Temperature sensor

Abstract

To provide a temperature sensor that can improve mounting properties on an object and properly detects a temperature of the object.SOLUTION: A temperature sensor 1 includes a thermo-sensitive element 2, and a fixing part 7 that fixes the thermo-sensitive element 2 to an object S. The fixing part 7 includes a part 71 and a part 14. The part 71 stores the thermo-sensitive element 2 and includes a surface 71a in contact with the object S. The part 14 is spaced from the part 71 and is opposed to the surface 71a and includes a surface 721a in contact with the object S.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature sensor. [Background technology]

[0002] A known temperature sensor includes a temperature sensing element and a fixing part that integrally fixes the temperature sensing element to an object (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-67155 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a temperature sensor that can be easily attached to an object and that properly detects the temperature of the object.An object of another aspect of the present invention is to provide a temperature sensor that can be easily attached to an object and that properly detects the temperature of the object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A temperature sensor according to one embodiment includes a temperature sensing element and a fixing part for fixing the temperature sensing element to an object. The fixing part includes a first part and a second part. The first part houses the temperature sensing element and includes a first surface that contacts the object. The second part is spaced apart from the first part, faces the first surface, and includes a second surface that contacts the object.

[0006] In the one aspect, the fixing part includes a first part including a first surface that contacts the object, and a second part including a second surface that faces the first surface and contacts the object. For example, when a temperature sensor having a fixing part with the above-mentioned configuration is attached to an object, the first surface and the second surface contact corresponding surfaces of a pair of opposing surfaces of the object. That is, the fixing part fixes the temperature-sensing element to the object, for example, by sandwiching the object between the first surface and the second surface. The configuration in which the fixing part fixes the temperature-sensing element to the object by sandwiching the object between the first surface and the second surface improves the attachability to the object. Therefore, the one aspect can improve the attachability to the object. For example, as described above, in a configuration in which the temperature sensor is attached to an object, the first surface included in the first portion housing the temperature sensing element contacts the object. Therefore, the above-mentioned one embodiment appropriately detects the temperature of the object.

[0007] In the one aspect, the second surface may include a first surface region and a second surface region that are separated from each other. The second portion may include a portion including the first surface region and a portion including the second surface region. The first portion may be located between the portion including the first surface region and the portion including the second surface region in a direction in which the first surface region and the second surface region are separated from each other. In a configuration in which the first portion is located between the portion including the first surface region and the portion including the second surface region in the above-mentioned direction, three points, namely, the first surface, the first surface region of the second surface, and the second surface region of the second surface, come into contact with the object. Therefore, this configuration realizes reliable fixation of the temperature sensing element to the object with a simple configuration.

[0008] In one aspect, the first portion may include a distal portion at one end including the first surface, a proximal portion at the other end, and a side portion connecting the distal portion and the proximal portion. The fixing portion may include a third portion connecting the proximal portion and the second portion. The third portion may include a portion facing the side portion and spaced apart from the side portion, and extending in a direction intersecting the second surface. A configuration in which the third portion connecting the base end portion and the second portion is separated from the side portion and faces the side portion, and includes a portion extending in a direction intersecting the second surface, easily realizes a configuration in which the second surface faces the first surface and contacts the object.

[0009] A temperature sensor according to another embodiment includes a temperature sensing element and a fixing portion for fixing the temperature sensing element to an object. The fixing portion includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion houses the temperature sensing element and faces the object. The second portion is spaced from the first portion and includes a first surface that contacts the object. The third portion connects the first portion and the second portion. The third portion includes a portion that faces the first surface and includes a second surface that contacts the object.

[0010] In the above-mentioned another aspect, in the fixing part, the second part includes a first surface that contacts the object, and the third part includes a part that faces the first surface and includes a second surface that contacts the object. For example, when a temperature sensor having a fixing part with the above-mentioned configuration is attached to an object, the first surface and the second surface contact corresponding surfaces of a pair of opposing surfaces of the object. That is, the fixing part fixes the temperature-sensing element to the object, for example, by sandwiching the object between the first surface and the second surface. The configuration in which the fixing part fixes the temperature-sensing element to the object by sandwiching the object between the first surface and the second surface improves the attachability to the object. Therefore, the above-mentioned one aspect can improve the attachability to the object. For example, as described above, in a configuration in which the temperature sensor is attached to an object, the first portion housing the temperature sensing element faces the object. Therefore, the above-mentioned one embodiment appropriately detects the temperature of the object.

[0011] In the above-mentioned another aspect, the first surface may include a first surface region and a second surface region that are separated from each other. The second portion may include a portion including the first surface region and a portion including the second surface region. The portion including the second surface may be located between the portion including the first surface region and the portion including the second surface region in a direction in which the first surface region and the second surface region are separated from each other. In a configuration in which the portion including the second surface is located between the portion including the first surface region and the portion including the second surface region in the above-mentioned direction, three points of the first surface region, the second surface region of the first surface, and the second surface are in contact with the object. Therefore, this configuration realizes reliable fixation of the temperature sensing element to the object with a simple configuration.

[0012] In another aspect above, the third portion may include a portion that connects the portion including the second surface to the second portion, is spaced away from the portion including the second surface, faces the portion including the second surface, and extends in a direction intersecting the first surface. A configuration in which the third portion connects the portion including the second surface and the second portion, and includes a portion that is spaced away from the portion including the second surface, faces the portion including the second surface, and extends in a direction intersecting the first surface, easily realizing a configuration in which the second surface faces the first surface and contacts the object.

[0013] In the one aspect and the another aspect, at least a part of the first portion may be located within a recess formed in the object. If the position of the temperature-sensing element relative to the object shifts, the heat of the object is less likely to be transferred to the temperature-sensing element. In a configuration in which at least a portion of the first portion is located within a recess formed in the object, the position of the temperature-sensing element is less likely to shift relative to the object. In this configuration, the area of ​​the region of the first portion facing the object can be increased compared to a configuration in which the first portion is not located within the recess of the object. When the area of ​​the region of the first portion facing the object increases, the heat of the object is more likely to be transferred to the temperature-sensing element. Therefore, this configuration can improve thermal responsiveness.

[0014] In the one aspect and the other aspect, the first portion may have a thermal conductivity greater than a thermal conductivity of the second portion. In a configuration in which the first portion has a thermal conductivity greater than that of the second portion, heat from the object is more easily transferred to the temperature sensitive element, and therefore this configuration can improve thermal responsiveness.

[0015] In the one aspect and the other aspect, the first portion may be made of metal, and the second portion may be made of resin. A configuration in which the first portion is made of metal and the second portion is made of resin easily realizes a configuration in which the first portion has a thermal conductivity greater than that of the second portion. Effect of the Invention

[0016] One aspect of the present invention provides a temperature sensor that can be easily attached to an object and can appropriately detect the temperature of the object. Another aspect of the present invention provides a temperature sensor that can be easily attached to an object and can appropriately detect the temperature of the object. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a temperature sensor according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the temperature sensor according to this embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the temperature sensor according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the temperature sensor and the target object according to this embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the temperature sensor and the target object according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a temperature sensor according to a modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a temperature sensor and an object according to a modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a temperature sensor according to another modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a temperature sensor and a target object according to another modified example of this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, the same elements or elements having the same functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0019] The configuration of a temperature sensor 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the temperature sensor according to this embodiment. Figs. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing the cross-sectional configuration of the temperature sensor according to this embodiment. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the temperature sensor 1 includes a temperature sensitive element 2, conductive wires 3 and 4, lead wires 5 and 6, and a fixed portion 7.

