Temperature sensor fixture

Abstract

To provide a temperature sensor fixture that can prevent fall-off of a temperature sensor, and can reduce the manufacturing cost of an apparatus to which the temperature sensor is attached.SOLUTION: A temperature sensor fixture (10) has a sensor holding part (11) that stores and holds a temperature sensor (2), and an attachment part (12) to be removably attached to a pipe (1) that is a temperature measurement target, and the sensor holding part (11) and the attachment part (12) are integrally formed by bending a long and narrow plate member. The sensor holding part (11) is formed in a cylinder shape at an intermediate portion in a lengthwise direction of the plate member. The attachment part (12) is formed by causing both end portions (12a, 12b) of the plate member to intersect each other, which extend respectively from both ends in a circumferential direction of the sensor holding part (11), into a curved shape in such a manner that both end portions are separated from each other as moving away from the intersection part and subsequently approach each other as approaching a leading end. When the attachment part (12) is attached to the pipe (1), the sensor holding part (11) is elastically deformed while reducing its diameter, to hold the temperature sensor (2) inserted into the sensor holding part (11).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature sensor mounting fixture used when mounting a temperature sensor to a pipe whose temperature is to be measured. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a heat pump water heater has a plurality of temperature sensors attached to pipes through which a refrigerant flows, a hot water flow, etc. The heat pump water heater receives detection signals of the refrigerant temperature, the hot water temperature, etc. output from these temperature sensors and operates according to the detected temperatures.

[0003] For the installation of the temperature sensor, it is required that the temperature sensor does not fall off due to vibration during operation, that the pipe to be measured and the temperature sensor are in close contact via the temperature sensor mounting fixture, and that the temperature sensor is not easily affected by the surrounding temperature. For this reason, a method is adopted in which a cylindrical sensor stay that houses the temperature sensor is joined to the pipe to be measured, and the temperature sensor and a fixture are inserted and fixed into the sensor stay.

[0004] Meanwhile, in order to reduce the manufacturing costs of equipment to which a temperature sensor is attached, a technique is known in which a temperature sensor and a pipe to be measured are clamped and fixed with a clip member made of stainless steel plate, as in Patent Document 1. Since there is no need to join the sensor stay to the pipe, manufacturing costs can be reduced and the temperature sensor can be attached to any pipe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-188779 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The clip member of Patent Document 1 holds a temperature sensor and clamps a pipe by utilizing the elasticity of the clip member when it is elastically deformed, and is attached to the pipe together with the temperature sensor. However, since the clip member is pushed open when it is attached to the pipe, there is a problem that the storage section that holds the temperature sensor expands and the temperature sensor becomes easy to fall off because the clip member is pushed open when it is attached to the pipe.

[0007] In addition, since the gap between the clip member and the temperature sensor is filled with resin, there is room for reducing manufacturing costs. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a temperature sensor mounting fixture that prevents the temperature sensor from falling off and that can reduce the manufacturing costs of the device to which the temperature sensor is attached. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The temperature sensor mounting tool of the invention of claim 1 has a sensor holding portion that houses and holds a temperature sensor, and an attachment portion for detachably attaching to a pipe whose temperature is to be measured, and in which the sensor holding portion and the attachment portion are integrally formed by bending a long, thin plate member, the sensor holding portion is formed in a cylindrical shape in the longitudinal middle portion of the plate member, and the attachment portion is formed in a curved shape such that both end portions of the plate member extending from both circumferential ends of the sensor holding portion cross each other, and the attachment portion becomes curved so that the ends move apart as they move away from the crossing portion and then approach each other as they approach the tip, and when the attachment portion is attached to the pipe, the sensor holding portion elastically deforms to reduce in diameter, thereby holding the temperature sensor housed in the sensor holding portion.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the temperature sensor attachment tool is formed by bending an elongated plate member, and is integrally formed with a cylindrical sensor holding portion and a mounting portion that extends from both circumferential ends of the sensor holding portion, intersects with each other, and is formed in a curved shape for attachment to a pipe. When the mounting portion is attached to the pipe, the sensor holding portion elastically deforms to reduce in diameter, increasing the force with which the sensor holding portion grips the temperature sensor housed in the sensor holding portion, thereby preventing the temperature sensor from falling off.

[0010] The temperature sensor mounting fixture of the invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the mounting portion elastically deforms to expand in diameter when attached to the piping compared to before attachment, thereby gripping the piping. According to the above configuration, the temperature sensor attachment tool continuously exerts a gripping force on the mounting part by maintaining the elastic deformation of the mounting part, thereby preventing the temperature sensor from falling off the sensor holding part and maintaining the temperature sensor attached to the pipe so as not to become displaced due to vibration or the like.

