Temperature Sensor

Abstract

The temperature sensor comprises: a sensor element (10) having a heat-sensitive body (11) for detecting the temperature of a measurement object (100) and a protective body (17) for accommodating the heat-sensitive body (11) therein; and an elastic bracket (20) for holding the protective body (17) and applying an elastic force to the protective body (17) toward the measurement object (100). The elastic bracket (20) comprises: a first spring piece (23) for holding the protective body (17); a second spring piece (25) facing the first spring piece (23); and a connecting piece (21) between the first spring piece (23) and the second spring piece (25).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor for measuring the temperature of an object to be measured while pressing the object to be measured using an elastic force. Background Art

[0002] As a temperature sensor pressed against a measurement object by elastic force, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are known.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a temperature sensor mounted on a rectangular electric wire to detect the temperature of the electric wire. The temperature sensor comprises: a sensor holder; a sensor body held by the sensor holder and having a heat-sensitive body and a lead wire electrically connected to the heat-sensitive body; and a clip fixed to the sensor holder to push the electric wire toward the sensor body by elastic force.

[0004] According to Patent Document 1, in order to mount the temperature sensor on the coil, a plurality of resin parts (sensor bracket, wire bracket and pad) are used in addition to the clamp, so the number of parts is relatively large. Patent Document 2 solves this problem. That is, Patent Document 2 has a temperature sensor with a heat-sensitive body and a metal bracket for mounting the temperature sensor on the coil. The bracket has a bracket body that clamps the coil with elastic force and a joint portion that is joined to the temperature sensor. The bracket body has a clamping portion that clamps the coil inside, and a heat collecting portion that protrudes to the outside of the clamping portion and is thermally coupled to the temperature sensor.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6005893

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6674070 Summary of the invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] The temperature sensor disclosed in Patent Document 2 is based on the premise that a coil as a measurement object is clamped by a clamping part. That is, the temperature sensor of Patent Document 2 requires not only the provision of the clamping part but also the operation of clamping the coil.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a temperature sensor which is pressed against an object to be measured by an elastic force and which has a simpler structure and is easier to attach to the object to be measured.

[0012] Means used to solve problems

[0013] The temperature sensor of the present invention comprises: a sensor element having a heat-sensitive body for detecting the temperature of a measurement object and a protection body for accommodating the heat-sensitive body; and an elastic bracket for holding the protection body and applying elastic force to the protection body toward the measurement object.

[0014] The elastic bracket of the present invention comprises: a first spring piece for holding a protective body; a second spring piece facing the first spring piece; and a connecting piece for connecting the first spring piece and the second spring piece.

[0015] In the bracket of the present invention, preferably, the first spring piece includes: a second surface facing the second spring piece; and a first surface which is a back side of the second surface; and the protection body is held in contact with the first surface.

[0016] In the bracket of the present invention, preferably, the first spring piece includes: a second surface facing the second spring piece; and a first surface being a rear side of the second surface; and the protection body is held in contact with the second surface.

[0017] The protector of the present invention is preferably held by pressure contact with a holding piece formed integrally with the first spring piece.

[0018] The protective body of the present invention preferably comprises: a holding portion held by a holding sheet; and a heat-sensitive portion sealing the heat-sensitive body; and the holding portion is thinner than the heat-sensitive portion.

[0019] In the temperature sensor of the present invention, preferably, the protection body is held in contact with the first surface; and the height of the heat-sensitive portion is higher than a holding piece holding the holding portion with respect to the first surface.

[0020] In the temperature sensor of the present invention, it is preferred that the protective body comprises: a holding portion held by a holding sheet; and a heat-sensitive portion enclosing a heat-sensitive body; the heat-sensitive portion comprises: a flat heat-sensitive surface in surface contact with a measured object; and a supporting surface parallel to the heat-sensitive surface and supported by a flat first spring sheet 23A.

[0021] The present invention provides a temperature measurement structure including a measurement object, a support body facing the measurement object, and a temperature sensor attached between the measurement object and the support body.

[0022] In the temperature measurement structure of the present invention, the temperature sensor comprises: a sensor element having a heat-sensitive body for detecting the temperature of a measurement object and a protection body accommodating the heat-sensitive body; and a bracket holding the protection body and having a U-shaped compression spring.

