other end of which is electrically connected to the terminals of a connector; and a housing, including a first holding portion for holding the thermal sensing element and a second holding portion for holding the pair of lead frames.

[0027] A pair of lead frames each includes a first portion extending from the connection portion with the wire in a first direction, and a second portion connected to the first portion and extending in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0028] The housing integrally has a mating portion formed along a pair of lead frames and engaging with the other connector.

[0029] Furthermore, the present invention is a method for manufacturing a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a coil in a vehicle. The temperature sensor includes: a thermal element including a thermal body and a pair of wires electrically connected to and extending from the thermal body in a first direction; a pair of lead frames, one end of which is electrically connected to the pair of wires and the other end of which is electrically connected to a terminal of a counterpart connector; and a housing including a first holding portion for holding the thermal element and a second holding portion for holding the pair of lead frames and integrally having a fitting portion for fitting with a counterpart connector.

[0030] The manufacturing method includes: a wire bonding step, in which a pair of lead frames are bonded to a pair of wires and electrically connected; a molded body housing step, in which a heat-sensing element is housed inside a molded body forming a first holding portion; a first holding step, in which the heat-sensing element is held by the first holding portion by filling the inside of the molded body with filler material; and a second holding step, in which the lead frames are disposed in a metal mold and the second holding portion is formed by injection molding, and the lead frames are held by the second holding portion.

[0031] Invention Effects

[0032] The temperature sensor of the present invention, and the temperature sensor obtained by the manufacturing method of the present invention, integrally have a fitting portion on the housing that fits into a connector, and a lead frame that connects to a heat-sensing element and extends into the fitting portion to function as a terminal. Therefore, since no wires extend from the temperature sensor of the present invention, there is no obstruction from wires, and the device equipped with the temperature sensor can be easily assembled into a specified position in the vehicle. According to the present invention, since the complexity of bundling wires before assembling the device equipped with the temperature sensor into the vehicle and then unbundling the wires after assembly is eliminated, the workability related to assembly can be greatly improved. Furthermore, the lead frame has a first portion extending in the same first direction as the wires and a second portion extending in a different second direction; by forming the second holding portion of the housing along a pair of lead frames, the design freedom of the configuration can be increased. The area around the coil of the device mounted in the vehicle is narrow, and the space for assembly operations is limited. Even under such operating conditions, the present invention provides a shape and orientation that allows reliable assembly of the lead frame and housing without interference with surrounding components, thus improving assembly workability.

[0033] Furthermore, the manufacturing method according to the present invention, which includes the steps of housing a thermal element inside a molded body forming the housing of the first retaining part, filling the inside of the molded body with filler material, and disposing the lead frame to a metal mold and forming the second retaining part by injection molding, can securely hold the load-bearing lead frame on the housing while protecting the thermal element with the molded body and filler material during manufacturing and when engaging with the other connector. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 (a) is a three-dimensional view of the temperature sensor and coil. Figure 2 (b) is from Figure 2 The direction of the arrow in (a) IIb indicates the side view.

[0036] Figure 3 (a) is a 3D view of the temperature sensor. Figure 3 (b) is a top view of the temperature sensor.

[0037] Figure 4 (a) is from Figure 3 The direction of the arrow in (a) IVa indicates the front view of the mating part. Figure 4 (b) is Figure 4 (a) Sectional view of IVb-IVb line.

[0038] Figure 5 (a) is Figure 3 (b) Va-Va line section view. Figure 5 (b) is Figure 3 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the Vb-Vb line.

[0039] Figure 6 (a)~ Figure 6 (e) is a diagram used to illustrate the manufacturing sequence of the temperature sensor in the first manufacturing method.

[0040] Figure 7 (a)~ Figure 7 (e) is a diagram used to illustrate the manufacturing sequence of the temperature sensor in the second manufacturing method.

[0041] Figure 8 (a) is a perspective view of a temperature sensor, which is a variation of the present invention. Figure 8 (b) is Figure 8 (a) VIIIb side view.

[0042] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 (a) is a top view of the temperature sensor.

[0043] Figure 10 (a)~ Figure 10 (c) is a diagram illustrating the manufacturing sequence of a temperature sensor in a manufacturing method.

[0044] Figure 11 (a) and Figure 11 (b) is used to continue Figure 10 A diagram illustrating the manufacturing sequence of a temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0045] [Implementation Method]

[0046] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 The embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0047] Figure 1, Figure 2 (a) and Figure 2 As shown in (b), the temperature sensor 10 is mounted on coil elements 21 and 22, which are, for example, part of the stator coil of a rotating motor mounted in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle. By controlling the operation of the rotating motor based on the temperature of the coil elements 21 and 22 detected by the temperature sensor 10, excessive temperature rise of the stator coil can be avoided.

[0048] If the temperature sensor 10 is mounted on the coil elements 21 and 22, an assembly 1 is formed. The assembly 1 includes the temperature sensor 10, the first coil element 21 and the second coil element 22, and the resin molded body 3, which is a fixing part for fixing the first coil element 21 and the second coil element 22 to the temperature sensor 10.

[0049] The first coil element 21 and the second coil element 22 are drawn out from the main body of the stator coil (not shown) for detecting the temperature of the stator coil. The first coil element 21 and the second coil element 22 have at least parallel sections 21A and 22A that extend in parallel to each other in one direction throughout the area shown in the figure.

[0050] Hereinafter, without needing to distinguish between the first coil element 21 and the second coil element 22, they will simply be referred to as coil elements 21 and 22.

[0051] These coil elements 21 and 22 correspond to so-called flat angles with roughly rectangular cross-sections. The coil elements 21 and 22 are parallel to each other in their respective planes. Furthermore, the surfaces of the coil elements 21 and 22 may be covered with an insulating film.