[0011] The temperature sensor mounting fixture of the invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1 or 2, a pair of tips of the mounting portion have knob portions formed to extend radially outward of the mounting portion. According to the above configuration, the diameter of the sensor holding portion can be expanded by pinching the knob portion so as to reduce the diameter of the mounting portion, so that the temperature sensor can be easily accommodated in the sensor holding portion. Also, by pushing the temperature sensor attachment tool with the knob portion abutting against the piping, the diameter of the mounting portion can be easily expanded, so that the temperature sensor attachment can be easily attached to the piping.

[0012] The temperature sensor mounting fixture of the invention of claim 4 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the temperature sensor is housed in the sensor holding portion from one axial end side, and the other axial end side of the sensor holding portion has a protrusion that protrudes radially inward. According to the above configuration, a temperature sensor is inserted into the cylindrical sensor holding portion from one axial end side, and the tip of the temperature sensor is abutted against the protrusion on the other axial end side of the sensor holding portion, thereby preventing the temperature sensor from falling off. Effect of the Invention

[0013] The temperature sensor fixture of the present invention can prevent the temperature sensor from falling off and can also reduce the manufacturing costs of the device to which the temperature sensor is attached. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a view showing a state in which a temperature sensor is attached to a pipe by a temperature sensor attachment fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed obliquely from above. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a view of the temperature sensor mounting fixture of FIG. 1 as seen obliquely from below. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the temperature sensor mounting fixture of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a view of the temperature sensor mounting fixture of FIG. 3 as viewed from one axial end side. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the mounting portion of the temperature sensor mounting fixture in FIG. 4 has been reduced in diameter. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the mounting portion of the temperature sensor mounting fixture in FIG. 4 is expanded in diameter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, the mode for carrying out the present invention will be described based on examples. EXAMPLES

[0016] 1 and 2 show a state in which a temperature sensor mounting fixture 10 that holds a cylindrical temperature sensor 2 is mounted on a pipe 1 whose temperature is to be measured. The temperature sensor mounting fixture 10 has a cylindrical sensor holding portion 11 that houses and holds the temperature sensor 2, and a mounting portion 12 for detachably mounting the temperature sensor 2 on the pipe 1. The pipe 1 is, for example, a refrigerant pipe or a hot and cold water pipe of a heat pump hot water supply system.

[0017] The temperature sensor 2 is inserted into the sensor holding portion 11 from its one axial end 11a side and housed therein. The temperature sensor 2 is held in a state in which the tip of the temperature sensor 2 abuts against a protrusion 11c provided on the other axial end 11b side of the sensor holding portion 11 so as to protrude radially inward of the sensor holding portion 11. This protrusion 11c prevents the temperature sensor 2 from falling off the sensor holding portion 11 when the temperature sensor 2 is inserted.

[0018] The temperature sensor 2 is, for example, a thermistor, and a detection signal corresponding to the detected temperature is output via a pair of cords 3 extending from the opposite end of the tip. Note that, although the pipe 1 here extends in the vertical direction, this is not limited thereto, and the temperature sensor 2 can be attached via the temperature sensor attachment tool 10 to pipes extending in various directions.

[0019] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the temperature sensor mounting fixture 10 is formed by bending a long, thin plate member (e.g., a stainless steel plate) so that the sensor holding portion 11 and the attachment portion 12 are integrally formed. The sensor holding portion 11 is formed into a cylindrical shape by rolling the longitudinal middle portion of the plate member. The axial length of the sensor holding portion 11 (the width of the plate member) is set according to the temperature sensor 2 so that it can cover the outer periphery of the temperature sensor 2 to be held. The circumferential length of the sensor holding portion 11 from one circumferential end 11d to the other circumferential end 11e is set to be equal to or less than the outer periphery of the temperature sensor 2 to be held.

[0020] The mounting portion 12 is composed of first and second mounting portions 12a, 12b formed at both ends of a plate member extending from both circumferential ends of the sensor holding portion 11. The first and second mounting portions 12a, 12b are curved so that they become more spaced apart as they move away from the intersection 13 where the first and second mounting portions 12a, 12b intersect, and then become closer to each other as they approach the tip. The first and second mounting portions 12a, 12b extend so that their axial positions do not overlap with each other, and the circumferential ends 11d, 11e of the sensor holding portion 11 are separated from the intersection 13.

