TEMPERATURE SENSOR

Abstract

A temperature sensor comprises: a sensor element (10) having a thermosensitive body (11) configured to detect a temperature of a measurement object (100), and a protector (17) accommodating the thermosensitive body (11) inside; and an elastic clamp (20) holding the protector (17) and configured to apply an elastic force to the protector (17) toward the measurement object (100). The elastic clamp (20) comprises a first spring piece (23) holding the protector (17), a second spring piece (25) facing the first spring piece (23), and a connecting piece (21) of the first spring piece (23) and the second spring piece (25).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor that measures a temperature of a measurement object while being pressed against the measurement object using an elastic force. background

[0002] As a temperature sensor that is pressed against a measurement object using an elastic force, for example, a temperature sensor disclosed in Patent Literature 1 and a temperature sensor disclosed in Patent Literature 2 are known.

[0003] Patent Literature 1 discloses a temperature sensor mounted on a rectangular electric wire to detect a temperature of the electric wire. The temperature sensor includes a sensor holder, a sensor body held by the sensor holder, a thermosensitive body, and lead wires electrically connected to the thermosensitive body, and a clip attached to the sensor holder that presses the electric wire against the sensor body by an elastic force.

[0004] According to Patent Literature 1, a plurality of parts (a sensor holder, an electric wire holder, and a pad) made of resin are used in addition to the clip to attach the temperature sensor to a coil. Therefore, the number of parts is large. Patent Literature 2 solves this problem. In Patent Literature 2, a temperature sensor with a thermosensitive body and a metal clamp that attaches the temperature sensor to a coil are provided. The clamp includes a clamp main body that clamps the coil by elastic force and a connecting portion that is connected to the temperature sensor. The clamp main body includes 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. Citation listPatent literature Patent literature 1: JP 6005893 B2 Patent literature 2: JP 6674070 B2 Summary of the inventionTechnical problem

[0005] The temperature sensor disclosed in Patent Literature 2 is based on the premise that the coil as a measurement object is clamped by the clamping portion. In other words, the temperature sensor disclosed in Patent Literature 2 requires provision of the clamping portion and an operation for clamping the coil.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a temperature sensor which is pressed against a measurement object by elastic force and which is easily mounted on the measurement object while having a simpler configuration. Solution to the problem

[0007] A temperature sensor according to the present invention comprises: a sensor element having a thermosensitive body configured to detect a temperature of a measurement object and a protector accommodating the thermosensitive body inside; and an elastic clamp holding the protector and configured to apply an elastic force to the protector toward the measurement object.

[0008] The elastic clamp according to the present invention comprises a first spring piece holding the protector, a second spring piece facing the first spring piece, and a connecting piece of the first spring piece and the second spring piece.

[0009] In the bracket according to the present invention, the first spring piece preferably comprises a second surface facing the second spring piece and a first surface on a back side of the second surface, and the protector is preferably held in contact with the first surface.

[0010] In the bracket according to the present invention, the first spring piece preferably includes a second surface facing the second spring piece and a first surface on a back side of the second surface, and the protector is preferably held in contact with the second surface.

[0011] The protector according to the present invention is preferably held by a holding piece by crimping which is integrally provided on the first spring piece.

[0012] The protector according to the present invention preferably comprises a holding portion held by the holding piece and a thermosensitive portion sealing the thermosensitive body, and the holding portion preferably has a thinner thickness than the thermosensitive portion.

[0013] In the temperature sensor according to the present invention, the protector is preferably held in contact with the first surface, and the thermosensitive portion preferably has a greater height than the holding piece that holds the holding portion with the first surface as a reference.

[0014] In the temperature sensor according to the present invention, the protector preferably comprises a holding portion held by the holding piece, and a thermosensitive portion sealing the thermosensitive body. The thermosensitive portion includes a flat thermosensitive surface for contacting the measurement object, and a supported surface parallel to the thermosensitive surface and supported by a flat surface of the first spring piece.

[0015] The present invention provides a temperature measuring structure comprising: a measurement object; a support facing the measurement object; and a temperature sensor mounted between the measurement object and the support.