[0020] The temperature sensor 2 includes an electronic component whose resistance value changes in response to an increase in temperature. As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature sensor 2 includes an element body 2a and a sealing portion 2b. The element body 2a includes, for example, an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor or a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) thermistor. The element body 2a constitutes a detection portion whose resistance value changes in response to a change in temperature. The sealing portion 2b seals the element body 2a. The element body 2a is covered by the sealing portion 2b. The sealing portion 2b includes, for example, glass.

[0021] The conductors 3 and 4 are electrically connected to two electrodes provided on the element body 2a. The conductors 3 and 4 are connected to the two electrodes by, for example, solder. The conductors 3 and 4 include a portion that is sealed together with the element body 2a by the sealing portion 2b and a portion that is exposed from the sealing portion 2b. The lead wires 5 and 6 are electrically connected to corresponding ones of the conductor wires 3 and 4. In this embodiment, the lead wire 5 is electrically connected to the conductor wire 3, and the lead wire 6 is electrically connected to the conductor wire 4. The lead wires 5 and 6 include, for example, insulating coated electric wires.

[0022] The fixing part 7 fixes the temperature sensing element 2 to the object. In this specification, "fixing" means determining the position relative to the object to which it is fixed, and does not necessarily mean that the position relative to the object to which it is fixed is not changed. Therefore, it can be said that the fixing part 7 determines the position of the temperature sensing element 2 relative to the object. The fixing part 7 defines an internal space P therein. In the temperature sensor 1, the fixing part 7 accommodates the temperature sensing element 2, the conductors 3 and 4, and the lead wires 5 and 6 in the internal space P. The temperature sensing element 2, the conductors 3 and 4, and the lead wires 5 and 6 are accommodated in the internal space P. In this embodiment, the fixing part 7 is filled with resin 8 with the temperature sensing element 2, the conductors 3 and 4, and parts of the lead wires 5 and 6 accommodated in the internal space P. That is, the temperature sensor 1 further includes resin 8. The resin 8 fixes the temperature sensing element 2, the conductive wires 3, 4, and some of the lead wires 5, 6 inside the fixing portion 7, and also seals the temperature sensing element 2 and the conductive wires 3, 4 inside the fixing portion 7.

[0023] The fixing portion 7 includes a portion 71 and a portion 72. The portion 71 is made of, for example, a metal. The portion 71 is made of, for example, aluminum, copper, brass, or stainless steel. In a configuration in which the portion 71 is made of a metal, the thermal conductivity of the portion 71 is, for example, 15 W / (m·K) or more. The thermal conductivity of aluminum is, for example, 236 W / (m·K). The thermal conductivity of copper is, for example, 398 W / (m·K). The thermal conductivity of brass is, for example, 106 W / (m·K). The thermal conductivity of stainless steel is, for example, 84 W / (m·K).

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, the portion 71 includes a surface 71a. The surface 71a contacts an object to which the temperature sensitive element 2 is fixed. The surface 71a constitutes the surface of the portion 71. The surface 71a constitutes, for example, an end surface of the portion 71 at one end of the portion 71. The surface 71a has, for example, a circular shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface 71a. The circular shape includes, for example, a perfect circle, an oval shape, and an ellipse shape. The surface 71a may have a shape other than a circle when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface 71a. The surface 71a may have a rectangular shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface 71a, or may have a polygonal shape other than a rectangular shape.

[0025] In this embodiment, the portion 71 has a bottomed cylindrical shape that is open at the end opposite to the surface 71a. The portion 71 defines an internal space P1. The temperature sensor 2 is accommodated in the internal space P1. That is, the portion 71 accommodates the temperature sensor 2. The portion 71 further includes a bottom 711 and a side portion 712. In this embodiment, the bottom 711 and the side portion 712 are integrally formed. The bottom 711 includes a surface 71a and a bottom surface 71b that faces the surface 71a. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 71b constitutes the bottom surface of the portion 71 having a bottomed cylindrical shape. The bottom surface 71b is located inside the outer edge of the surface 71a when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface 71b. The bottom surface 71b has, for example, a circular shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface 71b. The bottom surface 71b may have a shape other than a circle when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface 71b. The bottom surface 71b may have a rectangular shape or a polygonal shape other than a rectangle when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface 71b.

[0026] The side portion 712 extends from the bottom portion 711 in a direction intersecting with the bottom portion 711. The direction in which the side portion 712 extends may be a direction perpendicular to the bottom portion 711. The side portion 712 includes an end portion 712a, an end portion 712b, and a connecting portion 712c. The end portion 712a and the end portion 712b include corresponding ends of both ends in the direction in which the side portion 712 extends. The end portion 712a is connected to the bottom portion 711. The end portion 712b is curved so as to expand to the outside of the portion 71. The connecting portion 712c connects the end portion 712a and the end portion 712b. The connecting portion 712c connects the end portion 712a and the end portion 712b and extends in a direction intersecting with the surface 71a. The connecting portion 712c extends, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the surface 71a. In this embodiment, the outer edge of the end portion 712a and the outer edge of the connecting portion 712c are located inside the outer edge of the surface 71a when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface 71a.

[0027] In this embodiment, the entire bottom 711 including the surface 71a constitutes the tip portion 11, which is one end of the portion 71. That is, the tip portion 11 includes the surface 71a that contacts the object. The tip portion 11 only needs to include the surface 71a, and may be constituted by only a part of the bottom 711, or may be constituted by the entire bottom 711 and a part of the connecting portion 712c. In this embodiment, the entire end portion 712b constitutes the base portion 12, which is the other end of the portion 71. The base portion 12 may be constituted by only a part of the end portion 712b, or may be constituted by the entire end portion 712b and a part of the connecting portion 712c. In this embodiment, the entire end portion 712a and the entire connecting portion 712c constitute the side portion 13 that connects the tip portion 11 and the base portion 12. When the base portion 12 is formed of only a part of the end portion 712b, the side portion 13 may be formed of a part of the connecting portion 712c described above and a part of the end portion 712b that does not form the base portion 12. That is, the portion 71 includes the tip portion 11, the base portion 12, and the side portion 13.

[0028] The portion 72 is made of, for example, a resin. The portion 72 is made of, for example, a polypropylene resin, a polyphenylene sulfide resin, a polybutylene terephthalate resin, a polyamide resin, or a liquid crystal polymer. In a configuration in which the portion 72 is made of a resin, the thermal conductivity of the portion 72 is, for example, 0.1 W / (m·K) or more. The thermal conductivity of the polypropylene resin is, for example, 0.12 W / (m·K). The thermal conductivity of the polyphenylene sulfide resin is, for example, 0.29 W / (m·K). The thermal conductivity of the polybutylene terephthalate resin is, for example, 0.25 W / (m·K). The thermal conductivity of the polyamide resin is, for example, 0.25 W / (m·K). The thermal conductivity of the liquid crystal polymer is, for example, 0.4 W / (m·K).