[0023] The bracket of the present invention comprises: a first spring piece for applying elastic force to a protection body toward a measurement object; and a second spring piece for being pressed against a support body by the elastic force.

[0024] Effects of the Invention

[0025] The temperature sensor of the present invention is provided with a U-shaped elastic bracket. Therefore, the structure of the temperature sensor, especially the elastic bracket, is simple. In addition, if there is a measurement object and a supporting surface, such as a lower wall surface, facing the measurement object, the temperature sensor can be attached only by inserting the elastic bracket into the measurement space between them. That is, the attachment operation of the temperature sensor to the measurement object is relatively easy.

[0026] Furthermore, the elastic bracket is provided as a single component in which the connecting piece, the first spring piece, and the second spring piece are continuous by punching and bending a plate made of a metal material. Therefore, the temperature sensor can be manufactured at a low cost. In particular, since the elastic bracket is formed integrally with the first spring piece, the cost and the workability of holding by crimping are excellent compared to making them as different parts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the temperature sensor according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 It is a side view showing the temperature sensor according to the first embodiment and a plan view showing a main part of a sensor element.

[0029] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a process of attaching the temperature sensor according to the first embodiment to a measurement object.

[0030] Figure 4 It is a figure which shows the 1st modification example (var1) and the 2nd modification example (var2) of the 1st embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 The diagrams show a third modified example (var3), a fourth modified example (var4), and a fifth modified example (var5) of the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing a temperature sensor according to the second embodiment and a process of attaching the temperature sensor to a measurement object. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] A temperature sensor 1 according to an embodiment will be described.

[0034] Temperature sensor 1 Figure 1As shown, the temperature sensor 1 comprises: a sensor element 10 having a heat-sensitive body 11 as a main element of temperature measurement; and an elastic bracket 20, which holds the sensor element 10 and pushes the sensor element 10 against the object to be measured by elastic force. The object to be measured of the temperature sensor 1 comprises a flat detection surface against which the sensor element 10 is elastically pushed, and for example, a stator coil or bus bar of a motor disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 can be cited. The structure thereof will be described below in the order of the sensor element 10 and the elastic bracket 20.

[0035] [Sensor element 10: Figure 1 , Figure 2 ]

[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of the sensor element 10 will be described.

[0037] The sensor element 10 includes a heat-sensitive body 11 for detecting temperature, electrodes 12, 12 formed on two opposing surfaces of the heat-sensitive body 11, a pair of leads 13, 13 electrically connected to the heat-sensitive body 11 via the electrodes 12, 12, and a sealing layer 16 covering the heat-sensitive body 11. The sensor element 10 also includes an electrically insulating protective body 17 that accommodates and seals the heat-sensitive body 11 and a part of the leads 13, 13 covered by the sealing layer 16.

[0038] The heat-sensitive body 11 uses a metal oxide or metal having a characteristic that the resistance value changes with the temperature. A certain current is passed through the heat-sensitive body 11 through a pair of lead wires 13, 13, and the voltage between the electrodes 12, 12 of the heat-sensitive body 11 is measured with a measuring instrument. The resistance value is calculated according to Ohm's law (E=IR) to detect the temperature.

[0039] As the metal oxide, it is preferable to use a thermistor (Thermistor: Thermally Sensitive Resistor), and typically, an NTC thermistor (Negative Temperature Coefficient Thermistor) having a negative temperature coefficient is used. As the metal, it is preferable to use platinum (for example, Pt100; JIS-C1604).

[0040] The electrode 12 electrically connects the heat-sensitive body 11 and the lead wires 13 , 13 , and is preferably made of a noble metal such as gold or platinum.

[0041] The lead wires 13 and 13 are conductive wires that allow a certain current to flow into the heat-sensitive body 11. A metal material with high conductivity, typically copper, is used. Dumet wire is preferably used for the lead wire 13. Dumet wire is a composite wire with an inner layer made of an iron-nickel alloy and an outer layer made of copper.

[0042] Glass is used as the sealing layer 16. In particular, when Dumet wires are used for the leads 13, 13, since the linear expansion coefficient of the iron-nickel alloy is close to that of glass, damage to the sealing layer 16 due to thermal expansion of the leads 13, 13 is prevented.