[0016] In the temperature measuring structure according to the present invention, the temperature sensor includes a sensor element including a thermosensitive body configured to detect a temperature of the measurement object, and a protector accommodating the thermosensitive body inside, and a bracket having a U-shaped compression spring that holds the protector.

[0017] The clamp according to the present invention comprises a first spring piece configured to apply an elastic force to the protector toward the measurement object, a second spring piece pressed against the carrier by the elastic force. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0018] The temperature sensor according to the present invention includes the U-shaped elastic clamp. Accordingly, in the temperature sensor, the configuration of the elastic clamp is particularly simple. Furthermore, when the measurement object and a support surface face the measurement object, such as a lower wall surface, the temperature sensor can be mounted in a measurement space simply by inserting the elastic clamp between them. In other words, the temperature sensor is easily mounted on the measurement object.

[0019] Furthermore, the elastic clamp is provided as a single member in which the connecting piece, the first spring piece, and the second spring piece are continued through a stamping and bending process using the plate member made of the metal material. Accordingly, the temperature sensor is manufactured at a low cost. In particular, since the retaining piece that fixes the protector is integrally formed with the first spring piece, the elastic clamp has excellent cost and crimping processability compared to a case where the retaining piece is provided as a separate member. Short description of drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a temperature sensor according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a side view of the temperature sensor according to the first embodiment and a plan view showing main portions of a sensor element. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating steps for mounting the temperature sensor according to the first embodiment to a measurement object. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first variation (var 1) and a second variation (var 2) of the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a third variation (var 3), a fourth variation (var 4), and a fifth variation (var 5) of the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a temperature sensor according to a second embodiment and a diagram illustrating steps for mounting the temperature sensor to a measurement object. Description of implementation examples

[0020] A temperature sensor 1 according to an embodiment is described.

[0021] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the temperature sensor 1 includes a sensor element 10 having a thermosensitive body 11, which is a main element of temperature measurement, and an elastic clamp 20 that holds the sensor element 10 and presses the sensor element 10 against a measurement object by elastic force. Examples of the measurement object by the temperature sensor 1 include a stator coil and a bus bar of an electric motor, as disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 and 2, for example, having a flat surface to be detected against which the sensor element 10 is pressed by elasticity. Configurations of the sensor element 10 and the elastic clamp 20 will be described sequentially below. [Sensor element 10: Figure 1 and Figure 2]

[0022] The configuration of the sensor element 10 is described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described.

[0023] The sensor element 10 includes the thermosensitive body 11 that detects temperature, electrodes 12 provided on opposite two surfaces of the thermosensitive body 11, paired lead wires 13 electrically connected to the thermosensitive body 11 through the respective electrodes 12, and a sealing layer 16 covering the thermosensitive body 11. The sensor element 10 further includes an electrically insulating protector 17 that houses and seals the thermosensitive body 11 inside, which is covered with the sealing layer 16, and the lead wires 13, a part of which is covered with the sealing layer 16.

[0024] A metal oxide or a metal having properties in which an electrical resistance value varies with a change in temperature is used for the thermosensitive body 11. A constant current is caused to flow through the thermosensitive body 11 through the paired lead wires 13, a voltage between the electrodes 12 of the thermosensitive body 11 is measured by a measuring device, a resistance value is determined from Ohm's law (E = IR), and a temperature is detected accordingly.

[0025] As the metal oxide, a thermistor (thermally sensitive resistor) is suitably used, and an NTC thermistor (negative temperature coefficient thermistor) with a negative temperature coefficient is typically used. Platinum (e.g., Pt100; JIS-C1604) is suitably used as the metal.

[0026] The electrodes 12 electrically connect the thermosensitive body 11 and the lead wires 13, and they are preferably made of a precious metal such as gold and platinum.

[0027] The lead wires 13 are conductive wires that cause the constant current to flow through the thermosensitive body 11, and a metal material with high electrical conductivity, typically copper, is used for the lead wires 13. A dumet wire is suitably used as each of the lead wires 13. The dumet wire is a composite wire in which an inner layer of an iron-nickel alloy is covered with an outer layer of copper.