[0029] The portion 72 includes a contact portion 721 that contacts an object to which the temperature sensing device 2 is fixed, and connecting portions 722, 723, 724, and 725 that connect the portion 72 and the contact portion 721. In this embodiment, the contact portion 721 and the connecting portions 722, 723, 724, and 725 are integrally formed. The contact portion 721 is separated from the portion 71. In this embodiment, the contact portion 721 is separated from the portion 71 in a direction from the bottom surface 71b toward the surface 71a. The contact portion 721 includes a surface 721a. The surface 721a faces the surface 71a and contacts an object to which the temperature sensing device 2 is fixed. In this embodiment, the surface 721a includes a surface region 721a1 and a surface region 721a2 that are separated from each other.

[0030] In this embodiment, the direction intersecting the surface 721a and the first direction D1 is the first direction D1, the direction in which the surface region 721a1 and the surface region 721a2 are separated from each other is the second direction D2, and the direction intersecting the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is the third direction D3. The first direction D1 is, for example, also a direction intersecting the surface 71a and perpendicular to the surface 71a and the surface 721a. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are, for example, perpendicular to each other. In this embodiment, the surface 721a faces the surface 71a in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1. In the portion 71, the tip portion 11 and the base portion 12 are both ends of the portion 71 in the first direction D1, and the surface 71a and the bottom surface 71b face each other in the first direction D1.

[0031] In this embodiment, when the temperature sensor 2 is fixed to an object, for example, the object is sandwiched between the surfaces 71a and 721a. In this embodiment, the distance between the surfaces 71a and 721a is the same as the length in the first direction D1 of the object to which the temperature sensor 2 is fixed. The distance between the surfaces 71a and 721a is defined, for example, by the distance in the first direction D1 between a plane including the surfaces 71a and 721a. The distance between the surfaces 71a and 721a may be smaller than the length in the first direction D1 of the object to which the temperature sensor 2 is fixed.

[0032] 1 and 3, the contact portion 721 includes a region 721A including a surface region 721a1 and a region 721B including a surface region 721a2. The regions 721A and 721B face each other in the second direction D2. In this embodiment, the regions 721A and 721B face each other in the second direction D2 with the portion 71 therebetween when viewed from the first direction D1. That is, in this embodiment, the portion 71 is located between the regions 721A and 721B in the second direction D2.

[0033] In this embodiment, the region 721A has a triangular shape when viewed from the third direction D3. The region 721A may have, for example, a rectangular shape when viewed from the third direction D3. The region 721A includes a surface 721Aa, a surface 721Ab, a surface 721Ac, and a pair of surfaces 721Ad. In this embodiment, each of the surfaces 721Aa, 721Ab, and 721Ac has a rectangular shape having a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides, and each of the pair of surfaces 721Ad has a triangular shape.

[0034] The surface 721Aa faces the surface 71a in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the surface 721Aa corresponds to the third direction D3, and the short-side direction of the surface 721Aa corresponds to the second direction D2. The surface 721Ab extends in the first direction D1 when viewed from the third direction D3. The surface 721Ab also extends in the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the surface 721Ab corresponds to the third direction D3, and the short-side direction of the surface 721Ab corresponds to the first direction D1.

[0035] The surface 721Ac extends in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1 so as to connect the surface 721Aa and the surface 721Ab. The surface 721Ac extends in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1 so as to move away from the region 721B. The surface 721Ac also extends in a third direction D3. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the surface 721Ac corresponds to the third direction D3, and the lateral direction of the surface 721Ac corresponds to the above-mentioned direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1. The pair of surfaces 721Ad face each other in the third direction D3. The pair of surfaces 721Ad connect the surfaces 721Aa, 721Ab, and 721Ac.

[0036] In this embodiment, the region 721B has a triangular shape when viewed from the third direction D3. The region 721B may have, for example, a rectangular shape when viewed from the third direction D3. The region 721B includes a surface 721Ba, a surface 721Bb, a surface 721Bc, and a pair of surfaces 721Bd. In this embodiment, each of the surfaces 721Ba, 721Bb, and 721Bc has a rectangular shape having a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides, and each of the pair of surfaces 721Bd has a triangular shape.

[0037] The surface 721Ba faces the surface 71a in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the surface 721Ba corresponds to the third direction D3, and the short-side direction of the surface 721Ba corresponds to the second direction D2. The surface 721Bb extends in the first direction D1 when viewed from the third direction D3. The surface 721Bb also extends in the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the surface 721Bb corresponds to the third direction D3, and the short-side direction of the surface 721Bb corresponds to the first direction D1.

[0038] The surface 721Bc extends in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1 so as to connect the surface 721Ba and the surface 721Bb. The surface 721Bc extends in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1 so as to move away from the region 721A. The surface 721Bc also extends in a third direction D3. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the surface 721Bc corresponds to the third direction D3, and the lateral direction of the surface 721Bc corresponds to the above-mentioned direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1. The pair of surfaces 721Bd face each other in the third direction D3. The pair of surfaces 721Bd connect the surface 721Ba, the surface 721Bb, and the surface 721Bc.

[0039] The connecting portion 722 covers a part of the side portion 712. In this embodiment, it covers the entire end portion 712b of the side portion 712 and a part of the connecting portion 712c near the end portion 712b. The connecting portion 712c includes a part that is covered by the connecting portion 722 and a part that is exposed from the connecting portion 722. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 722 is located between the region 721A and the region 721B in the second direction D2, similar to the portion 71. That is, in this embodiment, the region 721A and the region 721B face each other in the second direction D2 with the connecting portion 722 between them, as viewed from the first direction D1.

[0040] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 722 has a cylindrical shape extending in the first direction D1. The connecting portion 722 defines an internal space P2 that communicates with the internal space P1 defined by the portion 71. As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 722 includes a region 722A and a region 722B. In the connecting portion 722, the region 722A is located closer to the portion 71. In this embodiment, the region 722A of the connecting portion 722 covers the entire end portion 712b and a part of the connecting portion 712c closer to the end portion 712b. The region 722A includes a surface 722Aa. The surface 722Aa constitutes the outer surface of the region 722A. In this embodiment, the surface 722Aa is located so as to surround the connecting portion 712c when viewed from the third direction D3. The surface 722Aa faces the surface 721a. In this embodiment, the surface 722Aa faces the surface 721a in the first direction D1. The region 722B extends in the first direction D1 from the region 722A. In this embodiment, the region 722B extends in a direction from the face 721a toward the face 71a from the side opposite the face 722Aa. One end of the region 722B in the first direction D1 is connected to the region 722A. The other end of the region 722B in the first direction D1 is connected to the connecting portion 723. For example, the entire region 722B is located inside the outer edge of the face 722Aa when viewed from the third direction D3.