[0043] Lead wire 13 is an electric wire that allows a certain current to flow to heat-sensitive body 11. In some cases, another electric wire is connected to lead wire 13 directly connected to heat-sensitive body 11, and electric wires indirectly connected to heat-sensitive body 11 are called relay wires 15, 15.

[0044] The sealing layer 16 surrounds the heat-sensitive body 11 and seals it in an airtight state to suppress chemical and physical changes in the heat-sensitive body 11. Glass is preferably used as the sealing layer 16, but a resin material may be used or the sealing layer 16 may be omitted depending on the environment in which the temperature sensor 1 is used.

[0045] The protection body 17 protects the heat-sensitive body 11 and the lead wires 13 and 13 from external forces such as impact applied from the outside, and also contributes to electrical insulation between the heat-sensitive body 11 and the object to be measured.

[0046] The protective body 17 is formed of a fluorine-based resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkoxy vinyl ether copolymer (PFA). The protective body 17 is not limited to thermoplastic resins and thermosetting resins, and can be formed of any appropriate resin material. The protective body 17 can be manufactured, for example, by placing the heat-sensitive body 11 covered by the sealing layer 16 in the cavity of a metal mold and performing injection molding on the cavity.

[0047] If the protection body 17 is made of a transparent resin, the appearance inspection of the heat-sensitive body 11 can be performed by seeing through the protection body 17 .

[0048] The protection body 17 of the present embodiment has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped appearance as an example.

[0049] The protective body 17 includes a holding portion 17A held by the elastic bracket 20 by crimping and a heat-sensitive portion 17B that seals the heat-sensitive body 11. The holding portion 17A and the heat-sensitive portion 17B have the same dimensions in the width direction W, but different dimensions in the thickness direction T, and the wall thickness of the holding portion 17A is thinner. Figure 2As shown in FIG. 1 , the side of the protection body 17 where the holding portion 17A is provided is defined as the front (F), and the side where the relay wires 15, 15 are led out is defined as the rear (R). This definition has a relative meaning. In addition, in the sensor element 10, the length direction L, the width direction W, and the thickness direction T are defined as follows: Figure 2 As shown in the figure. Since the holding part 17A is pressed by the holding pieces 24, 24 of the elastic bracket 20, the heat-sensitive body 11, which may be damaged, is placed in the heat-sensitive part 17B instead of the holding part 17A. In addition, the wall thickness of the holding part 17A is set to be thinner than the heat-sensitive part 17B because the holding pieces 24, 24 are prevented from contacting the measuring object 100 of the heat-sensitive part 17B by making the height of the heat-sensitive part 17B higher than the holding pieces 24, 24 pressed against the holding part 17A. This point is explained with the accompanying illustration in the description of the elastic bracket 20.

[0050] The protection body 17 includes a first surface 171 and a second surface 173 facing each other. The first surface 171 and the second surface 173 are flat and parallel to each other. Figure 3 ) When measuring the temperature of an electric coil, for example, the first surface 171 is pushed against the object 100 to be measured. Therefore, the first surface 171 of the heat-sensitive portion 17B can be said to be a heat-sensitive surface that receives heat from the object 100 to be measured. The first surface 23A of the first spring piece 23 of the elastic bracket 20 that holds the protective body 17 and the second surface 173 are in surface contact with each other. In this embodiment, the first surface 171 is only provided on the heat-sensitive portion 17B, but the second surface 173 is provided in connection with the holding portion 17A and the heat-sensitive portion 17B.

[0051] The sensor element 10 is not limited to the present embodiment, and the appearance shape of the protective body 17 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and can be changed to a shape that matches the object to be measured. For example, in the case where the temperature measurement surface of the object to be measured has a concave arc surface, a cylindrical protective body suitable for the concave arc surface can also be made. Furthermore, in the case where the temperature measurement surface has a concave polygonal surface, a polygonal protective body 17 suitable for the concave polygonal surface can also be made. In the case of a cylindrical protective body, the second surface 173 is composed of an arc surface, and in the case of a polygonal protective body, the second surface 173 is composed of a polygonal surface. However, in order to obtain a stable supporting state achieved by the first surface 23A of the first spring piece 23, the second surface 173, i.e., the supporting surface, is preferably composed of the first surface 171, i.e., a flat surface parallel to the heat-sensitive surface. In addition, the heat-sensitive body 11 can also be covered by a protective component such as a tube using an insulating material instead of the protective body 17. Furthermore, the protection body 17 may be composed not only of one material but also of a plurality of materials stacked together.