[0052] In this specification, the direction in which coil elements 21 and 22 extend across parallel intervals 21A and 22A is referred to as the x-direction (first direction). The direction orthogonal to the x-direction in a top view of the temperature sensor 10 is referred to as the y-direction (second direction). The direction orthogonal to both the x-direction and the y-direction is referred to as the z-direction. In this embodiment, coil elements 21 and 22 are arranged in the z-direction.

[0053] [Structure of temperature sensor]

[0054] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The structure of the temperature sensor 10 in this embodiment will be explained. The temperature sensor 10 is as follows... Figure 2 (a) and Figure 2 As shown in (b), the sensor body 11 is disposed between coil elements 21 and 22, and a fitting portion 15 is integrated with the sensor body 11. The fitting portion 15 is integrated with the sensor body 11. Figure 1The mating of the counterpart connector 9 is schematically shown in the diagram. That is, the temperature sensor 10, which has a mating part 15, also has a connector corresponding to the counterpart connector 9.

[0055] At least a portion of the sensor body 11 is arranged between the parallel intervals 21A and 22A along the parallel intervals 21A and 22A of the coil elements 21 and 22.

[0056] The fitting portion 15 constitutes a connector for electrically connecting the temperature sensor 10 to a control circuit of a control device (not shown), such as one used in a vehicle. The fitting portion 15 is formed, for example, extending in a direction (y direction) orthogonal to the extending direction (x direction) of the parallel intervals 21A and 22A of the coil elements 21 and 22.

[0057] The mating connector 9, provided on a cable (not shown), engages with the mating part 15. Through the engagement of the mating part 15 with the mating connector 9, the temperature sensor 10 is electrically connected to the circuit board of a vehicle control device (not shown). The mating part 15 and the mating connector 9 can be connected at any location that avoids interference with the coil elements 21 and 22. In this embodiment, the mating part 15 is oriented towards the y-direction, but from the viewpoint of ease of operation in engaging the mating part 15 with the mating connector 9, the orientation of the mating part 15 can be arbitrarily set according to the structure of the temperature measuring objects (coils 21 and 22) provided in the assembly 1 according to the present invention.

[0058] The electrical signal output from temperature sensor 10 is input to the control circuit via a cable. Based on this electrical signal, the control device processes the temperature of the measuring coil elements 21 and 22 through calculations.

[0059] In addition, the temperature sensor 10 and the other connector 9 are made of materials with the required properties such as heat resistance and rigidity to adapt to the temperature rise of the stator coil during the operation of the rotating motor.

[0060] Sensor body 11 as Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3 As shown in (b), the device includes a thermal sensing element 12, a first lead frame 131 and a second lead frame 132 electrically connected to the thermal sensing element 12, and a housing 14, which holds the thermal sensing element 12, the first lead frame 131 and the second lead frame 132. The aforementioned fitting portion 15 is integrally formed with the housing 14.

[0061] The thermal element 12 is a thermistor element comprising a thermal element 121, a pair of cladding wires 122, and an electrically insulating sealant 123 that covers and seals a portion of the cladding wires 122 and the thermal element 121.

[0062] As the heat sensor 121, a resistive element with a temperature coefficient, such as a thermistor whose resistance changes with temperature or a platinum temperature sensor, can be used. As the cladding wire, for example, dumet wire can be used. One end of each pair of cladding wires 122 is connected to the heat sensor 121 and extends in the same direction.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown in (b), a pair of cladding lines 122 are spaced apart from each other in the y-direction by a predetermined interval, extending from the sealing member 123 toward the rear x-side of the first housing 141 described later. b Lead-out. One cladding line 122 is connected to the first lead frame 131, and the other cladding line 122 is connected to the second lead frame 132.

[0064] Lead frames 131 and 132 are single plate-shaped components formed into a specified shape by punching sheet metal. Both lead frames 131 and 132 are formed into flat plates along the xy plane.

[0065] The first lead frame 131 and the second lead frame 132 correspond to the paths for transmitting electrical signals output from the thermal element 12, and also correspond to the terminals for insertion into the counterparty terminal of the counterparty connector 9. The housing 14 also serves as the connector housing for holding the terminals.

[0066] Hereinafter, unless there is a need to distinguish between the first lead frame 131 and the second lead frame 132, they will simply be referred to as lead frames 131 and 132.

[0067] Both lead frames 131 and 132 are formed into an L-shape when viewed from above. Since the first lead frame 131 and the second lead frame have approximately the same shape, only the first lead frame 131 will be described below, and the description of the second lead frame 132 will be omitted.

[0068] The first lead frame 131 includes a first connecting portion 131A as a first part, a second connecting portion 131B as a second part, and an intermediate portion 131C. The first connecting portion 131A, the intermediate portion 131C, and the second connecting portion 131B are formed sequentially.

[0069] The first connecting portion 131A corresponds to the straight section extending in the x direction of the first lead frame 131, on the front x side. f The end is connected to the cladding line 122, rear x b It is continuous with the middle part 131C.

[0070] The intermediate portion 131C corresponds to the straight section formed between the first connecting portion 131A and the second connecting portion 131B (described later). This intermediate portion 131C bends from the x-direction, which is the extension direction of the first connecting portion 131A, toward the y-direction, which is orthogonal to that direction. By sandwiching this intermediate portion 131C between the first connecting portion 131A and the second connecting portion 131B, the first lead frame 131 is formed in an L-shape when viewed from above.