[0028] Glass is used as the sealing layer 16. Particularly, in a case where Dumet wires are used as the lead wires 13, breakage of the sealing layer 16 caused by thermal expansion of the lead wires 13 is prevented because a linear expansion coefficient of an iron-nickel alloy is close to a linear expansion coefficient of glass.

[0029] The lead wires 13 are electrical wires that cause the constant current to flow through the thermosensitive body 11. Further connected to the lead wires 13 are electrical wires that are directly connected to the thermosensitive body 11 in some cases, and the electrical wires that are indirectly connected to the thermosensitive body 11 are referred to as relay wires 15.

[0030] The sealing layer 16 is provided to prevent chemical changes and physical changes from occurring in the thermosensitive body 11 by enclosing and sealing the thermosensitive body 11 in an airtight state. Glass is preferably used as the sealing layer 16; however, 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.

[0031] The protector 17 protects the thermosensitive body 11 and the lead wires 13 from an external force such as an externally applied influence and contributes to electrical insulation between the thermosensitive body 11 and the measurement object.

[0032] The protector 17 is made of, for example, a fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA). Besides these resin materials, the protector 17 may be made of any suitable resin material other than a thermoplastic resin and a thermosetting resin. The protector 17 may be manufactured, for example, by performing injection molding in a cavity of a mold while the thermosensitive body 11 and the like covered with the sealing layer 16 are arranged in the cavity.

[0033] If the protector 17 is made of a transparent resin, then the appearance of the thermosensitive body 11 can be viewed through the protector 17.

[0034] The protector 17 according to the present embodiment has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped appearance as an example.

[0035] The protector 17 includes a holding portion 17A held on the elastic clamp 20 by crimping, and a thermosensitive portion 17B that seals the thermosensitive body 11 and the like. The holding portion 17A and the thermosensitive portion 17B have the same dimensions in a width direction W but different dimensions in a thickness direction T. The holding portion 17A is thinner than the thermosensitive portion 17B. Note that in the sensor element 10, a side where the holding portion 17A of the protector 17 is provided is defined as a front side (F), and a side from which the relay wires 15 are drawn is defined as a back side (R), as shown in Fig. 2. The definition includes relative meanings. In addition, in the sensor element 10, a longitudinal direction L, the width direction W, and the thickness direction T are defined as shown in Fig. 2. The holding portion 17A is pressurized by holding pieces 24 of the elastic clamp 20. Therefore, for example, the thermosensitive body 11, which may be damaged, is disposed in the thermosensitive portion 17B while avoiding the holding portion 17A. In addition, the reason why the holding portion 17A is thinner than the thermosensitive portion 17B is that when the thermosensitive portion 17B has a greater height than the holding pieces 24 that crimp the holding portion 17A, the holding pieces 24 do not prevent contact of the thermosensitive portion 17B with a measurement object 100. This will be described with reference to the drawings in the description of the elastic clamp 20.

[0036] The protector 17 includes a first surface 171 and a second surface 173 that oppose each other. The first surface 171 and the second surface 173 are both flat and parallel to each other. When the temperature sensor 1 measures a temperature of the measurement object 100 (see Fig. 3), e.g., an electric coil, then the first surface 171 is pressed against the measurement object 100. Accordingly, the first surface 171 of the thermosensitive portion 17B serves as a thermosensitive surface that receives heat from the measurement object 100. A first surface 23A of a first spring piece 23 of the elastic clamp 20 holding the protector 17 and the second surface 173 are brought into surface contact with each other. In the present embodiment, the first surface 171 is provided only on the thermosensitive portion 17B, whereas the second surface 173 is continuously provided on the holding portion 17A and the thermosensitive portion 17B.