[0021] The mounting part 12 has first and second curved mounting parts 12a, 12b, and a space 14 for the pipe 1 is formed between the first and second mounting parts 12a, 12b from their intersection 13 to the tip. The tip side portions of the first and second mounting parts 12a, 12b that are close to each other prevent the mounting part 12 from naturally coming off the pipe 1.

[0022] The curved shape of the mounting part 12 is formed to fit the outer periphery of the pipe 1, and when mounted on the pipe 1, the elasticity of the plate member is utilized to bring the mounting part 12 into close contact with the pipe 1. Therefore, the temperature sensor mounting fixture 10 is formed so that the temperature of the pipe 1 (the temperature of the refrigerant or hot water flowing through the pipe 1) is easily transmitted to the temperature sensor 2.

[0023] A pair of knob portions 15 are formed at the tips of the mounting portion 12. The knob portions 15 are formed by bending the tips of the first and second mounting portions 12a, 12b toward the opposite side to the space 14 for the piping 1 and extending radially outward. In the initial state of FIG. 4 where the temperature sensor mounting fixture 10 does not hold the temperature sensor 2 and is not attached to the piping 1, the inner diameter of the sensor holding portion 11 is S0 and the inner diameter of the space 14 for the piping 1 of the mounting portion 12 is A0.

[0024] FIG. 5 shows a state in which the temperature sensor mounting fixture 10 is elastically deformed when inserting the temperature sensor 2 into the sensor holding portion 11 before mounting the temperature sensor mounting fixture 10 to the pipe 1. The knob portion 15 or the mounting portion 12 is, for example, pinched with fingers to elastically deform the temperature sensor mounting fixture 10, and the inner diameter of the mounting portion 12 is reduced from the initial state (A1 <A0)。

[0025] At this time, the first and second mounting portions 12a, 12b approach each other, and the circumferential ends 11d, 11e of the sensor holding portion 11 are pushed away from the intersection 13. Therefore, the distance from the intersection 13 to the circumferential ends 11d, 11e of the sensor holding portion 11 becomes large, and the inner diameter of the sensor holding portion 11 becomes larger than the initial state (S1>S0). Therefore, the diameter of the sensor holding portion 11 can be easily expanded, making it easier to insert the temperature sensor 2 into the sensor holding portion 11.

[0026] A protrusion 11c that protrudes inward from the other axial end 11b of the sensor holding portion 11 is formed, so that the tip of the inserted temperature sensor 2 abuts against the protrusion 11c, preventing the temperature sensor 2 from falling off toward the other axial end 11b. After the temperature sensor 2 is housed in the sensor holding portion 11, the fingers holding the temperature sensor 2 are released to reduce the diameter of the sensor holding portion 11. When the outer diameter of the temperature sensor 2 is equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the sensor holding portion 11 in the initial state, the temperature sensor 2 is gripped by the sensor holding portion 11, preventing the temperature sensor 2 from falling off toward the one axial end 11a of the sensor holding portion 11.

[0027] 6 shows the elastically deformed state when the temperature sensor mounting fixture 10 is mounted on the pipe 1 without the temperature sensor 2 being housed in the sensor holding portion 11. For example, by pressing the temperature sensor mounting fixture 10 with the pair of knobs 15 against the pipe 1, the knobs 15 move apart along the outer periphery of the pipe 1, and the inner diameter of the mounting portion 12 expands (A2>A0). At this time, the first and second mounting portions 12a, 12b move apart from each other, so that the circumferential ends 11d, 11e of the sensor holding portion 11 are pulled towards the intersection portion 13 and approach each other, and the inner diameter of the sensor holding portion 11 contracts (S2 <S0)。

[0028] The mounting part 12 is mounted on the pipe 1 in a state where the diameter is expanded from the initial state because the first and second mounting parts 12a, 12b sandwich the pipe 1 using the elasticity of the plate members, preventing displacement due to vibration or the like of the temperature sensor mounting fixture 10. Accordingly, the sensor holding part 11 is maintained in a state where the expanded diameter of the mounting part 12 acts to reduce the diameter of the sensor holding part 11.

[0029] Therefore, when the temperature sensor 2 is housed in the sensor holding part 11 and the temperature sensor mounting fixture 10 is attached to the pipe 1, the temperature sensor 2 is maintained in a state where it is gripped by the sensor holding part 11. Since the outer periphery of the temperature sensor 2 is in close contact with the sensor holding part 11, the temperature of the pipe 1 is easily transmitted to the temperature sensor 2 via the temperature sensor mounting fixture 10.

