Sensor unit and sensor assembly

Abstract

To provide a sensor unit and a sensor assembly which can suppress removal of a resin molded part.SOLUTION: The sensor unit according to an embodiment includes: a sensor element; a pair of conductive members extending from the sensor element in parallel to one another; and a resin molded part for covering a part of the pair of conductive members. The pair of conductive members include: a base end part connected to the sensor element; a top end part on the opposite side to side where the base end part is located; and a middle part with a through-hole, the middle part being between the base end part and the top end part. The resin molded part covers the base end part and the middle part while exposing the top end part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to a sensor unit and a sensor assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to use a sensor to measure the state of a fluid or the like in a structure. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a sensor unit is provided on the wall of a flow passage of an engine to measure the temperature of a fluid such as a lubricant, a coolant, or a fuel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 2485023 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the sensor unit disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the polymer body is molded onto the lead conductor connected to the temperature sensor element, the polymer body may come off from the lead conductor.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides a sensor unit and a sensor assembly capable of suppressing the removal of a resin molded portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A sensor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor element, a pair of conductive members extending parallel to each other from the sensor element, and a resin molded portion covering a part of the pair of conductive members. The pair of conductive members includes a base end connected to the sensor element, a tip end opposite the base end, and an intermediate portion having a through hole between the base end and the tip end. The resin molded portion covers the base end and the intermediate portion while exposing the tip end.

[0007] A sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor element and a pair of conductive members extending parallel to each other from the sensor element, the pair of conductive members including a base end connected to the sensor element, a tip end opposite the base end, and an intermediate portion having a through hole between the base end and the tip end. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the sensor unit or the sensor assembly of one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the resin molded portion from coming off. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sensor unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sensor assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part IV in FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a plan view of a pair of conductive members and a first molded portion according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a pair of conductive members and a first molded portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a step of inserting a sensor unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a fitting step of the sensor unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a creepage distance according to a comparative example. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a creepage distance according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a pair of conductive members and a first molded portion according to a first modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a pair of conductive members and a first molded portion according to a second modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] <Embodiment> The sensor unit and the sensor assembly of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The sensor unit 9 of the embodiment is provided in a flow path through which the fluid flows, or in a structure such as a tank in which the fluid is stored, in order to measure the temperature of the fluid, such as cooling water or oil.

[0011] (Sensor unit configuration) 1 and 2, a sensor unit 9 of the present embodiment includes a sensor assembly 1, a resin molded portion 4, a first seal member 5, and a second seal member 6. The sensor assembly 1 includes a sensor element 2 and a pair of conductive members 3.

[0012] (Configuration of sensor element) The sensor element 2 is provided across a pair of conductive members 3. Both ends of the sensor element 2 are joined (e.g., soldered) to the pair of conductive members 3. The sensor element 2 is a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the fluid. The sensor element 2 is, for example, a thermistor. The electrical characteristics of the sensor element 2, which correspond to the temperature of the fluid, are measured via the pair of conductive members 3, thereby making it possible to measure the temperature of the fluid.