[0041] The connecting portion 723 defines an internal space P3 that communicates with the internal space P2. As described above, the internal space P2 communicates with the internal space P1. Therefore, in this embodiment, the internal space P1, the internal space P2, and the internal space P3 communicate with each other. The internal spaces P1, P2, and P3 define the internal space P of the fixing portion 7.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the connecting portion 723 includes a pair of end portions 723a, 723b, a pair of side surfaces 723c, and a pair of side surfaces 723d. The pair of end portions 723a, 723b include corresponding ends of the connecting portion 723 in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the end included in the end portion 723a is connected to the region 722B of the connecting portion 722. The end included in the end portion 723b has an opening communicating with the internal space P3. In this embodiment, the temperature sensing element 2, the conductive wires 3, 4, and the lead wires 5, 6 are inserted from the opening of the end included in the end portion 723b and accommodated in the internal space P. The pair of side surfaces 723c face each other in the second direction D2. The pair of side surfaces 723d face each other in the third direction D3. The pair of side surfaces 723c and the pair of side surfaces 723d extend so as to connect the pair of end portions 723a, 723b, for example.

[0043] The connecting portion 724 faces the side portion 712 and is spaced apart from the side portion 712, and extends in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 724 faces the connecting portion 722 and is spaced apart from the connecting portion 722. The connecting portion 724 includes a region 724A and a region 724B that are spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, the region 724A and the region 724B are spaced apart from each other in the second direction D2. Each of the region 724A and the region 724B has, for example, a rectangular plate shape. Each of the region 724A and the region 724B is elastically deformable in the second direction D2.

[0044] The region 724A faces the side portion 712 away from the side portion 712. In this embodiment, the region 724A faces the side portion 712 and the connecting portion 722 away from the side portion 712 and the connecting portion 722. The region 724A faces the side portion 712 and the connecting portion 722, for example, in the second direction D2. One end of the region 724A in the first direction D1 is connected to the region 721A. The region 724A extends in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the region 724A extends from the region 721A in a direction from the surface 721a toward the surface 71a in the first direction D1.

[0045] The region 724A includes a pair of surfaces 724Aa, 724Ab and a pair of surfaces 724Ac. The pair of surfaces 724Aa, 724Ab face each other in the second direction D2. The surface 724Aa is located closer to the side portion 712. The surface 724Ab is located on the opposite side to the surface 724Aa in the second direction D2 and is continuous with the surface 721Ab. The pair of surfaces 724Ac face each other in the third direction D3 and extend in the second direction D2 so as to connect the surfaces 724Aa and 724Ab. The pair of surfaces 724Ac also extend in the first direction D1.

[0046] The region 724B is spaced apart from the side portion 712 and faces the side portion 712. In this embodiment, the region 724B is spaced apart from the side portion 712 and the connecting portion 722 and faces the side portion 712 and the connecting portion 722. The region 724B faces the side portion 712 and the connecting portion 722, for example, in the second direction D2. One end of the region 724B in the first direction D1 is connected to the region 721B. The region 724B extends in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the region 724B extends from the region 721B in a direction from the surface 721a toward the surface 71a in the first direction D1.

[0047] The region 724B includes a pair of surfaces 724Ba, 724Bb and a pair of surfaces 724Bc. The pair of surfaces 724Ba, 724Bb face each other in the second direction D2. The surface 724Ba is located closer to the side portion 712. The surface 724Bb is located on the opposite side to the surface 724Ba in the second direction D2 and is continuous with the surface 721Bb. The pair of surfaces 724Bc face each other in the third direction D3 and extend in the second direction D2 so as to connect the surface 724Ba and the surface 724Bb. The pair of surfaces 724Bc also extend in the first direction D1.

[0048] In this embodiment, the shortest distance between region 724A and region 724B in the second direction D2 is greater than the shortest distance between region 721A and region 721B in the second direction D2 and the length in the second direction D2 of the object to which the temperature sensing device 2 is fixed. The shortest distance between region 724A and region 724B in the second direction D2 is defined, for example, by the distance between surface 724Aa and surface 724Ba in the second direction D2.

[0049] The connecting portion 725 connects the connecting portion 723 and the connecting portion 724. The connecting portion 725 includes a region 725A and a region 725B that are separated from each other in the second direction D2. In this embodiment, the region 725A and the region 725B extend so as to be separated from each other in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1 when viewed from the third direction D3. The region 725A and the region 725B may extend so as to be separated from each other in the second direction D2 when viewed from the third direction D3.

[0050] One end of the region 725A is connected to an end of the region 724A in the first direction D1 that is not connected to the region 721A. The other end of the region 725A is connected to one end of the end 723a of the connecting portion 723 in the second direction D2. One end of the region 725B is connected to an end of the region 724B in the first direction D1 that is not connected to the region 721B. The other end of the region 725B is connected to the other end of the end 723a of the connecting portion 723 in the second direction D2.

[0051] In this embodiment, the entire contact portion 721 including the surface 721a constitutes the portion 14 that is separated from the portion 71. The portion 14 faces the surface 71a and includes the surface 721a that contacts the object. That is, the fixing portion 7 includes the portion 14 that is separated from the portion 14 and includes the surface 721a that contacts the object. The portion 14 only needs to be separated from the portion 71 and include the surface 721a, and may be constituted by only a part of the contact portion 721, or may be constituted by only the entire contact portion 721 and a part of the connecting portion 724.

[0052] In this embodiment, portion 14 includes portion 14A including surface region 721a1 and portion 14B including surface region 721a2. In this embodiment, the entire region 721A constitutes portion 14A, and the entire region 721B constitutes portion 14B. Portion 14A only needs to include surface region 721a1, and may be composed of only a portion of region 721A including surface region 721a1. Portion 14B only needs to include surface region 721a2, and may be composed of only a portion of region 721B including surface region 721a2.

[0053] In this embodiment, the entire surface 721Aa constitutes the surface region 721a1. The surface region 721a1 may be constituted by only a portion of the surface 721Aa. In this embodiment, the entire surface 721Ba constitutes the surface region 721a2. The surface region 721a2 may be constituted by only a portion of the surface 721Ba.

[0054] As described above, the portion 72 including the contact portion 721 is made of, for example, a resin. Therefore, the portion 14 constituted by the contact portion 721 is made of, for example, a resin. The portion 14 is made of, for example, a polypropylene resin, a polyphenylene sulfide resin, a polybutylene terephthalate resin, a polyamide resin, or a liquid crystal polymer. In a configuration in which the portion 14 is made of a resin, the thermal conductivity of the portion 14 is, for example, 0.1 W / (m·K) or more. As described above, the thermal conductivity of the portion 71 is, for example, 15 W / (m·K) or more. Therefore, the portion 71 has a thermal conductivity greater than that of the portion 14.

[0055] In this embodiment, the entirety of the connecting portion 722, the entirety of the end portion 723a, the entirety of the connecting portion 724, and the entirety of the connecting portion 725 constitute the portion 15 that connects the base end portion 12 and the portion 14 of the portion 71. That is, the fixing portion 7 includes the portion 15 that connects the base end portion 12 and the portion 14. In this embodiment, the portion 15 includes a portion 15A that is separated from the side portion 13, faces the side portion 13, and extends in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the portion 15A is constituted by the entirety of the connecting portion 724. The portion 15A only needs to be separated from the side portion 13, faces the side portion 13, and extends in the first direction D1, and may be constituted by only a part of the connecting portion 724.

[0056] For example, when portion 71 constitutes the first portion, portion 14 constitutes the second portion, and portion 15 constitutes the third portion. In this embodiment, for example, when surface 71a constitutes the first surface, surface 721a constitutes the second surface. For example, when surface region 721a1 constitutes the first surface region, surface region 721a2 constitutes the second surface region.

