Electric current measurement module

The current measurement module addresses the challenge of positional deviation tolerance by using a conductor with a protruding region in the through hole and strategically arranged magnetic detection elements, resulting in improved frequency characteristics and measurement accuracy.

JP2025077017APending Publication Date: 2025-05-16ASAHI KASEI MICRODEVICES CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024190770
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-11-02
Filing Date
2024-10-30
Publication Date
2025-05-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing current measurement modules face challenges in accurately measuring currents due to limitations in tolerance for positional deviations of magnetic detection elements, which affect the frequency characteristics of the measurement.

Method used

The current measurement module incorporates a conductor with two main bodies and two current paths connected by a through hole with a protruding region on one side, along with two magnetic detection elements arranged to detect magnetic fields generated by the current flowing through the paths.

Benefits of technology

This configuration enhances the tolerance for positional deviations of the magnetic detection elements, improving the frequency characteristics and accuracy of current measurement.

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Abstract

SOLUTION: An electric current measurement module is provided. The electric current measurement module comprises: a conductor that has two main body parts arranged side by side in a first direction, and two electric current path parts arranged side by side across a through-hole in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and connecting the two main body parts; and a magnetic detection element that is equipped with a magneto sensitive surface detecting a magnetic field occurring by an electric current flowing through the two electric current channel parts. The through-hole has a protrusion area that locally protrudes toward the second direction only on one side of the two electric current path parts, and forms, in the electric current channel part on the one side, a width as same as a width in the second direction of the electric current channel part on other side, or a width narrow area of a width narrower than the width in the second direction of the electric current path part on the other side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a current measurement module. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a "current sensor having a long hole in a current path along the direction of the measured current flowing." Patent Document 2 discloses a "sensor and procedure for measuring busbar current with skin effect correction." [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-055790 A [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2008 / 030129 Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a current measurement module, the current measurement module comprising: a conductor having two main body parts arranged side by side in a first direction, two current path parts arranged side by side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with a through hole therebetween and connecting the two main body parts, and a magnetic detection element having a magnetic sensing surface for detecting a magnetic field generated by a current flowing through the two current path parts, the through hole having a protruding region that protrudes locally in the second direction only on one side of the two current path parts, and the current path part on one side forms a narrow region having a width equal to or narrower than a width in the second direction of the current path part on the other side.

[0004] In the above current measurement module, the two magnetic detection elements may be arranged side by side in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and each of the two magnetic detection elements may have a magnetic sensing surface that detects a component of the magnetic field in the second direction generated by currents flowing through the two current path sections.

[0005] In any of the above current measurement modules, the two magnetic detection elements may be arranged side by side in the second direction, and each of the two magnetic detection elements may have a magnetic sensing surface that detects a component of a magnetic field generated by currents flowing through the two current path sections in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0006] In any of the current measuring modules described above, the length of the protruding region in the first direction may be equal to or less than half the length of the through hole in the first direction and equal to or greater than a thickness of the conductor.

[0007] In any of the above current measurement modules, the width in the second direction of the portion of the through hole other than the protruding region may be 2 / 3 or less of the width in the second direction of the portion of the through hole in which the protruding region is formed.

[0008] In any of the current measuring modules described above, the width of the through hole in the second direction other than the protruding region may be 6 mm or less.

[0009] In any of the current measuring modules described above, the magnetic detection element may be located within the through hole when viewed from a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0010] In any of the current measuring modules described above, when viewed from the second direction, the magnetic detection element may be disposed in a range in which the protruding region of the through hole is formed.

[0011] In any of the above current measuring modules, the magnetic detection element may be a Hall element.

[0012] In any of the above current measurement modules, the two magnetic detection elements may be arranged in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, on either side of a boundary surface at which the magnetic field in the second direction generated by the current flowing through the conductor becomes zero, and each of the two magnetic detection elements may be provided with a magnetic sensing surface for detecting a component in the second direction of the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the two current path portions.

[0013] In any of the above current measurement modules, the two magnetic detection elements may be arranged in the second direction on either side of a boundary surface where a magnetic field in the first direction and a third direction perpendicular to the second direction generated by a current flowing through the conductor becomes zero, and each of the two magnetic detection elements may be provided with a magnetic sensing surface for detecting a component of the magnetic field in the third direction generated by a current flowing through the two current path portions.