[0030] When the mounting portion 12 is largely expanded in diameter, the circumferential ends 11d, 11e of the sensor holding portion 11 approach the intersection 13, and the first mounting portion 12a abuts against the circumferential end 11e and the second mounting portion 12b abuts against the circumferential end 11d near the intersection 13. This restricts further reduction in diameter of the sensor holding portion 11, preventing the force gripping the temperature sensor 2 from becoming stronger than necessary.

[0031] The temperature sensor mounting fixture 10 can be easily removed from the pipe 1 by pulling it in the opposite direction to the direction in which it was pushed in when attached. At this time, the temperature sensor mounting fixture 10 can be easily removed by spreading out the knob parts 15.

[0032] The operation and effects of the above-mentioned temperature sensor mounting fixture 10 will now be described. The temperature sensor mounting fixture 10 is formed integrally with a cylindrical sensor holding portion 11 by bending a long and narrow plate member, and a mounting portion 12 which extends from circumferential ends 11d, 11e corresponding to both circumferential ends of the sensor holding portion 11, intersects with each other, and is formed in a curved shape for mounting to the piping 1. When the mounting portion 12 of this temperature sensor mounting fixture 10 is mounted to the piping 1, the sensor holding portion 11 elastically deforms so as to reduce in diameter, so that the sensor holding portion 11 grips the temperature sensor 2 housed in the sensor holding portion 11, preventing the temperature sensor 2 from falling off.

[0033] The temperature sensor mounting tool 10 continuously exerts a gripping force on the mounting part 12 by maintaining the elastic deformation of the mounting part 12. This prevents the temperature sensor 2 from falling off the sensor holding part 11, and maintains the state in which the temperature sensor 2 is attached to the pipe 1, preventing it from shifting due to vibration or the like.

[0034] Since the diameter of the sensor holding portion 11 can be expanded by pinching the knob portion 15 so as to reduce the diameter of the mounting portion 12, the temperature sensor 2 can be easily accommodated in the sensor holding portion 11. Furthermore, by pushing the temperature sensor mounting tool 10, with the knob portion 15 abutting against the piping 1, into the piping 1 side, the diameter of the mounting portion 12 can be easily expanded, and the mounting portion can be easily attached to the piping 1.

[0035] The temperature sensor 2 is inserted into the cylindrical sensor holding portion 11 from one axial end thereof, and the tip of the temperature sensor 2 is abutted against the protrusion 11c on the other axial end of the sensor holding portion 11 to prevent the temperature sensor 2 from falling off.

[0036] In addition, a person skilled in the art can implement the present invention in a form in which various modifications are added to the above-described embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention includes such modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 1: Piping 2: Temperature sensor 3:1 pair of cords 10: Temperature sensor mounting fixture 11: Sensor holder 11a: One end in the axial direction 11b: Other end in the axial direction 11c:Protrusion 11d,e: Circumferential end 12: Mounting part 12a: First mounting part 12b: Second mounting part 13: Intersection 14: Space 15: Knob part

Claims

1. A temperature sensor mounting tool having a sensor holding portion that houses and holds a temperature sensor, and an attachment portion for detachably attaching the sensor to a pipe whose temperature is to be measured, the sensor holding portion and the attachment portion being integrally formed by bending a thin and long plate member, The sensor holding portion is formed in a cylindrical shape at a longitudinal intermediate portion of the plate member, the mounting portion is formed in a curved shape such that both end portions of the plate member extending from both circumferential ends of the sensor holding portion cross each other, the ends become more spaced apart as they move away from the crossed portion, and then become closer to each other as they approach the tip, A temperature sensor mounting fixture characterized in that, when the mounting portion is attached to the piping, the sensor holding portion elastically deforms to reduce in diameter, thereby holding the temperature sensor housed in the sensor holding portion.

2. 2. The temperature sensor fixture according to claim 1, wherein the mounting portion elastically deforms to expand in diameter when mounted on the pipe compared to before mounting, thereby gripping the pipe.

3. 3. The temperature sensor fixture according to claim 1, wherein a pair of distal ends of the mounting portion are provided with knobs formed so as to extend radially outwardly of the mounting portion.

4. The temperature sensor is accommodated in the sensor holding portion from one axial end side thereof, 2. The temperature sensor fixture according to claim 1, further comprising a protrusion protruding radially inward on the other axial end side of said sensor holding portion.

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