[0071] The second connecting portion 131B is continuous with the intermediate portion 131C and extends linearly in the y-direction. The second connecting portion 131B is configured to protrude inwards towards the mating portion 15. Furthermore, if a portion of the housing (not shown) of the other connector 9 is inserted into the mating portion 15, thus mating the other connector 9 with the mating portion 15, the second connecting portion 131B contacts the other terminal held by the other housing, and the lead frame 131 and the other terminal are electrically connected.

[0072] Similarly, the second lead frame 132 also includes a first connecting portion 132A as a first part, a second connecting portion 132B as a second part, and an intermediate portion 132C. The first connecting portions 131A and 132A of the lead frames 131 and 132 are arranged at the same position in the x-direction, and the second connecting portions 131B and 132B of the lead frames 131 and 132 are arranged at the same position in the y-direction.

[0073] The lead frames 131 and 132 are positioned at the same location in the z-direction, i.e., on the same xy plane. In the curved lead frames 131 and 132, the first lead frame 131 is positioned on the curved outer periphery of the second lead frame 132.

[0074] A predetermined gap is provided between the first connecting portions 131A and 132A to facilitate engagement with a pair of cladding wires 122. A predetermined gap is provided between the second connecting portions 131B and 132B to correspond to the positions of a pair of opposing terminals.

[0075] The first connecting portions 131A and 132A are given a width (in the y-direction) that allows them to be inserted into the inside of the housing 14, and the second connecting portions 131B and 132B are given a width (in the x-direction) that allows them to be inserted into the other terminal. By setting the width of the intermediate portions 131C and 132C to be wider relative to the widths of the first connecting portions 131A and 132A and the second connecting portions 131B and 132B, the rigidity of the lead frames 131 and 132 is sufficiently ensured.

[0076] Reference Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3(b) describes housing 14. Housing 14 is made of an insulating resin material and is formed in an L-shape when viewed from above. Housing 14 is composed of a first housing 141, which serves as a first holding part for holding the thermal element 12, and a second housing 142, which serves as a second holding part for holding a pair of lead frames 131, 132.

[0077] The first housing 141 is composed of a molded body 141M and a filler material 16 filled inside the molded body 141M. The molded body 141M is a hollow, rectangular parallelepiped extending in the x-direction (first direction), forming the outer shell of the first housing 141. Inside the molded body 141M, the heat-sensing element 12 and the first connecting portions 131A and 132A are held.

[0078] The molded body 141M of this embodiment is formed by injection molding using an insulating resin material. The molded body 141M includes a front side located in the x-direction. f The front wall 141A, a pair of side walls 141B and 141C opposite each other in the y direction, an upper wall 141D as the first wall, and a lower wall 141E opposite to the upper wall 141D in the z direction as the second wall.

[0079] The rear side x in the x direction of the molded body 141M b It forms a rectangular opening 141F.

[0080] For example, thermoplastic resins such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA), polyimide (PI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polysulfone (PSF / PSU), polyetherimide (PEI), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVDC), polyacetal (POM), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), or thermosetting resins such as phenolic resin (PF), unsaturated polyester (UP), epoxy resin (EP), silicone resin (SI), and polyurethane (PU) can be used in the second housing 142. Furthermore, the same resin material as described above can also be used in the second housing 142.

[0081] The upper wall 141D abuts against the first coil element 21, and the lower wall 141E abuts against the second coil element 22.

[0082] On the upper wall 141D, a pair of guide walls 141G (first guide portions) facing each other in the y direction are formed. The pair of guide walls 141G extend along the x direction. The pair of guide walls 141G protrude upward from both ends of the upper wall 141D in the y direction, and the first coil element 21 is positioned in the y direction by placing the first coil element 21 in the middle.

[0083] Similarly, a pair of guide walls 141H (second guide portions) facing each other in the y direction are formed on the lower wall 141E. The pair of guide walls 141H also extend in the x direction. The pair of guide walls 141H protrude downward from both ends of the lower wall 141E in the y direction, and the second coil element 22 is positioned in the y direction by placing the second coil element 22 in the middle.

[0084] Inside the molded body 141M, a heating element 12 is housed through an opening 141F, and as shown... Figure 4 As shown in (b), an insulating filler 16 is filled. By curing the filler 16 filled in the molded body 141M, the thermal element 12 is fixed in a predetermined position on the inside of the molded body 141M. Even if the temperature sensor 10 is subjected to vibration or impact by the movement of a vehicle, the position of the thermal element 12 is maintained by the filler 16.

[0085] As filler material 16, a resin material with the required heat resistance temperature when the temperature of the stator coil rises and sufficient adhesion for fixing the heat-sensing element 12 can be appropriately selected. From the viewpoint of improving the tracking of the detected temperature obtained by the temperature sensor 10 with respect to the temperature changes of the coil elements 21 and 22, it is preferable that the filler material 16 has a high thermal conductivity.

[0086] As the resin material that can be used in the filler 16, thermoplastic resins such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA), polyimide (PI), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polysulfone (PSF / PSU), polyether imide (PEI), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVDC), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) can be used, or thermosetting resins such as phenolic resin (PF), unsaturated polyester (UP), epoxy resin (EP), and polyurethane (PU) can be used.

[0087] In injection molding, where the molded body 141M, the heating element 12, and the lead frames 131 and 132 are arranged in a metal mold, the filler material 16 is filled into the inner side of the molded body 141M. The resin material of the filler material 16 is then used in an injection molding machine, for example... Figure 4 The direction of the arrow shown in (b) extends throughout the entire injection of the voids inside the molded body 141M.

[0088] The second housing 142 is formed along the first lead frame 131 and the second lead frame 132. The second housing 142 maintains the defined ranges of the first connecting portion 131A, the intermediate portions 131C and 132C, and the second connecting portions 131B and 132B of the first lead frame 131 and the second lead frame 132. The second housing 142 is formed solid except for the fitting portion 15 by injection molding with an insulating resin material while the lead frames 131 and 132 are arranged in a metal mold.