[0013] (Construction of conductive members) The pair of conductive members 3 extend parallel to each other from the sensor element 2. In this embodiment, the pair of conductive members 3 are lead frames. Hereinafter, the direction in which the pair of conductive members 3 extend is defined as the Z direction, and the directions intersecting each other in a plane facing the Z direction are defined as the X direction and the Y direction. For example, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be perpendicular to each other.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 3, each conductive member 3 extends in the Z direction. Each conductive member 3 has a plate shape with the Y direction being the plate thickness direction. Each conductive member 3 has a constant plate thickness throughout the conductive member 3. Each conductive member 3 includes a base end 31, an intermediate portion 32, and a tip portion 33, in this order, in the Z direction. The base end 31 is one end of both ends to which each conductive member 3 extends. The tip portion 33 is the end opposite to the base end 31, of both ends to which each conductive member 3 extends. The intermediate portion 32 is a portion between the base end 31 and the tip portion 33. The sensor element 2 is connected to the tip of the base end 31. The tip portion 33 is a portion exposed from the resin molded portion 4. The base end 31 is a portion covered by a first molded portion 41 described later. The intermediate portion 32 is a portion covered by a second molded portion 42 described later.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate portion 32 has a bent portion 321. The bent portion 321 is bent in a direction in which the pair of conductive members 3 move away from each other in the X direction. The intermediate portion 32 has a through hole 32H. The through hole 32H penetrates in the Y direction. The through hole 32H is a circular hole. The through hole 32H is formed in a portion of the bent portion 321 whose width in the X direction is wider. The bent portion 321 has a first edge portion P1 on one side in the X direction and a second edge portion P2 on the other side in the X direction. The first edge portion P1 and the second edge portion P2 are provided at different positions in the Z direction, sandwiching a portion where the through hole 32H is provided. The first edge portion P1 is inclined in the X direction with respect to the Z direction so that the width of the bent portion 321 in the X direction is wider in the portion where the through hole 32H is formed. The second edge P2 is inclined in the X direction with respect to the Z direction so that the width of the bent portion 321 in the X direction is wider in the portion where the through hole 32H is formed. The first edge P1 and the second edge P2 are disposed in the region where the through hole 32H is present in the Z direction. With this arrangement, the remaining widths W1 and W2 of the bent portion 321 on both sides of the through hole 32H are widths that can maintain the mechanical strength of each conductive member 3. In this embodiment, the diameter of the through hole 32H is larger than W1 and larger than W2. On the other hand, the diameter of the through hole 32H is larger than half the width W3 of the portion of the intermediate portion 32 where the width in the X direction is smallest.

[0016] (Configuration of resin molded part) As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the resin molded portion 4 covers the base end portion 31 and the intermediate portion 32 while exposing the tip portion 33. The resin molded portion 4 includes a first molded portion 41 and a second molded portion 42. A portion of the resin molded portion 4 is provided inside the through hole 32H. In this embodiment, after the first molded portion 41 is formed by transfer molding, the second molded portion 42 is formed by injection molding. That is, a portion of the second molded portion 42 is provided inside the through hole 32H.

[0017] The first molded portion 41 is formed of a resin having different properties from the second molded portion 42. The first molded portion 41 is formed of a resin that is softer and has higher thermal conductivity than the resin forming the second molded portion 42. For example, when the second molded portion 42 is formed of a polyamide (PA) resin or a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin as such a resin, the first molded portion 41 is formed of an epoxy resin.

[0018] The first molded portion 41 covers the base end portion 31 and the sensor element 2 so as to seal the base end portion 31 and the sensor element 2. The first molded portion 41 has a joint surface 41s with the second molded portion .

[0019] The first molded portion 41 has a first seal groove 413. The first seal groove 413 has an annular shape on the outer circumferential surface of the first molded portion 41 and extends in the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface of the first molded portion 41.

[0020] The first molded part 41 has a protrusion 411 on the joint surface 41s. The protrusion 411 protrudes in the Z direction toward the second molded part 42. The pair of conductive members 3 are arranged so as to pass through the protrusion 411. As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 411 has an elliptical shape when viewed from the Z direction, which is the joint direction between the first molded part 41 and the second molded part 42. The long axis direction of this elliptical shape is the same as the direction in which the pair of conductive members 3 are arranged. In this specification, the "ellipse" generally refers to a shape that does not include a straight line portion, but may be any shape that is non-circular and has no corners, and may include a straight line portion in the middle or be asymmetric (egg-shaped). On the other hand, the outer peripheral shape of the first molded part 41 when viewed from the Z direction is a perfect circle.