[0037] The sensor element 10 is not limited to the present embodiment, and an appearance shape of the protector 17 is not limited to the rectangular parallelepiped shape and can be changed to a shape corresponding to the measurement object. For example, in a case where a temperature measurement surface of the measurement object has a recessed arc surface, the protector may have a cylindrical shape conforming to the recessed arc surface. Furthermore, in a case where the temperature measurement surface has a recessed polygonal surface, the protector 17 may have a polygonal shape conforming to the recessed polygonal surface. In a case where the protector has the cylindrical shape, the second surface 173 is an arc surface. In a case where the protector has the polygonal shape, the second surface 173 is a polygonal surface.However, in order to maintain a stable support state by the first surface 23A of the first spring piece 23, the second surface 173, namely, a supported surface, is preferably a flat surface parallel to the first surface 171, namely, the thermosensitive surface. Furthermore, the thermosensitive body 11 may be covered with a protective member such as a tube made of an insulating material instead of the protector 17. Furthermore, the protector 17 may be made not only of one material but also of a variety of types of stacked materials. [Elastic clamp 20: Figure 1 and Figure 2]

[0038] In the following, the configuration of the elastic clamp 20 is described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described.

[0039] The elastic clamp 20 has a function of pressing the protector 17 of the sensor element 10 against the measurement object 100 by elastic force, in addition to the function of holding the sensor element 10. The elastic clamp 20 is preferably made of a metal material; however, the elastic clamp 20 may be made of a resin material. [Configuration of elastic clamp 20: Figure 1 and Figure 2]

[0040] The elastic clamp 20 includes a compression spring having a U-shape as a basic configuration, and the protector 17 is held by the compression spring. As is well known, the compression spring is a spring that generates an elastic force by receiving a compressive load. The elastic clamp 20 includes a connecting piece 21 having a U-shape and comprising a first connecting piece 21A and a second connecting piece 21B. The elastic clamp 20 includes the first spring piece 23 that communicates with one first connecting piece 21A of the connecting piece 21 and holds the protector 17, and a second spring piece 25 that communicates with the other second connecting piece 21B of the connecting piece 21.The elastic clamp 20 can be manufactured in such a manner that a material plate comprising portions corresponding to the connecting piece 21 integrally, the first spring piece 23 and the second spring piece 25 are manufactured by press-forming a metal plate, and mechanical processing is performed on the material plate.

[0041] In the elastic clamp 20, the first spring piece 23 and the second spring piece 25 are inclined by a predetermined inclination angle θ1 and face each other. When the elastic clamp 20 receives a load such that an interval between a free end of the first spring piece 23 and a free end of the second spring piece 25 is reduced, an elastic force is generated at the connecting piece 21. The elastic clamp 20 uses the elastic force to press the protector 17 against the measurement object 100 and to maintain the temperature sensor 1 at a predetermined position required for temperature measurement of the measurement object 100. [Connecting piece 21: Figure 1 and Figure 2]

[0042] In the case where the elastic bracket 20 is made of a metal material having a plate shape, the connecting piece 21 is formed by bending a flat plate member made of a metal material. Examples of an adopted metal material include an iron-based alloy, stainless steel, and phosphor bronze. Settlement caused by using the elastic bracket 20 as a spiral easily occurs in the connecting piece 21 compared to the first spring piece 23 and the second spring piece 25. Therefore, when selecting the material, it is preferable to consider the settlement in the connecting piece 21. In addition, a thickness of the elastic bracket 20 is selected taking into account an elastic force required for the elastic bracket 20 to be connected to the connecting piece 21. [First spring piece 23: Figure 1 and Figure 2]

[0043] The first spring piece 23 includes the first surface 23A and a second surface 23B, which are flat and parallel to each other. The protector 17 of the sensor element 10 is held by the first spring piece 23 while being arranged on the first surface 23A by the second surface 23B. The first spring piece 23 includes the paired holding pieces 24 for holding the protector 17. The holding pieces 24 are provided on respective sides of the first spring piece 23 in the width direction W and near the first connecting piece 21A of the connecting piece 21. The protector 17 is arranged on the first spring piece 23 such that the holding portion 17A is located in a region corresponding to the holding pieces 24, and is crimped and fixed to the first spring piece 23 by crimping the holding portion 17A with the holding pieces 24.The thermosensitive portion 17B positioned at the back (R) of the holding portion 17A fixed by the holding pieces 24 is simply supported by the first spring piece 23 without receiving any mechanical restraining force.