[0014] The above summary of the invention does not list all of the features of the present invention. Also, subcombinations of these features may also be inventions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a schematic configuration of a current measuring module 100 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a top view showing an example of a schematic configuration of a current measurement module 100 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of a schematic configuration of a current measurement module 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a current measurement module 101 in Case 1. FIG. [Diagram 5] 13 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 101 in Case 1. [Figure 6] 13 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a current measurement module 102 in Case 2. FIG. [Figure 7]13 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 102 in Case 2. [Figure 8] 13 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a current measurement module 103 in Case 3. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 103 in Case 3. [Figure 10] 13 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a current measuring module 104 in Case 4. FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 104 in Case 4. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the effect of the length (c)=(g) of the current measuring module 100 on the frequency characteristics. [Figure 13] 13 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a current measuring module 105 in Case 5. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 105 in Case 5. [Figure 15] 13 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a current measuring module 106 in Case 6. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 106 in Case 6. [Figure 17] 13 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a current measuring module 107 in Case 7. FIG. [Figure 18] 13 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 107 in Case 7. [Figure 19] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the effect of the length (j) of the current measuring module 106 or 107 (see FIG. 15 or FIG. 17) on the frequency characteristics. [Figure 20] 13 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a current measuring module 108 in case 8. FIG. [Figure 21] 13 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 108 in Case 8. [Figure 22] 13 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a current measuring module 109 in case 9. FIG. [Diagram 23] 13 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 109 in Case 9. [Figure 24] 2 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a current measuring module 110 in the case 10. FIG. [Diagram 25] 13 is a graph showing the effect of positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics of the current measurement module 110 in the case 10. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the effect of the length (e) of the current measuring module 100 on the frequency characteristics. [Figure 27] 2 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a current measuring module 111 in the case 11. FIG. [Figure 28] 13 is a graph showing the effect of positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics of the current measurement module 111 in the case 11. [Figure 29] 2 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a current measuring module 112 in the case 12. FIG. [Diagram 30] 13 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics of the current measurement module 112 in the case 12. [Diagram 31] 1 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of current measurement modules 113 to 115 in cases 13 to 15. FIG. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the effect of the length (h) on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement modules 113 to 115 in cases 13 to 15. [Diagram 33] 2 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of current measurement modules 116 to 120 in cases 16 to 20. FIG. [Diagram 34]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the effect of the length (g) on ​​the frequency characteristics for the current measurement modules 116 to 120 in cases 16 to 20. [Diagram 35] 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a schematic configuration of a current measuring module 200 according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 36] 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of a schematic configuration of a current measuring module 200 according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 37] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing another example of a schematic configuration of the current measuring module 200 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 38] 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing another example of the schematic configuration of the current measuring module 200 according to the second embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention according to the claims. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a schematic configuration of a current measurement module 100 in this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view showing an example of a schematic configuration of the current measurement module 100 in this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of a schematic configuration of the current measurement module 100 in this embodiment. In each figure, an xyz coordinate system is shown. The first direction in the claims is the y direction, the second direction is the x direction, and the third direction is the z direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the current measurement module 100 has a conductor 10 and a magnetic detection unit 20. The conductor 10 has two main body parts 11 and 12 arranged side by side in the first direction, and two current path parts 13 and 14 arranged side by side in the x direction perpendicular to the y direction with a through hole 15 between them, connecting the two main body parts. The conductor 10 is also called a bus bar. The magnetic detection unit 20 has magnetic detection elements 21 and 22 having magnetic sensing surfaces that detect a magnetic field generated by a current flowing through the two current path parts 13 and 14.

[0018] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the two main body portions 11, 12 are arranged side by side in the y direction. The two current path portions 13, 14 are arranged between the two main body portions 11, 12, extend parallel to each other, and connect the two main body portions 11, 12. A through hole 15 is arranged between the two current path portions 13, 14. A current to be measured flows in the same direction in each of the two current path portions 13, 14. In this embodiment, the two current path portions 13, 14 are conductors having a rectangular cross-sectional shape and extending along a straight line. The cross-sectional shape of the two current path portions 13, 14 may be any shape, such as a circle or an ellipse.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the through hole 15 has a protruding region 15a that protrudes locally in the x-direction only on one side of the two current path portions 13, 14 (current path portion 13 in FIG. 2), and forms a narrow region 13a in the current path portion 13 on one side that is narrower than the width in the x-direction of the current path portion 14 on the other side. In FIG. 2, the length in the x direction of the narrow region 13a is (a), the length in the x direction of the current path portion 14 is (b), the length in the x direction of the lower portion of the protruding region 15a of the through hole 15 is (c), the length in the x direction of the portion where the protruding region 15a of the through hole 15 is formed is (d), the length in the y direction of the protruding region 15a is (e), the length in the y direction of the through hole 15 is (f), the length in the x direction of the upper portion of the protruding region 15a of the through hole 15 is (g), the length in the y direction of the upper portion of the protruding region 15a of the through hole 15 is (h), and the length in the y direction of the lower portion of the protruding region 15a of the through hole 15 is (i). In addition, the current path portion 14 of the two current path portions 13 and 14 has a uniform width (b) in the y direction. Here, the uniform width (b) is uniform by design, and even if there is a change in width due to manufacturing variations, it is included in the uniformity referred to in this embodiment.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the magnetic detection unit 20 has two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22. The two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22 are arranged side by side in the z direction. When viewed from the z direction, the two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22 are arranged in a position facing the protruding region 15a in the through hole 15. In other words, when viewed from the x direction, the two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22 are arranged in a range in which the protruding region 15a of the through hole 15 is formed. Note that even if the magnetic detection element is in a position that does not overlap with the conductor 10 in the z direction, that is, is above or below the conductor 10 in the z direction, if the protruding region 15a and the magnetic detection elements 21 and 22 are in the same position in the y direction, the two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22 may be considered to face the protruding region 15a, and when viewed from the x direction, the two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22 may be considered to be arranged in a range in which the protruding region 15a of the through hole 15 is formed. Note that the magnetic detection unit 20 may have only one magnetic detection element.