[0021] 6, the protrusion 411 has a groove 411g. The groove 411g is recessed in the Z direction toward the side away from the second molded portion 42. The groove 411g extends between the pair of conductive members 3 on the end face 411e of the protrusion 411 so as to cross the end face 411e when viewed from the Z direction. In this embodiment, the width of the groove 411g in the X direction is equal to or greater than half the width in the X direction between the pair of conductive members 3. In a cross section parallel to the ZX plane, the groove 411g has an arc shape.

[0022] The second molded portion 42 covers the intermediate portion 32 so as to seal the intermediate portion 32. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the second molded portion 42 has a joining surface 42s with the first molded portion 41. The second molded portion 42 has a first recess 421 on the joining surface 42s. The first recess 421 has a shape corresponding to the protrusion 411 and is recessed in the Z direction toward the side away from the first molded portion 41. The second molded portion 42 is joined to the first molded portion 41 in a state in which the protrusion 411 fits into the first recess 421 and the inner periphery of the first recess 421 contacts the outer periphery of the protrusion 411. Due to the contraction of the second molded portion 42 during molding, the second molded portion 42 holds the protrusion 411 of the first molded portion 41 from both sides (both sides in the X direction and both sides in the Y direction).

[0023] The second molded portion 42 has a second recess 422 at one end opposite to the end where the first recess 421 is provided, out of both ends in the Z direction. The second recess 422 is recessed in the Z direction toward the intermediate portion 32. In the second recess 422, each tip portion 33 of the pair of conductive members 3 is exposed. Therefore, each tip portion 33 of the pair of conductive members 3 is used as a measurement terminal.

[0024] The second molded portion 42 has a second seal groove 423. The second seal groove 423 has an annular shape extending in the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface of the second molded portion 42 on the outer circumferential surface of the second molded portion 42. The second seal groove 423 is provided between the bent portion 321 and the joint surface 42s in the Z direction.

[0025] The second molded portion 42 is provided with a flange 424, a pair of extension portions 425, and a rotation stop mechanism 426 on its outer periphery. The flange 424 protrudes over the entire circumference of the second molded portion 42 at a Z direction position including the boundary between the intermediate portion 32 and the tip portion 33. The pair of extension portions 425 protrude on both sides in the X direction at a Z direction position between the second seal groove 423 and the flange 424. The rotation stop mechanism 426 extends from the flange 424 along the outer periphery of the flange 424 and has a hook at the extended tip.

[0026] (Configuration of the first seal member and the second seal member) The first seal member 5 is an O-ring fitted in the first seal groove 413. The second seal member 6 is an O-ring fitted in the second seal groove 423. The first seal member 5 and the second seal member 6 are provided to sandwich the joint surface 41s and the joint surface 42s. The first seal member 5 and the second seal member 6 seal the infiltration path of a fluid that infiltrates between the joint surface 41s and the joint surface 42s.

[0027] (How to install the sensor unit) A method for attaching the sensor unit will now be described. In order to measure the temperature of a fluid such as cooling water or oil, an operator attaches the sensor unit 9 to a flow path through which the fluid flows, or to a structure 81 such as a tank in which the fluid is stored.

[0028] First, as shown in Fig. 7, an operator inserts sensor unit 9 into seat 82 fixed to structure 81 until flange 424 comes into contact with seat 82. Here, seat 82 has opening 821 that opens toward the fluid in structure 81. Seat 82 has first lock portion 822 and second lock portion 823. With respect to seat 82, an operator inserts sensor unit 9 into opening 821 until a pair of extension portions 425 fits within opening 821.

[0029] 8, the worker rotates the sensor unit 9 around the axis AX extending along the central axis of the sensor unit 9, hooks the pair of extensions 425 onto the first locking portion 822, and hooks the rotation stop mechanism 426 onto the second locking portion 823. Through this operation, the worker fits the sensor unit 9 into the seating surface 82. In this manner, the sensor unit 9 is fixed to the structure 81 by the pair of extensions 425 and the rotation stop mechanism 426 such that the tip of the sensor unit 9 corresponding to the Z direction position where the sensor element 2 is provided comes into contact with the fluid in the structure 81.