[0044] As an example, the first spring piece 23 does not support a partial area of ​​the protector 17 in the longitudinal direction L; however, the first spring piece 23 can press the protector 17 against the measurement object 100 by an elastic force to measure the temperature. Therefore, a problem such as detachment of the sensor element 10 from the protector 17 does not occur. An entire area of ​​the protector 17 in the longitudinal direction L can be supported by the first spring piece 23, and the first spring piece 23 can naturally extend over the protector 17 in the longitudinal direction L. In other words, a length L23 of the first spring piece 23 and a length L17 of the protector 17 (thermosensitive portion 17B) have a relationship of any one of L23 < L17, L23 = L17, and L23 > L17. In a case of L23 < L17, L23 ≥ 1 / 2 × L17 is suitable for sufficiently pressing the protector 17 against the measuring object 100.In a case of L23 > L17, even if the first spring piece 23 is longer than required, the first spring piece 23 no longer contributes to pressing the protector 17 against the measurement object 100. Therefore, L23 ≤ L17 is preferable.

[0045] As a suitable example for ensuring safe wearing of the protector 17, a dimension of the first spring piece 23 and a dimension of the protector 17 in the width direction W are equal to each other, namely, W23 = W17. However, the dimension of the first spring piece 23 and the dimension of the protector 17 in the width direction W may satisfy W23 < W17 or W23 > W17 as long as the protector 17 can be worn without problems.

[0046] Crimping is used as a fastening means for fastening the protector 17 of the sensor element 10 to the first spring piece 23; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, any other fastening means, such as fastening by anchoring, fastening by an adhesive, and fastening by bonding, may be adopted. Fastening using the holding pieces 24 does not require another member, such as a bolt, as an anchoring means. Therefore, fastening by crimping can reduce the number of required members. In addition, crimping by crimping the holding pieces 24 has high reliability of mechanical retention and can realize holding of the sensor element 10 for a long period of time. [Second spring piece 25: Figure 1 and Figure 2]

[0047] The second spring piece 25 is described below.

[0048] The second spring piece 25 presses the protector 17 held by the first spring piece 23 against the measuring object 100 by elastic force, for example, by abutting against a supporting surface provided to face the measuring object 100.

[0049] To perform the function, the second spring piece 25 has the inclination angle θ1 (θ1 > 0 degrees) to the first spring piece 23. In the present invention, the inclination angle θ1 is an angle formed by the second spring piece 25 and a virtual line PL parallel to the first spring piece 23, as shown in Fig. 2. When the inclination angle θ1 is 0 degrees, it is difficult to generate the elastic force for pressing the first spring piece 23 against the measurement object 100 because the first spring piece 23 and the second spring piece 25 are parallel to each other. The generated elastic force increases as the inclination angle θ1 increases. Therefore, the inclination angle θ1 preferably increases within an allowable range. However, it is preferable to set a dimension of a measurement space 207 (see FIG. Fig. 3, details of which will be described below) at which the elastic clamp 20 is arranged is taken into account. For example, if the inclination angle θ1 is excessively large, whereas the dimension in a height direction (H) in which the elastic force is generated is small, then a load for inserting the elastic clamp 20 into the measuring space 207 increases.

[0050] As a result, working efficiency is prevented, or the protector 17 is pressed against the measuring object 100 with a load more than necessary, which may damage the protector 17.

[0051] The dimensions of the second spring piece 25 in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W are not particularly limited as long as the second spring piece 25 performs the function. In the present embodiment, the second spring piece 25 has the dimension in the longitudinal direction L required for exposing a rear end portion of the second spring piece 25 to the outside when the temperature sensor 1 is arranged at the predetermined position where the temperature measurement of the measurement object 100 is performed (hereinafter simply referred to as a predetermined position). Regarding the width direction W, a case where the dimension of the second spring piece 25 is larger than the dimension of the first spring piece 23 is illustrated as an example. [Mounting of temperature sensor 1 at a predetermined position: Figure 3]

[0052] In the following, a procedure for mounting the temperature sensor 1 at the predetermined position to measure the temperature of the measurement object 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 described.