[0052] [Elastic bracket 20: Figure 1 , Figure 2 ]

[0053] Next, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of the elastic bracket 20 will be described.

[0054] The elastic bracket 20 has the function of holding the sensor element 10 and also has the function of pressing the protection body 17 of the sensor element 10 against the measured object 100 by elastic force. The elastic bracket 20 is preferably made of a metal material, but may also be made of a resin material.

[0055] [Structure of the elastic bracket 20: Figure 1 , Figure 2 ]

[0056] The elastic bracket 20 has a U-shaped compression plate spring as a basic structure, and a structure for holding the protective body 17 is provided on the compression plate spring. As is well known, a compression spring refers to a spring that generates elastic force when subjected to a compressive load. The elastic bracket 20 is U-shaped and has a connecting piece 21 having a first connecting piece 21A and a second connecting piece 21B. The elastic bracket 20 has: a first spring piece 23 connected to the first connecting piece 21A on one side of the connecting piece 21 to hold the protective body 17; and a second spring piece 25 connected to the second connecting piece 21B on the other side of the connecting piece 21. The elastic bracket 20 can be manufactured by forming a blank plate integrally provided with parts corresponding to the connecting piece 21, the first spring piece 23 and the second spring piece 25 by metal plate pressure forming, and machining the blank plate.

[0057] In the elastic bracket 20, the first spring piece 23 and the second spring piece 25 are inclined and opposed to each other at a predetermined inclination angle θ1. When the elastic bracket 20 is subjected to a load so that the interval between the free ends of the first spring piece 23 and the second spring piece 25 is narrowed, an elastic force is generated on the connecting piece 21. In addition to using the elastic force to push the protective body 17 onto the measured object 100, the elastic bracket 20 also retains the temperature sensor 1 at a fixed position required for measuring the temperature of the measured object 100.

[0058] [About link 21: Figure 1 , Figure 2 ]

[0059] When the elastic bracket 20 is made of a plate-shaped metal material, the connecting piece 21 is formed by bending a flat plate made of the metal material. Examples of the applicable metal materials include ferrous alloys, stainless steels, phosphor bronzes, etc. Since permanent strain due to the use of the spring of the elastic bracket 20 is more likely to occur in the connecting piece 21 than in the first spring piece 23 and the second spring piece 25, it is preferable to consider the permanent strain of the connecting piece 21 in the selection of the material. In addition, the thickness of the elastic bracket 20 is selected in consideration of the elastic force required for the elastic bracket 20 including the connecting piece 21.

[0060] [Regarding the first spring piece 23: Figure 1 、 Figure 2

[0061] The first spring piece 23 has a first surface 23A and a second surface 23B that are respectively flat and parallel to each other. The protective body 17 of the sensor element 10 is held by the first spring piece 23 in a state where it is placed on the first surface 23A via the second surface 173. The first spring piece 23 has a pair of holding pieces 24, 24 for holding the protective body 17. The holding pieces 24, 24 are provided on both sides in the width direction W of the first spring piece 23, near the first connecting piece 21A of the connecting piece 21. By placing the protective body 17 on the first spring piece 23 in such a manner that the holding portions 17A are arranged in the regions corresponding to the holding pieces 24, 24, the holding portions 17A are fastened with the holding pieces 24, 24 and fixed to the first spring piece 23 by crimping. The heat-sensitive portion 17B behind (R) the holding portion 17A fixed by the holding pieces 24, 24 is not mechanically constrained and is simply supported by the first spring piece 23.