[0089] By using the resin material in the solid portion 142A, the second connecting portions 131B and 132B are sufficiently held against the force of insertion relative to the other terminal.

[0090] The solid portion 142A is curved to conform to the shape of the lead frames 131 and 132, and is L-shaped when viewed from above, consisting of the portion disposed between the coil elements 21 and 22 and the portion protruding laterally from between the coil elements 21 and 22. The portion disposed between the coil elements 21 and 22 is given a length in the x-direction required to stably support the fitting portion 15 on the coil elements 21 and 22.

[0091] The portion of solid part 142A extending in the x-direction, the first housing 141, and the defined range of parallel intervals 21A and 22A of coil elements 21 and 22 are defined by resin molded body 3. Figure 1 )cover.

[0092] The fitting portion 15 is integrally formed with the solid portion 142A. The fitting portion 15 is formed in a generally rectangular shape, and its width and height (dimensions in the x and z directions) are enlarged compared to the solid portion 142A. Although the height of the fitting portion 15 is enlarged, it is configured in a y direction that is different from the x direction in which the coil elements 21 and 22 extend, so that the fitting portion 15 does not interfere with the coil elements 21 and 22.

[0093] The mating part 15 includes an upper wall 151, a pair of side walls 152 and 153 facing each other in the x direction, and a lower wall 154. If the mating part 15 is mated with the housing of the other connector 9, the other terminal is electrically connected to the second connecting parts 131B and 132B that protrude from the solid part 142A into the internal space of the mating part 15.

[0094] On the upper wall 151, a locking portion 151A is formed to lock a locking protrusion (not shown) formed on the other housing. Viewed from the opening of the fitting portion 15, the locking portion 151A is located on its rear side y... b An opening 151B is formed with a locking protrusion configured to hold the other housing.

[0095] On the lower wall 154, a protrusion 154A is formed to guide the housing of the other connector 9. The protrusion 154A protrudes from the lower wall 154 toward the inside of the mating portion 15 and extends in the y direction.

[0096] The cover 17 covers the entirety of the thermal element 12 and the joint 124 between the thermal element 12 and the lead frames 131, 132. This covering of the thermal element 12, etc., by the cover 17 is preferably performed before the filler 16 is filled into the molded body 141M. This is because, if the cover 17 is used beforehand, the thermal element 12, which has a soft structure in its monolithic state, can maintain sufficient rigidity to retain its position and shape during the injection molding of the filler 16.

[0097] As for the cover 17, similar to the filler 16, a resin material with the required heat resistance temperature when the temperature of the stator coil rises and sufficient adhesion to fix the heating element 12 can be used. The molten resin material used as the cover 17 can be impregnated into the heating element 12, for example, before the injection molding of the filler 16, and the resin material can be cured.

[0098] The resin material used in the cover 17 and the resin material used in the filler 16 can be the same or different.

[0099] [First manufacturing method of temperature sensor]

[0100] Reference Figure 6 (a)~ Figure 6 (e) illustrates an example of the order in which the temperature sensor 10 of this embodiment is manufactured.

[0101] Lead frame fabrication step S01:

[0102] The lead frames 131 and 132 are formed by punching from a sheet of metal material. Figure 6 (a)

[0103] Wire connection step S02:

[0104] Connect the pair of cladding wires 122 of the thermal sensing element 12 to the first connecting portions 131A and 132A of the lead frames 131 and 132. Figure 6 (b)

[0105] Coverage step S03:

[0106] The resin material of the cover 17 is impregnated into the area including the region from the front end 12A of the heat-sensing element 12 to the joint portion 124, and then cured. Figure 6 (c)).

[0107] Molded body containment step S04:

[0108] The heating element 12, which is covered by the cover 17, is housed inside the molded body 141M of the first housing 141. Figure 6 (c)). At this time, the shape and posture of the heat-sensing element 12 are stabilized by providing the cover 17, so that the heat-sensing element 12 can be contained without interfering with the molded body 141M.

[0109] First holding step S05:

[0110] The molded body 141M is placed into a metal mold, and the filler material 16 is filled into the inside of the molded body 141M by injection molding, thereby holding the heating element 12 on the first housing 141. Figure 6 (d)). Before the filler 16 is filled, since the heat-sensing element 12 is provided with a cover 17, it is possible to prevent the heat-sensing element 12 from shifting from a predetermined position due to the pressure of the resin material injected into the molded body 141M, or to prevent the pair of cladding lines 122 from deforming and short-circuiting.

[0111] Step 2, S06:

[0112] The first housing 141, with lead frames 131 and 132 protruding from the opening 141F, is placed into a metal mold, and the second housing 142 and the fitting part 15 are integrally formed by injection molding. Figure 6 (e)). Thus, lead frames 131 and 132 are held on the second housing 142, and the first housing 141 and the second housing 142 are integrated.

[0113] The temperature sensor 10 of this embodiment can be manufactured through the above steps S01 to S06.

[0114] [Second manufacturing method for temperature sensor]

[0115] The temperature sensor 10 in this embodiment can also be, for example, by... Figure 7 (a)~ Figure 7 The order shown in (e) is used for manufacturing.

[0116] Step S11 for making the lead frame:

[0117] Lead frames 131 and 132 are formed by punching from sheet metal. Figure 7 (a)

[0118] Second holding step S12:

[0119] The lead frames 131 and 132 are placed into the metal mold, and the second housing 142 and the fitting part 15 are integrally formed by injection molding. Figure 7(b) Therefore, lead frames 131 and 132 are held on the second housing 142.