[0057] Next, a state in which the temperature sensor 1 is attached to an object will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the temperature sensor and the object according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the temperature sensor and the object according to this embodiment.

[0058] The temperature sensor 1 is attached to, for example, an object S. The object S is, for example, a linearly extending member having a rectangular cross section. The object S may have a polygonal cross section other than a rectangular cross section. As shown in FIG. 4, the object S includes a pair of faces Sa, Sb and a pair of faces Sc. The pair of faces Sa, Sb face each other in a first direction D1. The pair of faces Sc face each other in a second direction D2. The length of the object S in the first direction D1 is, for example, the same as the distance between the faces 71a and 721a. The length of the object S in the second direction D2 is, for example, greater than the shortest distance between the regions 721A and 721B in the second direction D2 and smaller than the shortest distance between the regions 724A and 724B in the second direction D2.

[0059] The temperature sensor 1 is attached to the object S, for example, as follows. First, the surface Sb is abutted against the surface 721Ac and the surface 721Bc. Next, in a state in which the surface Sb is abutted against the surface 721Ac and the surface 721Bc, the object S is pressed, for example, in a direction from the surface 721a toward the surface 71a in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the object S is pressed in a direction from the surface 721a toward the surface 71a in the first direction D1 until the surface Sb contacts the surface 71a. When the object S is pressed in the above direction, the region 724A and the region 724B are elastically deformed so as to move away from each other. With this elastic deformation of the region 724A and the region 724B, the shortest distance between the region 721A and the region 721B in the second direction D2 increases, and the object S is fitted between the portion 71 and the contact portion 721. By fitting the object S between the portion 71 and the contact portion 721, the region 724A and the region 724B return to the state before the elastic deformation, and the surface 721a contacts the surface Sa. In this embodiment, the surface region 721a1 and the surface region 721a2 of the surface 721a contact the corresponding ends of the surface Sa in the second direction D2. In this manner, the temperature sensor 1 is attached to the object S.

[0060] In a state where the temperature sensor 1 is attached to the object S, the surface 71a is in contact with the surface Sb, and the surface area 721a1 and the surface area 721a2 are in contact with the surface Sa. As shown in Fig. 5, in this embodiment, in a state where the temperature sensor 1 is attached to the object S, the entire surface 71a is in contact with the surface Sb, and a part of the surface area 721a1 and a part of the surface area 721a2 are in contact with the surface Sa. In a state where the temperature sensor 1 is attached to the object S, only a part of the surface 71a may be in contact with the surface Sb, or the entire surface area 721a1 and the entire surface area 721a2 may be in contact with the surface Sb. With the temperature sensor 1 attached to the object S, the fixing part 7 fixes the temperature sensing element 2 to the object S. In this embodiment, with the temperature sensor 1 attached to the object S, the fixing part 7 fixes the temperature sensing element 2 to the object S by clamping the object S between the surface 71a and the surface 721a.

[0061] As described above, in the temperature sensor 1, the fixing part 7 includes the portion 71 including the surface 71a that contacts the object S, and the portion 14 including the surface 721a that faces the surface 71a and contacts the object S. For example, when the temperature sensor 1 is attached to the object S, the surface 71a and the surface 721a contact the corresponding surfaces of the pair of surfaces Sa, Sb of the object S that face each other. That is, the fixing part 7 fixes the temperature sensing element 2 to the object S, for example, by sandwiching the object S between the surface 71a and the surface 721a. The configuration in which the fixing part 7 fixes the temperature sensing element 2 to the object S by sandwiching the object S between the surface 71a and the surface 721a improves the attachability to the object S. Therefore, the temperature sensor 1 can improve the attachability to the object S. For example, in the temperature sensor 1, a surface 71a included in the portion 71 housing the temperature sensitive device 2 comes into contact with the object S. Therefore, the temperature sensor 1 detects the temperature of the object S appropriately.

[0062] When the temperature sensor 2 is fixed to the object S, the temperature sensor 1 may be configured to have a separate fixing part for fixing the temperature sensor 2 to the object instead of the fixing part 7 described above. In this configuration, for example, the temperature sensor 2 is inserted into a U-shaped bent part of the object, and the separate fixing part is formed around the temperature sensor 2 and the U-shaped bent part, so that the temperature sensor 2 is fixed to the object. However, in the configuration in which the temperature sensor 1 has the separate fixing part, processing is required to provide the U-shaped bent part on the object. Alternatively, in the configuration in which the temperature sensor 1 has the separate fixing part, it is necessary to prepare an object provided with a U-shaped bent part. On the other hand, in the temperature sensor 1, the fixing part 7 clamps the object S between the surface 71a and the surface 721a, thereby fixing the temperature sensor 2 to the object S. Therefore, there is no need to perform processing to fix the temperature sensor 2 to the object, and the shape of the object is not easily limited. As described above, the temperature sensor 1 requires less processing of the object, and improves the freedom of selection of the object to which the temperature sensitive element 2 is fixed.

[0063] In the temperature sensor 1, the surface 721a includes a surface region 721a1 and a surface region 721a2 that are separated from each other. The portion 14 includes a portion 14A including the surface region 721a1 and a portion 14B including the surface region 721a2. The portion 71 is located between the portion 14A including the surface region 721a1 and the portion 14B including the surface region 721a2 in the second direction D2. The temperature sensor 1 comes into contact with the object S at three points: the surface 71a, the surface area 721a1, and the surface area 721a2. Therefore, the temperature sensor 1 realizes reliable fixation of the temperature sensitive element 2 to the object S with a simple configuration.

[0064] In the temperature sensor 1, the portion 15 connecting the base end portion 12 and the portion 14 includes a portion 15A that is spaced apart from and faces the side portion 13 and extends in the first direction D1. The temperature sensor 1 easily realizes a configuration in which the surface 721a faces the surface 71a and contacts the target object S.

[0065] In the temperature sensor 1 , the portion 71 has a thermal conductivity greater than the thermal conductivity of the portion 14 . In the temperature sensor 1, heat from the object S is easily transferred to the temperature sensitive element 2. Therefore, the temperature sensor 1 can have improved thermal responsiveness.

[0066] In the temperature sensor 1, the portion 71 is made of metal, and the portion 14 is made of resin. The temperature sensor 1 is easily configured such that the portion 71 has a thermal conductivity greater than that of the portion 14 .

[0067] Next, the configuration of a temperature sensor 1A according to a modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a temperature sensor according to a modified example of this embodiment. The temperature sensor 1A differs from the above-described temperature sensor 1 in terms of the configuration of the fixing portion 7. The following mainly describes the differences between the above-described temperature sensor 1 and the temperature sensor 1A.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 6, in this modified example, the surface 71a is located inside the outer edge of the side portion 712 when viewed from the third direction D3. In this modified example, the surface 71a also contacts the object to which the temperature sensing device 2 is fixed. In this modified example, the side portion 712 faces the object to which the temperature sensing device 2 is fixed in the second direction D2. For example, the surface of the connecting portion 712c of the side portion 712 faces the object to which the temperature sensing device 2 is fixed in the second direction D2. The surface of the connecting portion 712c may contact the object to which the temperature sensing device 2 is fixed.