[0030] (Action and Effects) According to the sensor unit 9, a through hole 32H is provided in the portion where the resin molded portion 4 is molded. With this structure, the resin molded portion 4 is molded through the through hole 32H. By molding in this manner, the fixation of the resin molded portion 4 to the pair of conductive members 3 can be reinforced. Therefore, the sensor unit 9 can prevent the resin molded portion 4 from coming off.

[0031] According to the sensor unit 9, the bent portion 321 and the through hole 32H are provided in the portion where the resin molded portion 4 is molded. With these configurations, the resin molded portion 4 can be formed so as to be caught by the bent portion 321 in the portion where the resin molded portion 4 is molded through the through hole 32H. Such bent portion 321 can reinforce the fixation of the resin molded portion 4 to the pair of conductive members 3. Therefore, the sensor unit 9 can prevent the resin molded portion 4 from coming off.

[0032] According to the sensor unit 9, the through hole 32H is provided in the portion where the second molded portion 42 is molded. With this configuration, the second molded portion 42 is molded through the through hole 32H, so that the fixation of the second molded portion 42 to the pair of conductive members 3 can be reinforced. Due to this reinforcement, the sensor unit 9 can suppress the second molded portion 42 from coming off the first molded portion 41, regardless of the shape of the joint portion between the first molded portion 41 and the second molded portion 42. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the first molded portion 41 is provided with a special structure to suppress the second molded portion 42 from coming off, the shape of the first molded portion 41 can be simplified, and the sensor unit 9 can be made smaller.

[0033] According to the sensor unit 9, since the protrusion 411 is provided, when the resin molded portion 4 is molded, the second molded portion 42 shrinks so as to come into contact with the circumferential surface of the protrusion 411. Due to such shrinkage, the gap at the interface between the first molded portion 41 and the second molded portion 42 is reduced.

[0034] According to the sensor unit 9, the creepage distance in the joint surface 41s is increased by providing the protrusion 411. Such a creepage distance can suppress leakage current due to migration.

[0035] As a comparative example, when the joint surface is flat as shown in Fig. 9, the creepage distance D2 within the joint surface is a straight-line distance. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 10, according to the sensor unit 9 of the present embodiment, the creepage distance D1 within the joint surface 41s is a distance that follows the undulations of the protrusion 411. Due to such undulations, the creepage distance D1 within the joint surface 41s in the sensor unit 9 of the present embodiment is longer than the creepage distance D2 of such a comparative example.

[0036] According to the sensor unit 9, the protrusion 411 has an elliptical shape when viewed from the Z direction. Due to this shape, when the sensor unit 9 is assembled, the stress generated by the rotational torque applied to the second molded portion 42 can be received not only by the pair of conductive members 3 but also by the protrusion 411. This structure can reduce the stress applied to the pair of conductive members 3. Therefore, it is expected that the strength of the sensor unit 9 against the stress generated when the sensor unit 9 is assembled can be improved.

[0037] In particular, the stress generated by the rotational torque of the second molded portion 42 is increased because frictional forces generated between the resin molded portion 4 and the first and second seal members 5 and 6. Therefore, reducing the stress applied to the pair of conductive members 3 is effective in improving the strength of the sensor unit 9.

[0038] According to the sensor unit 9, the protrusion 411 has an elliptical shape when viewed from the Z direction. The elliptical shape is a shape in which stress generated in the second molded portion 42 in response to the rotational torque is less likely to concentrate than a shape having corners. Therefore, with the protrusion 411 having an elliptical shape, cracks are less likely to occur in the second molded portion 42.

[0039] According to the sensor unit 9, the groove 411g is provided, so that the creepage distance in the joint surface 41s is increased. Such a creepage distance can suppress leakage current due to migration.