[0053] The measurement object 100 described here is supported by a holder 200. The holder 200 includes an upper wall 201 and a lower wall 202 provided at an interval from the upper wall 201 in a vertical direction V. The upper wall 201 and the lower wall 202 each include an upper wall surface 203 and a lower wall surface 204. The measurement object 100 is fixed to the upper wall surface 203 of the upper wall 201, and the temperature sensor 1 is mounted in the measurement space 207 between the measurement object 100 and the lower wall surface 204. Note that a dimension of the measurement space 207 in the vertical direction V is determined so as to generate an elastic force on the elastic bracket 20.

[0054] In particular, the temperature sensor 1 is inserted from the side of the connecting piece 21 of the elastic clamp 20 into the measuring space 207 through an opening 205 of the holder 200 (step 1 in Fig. 3). At this time, the first surface 171 of the protector 17, supported by the first spring piece 23 of the elastic clamp 20, comes into surface contact with the measurement object 100. On the other hand, the second spring piece 25 of the elastic clamp 20 abuts the bottom wall surface 204, and the compressive load is accordingly generated on the elastic clamp 20.

[0055] After the temperature sensor 1 is pushed toward an innermost part of the measuring space 207, and the protector 17 of the temperature sensor 1 reaches the predetermined position (step 2 in Fig. 3), pressing of the temperature sensor 1 is terminated. At this time, the interval between the first spring piece 23 and the second spring piece 25 is narrower than the interval at the start of insertion (step 1 in Fig. 3). Therefore, the elastic force is generated on the elastic clamp 20 in a direction to expand the interval between the first spring piece 23 and the second spring piece 25. As a result, the first surface 171 of the protector 17 is pressed against the measurement object 100. In addition, the elastic clamp 20 can be fixed at this position because the second spring piece 25 presses the lower wall surface 204 in a downward direction in the drawing.

[0056] In the temperature sensor 1 mounted in the measurement space 207, the protector 17 is in contact with the measurement object 100, whereas the holding pieces 24 that crimp the holding portion 17A are not in contact with the measurement object 100. This is because, when the first surface 23A is considered as a reference, the protector 17 has a larger dimension in the height direction, namely, a larger height than the holding pieces 24. This structure is realized by making the thickness of the holding portion 17A of the protector 17 thinner than the thickness of the thermosensitive portion 17B of the protector 17. [Effects achieved by temperature sensor 1 (first embodiment)]

[0057] The temperature sensor 1 described above achieves the following effects.

[0058] The temperature sensor 1 includes the U-shaped electrical clamp 20. Accordingly, in the temperature sensor 1, the configuration of the elastic clamp 20 is particularly simple. Furthermore, when the measurement object 100 and the support surface face the measurement object 100, for example, the lower wall surface 42, the temperature sensor 1 can be mounted only by inserting the elastic clamp 20 into the measurement space 207 therebetween. In other words, the temperature sensor 1 is easily mounted on the measurement object 100.

[0059] Furthermore, the elastic clamp 20 is provided as a single member in which the connecting piece 21, the first spring piece 23, and the second spring piece 25 are continued through a punching and bending process using the plate member made of the metal material. Accordingly, the temperature sensor 1 is manufactured at a low cost. In particular, since the holding pieces 24 that fix the protector 17 are integrally formed with the first spring piece 23, the elastic clamp 20 has excellent cost and holding processability by crimping compared to a case where the holding pieces 24 are provided as separate members.

[0060] Furthermore, in the temperature sensor 1, the protector 17 is supported by the first spring piece 23 on the second surface 173 side opposite to the first surface 171, thereby allowing the first surface 171 to be brought into direct contact with the measurement object 100. Thus, according to the temperature sensor 1, it is possible to realize temperature measurement with excellent thermal response compared to a case where another member is interposed. [Variations of the first embodiment: Figure 4 and Figure 5]

[0061] Variations of the first embodiment are described below with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 described.

[0062] The example in which the temperature of the measurement object 100 provided on the holder 200 is measured is described above. When there is a carrier 210 facing the measurement object 100 at a predetermined interval, as shown in Fig. 4, then the temperature sensor 1 can measure the temperature of the measuring object 100 (var 1 in Fig. 4).

[0063] In addition, as in Fig. 4, the holding position of the elastic clamp 20 on the first spring piece 23 can be changed. In particular, in a Fig. 4, the protector 17 is held by the second surface 23B of the first spring piece 23 facing the second spring piece 25 (var 2 in Fig. 4).