[0069] In this modification, the length of the region 725A and the region 725B in the direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1 is different from the length of the region 725A and the region 725B in the direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1 in the temperature sensor 1. In this modification, the length of the region 725A and the region 725B in the direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1 is greater than the length of the region 725A and the region 725B in the direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1 in the temperature sensor 1. Therefore, in the temperature sensor 1A, the shortest distance between the region 721A and the region 721B in the second direction D2 and the shortest distance between the region 724A and the region 724B in the second direction D2 are greater than the shortest distance between the region 721A and the region 721B in the second direction D2 and the shortest distance between the region 724A and the region 724B in the second direction D2 in the temperature sensor 1.

[0070] In the temperature sensor 1A, the length of the region 725A and the region 725B in the direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1 is adjusted to adjust the shortest distance between the region 721A and the region 721B in the second direction D2 and the shortest distance between the region 724A and the region 724B in the second direction D2. The length of the region 725A and the region 725B in the direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1 is adjusted based on, for example, the length of the object to which the temperature sensor 1A is attached in the second direction D2.

[0071] Next, a state in which the temperature sensor 1A is attached to an object will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a temperature sensor and an object according to a modified example of this embodiment. In this modification, the temperature sensor 1A is attached to, for example, the object SA. Like the object S, the object SA is, for example, a linearly extending member and has a rectangular cross section. The object SA also includes a pair of surfaces Sa, Sb and a pair of surfaces Sc. The length of the object SA in the first direction D1 is, for example, the same as the distance between the surface 721a and the surface 722Aa. The distance between the surface 721a and the surface 722Aa is defined, for example, by the distance between the surface 721a and the surface 722Aa in the first direction D1. The distance between the surface 721a and the surface 722Aa may be smaller than the length of the object SA in the first direction D1.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7, a recess H1 is formed in the target SA. The recess H1 opens to the surface Sb. The recess H1 is recessed in the first direction D1 from the surface Sb toward the inside of the target SA. In the target SA, the recess H1 is defined by a bottom surface Sd and an inner wall surface Se. That is, the target SA further includes a bottom surface Sd and an inner wall surface Se in addition to a pair of surfaces Sa, Sb and a pair of surfaces Sc. The bottom surface Sd defines the bottom of the recess H1. The opening edge of the recess H1 has, for example, a circular shape when viewed from the first direction D1. The length of the recess H1 in the second direction D2 is, for example, the same from the opening edge to the bottom surface Sd. The length of the recess H1 in the second direction D2 may be greater than the length of the connecting portion 712c in the second direction D2, or may be the same as the length of the connecting portion 712c in the second direction D2.

[0073] The temperature sensor 1A is attached to the object SA, for example, as follows. In this modification, the surface Sb is first abutted against the surface 721Ac and the surface 721Bc. Next, the position of the recess H1 and the position of the portion 71 are aligned in a state in which the surface Sb is abutted against the surface 721Ac and the surface 721Bc. When the position of the recess H1 and the position of the portion 71 are aligned, for example, the position of the recess H1 and the position of the portion 71 are adjusted so that the central axis of the recess H1 and the central axis of the surface 71a coincide with each other. Next, the object SA is pushed in the first direction D1 in a direction from the surface 721a toward the surface 71a, and the portion 71 is inserted into the recess H1. In this modification, the object SA is pushed in the first direction D1 in a direction from the surface 721a toward the surface 71a until the surface 71a contacts the bottom surface Sd and the surface 722Aa contacts the surface Sb. As a result, the target SA is fitted between the portion 71 and the contact portion 721. In this modification as well, by fitting the target SA between the portion 71 and the contact portion 721, the region 724A and the region 724B return to their states before elastic deformation, and the surface region 721a1 and the surface region 721a2 of the surface 721a contact the corresponding ends of the surface Sa in the second direction D2. In this manner, the temperature sensor 1A is attached to the target SA.

[0074] In a state where the temperature sensor 1A is attached to the target SA, at least a part of the portion 71 is located in the recess H1. As shown in Fig. 7, in this modification, the entire bottom 711, the entire end 712a, and a part of the connecting portion 712c near the end 712a of the portion 71 are located in the recess H1. In this modification, for example, the tip portion 11 and a part of the side portion 13 near the tip portion 11 are located in the recess H1.

[0075] In a state where the temperature sensor 1A is attached to the object SA, the surface 71a is in contact with the bottom surface Sd, and the surface area 721a1 and the surface area 721a2 are in contact with the surface Sa. In this modified example, in a state where the temperature sensor 1A is attached to the object SA, the entire surface 71a is in contact with the bottom surface Sd, and a part of the surface area 721a1 and a part of the surface area 721a2 are in contact with the surface Sa. In a state where the temperature sensor 1A is attached to the object SA, only a part of the surface 71a may be in contact with the bottom surface Sd, or the entire surface area 721a1 and the entire surface area 721a2 may be in contact with the surface Sa.

[0076] When the temperature sensor 1A is attached to the target SA, the surface of the connecting portion 712c faces the inner wall surface Se. In this modification, when the temperature sensor 1 is attached to the target SA, the surface of the connecting portion 712c is in contact with the inner wall surface Se. When the temperature sensor 1A is attached to the target SA, the surface of the connecting portion 712c does not have to be in contact with the inner wall surface Se.

[0077] In a state where the temperature sensor 1A is attached to the object SA, the surface 722Aa is in contact with the surface Sb. In this modification, in a state where the temperature sensor 1A is attached to the object SA, the entire surface 722Aa is in contact with the surface Sb. In a state where the temperature sensor 1A is attached to the object SA, only a part of the surface 722Aa may be in contact with the surface Sb.

[0078] With the temperature sensor 1A attached to the object SA, the fixing part 7 fixes the temperature sensor 2 to the object SA. In this modification, with the temperature sensor 1A attached to the object SA, the fixing part 7 clamps the object SA between the surface 71a and the surface 721a, thereby fixing the temperature sensor 2 to the object SA. In this modification, with the temperature sensor 1A attached to the object SA, the surface 722Aa is in contact with the surface Sb, so it can be said that the fixing part 7 fixes the temperature sensor 2 to the object SA by clamping the object SA between the surface 722Aa and the surface 721a.

[0079] In the temperature sensor 1A, at least a part of the portion 71 is located within a depression H1 formed in the target SA. If the position of the temperature sensor 2 relative to the object SA shifts, the heat of the object SA is less likely to be transferred to the temperature sensor 2. In the temperature sensor 1A, the position of the temperature sensor 2 relative to the object SA is less likely to shift. In the temperature sensor 1A, the area of ​​the region of the portion 71 facing the object SA can be increased compared to a configuration in which the portion 71 is not located within the depression H1 of the object SA. When the area of ​​the region of the portion 71 facing the object SA increases, the heat of the object SA is more likely to be transferred to the temperature sensor 2. Therefore, the temperature sensor 1A can have improved thermal responsiveness.

[0080] Next, the configuration of a temperature sensor 1B according to another modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a temperature sensor according to another modified example of this embodiment. Temperature sensor 1B differs from the above-mentioned temperature sensor 1A in terms of the configuration of fixing portion 7. The following mainly describes the differences between the above-mentioned temperature sensor 1A and temperature sensor 1B.