[0040] According to the sensor unit 9, the first seal member 5 and the second seal member 6 sandwich the joint surface 41s and the joint surface 42s. Due to this structure, the first seal member 5 can suppress the infiltration of fluid from the structure 81 side to the interface between the first molded portion 41 and the second molded portion 42. On the other hand, the second seal member 6 can suppress the infiltration of fluid from the flange 424 side to the interface between the first molded portion 41 and the second molded portion 42.

[0041] According to the sensor assembly 1, when the resin molded portion is molded in the sensor assembly 1, the through hole 32H is provided in the portion where the resin molded portion 4 is molded. With this structure, the resin molded portion 4 is molded through the through hole 32H. By molding in this manner, the fixation of the resin molded portion 4 to the pair of conductive members 3 can be reinforced. Therefore, the sensor assembly 1 can prevent the resin molded portion 4 from coming off.

[0042] (First Modification) In this embodiment, the protrusion 411 may have any configuration instead of / in addition to the groove 411g. As a first modified example, as shown in FIG. 11, the protrusion 411 may have a bulge 411r instead of the groove 411g. The bulge 411r bulges in the Z direction toward the second molded portion 42. The bulge 411r extends between the pair of conductive members 3 on the end surface 411e of the protrusion 411 so as to cross the end surface 411e when viewed from the Z direction. If the protrusion 411 has the bulge 411r, the creepage distance within the joint surface 41s can be increased.

[0043] (Second Modification) In this embodiment, the protrusion 411 has a groove 411g. On the other hand, the protrusion 411 may have any configuration. As a second modification, as shown in FIG. 12, the protrusion 411 may have a sleeve 411v. The sleeve 411v stands up from the end face 411e so as to surround the periphery of each conductive member 3. If the protrusion 411 has the sleeve 411v, the creepage distance within the joint surface 41s can be increased.

[0044] (Other variations) In this embodiment, the protrusion 411 has an elliptical shape when viewed from the Z direction. On the other hand, the protrusion 411 may have any shape when viewed from the Z direction. As a modified example, the protrusion 411 may have a non-circular shape such as a polygonal shape, an I shape, an S shape, a U shape, or an X shape when viewed from the Z direction. If the protrusion 411 has a non-circular shape, the protrusion 411 can receive the stress generated by the rotation torque of the second molded portion 42 when the sensor unit 9 is assembled. As another modified example, if the stress generated by the rotation torque of the second molded portion 42 when the sensor unit 9 is assembled is of a degree that does not affect the strength of the sensor unit 9, the protrusion 411 may have a circular shape when viewed from the Z direction.

[0045] In this embodiment, the pair of conductive members 3 are lead frames. On the other hand, the pair of conductive members 3 may be made of any material such as a metal plate or a metal rod, as long as it has electrical conductivity.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first molded portion 41 is molded by transfer molding, and then the second molded portion 42 is molded by injection molding. On the other hand, as long as the resin molded portion 4 includes the first molded portion 41 and the second molded portion 42, the resin molded portion 4 may be molded in any manner. As a modified example, the first molded portion 41 may be molded by injection molding, and then the second molded portion 42 may be molded by injection molding. As another modified example, the first molded portion 41 may be molded by transfer molding, and then the second molded portion 42 may be molded by transfer molding.

[0047] In this embodiment, the resin molded portion 4 seals the base end portion 31 and the sensor element 2. On the other hand, the resin molded portion 4 may be configured in any manner as long as it covers the base end portion 31 and the sensor element 2. As a modified example, the resin molded portion 4 may include a hollow resin molded cap, and the hollow resin molded cap may cover the portion of the base end portion 31 to which the sensor element 2 is connected and the sensor element 2.

[0048] In this embodiment, the first molded portion 41 is formed of an epoxy resin. On the other hand, the first molded portion 41 may be formed of any material. For example, when the sensor unit 9 measures the temperature of the cooling water, the first molded portion 41 may be formed of a material having water resistance. For example, when the sensor unit 9 measures the temperature of the oil, the first molded portion 41 may be formed of a material having oil resistance. Also, in this embodiment, the second molded portion 42 is formed of a polyamide (PA) resin or a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin. On the other hand, the second molded portion 42 may be formed of any material.