[0064] In the temperature sensor 2, most of the protector 17 and the thermosensitive body 11 as a main portion of the sensor element 10 are hidden between the first spring piece 23 and the second spring piece 25. Thus, according to the temperature sensor 2, resistance of the protector 17 to an environment, e.g., to changes in temperature and atmosphere, is high.

[0065] Heat from the measurement object 100 is transferred to the protector 17 and the thermosensitive body 11 through the first spring piece 23. However, if the elastic clamp 20 is made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, the thermal response is equivalent to the thermal response when the protector 17 comes into direct contact with the measurement object 100.

[0066] In the following, as in Fig. 5, the second spring piece 25 of a temperature sensor 3 has a first portion 251 and a second portion 252 which are in communication with each other at a predetermined inclination angle θ2 (var 3 in Fig. 5). Appropriately adjusting the inclination angle θ2 allows the second portion 252 to be brought into surface contact with a locking surface when the temperature sensor 3 is disposed at the predetermined position. Accordingly, compared with the temperature sensor 1, which comes into point (line) contact with the locking surface, a frictional force of the second portion 252 on the locking surface can be increased. Thus, the temperature sensor 3 can prevent or reduce displacement in the measurement space 207.

[0067] As a means for preventing or reducing offset in the measuring space 207 as shown in Fig. 5, a non-sliding band 27 made of a material having a high friction coefficient may be bonded to a rear end portion on the first surface 25A of the second spring piece 25 (var 4 in Fig. 5). For a similar purpose, a Fig. 5, a plug claw 28 formed by bending a rear end of the second spring piece 25 may be provided (var 5 in Fig. 5). [Second embodiment: Figure 6]

[0068] In the following, a temperature sensor 6 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 described.

[0069] The temperature sensor 6 includes a configuration for maintaining the temperature sensor 6 at the predetermined position where temperature measurement is performed on the protector 17. Other than this configuration, the temperature sensor 6 has the configuration corresponding to the configuration of the temperature sensor 1 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the temperature sensor 6 will be described below, focusing on matters related to this configuration.

[0070] The temperature sensor 6 includes a locking protrusion 17C on the protector 17. As an example, the locking protrusion 17C is provided at a rear end of the protector 17 on the first surface 171 of the protector 17. The locking protrusion 17C protrudes by a predetermined amount from the first surface 171 over an entire area of ​​the protector 17 in the width direction W and is integrally formed with the protector 17.

[0071] A locking groove 206, into which the locking projection 17C is fitted, is formed on the measurement object 100. The locking groove 206 preferably has a shape and a dimension that allow the locking projection 17C to fit without a gap.

[0072] The temperature sensor 1 is inserted from the side of the connecting piece 21 of the elastic clamp 20, which carries the protector 17 including the locking projection 17C, into the measuring space 207 through the opening 205 of the holder 200 (step 1 in Fig. 6). At this time, the compressive load is generated on the elastic clamp 20 as in the first embodiment. When the elastic clamp 20 is further pressed toward the innermost part of the measuring space 207, the elastic clamp 20 advances while the locking projection 17C is displaced on the measuring object 100, even though illustration is omitted. When the elastic clamp 20 advances to the predetermined position, the locking projection 17C is fitted into the locking groove 206 (step 2 in Fig. 6), and mounting of the temperature sensor 1 to the measuring object 100 is completed. [Effects achieved by temperature sensor 6 (second embodiment)]

[0073] The locking protrusion 17C integrally formed with the protector 17 is fitted into the locking groove 206, and the protector 17 is fixed to the elastic clamp 20 by crimping, for example. Therefore, the temperature sensor 1 remains at the predetermined position and can stably measure the temperature of the measurement object 100 even when vibration or the like occurs around the temperature sensor 1.

[0074] The locking projection 17C provided on the temperature sensor 6 can be integrally formed with the protector 17, for example, by injection molding. In the present invention, a member corresponding to the locking projection 17C can be manufactured separately from the protector 17 and assembled to the elastic bracket 20; however, integrally forming the locking projection 17C makes it possible to suppress manufacturing costs and eliminate assembly work.