[0062] As an example, the first spring piece 23 does not support a part of the region in the length direction L of the protective body 17, but presses the protective body 17 against the measurement object 100 by elastic force for temperature measurement, so there will be no obstacles such as the sensor element 10 detaching from the holding body 17. Of course, the entire length direction L of the protective body 17 can be supported by the first spring piece 23, or the first spring piece 23 can extend beyond the protective body 17 in the length direction L. That is, the length L23 of the first spring piece 23 and the length L17 of the protective body 17 (heat-sensitive portion 17B) have a certain relationship of L23 < L17, L23 = L17, and L23 > L17. In the case of L23 < L17, it is preferable that L23 ≥ 1 / 2 × L17 in order to sufficiently press the protective body 17 against the measurement object 100. In addition, in the case of L23 > L17, even if the first spring piece 23 becomes longer than necessary, it still does not contribute to pressing the protective body 17 against the measurement object 100, so it is preferable to set L23 ≦ L17.

[0063] ​As a preferable example for ensuring reliable support of the protective body 17, the widths W23 and W17 of the first spring piece 23 and the protective body 17 in the width direction W are the same. However, as long as the protective body 17 can be supported without any problem, it may also be set that W23 < W17 or W23 > W17.

[0064] Fixing means such as crimping is used to fix the protective body 17 of the sensor element 10 to the first spring piece 23, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, other fixing means such as fixing by fastening, fixing by an adhesive, and fixing by bundling may be adopted. However, fixing using the holding pieces 24, 24 does not require other components such as bolts as a fastening mechanism. Therefore, fixing by crimping can suppress the number of required components. In addition, crimping by fastening the holding pieces 24, 24 has high reliability of mechanical restraint, and can realize holding of the sensor element 10 for a long period of time.

[0065] [Regarding the second spring piece 25: Figure 1 、 Figure 2

[0066] Next, the second spring piece 25 will be described.

[0067] By bringing the second spring piece 25 into contact with, for example, a support surface disposed opposite to the measurement object 100, the protective body 17 held by the first spring piece 23 is elastically pressed against the measurement object 100.

[0068] In order for the second spring piece 25 to exhibit this function, the second spring piece 25 has an inclination angle θ1 (θ1 > 0°) with respect to the first spring piece 23. In the present invention, as shown in Figure 2 , the inclination angle θ1 refers to the angle formed with the imaginary line PL parallel to the first spring piece 23. If the inclination angle θ1 is 0°, the first spring piece 23 and the second spring piece 25 become parallel, so it is difficult to generate an elastic force for pressing the first spring piece 23 against the measurement object 100. If the inclination angle θ1 becomes larger, the generated elastic force becomes larger, so it is preferable to increase the inclination angle θ1 within an allowable range. However, it is preferable to consider the size of the measurement space 207 (refer to Figure 3 . Details will be described later) in which the elastic bracket 20 is arranged. For example, because the dimension in the height direction (H) for generating the elastic force is relatively small, if the inclination angle θ1 is too large, the burden of inserting the elastic bracket 20 into the measurement space 207 becomes large, so the work efficiency will be hindered, or the protective body 17 may be damaged by pressing the protective body 17 against the measurement object 100 with a load greater than required.

[0069] ​There are no particular restrictions on the length direction L and width direction W dimensions of the second spring piece 25 as long as the function is fulfilled. In the present embodiment, the length direction L dimensions are required to expose the rear end of the second spring piece 25 to the outside when the temperature sensor 1 is arranged at a fixed position (hereinafter simply referred to as a fixed position) for measuring the temperature of the object 100. As for the width direction W, as an example, a case where the size of the second spring piece 25 is larger than that of the first spring piece 23 is illustrated.

[0070] [Attachment of temperature sensor 1 to fixed position: Figure 3 ]

[0071] Next, refer to Figure 3 A procedure for attaching the temperature sensor 1 at a fixed position in order to measure the temperature of the measurement object 100 will be described.

[0072] The object to be measured 100 described here is supported by a support 200. The support 200 includes an upper wall 201 and a lower wall 202 spaced apart from the upper wall 201 in a vertical direction V. The upper wall 201 and the lower wall 202 include an upper wall surface 203 and a lower wall surface 204, respectively. The object to be measured 100 is fixed on the upper wall surface 203 of the upper wall 201, and the temperature sensor 1 is attached to a measurement space 207 between the object to be measured 100 and the lower wall surface 204. In addition, the dimension of the measurement space 207 in the vertical direction V is set so that the elastic bracket 20 generates an elastic force.