[0120] Wire connection step S13:

[0121] A pair of cladding wires 122 of the thermal sensing element 12 are joined to the first connecting portions 131A and 132A of the lead frames 131 and 132 protruding from the second housing 142. Figure 7 (c)).

[0122] Coverage step S14:

[0123] The resin material of the cover 17 is impregnated into the area including the region from the front end 12A of the heat-sensing element 12 to the joint portion 124, and then cured. Figure 7 (d)

[0124] Molded body containment step S15:

[0125] The heating element 12, which is covered by the cover 17, is housed inside the molded body 141M of the first housing 141. Figure 7 (d) As described above, the shape and orientation of the heat-sensing element 12 are stabilized by providing the cover 17, so that the heat-sensing element 12 can be contained without interfering with the first housing 141.

[0126] In addition, the molded body 141M used in the second manufacturing method has an opening formed on the front wall 141A for injecting filler material 16 inward.

[0127] First holding step S16:

[0128] The molded body 141M is placed into a metal mold, and by injection molding, the filler material 16 is filled from the opening of the front wall 141A into the inner side of the molded body 141M. Figure 7 (e)). Because a cover 17 is provided on the heating element 12, it is possible to prevent the heating element 12 from shifting from a predetermined position or short-circuiting due to deformation of the pair of cladding lines 122 caused by the pressure of the resin material injected into the molded body 141M. The heating element 12 is held on the first housing 141 and the first housing 141 and the second housing 142 are integrated by filling the molded body 141M with filler 16.

[0129] [Manufacturing of the assembly of temperature sensor and coil element]

[0130] The manufactured temperature sensor 10 is assembled onto the coil elements 21 and 22 of the stator coil of the rotating electric motor. At this time, as... Figure 2As shown in (a), by inserting the first housing 141 between the parallel sections 21A and 22A of the coil elements 21 and 22, housing the first coil element 21 between a pair of guide walls 141G, and housing the second coil element 22 between a pair of guide walls 141H, the temperature sensor 10 can be easily positioned relative to the centers of the coil elements 21 and 22 without requiring separate positioning. Therefore, the temperature sensor 10 is heated equally from the coil elements 21 and 22, enabling stable detection of the average temperature of the coil elements 21 and 22.

[0131] Next, if the temperature sensor 10 and parallel sections 21A and 22A are placed in a metal mold and a resin molded body 3 is formed by injection molding, the temperature sensor 10 is fixed to the coil elements 21 and 22 by the resin molded body 3. Thus, as... Figure 1 As shown, an assembly 1 can be manufactured by assembling the temperature sensor 10 with the coil elements 21 and 22. At this time, the guide walls 141G and 141H can prevent the position of the temperature sensor 10 from shifting relative to the coil elements 21 and 22 due to the pressure of the resin in the metal mold.

[0132] Furthermore, even if guide walls 141G and 141H are not formed on the first housing 141, and the upper wall 141D and lower wall 141E are flat, the temperature sensor 10 can be held at the specified position of the coil elements 21 and 22 by controlling the flow of resin in the metal mold during the injection molding of the resin molded body 3.

[0133] [Assembly of rotary electric motors to vehicles]

[0134] With the temperature sensor 10 fixed to the coil elements 21 and 22, the rotary motor is assembled into the vehicle. Since the temperature sensor 10 has lead frames 131 and 132 that connect to the heat-sensing element 12 and are inserted as terminals relative to the other terminal, unlike conventional examples, no leads extend from the temperature sensor 10. As a typical example, considering the temperature rise of the stator coil, leads are extended from the temperature sensor 10 at a predetermined length. Furthermore, by engaging a connector provided at the end of the lead at a location away from the stator coil with the other connector 9, the temperature sensor 10 is electrically connected to the circuit board via the connector 9 and the cable provided on the connector 9. Compared to this typical example, the temperature sensor 10 of this embodiment achieves a "wireless" structure that directly connects to the other connector 9, which has heat resistance capable of adapting to the ambient temperature during use.

[0135] Since the wires do not extend tracklessly from the temperature sensor 10, there is no need for a preparation operation of temporarily bundling the wires when assembling the rotary motor into the vehicle. The assembly operation of the rotary motor is not hindered by the wires, and the rotary motor can be appropriately adjusted in the determined sequence while being housed in the designated position on the vehicle from the prescribed direction. Then, without untying the wire bundle, the wiring of the temperature sensor 10 is completed simply by engaging the fitting part 15 with the counterpart connector 9.

[0136] [The main effects of this implementation method]

[0137] According to this embodiment, by directly connecting the temperature sensor 10, which includes lead frames 131 and 132 that also function as connectors and a mating portion 15 that mates with the other connector 9, to the other connector 9 without using wires, the complexity of wiring operations during the assembly of the rotary motor can be eliminated. Therefore, the workability related to assembling the rotary motor into a vehicle can be significantly improved.

[0138] Furthermore, by directly connecting the temperature sensor 10 to the other connector 9, miniaturization of the structure including the temperature sensor 10 and the other connector 9 can be achieved.

[0139] By aligning the fitting portion 15 in a y-direction different from the x-direction extending from the cladding line 122 of the coil elements 21, 22 and the heating element 12, the fitting portion 15 will not interfere with the coil elements 21, 22. This allows the temperature sensor 10 to be positioned at any location on the coil elements 21, 22 extending in one direction, thus reducing constraints related to the possible mounting location of the temperature sensor 10. Furthermore, the operation of fitting the fitting portion 15 with the counterpart connector 9 can be easily performed.