[0049] In this embodiment, the resin molded portion 4 includes a first molded portion 41 and a second molded portion 42. On the other hand, the resin molded portion 4 may include only one molded portion. That is, the resin molded portion 4 may be a one-color molded portion instead of a two-color molded portion.

[0050] In this embodiment, the sensor element 2 is a temperature sensor. On the other hand, the sensor element 2 is not limited to a temperature sensor and may be any type of sensor.

[0051] In this embodiment, the through hole 32H is a circular hole. On the other hand, the through hole 32H may have any shape. The through hole 32H may be a circular hole, a perfect circle or an elliptical hole. On the other hand, as a modified example, the through hole 32H may be a polygonal hole. As another modified example, the through hole 32H may be a slit hole.

[0052] In this embodiment, each of the remaining widths W1 and W2 is a width that can maintain the mechanical strength of each conductive member 3. As a modified example, the sum of the remaining width W1 and the remaining width W2 may be configured to be larger than half of the width W3 so that the mechanical strength of each conductive member 3 can be further maintained.

[0053] Although the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, this embodiment is shown as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0054] <Additional Notes> Some sensor units and sensor assemblies are listed below.

[0055] [1] A sensor element; A pair of conductive members extending parallel to each other from the sensor element; a resin molded portion covering a portion of the pair of conductive members; Equipped with The pair of conductive members are A base end connected to the sensor element; a distal end portion opposite the proximal end portion; an intermediate portion between the base end portion and the tip end portion, the intermediate portion having a through hole; Including, The resin molded portion covers the base end portion and the intermediate portion while leaving the tip end portion exposed. Sensor unit.

[0056] According to the configuration of [1] above, a through hole is provided in the part where the resin molded part is molded. With this structure, the resin molded part is molded through the through hole. Since it is molded in this manner, the fixation of the resin molded part to the pair of conductive members can be reinforced. Therefore, the sensor unit can prevent the resin molded part from coming off.

[0057] [2] the intermediate portion has a bent portion bent in a direction in which the pair of conductive members are separated from each other, The through hole is formed in the bent portion. The sensor unit according to [1].

[0058] According to the configuration of [2] above, a bent portion and a through hole are provided in the portion where the resin molded portion is molded. With these configurations, the resin molded portion can be configured to be caught by the bent portion in the portion where the resin molded portion is molded through the through hole. This configuration reinforces the fixation of the resin molded portion to the pair of conductive members. Therefore, the sensor unit can prevent the resin molded portion from coming off.

[0059] [3] The resin molded portion is A first molded portion covering the base end portion; A second molded portion covering the intermediate portion and joined to the first molded portion; Includes The sensor unit according to [1] or [2].

[0060] According to the above configuration [3], a through hole is provided in the part where the second molded part is molded. With this configuration, the second molded part is molded through the through hole, so that the fixation of the second molded part to the pair of conductive members can be reinforced. Due to this reinforcement, the sensor unit can suppress the second molded part from coming off the first molded part, regardless of the shape of the joint between the first molded part and the second molded part. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the shape of the first molded part, and to reduce the size of the sensor unit.

[0061] [4] the first molded portion has a protrusion protruding toward the second molded portion on a joint surface with the second molded portion, The pair of conductive members are disposed so as to pass through the protrusion. The sensor unit according to [3].

[0062] According to the above-mentioned configuration [4], by providing the protrusion, the second molded part contracts so as to come into contact with the peripheral surface of the protrusion during molding of the resin molded part, thereby reducing the gap at the interface between the first molded part and the second molded part.

[0063] In place of or in addition to the above-mentioned effect, according to the configuration [4] above, the provision of the protrusions increases the creepage distance within the joint surface, which makes it possible to suppress leakage current due to migration.