[0073] Specifically, the temperature sensor 1 is inserted into the measurement space 207 from the opening 205 of the bracket 200 from the connection piece 21 side of the elastic bracket 20 ( Figure 3 Step 1) At this time, the first surface 171 of the protection body 17 supported by the first spring piece 23 of the elastic bracket 20 is in contact with the measured object 100. On the other hand, the second spring piece 25 of the elastic bracket 20 hits the lower wall surface 204, generating a compressive load in the elastic bracket 20.

[0074] The temperature sensor 1 is pushed into the measuring space 207. Once the protective body 17 of the temperature sensor 1 reaches the preset fixed position ( Figure 3 Step 2) ends the insertion of the temperature sensor 1. At this time, since the interval between the first spring piece 23 and the second spring piece 25 is larger than that at the beginning of the insertion ( Figure 3 Step 1) is narrowed, so an elastic force is generated in the elastic bracket 20 in the direction of expanding the interval between the first spring piece 23 and the second spring piece 25. As a result, in addition to the first surface 171 of the protection body 17 being pressed against the measured object 100, the second spring piece 25 also presses the lower wall surface 204 in the direction shown in the figure, so that the elastic bracket 20 can be fixed at this position.

[0075] In the temperature sensor 1 installed in the measurement space 207, the protection body 17 is in contact with the measurement object 100, while the holding pieces 24, 24 that press the holding portion 17A are not in contact with the measurement object 100. This is because, based on the first surface 23A, the protection body 17 is larger in height direction, that is, higher in height, than the press-contact pieces 24, 24. In addition, this structure is achieved by making the wall thickness of the holding portion 17A thinner than that of the heat-sensitive portion 17B in the protection body 17.

[0076] [Effects of the temperature sensor 1 (first embodiment)]

[0077] The temperature sensor 1 described above has the following effects.

[0078] The temperature sensor 1 includes a U-shaped elastic bracket 20. Therefore, the structure of the temperature sensor 1, especially the elastic bracket 20, is relatively simple. In addition, if there is a measurement object 100 and a support surface facing the measurement object 100, such as the lower wall surface 204, the temperature sensor 1 can be attached only by inserting the elastic bracket 20 into the measurement space 207 therebetween. That is, the attachment operation of the temperature sensor 1 to the measurement object 100 is relatively easy.

[0079] Furthermore, the elastic bracket 20 is provided as a single component in which the connection piece 21, the first spring piece 23, and the second spring piece 25 are continuous by punching and bending a plate made of a metal material. Therefore, the temperature sensor 1 can be manufactured at a low cost. In particular, since the elastic bracket 20 is provided with the holding pieces 24, 24 that are responsible for fixing the protection body 17 and the first spring piece 23 as a whole, it is superior in cost and workability of holding by crimping compared to making them as separate parts.

[0080] In the temperature sensor 1, since the protection body 17 is supported by the first spring piece 23 on the second surface 173 side facing the first surface 171, the first surface 171 can be directly brought into contact with the measurement object 100. Therefore, according to the temperature sensor 1, it is possible to achieve temperature measurement with excellent thermal responsiveness compared to measurement via other components.

[0081] [Modification of the first embodiment: Figure 4 , Figure 5 ]

[0082] Below, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 A modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0083] In the above, an example of measuring the temperature of the object 100 set on the support 200 is shown. Figure 4As shown in FIG. 1 , if the support body 210 is placed opposite to the object 100 and separated by a predetermined distance, the temperature of the object 100 obtained by the temperature sensor 1 can be measured. Figure 4 var1).

[0084] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, the holding position of the elastic bracket 20 relative to the first spring piece 23 can be changed. Figure 4 The temperature sensor 2 shown is a first spring piece 23, which holds the protection body 17 on a second surface 23B facing the second spring piece 25 ( Figure 4 var2).

[0085] In the temperature sensor 2, most of the protection body 17 and the heat-sensitive body 11, which is the main part of the sensor element 10, are hidden between the first spring piece 23 and the second spring piece 25. Therefore, according to the temperature sensor 2, the protection body 17 has high tolerance to changes in the surrounding environment such as temperature and gas environment.