[0140] In this embodiment, instead of molding the entire housing 14 that holds the thermal element 12 and the lead frames 131 and 132 in one piece, a first housing 141 that holds the thermal element 12 and a second housing 142 that holds the second connecting portions 131B and 132B, which serve as terminals, are molded separately. When molding the first housing 141, unlike when molding the entire housing 14 in one piece, the resin material can be injected in a predetermined direction, confining the thermal element 12 and its vicinity, thus suppressing displacement or deformation of the thermal element 12 due to resin pressure. In particular, if the thermal element 12 is housed within a pre-formed molded body 141M and the filler 16 is injected into the inner side of the molded body 141M, the area where the resin material is injected is further confined, thus suppressing displacement and deformation of the thermal element 12.

[0141] By suppressing the displacement and deformation of the thermal sensing element 12, the thermal sensing element 12 can be fixed to a predetermined position using resin material throughout the entire structure. In this way, deviations in temperature detection characteristics caused by the thermal sensing element 12 can be suppressed, thus providing a temperature sensor 10 with stable characteristics.

[0142] [Variation Example]

[0143] Next, refer to Figures 8-11 The following describes a modified example of the present invention: a temperature sensor 30. The temperature sensor 30, by having two thermal elements 12 (12-1, 12-2), is capable of detecting the temperature of each of the coil elements 21 and 22 individually.

[0144] The following description focuses on the differences between the temperature sensor 10 described in the above embodiment and the temperature sensor 10 described in the above embodiment.

[0145] The temperature sensor 30 includes two thermal elements 12-1 and 12-2, a pair of lead frames 131 and 132, a pair of lead frames 181 and 182, and a housing 34 consisting of a single first housing 341 and a single second housing 342. The lead frames 131, 132, 181, and 182 are all L-shaped when viewed from above. A mating portion 35, which engages with a counterpart connector (not shown), is formed on the second housing 342 along these lead frames. The mating portion 35 is integrally formed on the second housing 342 in a y-direction different from the x-direction extending from the coil elements 21 and 22.

[0146] Temperature sensor 30 is assembled on coil elements 21 and 22 in the same way as temperature sensor 10 in the above embodiment, and together with coil elements 21 and 22, they form an assembly.

[0147] The heat sensing elements 12-1 and 12-2 are configured similarly to the heat sensing element 12 in the above embodiment, and are arranged to overlap each other at a predetermined interval in the z-direction. The heat sensing elements 12-1 and 12-2 are arranged such that the cladding line 122 extends in the same direction as the extension direction of the coil elements 21 and 22.

[0148] The pair of lead frames 131 and 132 are configured in a substantially similar manner to the first lead frame 131 and the second lead frame 132 of the above embodiment. The lead frames 131 and 132 are electrically connected to a pair of cladding wires 122 of the thermal element 12-1, and extend to the position of the mating portion 35 to be electrically connected to the other terminal.

[0149] A pair of lead frames 181, 182 have their first connecting portions 181A, 182A electrically connected to a pair of cladding wires 122 of the thermal element 12-2, and are located on the rear side of the pair of lead frames 131, 132 in the x-direction. bThe lead frame 181 bends in the y-direction and then bends in the z-direction to the same height as the pair of lead frames 131 and 132, thus extending in the y-direction. More specifically, lead frame 181 overlaps with lead frame 131 in top view until the bend position P1 of lead frame 131. After bending in the y-direction, it is positioned at the same height as the heating element 12-2 up to the step 181S. The first section 181D of step 181S, closer to the heating element 12-2 than lead frame 181, is positioned at the same height as the heating element 12-2, and the second section 181E of step 181S, closer to the fitting portion 35 than step 181S, is positioned at the same height as the pair of lead frames 131 and 132. Lead frame 182 is similar, overlapping lead frame 132 in top view until the bend position P2 of lead frame 132. After bending in the y-direction, it is positioned at the same height as the heating element 12-2 up to the step 182S. The lead frame 182 also has a first interval 182D and a second interval 182E divided by steps 182S. Steps 181S and 182S are set to the same position in the y direction.

[0150] On the inner side of the fitting portion 35, such as Figure 8 As shown in (b), there are second connecting portions 132B, 131B, 182B, and 181B with four lead frames 132, 131, 182, and 181 arranged in the x direction. A mating connector having four terminals that individually correspond to the lead frames 132, 131, 182, and 181 engages with the mating portion 35.

[0151] Temperature sensor 30, for example Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, it can be manufactured using a first manufacturing method equivalent to the above-described embodiment ( Figure 6 It is manufactured in the order of )

[0152] Wire connection step S21: Figure 10 (a)

[0153] A pair of cladding wires 122 of the thermal element 12-1 are joined to the pre-formed lead frames 131, 132. Similarly, a pair of cladding wires 122 of the thermal element 12-2 are joined to the pre-formed lead frames 181, 182.

[0154] Coverage step S22: Figure 10 (b)

[0155] Regarding the heat-sensing elements 12-1 and 12-2, the resin material of the cover 17 is impregnated into the area from the front end 12A to the joint portion 124 and then cured.

[0156] Molded body containment step S23: Figure 10 (c)

[0157] The heat-sensing elements 12-1 and 12-2, which are covered by the cover 17, are housed inside the molded body 341M that forms the outer shell of the first housing 341. At this time, the shape and posture of the heat-sensing elements 12-1 and 12-2 are stabilized by providing the cover 17, so that the heat-sensing elements 12-1 and 12-2 can be housed without interfering with the molded body 341M.

[0158] First holding step S24: Figure 11 (a)

[0159] The molded body 341M is placed into a metal mold, and the filler material 16 is injected into the inside of the molded body 341M, thereby holding the heating elements 12-1 and 12-2 in the first housing 341. Before the filling of the filler material 16, since each of the heating elements 12-1 and 12-2 is provided with a cover 17, it is possible to prevent the heating elements 12-1 and 12-2 from shifting from a predetermined position or short-circuiting due to deformation of the pair of cladding lines 122 by the pressure of the resin material injected into the molded body 341M.