[0075] Note that a formation position of the locking protrusion 17C of the protector 17 is not limited to the rear end of the protector 17. For example, the locking protrusion 17C may be provided at a front end of the protector 17 or at any position between the front end and the rear end.

[0076] In addition, a configuration may be provided on the elastic bracket 20 to replace the locking protrusion 17C. For example, a locking protrusion may be provided to protrude from one side or both sides of the first spring piece 23 in the width direction W. The locking protrusion may be integrally formed with the first spring piece 23.

[0077] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the locking protrusion 17C is provided on the temperature sensor 6, and the locking groove 206 is provided in the measurement object 100; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. A configuration corresponding to the locking protrusion 17C may be provided on the measurement object 100, and a configuration corresponding to the locking groove 206 may be provided in the protector 17.

[0078] As described above, the present embodiment may include the configuration between the temperature sensor 6 and the measurement object 100 that prevents the temperature sensor 6 from being displaced relative to the measurement object 100. List of reference symbols 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Temperature sensor 10 Sensor element 11 Thermosensitive body 12 Electrode 13 Lead wire 15 relay wire 16 Sealing layer 17 Protector 17A holding section 17B Thermosensitive section 17C Locking projection 171 First Surface 173 Second Surface 20 Elastic clamp 21 connecting piece 21A First connecting piece 21B Second connecting piece 23 First spring piece 23A First Surface 23B Second surface 24 Holding piece 25 Second spring piece 25A First Section 25B Second Section 25C First surface 27 Non-sliding belt 28 Plug claw 100 measuring objects 200 holders 201 Upper Wall 202 Lower Wall 203 Upper wall surface 204 Lower wall surface 205 Opening 206 locking groove 207 Measuring room 210 carriers L Longitudinal direction T Thickness direction W Width direction V Vertical direction PL Virtual Line θ1, θ2 inclination angle QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 6005893 B2

[0004] JP 6674070 B2

[0004]

Claims

[1] A temperature sensor comprising: a sensor element having a thermosensitive body configured to detect a temperature of a measurement object and a protector accommodating the thermosensitive body inside; and an elastic clamp holding the protector and configured to apply an elastic force to the protector in the direction of the measurement object, wherein the elastic clamp comprises a first spring piece holding the protector, a second spring piece facing the first spring piece, and a connecting piece of the first spring piece and the second spring piece. [2] The temperature sensor according to claim 1, wherein the first spring piece comprises a second surface facing the second spring piece and a first surface on a back side of the second surface, and the protector is kept in contact with the first surface. [3] The temperature sensor according to claim 1, wherein the first spring piece comprises a second surface facing the second spring piece and a first surface on a back side of the second surface, and the protector is kept in contact with the second surface. [4] The temperature sensor according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the protector is held by a holding piece integrally provided on the first spring piece. [5] The temperature sensor according to claim 4, wherein the protector comprises a holding portion held by the holding piece and a thermosensitive portion sealing the thermosensitive body, and the holding section has a thinner thickness than the thermosensitive section. [6] The temperature sensor according to claim 5, wherein the protector is held in contact with the first surface, and the thermosensitive portion has a greater height than the holding piece that holds the holding portion with the first surface as a reference. [7] The temperature sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protector comprises a holding portion held by the holding piece and a thermosensitive portion sealing the thermosensitive body, and the thermosensitive portion comprises a flat thermosensitive surface for coming into surface contact with the measurement object, and a supported surface parallel to the thermosensitive surface and supported by a flat surface of the first spring piece 23A. [8] A temperature measuring structure comprising: a measuring object; a support facing the measuring object; and a temperature sensor mounted between the measuring object and the carrier, wherein the temperature sensor comprises a sensor element including a thermosensitive body configured to detect a temperature of the measurement object, a protector accommodating the thermosensitive body inside, and an elastic clamp holding the protector and configured to apply an elastic force to the protector toward the measurement object, and the elastic clamp comprises a first spring piece holding the protector, a second spring piece facing the first spring piece, and a connecting piece of the first spring piece and the second spring piece.

Images