[0081] In this modified example, unlike the temperature sensor 1A, the surface 71a does not contact the object to which the temperature sensor 2 is fixed. In this modified example, the portion 71 faces the object to which the temperature sensor 2 is fixed. For example, the side portion 13 of the portion 71 faces the object to which the temperature sensor 2 is fixed. The portion 71 may contact the object to which the temperature sensor 2 is fixed. In this case, for example, the side portion 13 of the portion 71 may contact the object to which the temperature sensor 2 is fixed.

[0082] On the other hand, in this modification, the surface 722Aa also contacts the object to which the temperature sensing device 2 is fixed. As described above, the portion 15 is composed of the entirety of the connecting portion 722 including the surface 722Aa, the entirety of the end portion 723a, the entirety of the connecting portion 724, and the entirety of the connecting portion 725, and the surface 722Aa faces the surface 721a. Therefore, in this modification, the portion 15 faces the surface 721a and includes the surface 722Aa that contacts the object. In this modification, for example, when the surface 721a constitutes the first surface, the surface 722Aa constitutes the second surface. In this modification, when the surface region 721a1 constitutes the first surface region, the surface region 721a2 constitutes the second surface region.

[0083] In this modification, portion 15 includes portion 15B located between region 721A and region 721B in second direction D2. In this modification, portion 15B is configured by the entirety of coupling portion 722 including surface 722Aa. That is, portion 15B includes surface 722Aa. Portion 15B need not be configured by the entirety of coupling portion 722 as long as it includes surface 722Aa. Portion 15B may be configured by, for example, the entirety of region 722A.

[0084] As described above, portion 15A is constituted by the entirety of connecting portion 724, and connecting portion 724 is separated from connecting portion 722 and faces connecting portion 722. In other words, portion 15A can be said to be separated from portion 15B including surface 722Aa and faces portion 15B.

[0085] The length of the region 724A and the region 724B in the first direction D1 in this modification is smaller than the length of the region 724A and the region 724B in the first direction D1 in the temperature sensor 1A. In this modification, the length of the region 724A and the region 724B in the first direction D1 is set so that, for example, the position of the surface 721a in the first direction D1 is the same as the position of the surface 71a in the first direction D1.

[0086] Next, a state in which the temperature sensor 1B is attached to an object will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a temperature sensor according to another modified example of the present embodiment and the object. In this modification, the temperature sensor 1B is attached to, for example, an object SB. The object SB has the same configuration as the object SA, except that a recess H2 is formed instead of the recess H1. The following mainly describes the differences between the above-mentioned object SA and the object SB.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 9, the target SB has a recess H2 formed therein instead of the recess H1. The recess H2 opens to a pair of faces Sa, Sb. That is, the recess H2 can be said to be a through hole formed in the target SB. In this modification, the recess H2 is formed along the first direction D1. In the target SB, the recess H2 is defined by an inner wall surface Sf. That is, the target SB further includes an inner wall surface Sf in addition to the pair of faces Sa, Sb and the pair of faces Sc. Each opening edge of the recess H2 has, for example, a circular shape when viewed from the first direction D1. The length of the recess H2 in the second direction D2 is, for example, the same from one opening edge to the other opening edge. The length of the recess H2 in the second direction D2 may be greater than the length of the connecting portion 712c in the second direction D2, or may be the same as the length of the connecting portion 712c in the second direction D2.

[0088] The temperature sensor 1B is attached to the object SB, for example, as follows. In this modification, the surface Sb is first abutted against the surface 721Ac and the surface 721Bc. Next, the position of the recess H2 and the position of the portion 71 are aligned in a state in which the surface Sb is abutted against the surface 721Ac and the surface 721Bc. When the position of the recess H2 and the position of the portion 71 are aligned, for example, the position of the recess H2 and the position of the portion 71 are adjusted so that the central axis of the recess H2 and the central axis of the surface 71a coincide with each other. Next, the object SB is pushed in the direction from the surface 721a toward the surface 71a in the first direction D1, and the portion 71 is inserted into the recess H2. In this modification, the object SB is pushed in the direction from the surface 721a toward the surface 71a in the first direction D1 until the surface 722Aa comes into contact with the surface Sb. As a result, the object SB is fitted between the portion 71 and the contact portion 721. In this modification, the object SB is fitted between the portion 71 and the contact portion 721, so that the regions 724A and 724B return to their pre-elastic deformation states, and the surface regions 721a1 and 721a2 of the surface 721a contact the corresponding ends of the surface Sa in the second direction D2. In this manner, the temperature sensor 1B is attached to the object SB.

[0089] In a state where the temperature sensor 1B is attached to the object SB, at least a part of the portion 71 is located in the recess H2. As shown in Fig. 9, in this modification, the bottom 711 excluding the surface 71a, the entire end 712a, and a part of the connecting portion 712c near the end 712a are located in the recess H2. In this modification, for example, the tip portion 11 excluding the surface 71a and a part of the side portion 13 are located in the recess H2.

[0090] In a state where the temperature sensor 1B is attached to the object SB, the surface 722Aa is in contact with the surface Sb, and the surface areas 721a1 and 721a2 are in contact with the surface Sa. In this modification, in a state where the temperature sensor 1B is attached to the object SB, the entire surface 722Aa is in contact with the surface Sb, and a part of the surface area 721a1 and a part of the surface area 721a2 are in contact with the surface Sa. In a state where the temperature sensor 1B is attached to the object SB, only a part of the surface 722Aa may be in contact with the surface Sb, or the entire surface area 721a1 and the entire surface area 721a2 may be in contact with the surface Sa.

[0091] In a state where the temperature sensor 1B is attached to the object SB, the surface of the connecting portion 712c faces the inner wall surface Sf. In this modification, in a state where the temperature sensor 1B is attached to the object SB, the surface of the connecting portion 712c is in contact with the inner wall surface Sf. In a state where the temperature sensor 1B is attached to the object SB, the surface of the connecting portion 712c does not have to be in contact with the inner wall surface Sf.

[0092] With the temperature sensor 1B attached to the object SB, the fixing part 7 fixes the temperature sensing element 2 to the object SB. In this modification, with the temperature sensor 1B attached to the object SB, the fixing part 7 clamps the object SB between the surface 722Aa and the surface 721a, thereby fixing the temperature sensing element 2 to the object SB.

[0093] In the temperature sensor 1B, in the fixing part 7, the part 14 includes a surface 721a that contacts the object SB, and the part 15 includes a part 15B that faces the surface 721a and includes a surface 722Aa that contacts the object SB. For example, when the temperature sensor 1B is attached to the object SB, the surface 721a and the surface 722Aa contact the corresponding surfaces of the pair of surfaces Sa, Sb of the object SB that face each other. That is, in the temperature sensor 1B, the fixing part 7 fixes the temperature sensing element 2 to the object SB, for example, by sandwiching the object SB between the surface 721a and the surface 722Aa. The configuration in which the fixing part 7 fixes the temperature sensing element 2 to the object SB by sandwiching the object SB between the surface 721a and the surface 722Aa improves the attachment property to the object SB. Therefore, the temperature sensor 1B can improve the attachment property to the object SB. For example, as described above, in the temperature sensor 1B, the portion 71 housing the temperature sensitive element 2 faces the object SB. Therefore, the temperature sensor 1B appropriately detects the temperature of the object.