[0160] Second holding step S25: Figure 11 (b)

[0161] The lead frames 131, 132, 181, 182, and the first housing 341 protruding from the opening 341F are disposed in a metal mold, and the second housing 342 and the fitting portion 35 are integrally formed by injection molding. Figure 6 (e) Therefore, lead frames 131, 132, 181, and 182 are held on the second housing 342 and the first housing 341 and the second housing 342 are integrated.

[0162] Through the above, temperature sensor 30 can be manufactured.

[0163] In addition, the temperature sensor 30 can also be manufactured using the second manufacturing method of the above-described embodiment ( Figure 7 It is manufactured using the same method.

[0164] Apart from the above, as long as the spirit of the invention is not departed from, the structures described in the above embodiments can be selected or omitted, or other structures can be appropriately modified.

[0165] The shapes of the lead frames 131, 132, 181, 182 and the housings 14, 34 in the above embodiments are merely one example. The lead frames 131, 132, 181, 182 and the housings 14, 34 can be given appropriate shapes according to the orientation of the fitting portions 15, 35, etc.

[0166] For example, by bending the lead frames 131, 132 and the second housing 142 from the cladding line 122 in the x direction (a first direction) to the z direction (a second direction), the fitting portion 15 can be positioned toward the z direction. The first and second directions do not necessarily need to be orthogonal; it is sufficient if they are different directions.

[0167] Furthermore, the molded body 141M of the first housing 141 or the molded body 341M of the first housing 341 is not limited to being molded from resin material, but may also be molded from metal material. Insulation between a pair of cladding wires 122 and insulation between lead frames 131, 132, 181, 182 may be ensured, for example, by at least one of the cover 17 and the filler 16.

[0168] The position of the thermal element 12 can also be fixed by a method different from filling the area around the thermal element 12 with resin material. For example, the position of the coil elements 21, 22 and the temperature sensor 10 can be fixed by clamping the coil elements 21, 22 and the temperature sensor 10 between the upper and lower housings and engaging the upper and lower housings.

[0169] The temperature sensors 10 and 30 of the present invention do not necessarily have to be configured between the coil elements 21 and 22. The temperature sensors 10 and 30 of the present invention can also be configured on any side of a single coil element to detect the temperature of a single coil element.

[0170] Alternatively, two thermal sensing elements 12 can be used to detect the temperature of each of the two coil elements 21 and 22 individually, or two thermal sensing elements 12 can be used to detect the temperature of a single coil element. Alternatively, one of the two thermal sensing elements 12 can be placed on the first temperature sensor 10, and the other on the second temperature sensor 10, or as shown below. Figures 8-11 As shown, both thermal elements 12 are mounted on a single temperature sensor 30.

[0171] The temperature sensor 10 of the present invention can be used to detect the temperature of coils in devices such as rotating motors, step-up transformers, or transformers mounted on vehicles, in addition to the stator coils of rotating motors.

[0172] The temperature sensor 10 can also be manufactured as an assembly fixed to a coil. For example, as long as Figure 1 The coil elements 21 and 22 shown are not the coils themselves, but rather coil parts that are fixed to the main body of the coil by welding or the like. This allows for the manufacture of an assembly 1 that includes the coil parts and the temperature sensor 10 fixed to the coil parts by the resin molding body 3.

[0173] Furthermore, the temperature sensor 10 of the present invention does not necessarily need to be fixed to the coil; for example, it can be fixed to a suitable component in a vehicle, such as a component supporting the coil. The fixing method can also be, for example, a tight connection. The assembly 1 of the above embodiment can replace the resin molded body 3 by having male and female threads as fixing parts.

[0174] Label Explanation

[0175] 1 Assembly

[0176] 3. Resin molded body (fixing part)

[0177] 9. Counterparty connector

[0178] 10, 30 temperature sensors

[0179] 11 Sensor Body

[0180] 12, 12-1, 12-2 heating elements

[0181] 12A front end

[0182] 14, 34 Casing

[0183] 15, 35 Chimeric part

[0184] 16. Filler material

[0185] 17 Coverings

[0186] 21. First Coil Component (Coil)

[0187] 21A Parallel Interval

[0188] 22. Second coil element (coil)

[0189] 22A parallel interval

[0190] 121 heat-sensitive body

[0191] 122-layer sheathed wire (electrical wire)

[0192] 123 firmware

[0193] 124 Joint area

[0194] 131 First lead frame

[0195] 131A First Connecting Part (Part 1)

[0196] 131B Second Connecting Part (Part 2)

[0197] 131C intermediate section

[0198] 132 second lead frame

[0199] 132A First Connecting Part (Part 1)

[0200] 132B Second Connecting Part (Part 2)

[0201] 132C Middle Section

[0202] 141, 341 First housing (first retaining part)

[0203] 141A Anterior Wall

[0204] 141B and 141C sidewalls

[0205] 141D upper wall (1st wall)

[0206] 141E lower wall (2nd wall)

[0207] 141F opening

[0208] 141G, 141H guide wall (guide section)

[0209] 141M, 341M molded body

[0210] 142, 342 Second housing (second retaining part)