[0064] [5] The protrusion has a non-circular shape when viewed from a joining direction of the first molded portion and the second molded portion. [4] A sensor unit according to the present invention.

[0065] According to the configuration of [5] above, when the sensor unit is assembled, the stress generated by the rotational torque of the second molded part can be received not only by the pair of conductive members but also by the protrusions. This structure reduces the stress applied to the pair of conductive members. Therefore, it is expected that the strength of the sensor unit against the stress generated when the sensor unit is assembled can be improved.

[0066] [6] The protrusion has a groove or a bulge extending across the end surface between the pair of conductive members when viewed from a joining direction of the first molded portion and the second molded portion. The sensor unit according to [4] or [5].

[0067] According to the above-mentioned configuration [6], the provision of the groove or the bulge increases the creepage distance within the joint surface, which can suppress leakage current due to migration.

[0068] [7] A sensor element; A pair of conductive members extending parallel to each other from the sensor element; Equipped with The pair of conductive members are A base end connected to the sensor element; a distal end portion opposite the proximal end portion; an intermediate portion between the base end portion and the tip end portion, the intermediate portion having a through hole; Includes Sensor assembly.

[0069] According to the configuration [7] above, when the resin molded portion is molded in the sensor assembly, a through hole is provided in the portion where the resin molded portion is molded. With this structure, the resin molded portion is molded through the through hole. Since it is molded in this manner, the fixation of the resin molded portion to the pair of conductive members can be reinforced. Therefore, the sensor assembly can prevent the resin molded portion from coming off. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1 Sensor Assembly 2 Sensor element 3 Conductive materials 4 Resin molding section 5 First seal member 6 Second seal member 9 Sensor unit 31 Proximal end 32 Middle section 32H through hole 33 Tip 41 First molding section 41s joint surface 42 Second molding section 42s joint surface 81 Structure 82 Seat 321 Bend 411 Protrusion 411e End face 411g Groove 411r bulge 411v Sleeve part 413 First seal groove 421 First recess 422 Second recess 423 Second seal groove 424 Flange 425 Extension 426 Rotation Stop Mechanism 821 Aperture 822 First lock part 823 Second lock part AX axis D1 Creepage distance D2 creepage distance P1 first edge P2 Second edge

Claims

1. A sensor element; A pair of conductive members extending parallel to each other from the sensor element; a resin molded portion covering a portion of the pair of conductive members; Equipped with The pair of conductive members are A base end connected to the sensor element; a distal end portion opposite the proximal end portion; an intermediate portion between the base end portion and the tip end portion, the intermediate portion having a through hole; Including, The resin molded portion covers the base end portion and the intermediate portion while leaving the tip end portion exposed. Sensor unit.

2. the intermediate portion has a bent portion bent in a direction in which the pair of conductive members are separated from each other, The through hole is formed in the bent portion. The sensor unit according to claim 1 .

3. The resin molded portion is A first molded portion covering the base end portion; A second molded portion covering the intermediate portion and joined to the first molded portion; Includes The sensor unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the first molded portion has a protrusion protruding toward the second molded portion on a joint surface with the second molded portion, The pair of conductive members are disposed so as to pass through the protrusion. The sensor unit according to claim 3 .

5. The protrusion has a non-circular shape when viewed from a joining direction of the first molded portion and the second molded portion. The sensor unit according to claim 4.

6. The protrusion has a groove or a bulge extending across the end surface between the pair of conductive members when viewed from a joining direction of the first molded portion and the second molded portion. The sensor unit according to claim 4.

7. A sensor element; A pair of conductive members extending parallel to each other from the sensor element; Equipped with The pair of conductive members are A base end connected to the sensor element; a distal end portion opposite the proximal end portion; an intermediate portion between the base end portion and the tip end portion, the intermediate portion having a through hole; Includes Sensor assembly.

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