[0094] In the temperature sensor 1B, the surface 721a includes a surface region 721a1 and a surface region 721a2 that are separated from each other. The portion 14 includes a portion 14A including the surface region 721a1 and a portion 14B including the surface region 721a2. The portion 15B is located between the portion 14A including the surface region 721a1 and the portion 14B including the surface region 721a2 in the second direction D2. In the temperature sensor 1B, three points, namely, a surface area 721a1 of the surface 721a, a surface area 721a2 of the surface 721a, and a surface 722Aa, come into contact with the object. Therefore, the temperature sensor 1B realizes reliable fixing of the temperature sensitive element 2 to the object SB with a simple configuration.

[0095] In the temperature sensor 1B, the portion 15 includes a portion 15B including a surface 722Aa, and a portion 15A connecting the portion 15B and the portion 14, facing the portion 15B away from the portion 15B, and extending in the first direction D1. The temperature sensor 1B easily realizes a configuration in which the surface 722Aa faces the surface 721a and contacts the target SB.

[0096] The above describes the embodiments and modifications of the present invention, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0097] The surface 721a may not include the surface region 721a1 and the surface region 721a2. The surface 721a may include only one of the surface regions 721a1 and 721a2. When the surface 721a includes only one of the surface regions 721a1 and 721a2, the connecting portion 724 may include only the corresponding region of the region 724A and the region 724B. When the surface 721a includes only one of the surface regions 721a1 and 721a2, the connecting portion 725 may include only the corresponding region of the region 725A and the region 725B.

[0098] The shortest distance between the region 724A and the region 724B in the second direction D2 may be smaller than the length in the second direction D2 of the object to which the temperature sensor 2 is fixed. In this case, when the temperature sensor 1 is attached to the object S, the region 724A and the region 724B are elastically deformed in opposite directions to each other in the second direction D2. As a result, the surface 724Aa contacts one surface Sc of the pair of surfaces Sc, and a reaction force caused by the elastic deformation of the region 724A acts on the object S from the surface 724Aa. Similarly, the surface 724Ba contacts the other surface Sc of the pair of surfaces Sc, and a reaction force caused by the elastic deformation of the region 724B acts on the object S from the surface 724Ba. When the shortest distance between the regions 724A and 724B in the second direction D2 is smaller than the length of the object S in the second direction D2, the fixing part 7 also fixes the temperature sensor 2 to the object S by clamping the object S between the surfaces 724Aa and 724Ba. Therefore, a configuration in which the shortest distance between the regions 724A and 724B in the second direction D2 is smaller than the length of the object S in the second direction D2 realizes reliable fixing of the temperature sensor 2 to the object S.

[0099] As will be understood from the above description of the embodiment and each modified example, this specification includes disclosure of the following aspects. (Appendix 1) A temperature sensitive element; A fixing part that fixes the temperature sensing element to an object, The fixing portion is A first portion that houses the temperature sensing element and includes a first surface that contacts the object; a second portion spaced from the first portion and facing the first surface and including a second surface in contact with the object. (Appendix 2) the second surface includes a first surface region and a second surface region spaced apart from one another; The second portion includes a portion including the first surface region and a portion including the second surface region, The temperature sensor of claim 1, wherein the first portion is located between the portion including the first surface region and the portion including the second surface region in a direction in which the first surface region and the second surface region are separated from each other. (Appendix 3) The first portion is a tip portion at one end including the first surface; A base end portion which is the other end; a side portion connecting the distal portion and the proximal portion, The fixing portion includes a third portion connecting the base end portion and the second portion. 3. The temperature sensor of claim 1, wherein the third portion includes a portion facing the side portion away from the side portion and extending in a direction intersecting the second surface. (Appendix 4) A temperature sensitive element; A fixing part that fixes the temperature sensing element to an object, The fixing portion is A first portion that houses the temperature sensing element and faces an object; a second portion spaced from the first portion and including a first surface in contact with the object; a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion; The third portion includes a portion of the temperature sensor including a second surface that contacts the object. (Appendix 5) the first surface includes a first surface region and a second surface region spaced apart from one another; The second portion includes a portion including the first surface region and a portion including the second surface region, A temperature sensor as described in Appendix 4, wherein the portion including the second surface is located between the portion including the first surface region and the portion including the second surface region in a direction in which the first surface region and the second surface region are away from each other. (Appendix 6) The temperature sensor of claim 4 or 5, wherein the third portion connects the portion including the second surface and the second portion, and includes a portion that is spaced apart from the portion including the second surface, faces the portion including the second surface, and extends in a direction intersecting the first surface. (Appendix 7) 7. The temperature sensor according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the first portion is located within a recess formed in the object. (Appendix 8) The temperature sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first portion has a thermal conductivity greater than a thermal conductivity of the second portion. (Appendix 9) The first portion is made of a metal, 9. The temperature sensor according to claim 8, wherein the second portion is made of resin. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1, 1A, 1B...temperature sensor, 2...temperature sensing element, 7...fixed portion, 11...tip portion, 12...base portion, 13...side portion, 14...portion, 15...portion, 15A...portion, 15B...portion, 71...portion, 71a...surface, 721a...surface, 722Aa...surface, H1, H2...depression, S, SA, SB...object.

Claims

1. A temperature sensitive element; A fixing part that fixes the temperature sensing element to an object, The fixing portion is A first portion that houses the temperature sensing element and includes a first surface that contacts the object; a second portion spaced from the first portion and facing the first surface and including a second surface in contact with the object.

2. the second surface includes a first surface region and a second surface region spaced apart from one another; The second portion includes a portion including the first surface region and a portion including the second surface region, The temperature sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the first portion is located between the portion including the first surface region and the portion including the second surface region in a direction in which the first surface region and the second surface region are separated from each other.

3. The first portion is a tip portion at one end including the first surface; A base end portion which is the other end; a side portion connecting the distal portion and the proximal portion, The fixing portion includes a third portion connecting the base end portion and the second portion. The temperature sensor of claim 1 , wherein the third portion includes a portion facing away from the side portion and extending in a direction transverse to the second surface.

4. A temperature sensitive element; A fixing part that fixes the temperature sensing element to an object, The fixing portion is A first portion that houses the temperature sensing element and faces an object; a second portion spaced from the first portion and including a first surface in contact with the object; a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion; The third portion includes a portion of the temperature sensor including a second surface that contacts the object.

5. the first surface includes a first surface region and a second surface region spaced apart from one another; The second portion includes a portion including the first surface region and a portion including the second surface region, The temperature sensor according to claim 4, wherein the portion including the second surface is located between the portion including the first surface region and the portion including the second surface region in a direction in which the first surface region and the second surface region are separated from each other.

6. The temperature sensor of claim 4, wherein the third portion connects the portion including the second surface and the second portion, and includes a portion that is spaced apart from the portion including the second surface, faces the portion including the second surface, and extends in a direction intersecting the first surface.

7. The temperature sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least a part of the first portion is located within a recess formed in the object.

8. The temperature sensor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion has a thermal conductivity greater than a thermal conductivity of the second portion.

9. The first portion is made of a metal, The temperature sensor according to claim 8 , wherein the second portion is made of resin.

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