[0086] Heat from the object 100 is transferred to the protector 17 and the heat-sensitive body 11 via the first spring piece 23. However, if the elastic bracket 20 is made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, the thermal responsiveness is equivalent to that when the protector 17 is in direct contact with the object 100.

[0087] Then, if Figure 5 As shown, the second spring piece 25 of the temperature sensor 3 is composed of a first portion 251 and a second portion 252 connected at a predetermined inclination angle θ2 ( Figure 5 var3). As long as the inclination angle θ2 is appropriately set, the second part 252 can be in surface contact with the stop surface when arranged in a fixed position, so the friction force of the second part 252 relative to the stop surface can be increased compared with the temperature sensor 1 with point (line) contact. Therefore, the temperature sensor 3 can prevent or reduce positional deviation in the measurement space 207.

[0088] As a means for preventing or reducing positional deviation in the measurement space 207, it is also possible to Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , an anti-slip tape 27 ( 25A ) made of a material with a large friction coefficient is attached to the first surface 25A of the second spring piece 25 and its rear end side. Figure 5 var4). For the same purpose, Figure 5 The temperature sensor 5 shown in the figure can also be provided with an anti-loosening claw 28 ( Figure 5 var5).

[0089] [Second embodiment: Figure 6 ]

[0090] Next, refer to Figure 6 The temperature sensor 6 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0091] The temperature sensor 6 is provided with a structure for maintaining a fixed position for temperature measurement on the protection body 17. The temperature sensor 6 has the same structure as the temperature sensor 1 according to the first embodiment except for this structure. Therefore, the following description of the temperature sensor 6 will focus on matters related to this structure.

[0092] The temperature sensor 6 includes a locking protrusion 17C on the protector 17. The locking protrusion 17C is provided, for example, on the first surface 171 of the protector 17 and the rear end of the protector 17. The locking protrusion 17C protrudes from the first surface 171 by a predetermined amount over the entire width direction W of the protector 17 and is formed integrally with the protector 17.

[0093] The locking groove 206 into which the locking protrusion 17C fits is formed on the measured object 100. The locking groove 206 preferably has a shape and a size in which the locking protrusion 17C fits without a gap.

[0094] The temperature sensor 1 is inserted into the measurement space 207 from the opening 205 of the bracket 200 from the side of the connection piece 21 of the elastic bracket 20 supporting the protection body 17 having the locking protrusion 17C ( Figure 6 Step 1). At this time, as in the first embodiment, a compressive load is generated in the elastic bracket 20. If the elastic bracket 20 is further pushed toward the inner side of the measurement space 207, the elastic bracket 20 moves forward while the locking protrusion 17C slides on the measurement object 100 (not shown). When the elastic bracket 20 moves forward to the fixed position, the locking protrusion 17C is embedded in the locking groove 206 ( Figure 6 Step 2), the attachment of the temperature sensor 1 to the measurement object 100 is completed.

[0095] [Effects of the temperature sensor 6 (second embodiment)]

[0096] The locking protrusion 17C formed integrally with the protection body 17 is embedded in the locking groove 206, and the protection body 17 is fixed to the elastic bracket 20 by crimping, for example. Therefore, even if factors such as vibration occur around the temperature sensor 1, the temperature sensor 1 stays at a fixed position, and the temperature of the measurement object 100 can be stably measured.

[0097] The locking protrusion 17C of the temperature sensor 6 can be formed integrally with the protection body 17 by injection molding, for example. In the present invention, the component corresponding to the locking protrusion 17C and the protection body 17 can also be manufactured as separate bodies and assembled to the elastic bracket 20, but forming the locking protrusion 17C integrally can not only suppress the manufacturing cost but also save the workload of the assembly operation.

[0098] In addition, the location of the locking protrusion 17C on the protection body 17 is not limited to the rear end of the protection body 17 , and may be, for example, the front end of the protection body 17 or a location between the front end and the rear end.

[0099] In addition, a structure replacing the locking protrusion 17C may be provided on the elastic bracket 20. For example, a locking protrusion may be provided so as to protrude from one or both sides of the first spring piece 23 in the width direction W. The locking protrusion may be formed integrally with the first spring piece 23.