[0211] 142A solid part

[0212] 151 on the wall

[0213] 151A locking section

[0214] Side walls 152 and 153

[0215] 151B Opening

[0216] 154 lower wall

[0217] 154A protrusion

[0218] 181, 182 lead frames

[0219] 181A, 182A First connecting part

[0220] 181B, 182B Second Connecting Part

[0221] 181D, 182D, first interval

[0222] 182E, 182E second interval

[0223] Steps 181S and 182S

[0224] Steps S01 to S06

[0225] Steps S11 to S16

[0226] Steps S21 to S25

[0227] x First direction

[0228] y 2nd direction

[0229] z direction

[0230] x b Rear side in the x direction

[0231] x f Front side in the x direction

[0232] y b rear side in the y direction

Claims

1. A temperature sensor comprising a first coil element and a second coil element, each having a plane facing each other and formed by a diagonal line of a generally rectangular cross-section, for detecting the temperature of a coil provided in a vehicle, characterized in that, have: A heat-sensing element includes a heat-sensing body and a pair of wires electrically connected to and extending from the heat-sensing body in a first direction; A pair of lead frames, one end of which is electrically connected to the aforementioned pair of wires, and the other end of which is electrically connected to the terminal of the other connector; and The housing integrates the first holding portion that holds the aforementioned thermal element and the fitting portion that mates with the aforementioned counterpart connector, and is formed along the aforementioned pair of lead frames. The aforementioned pair of lead frames each include a first portion extending from the connection portion with the aforementioned wire in the first direction, and a second portion connected to the first portion and extending in a second direction different from the first direction. The housing is formed as a cuboid extending in the first direction of the first holding portion. At least a portion of the housing is disposed between the first coil element and the second coil element, and has a first wall abutting against the first coil element and a second wall abutting against the second coil element.

2. The temperature sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first coil element and the second coil element have parallel sections extending in the same direction, and the first holding part is disposed between the parallel sections.

3. The temperature sensor as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The housing is configured to include the first holding portion and the second holding portion for holding the pair of lead frames, and the fitting portion is integrally provided on the second holding portion.

4. The temperature sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the first wall and the second wall extends in the first direction and is provided with a guide portion for positioning the coil in the second direction.

5. An assembly comprising a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a coil located in a vehicle, characterized in that, The above temperature sensor has the following features: A heat-sensing element includes a heat-sensing body and a pair of wires electrically connected to and extending from the heat-sensing body in a first direction; A pair of lead frames, one end of which is electrically connected to the aforementioned pair of wires, and the other end of which is electrically connected to the terminal of the other connector; and The housing includes a first holding portion for holding the aforementioned thermal sensing element and a second holding portion for holding the aforementioned pair of lead frames. The aforementioned pair of lead frames each include a first portion extending from the connection portion with the aforementioned wire in the first direction, and a second portion connected to the first portion and extending in a second direction different from the first direction. The aforementioned housing integrally includes a mating portion formed along the pair of lead frames and engaging with the counterpart connector. The aforementioned coil includes a first coil element with a generally rectangular cross-section, extending in the first direction, and a second coil element with the same angled shape extending in the same direction as the first coil element and opposite to it. The first retaining portion is formed as a cuboid extending in the first direction, and has a first wall that abuts against the first coil element and a second wall that abuts against the second coil element. The above assembly has: The aforementioned temperature sensor; and The fixing part fixes the temperature sensor disposed on the coil to the coil or to a component of the vehicle.

6. The assembly as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The first retaining part is fixed to the first coil element and the second coil element by a resin molding.

7. A rotary motor, a rotary motor used in a vehicle, characterized in that, have: coil; A temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the aforementioned coil; and The fixing part secures the temperature sensor disposed on the coil to the coil or to a component of the vehicle. The above temperature sensor has the following features: A heat-sensing element includes a heat-sensing body and a pair of wires electrically connected to and extending from the heat-sensing body in a first direction; A pair of lead frames, one end of which is electrically connected to the aforementioned pair of wires, and the other end of which is electrically connected to the terminal of the other connector; and The housing includes a first holding portion for holding the aforementioned thermal sensing element and a second holding portion for holding the aforementioned pair of lead frames. The aforementioned pair of lead frames each include a first portion extending from the connection portion with the aforementioned wire in the first direction, and a second portion connected to the first portion and extending in a second direction different from the first direction. The aforementioned housing integrally includes a mating portion formed along the pair of lead frames and engaging with the counterpart connector. The aforementioned coil includes a first coil element with a generally rectangular cross-section, extending in the first direction, and a second coil element with the same angled shape extending in the same direction as the first coil element and opposite to it. The first holding portion is formed as a cuboid extending in the first direction, and has a first wall that abuts against the first coil element and a second wall that abuts against the second coil element.

8. A method for manufacturing a temperature sensor, characterized in that, The above temperature sensor has the following features: A heat-sensing element includes a heat-sensing body and a pair of wires electrically connected to and extending from the heat-sensing body in a first direction; A pair of lead frames, one end of which is electrically connected to the aforementioned pair of wires, and the other end of which is electrically connected to the terminal of the other connector; and The housing includes a first holding portion for holding the aforementioned thermal element and a second holding portion for holding the aforementioned pair of lead frames and integrally having a fitting portion for fitting with the aforementioned counterpart connector. The aforementioned coil includes a first coil element with a generally rectangular cross-section, extending in the first direction, and a second coil element with the same angled shape extending in the same direction as the first coil element and opposite to it. The first retaining portion is formed as a cuboid extending in the first direction, and has a first wall that abuts against the first coil element and a second wall that abuts against the second coil element. The above manufacturing method includes: The wire connection step involves connecting and electrically connecting the pair of lead frames to the pair of wires. In the molding body housing step, the aforementioned thermal sensing element is housed inside a molded body that is formed into a cuboid shape extending in the aforementioned first direction and has formed the aforementioned first holding portion. The first holding step involves filling the inner side of the molded body with filler material, thereby holding the heat-sensing element by the first holding portion; and The second holding step involves placing the lead frame into a metal mold and forming the second holding part by injection molding, thereby holding the lead frame by the second holding part.

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