[0100] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the locking protrusion 17C is provided on the temperature sensor 6 side, and the locking groove 206 is provided on the measurement object 100 side, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to provide a structure equivalent to the locking protrusion 17C on the measurement object 100 side, and a structure equivalent to the locking groove 206 on the protection body 17 side.

[0101] As described above, the present embodiment can include a structure between the temperature sensor 6 and the object 100 that suppresses positional deviation of the temperature sensor 6 relative to the object 100 .

[0102] Description of symbols

[0103] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Temperature sensors

[0104] 10 Sensor element

[0105] 11. Heat-sensitive body

[0106] 12 Electrodes

[0107] 13 Lead

[0108] 15 Trunk Line

[0109] 16 Sealing layer

[0110] 17 Protector

[0111] 17A holding part

[0112] 17B Heat-sensitive part

[0113] 17C Locking protrusion

[0114] 171 Page 1

[0115] 173 Page 2

[0116] 20 Elastic bracket

[0117] 21 Connector

[0118] 21A 1st connecting piece

[0119] 21B 2nd connecting piece

[0120] 23 1st spring piece

[0121] 23A Page 1

[0122] 23B Page 2

[0123] 24 holding sheet

[0124] 25 2nd spring piece

[0125] 25A Part 1

[0126] 25B Part 2

[0127] 25C Page 1

[0128] 27 Anti-slip tape

[0129] 28 Anti-loose claw

[0130] 100 Measurement object

[0131] 200 Bracket

[0132] 201 upper wall

[0133] 202 lower wall

[0134] 203 upper wall

[0135] 204 lower wall

[0136] 205 Opening

[0137] 206 locking groove

[0138] 207 Measurement Space

[0139] 210 Support

[0140] L Length direction

[0141] T thickness direction

[0142] W Width direction

[0143] V Vertical direction

[0144] PL imaginary line

[0145] θ1, θ2 tilt angle

Claims

1. A temperature sensor, characterized in that: have: A sensor element having a heat-sensitive body for detecting the temperature of a measurement object and a protective body for accommodating the heat-sensitive body; and an elastic bracket that holds the protection body and applies an elastic force to the protection body toward the object to be measured, The elastic bracket has: A first spring piece having a first surface and a second surface on the back side of the first surface, and holding the protection body by fixing on the first surface; a second spring piece, facing the second surface of the first spring piece; and The connecting piece of the first spring piece and the second spring piece, The first spring piece is fixed to hold the protection body while avoiding the heat-sensitive body.

2. The temperature sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that The first spring piece includes one end and the other end, is connected to the connection piece at the one end, and is fixed to the protection body at a position closer to the other end than the one end.

3. The temperature sensor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The protection body is fixed by a holding piece formed integrally with the first spring piece.

4. The temperature sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that The protective body has one end and another end. The holding piece fixes the one end side of the protection body.

5. The temperature sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that The above-mentioned protection body has: A holding portion, fixed by the holding piece, disposed on the side of the one end; and The heat-sensitive part is sealed with the heat-sensitive body. The holding portion has a thinner wall thickness than the heat sensitive portion.

6. The temperature sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that The protection body is held in contact with the first surface. The height of the heat sensitive portion is higher than the holding piece that holds the holding portion, with the first surface as a reference.

7. The temperature sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that The above-mentioned protection body has: a holding portion fixed by the holding sheet; and The heat-sensitive part is sealed with the heat-sensitive body. The heat-sensitive part has: A flat heat-sensitive surface in contact with the object to be measured; and The supporting surface is opposed to the heat-sensitive surface in parallel and is supported by the flat first spring piece.

8. A temperature measurement structure, characterized in that: The device comprises a measurement object, a support body facing the measurement object, and a temperature sensor attached between the measurement object and the support body. The above temperature sensor has: a sensor element having a heat-sensitive body for detecting the temperature of the object to be measured and a protective body for accommodating the heat-sensitive body; and an elastic bracket that holds the protection body and applies an elastic force to the protection body toward the object to be measured, The elastic bracket has: A first spring piece having a first surface and a second surface on the back side of the first surface, and holding the protection body by fixing on the first surface; a second spring piece, facing the second surface of the first spring piece; and The connecting piece of the first spring piece and the second spring piece, The first spring piece is fixed to hold the protection body while avoiding the heat-sensitive body.

Images