[0021] Fig. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the current measurement module 100 cut at the protruding region 15a of the through-hole 15. As shown in Fig. 3, the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are disposed at the upper and lower parts of the conductor 10 in the z direction. The two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 may be disposed in the z direction, sandwiching a boundary surface at which the magnetic field in the x direction generated by the current flowing through the conductor 10 becomes zero. The thickness of the conductor 10 in the z direction is, for example, 2 mm.

[0022] The two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 detect the strength of the magnetic field generated on each magnetic sensing surface by the current to be measured flowing in the y direction through the two current path portions 13, 14, respectively, and output a detection signal according to the difference in the detection strength detected by the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22. That is, in this embodiment, the detection signal output by the combination of the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 is a differential output. The two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are arranged side by side in the z direction perpendicular to the y direction and the x direction, and each of the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 has a magnetic sensing surface that detects the x direction component of the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the two current path portions 13, 14.

[0023] The two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22 may be magnetoelectric conversion elements, and as the magnetoelectric conversion elements, for example, Hall elements that can obtain a detection signal proportional to the magnitude of the magnetic flux density may be used. In addition to Hall elements, magnetic resistance elements, magnetic impedance elements, etc. may also be used as the magnetoelectric conversion elements. Furthermore, any element that can uniquely determine a detection signal for an applied magnetic flux density, such as a magnetic sensor IC that combines these magnetoelectric conversion elements with an IC processing circuit, may be used as the two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22. The two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22 may be different in shape and size.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the current measurement module 101 of case 1. In FIG. 4, the magnetic detection unit 20 is disposed in the through hole 15, but is not shown. In the current measurement module 101 of case 1, the through hole 15 is rectangular, and does not have a protruding region 15a in which the through hole 15 locally protrudes as shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, the current path portion 13 does not have a narrow region 13a and is rectangular. The other configurations are the same as those of the current measurement module 100 of FIG. 2, so the description will be omitted. In FIG. 4, (a)=3.5 mm, (b)=5.5 mm, (d)=9 mm, and (f)=12.5 mm.

[0025] Fig. 5 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 101 of Case 1. Fig. 5 shows the fluctuation rate (%) of the magnetic flux density detected when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 are moved in the x direction within the through hole 15, with 100 Hz as the reference. The white circle in Fig. 5 indicates the case where the distance in the x direction between the right end of the left current path unit 13 and the center positions of the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 is 1 mm, the square indicates the case where it is 3 mm, the triangle indicates the case where it is 4.5 mm, the asterisk indicates the case where it is 6 mm, and the diamond indicates the case where it is 8 mm.

[0026] The horizontal axis in FIG. 5 indicates the frequency of the current flowing through the current measuring module 100. The vertical axis in FIG. 5 indicates the fluctuation rate (%) of the magnetic flux density detected by the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 based on 100 Hz. Even if the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are moved in the x direction within the through hole 15, if the difference (%) between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the fluctuation rate of the detected magnetic flux density is small, the tolerance to the positional deviation of the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 in the x direction is high, which is preferable. On the other hand, if the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the fluctuation rate of the detected magnetic flux density is large when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are moved in the x direction within the through hole 15, the tolerance to the positional deviation of the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 in the x direction is low, which is not preferable. In the following description, the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the fluctuation rate of the detected magnetic flux density may be referred to as the difference in the fluctuation rate of the magnetic flux density, or simply as the difference in the fluctuation rate.

[0027] 5, in the current measurement module 101 of Case 1, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 13 (shown by white circles), the fluctuation rate exceeds approximately +5%. Also, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 14 (shown by diamonds), the fluctuation rate is in the range of approximately -5% to -10%. Therefore, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are moved in the x direction, a difference in the fluctuation rate occurs of approximately 10 to 15%. Therefore, it can be seen that the current measurement module 101 of Case 1 has a low tolerance for positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction.

[0028] Fig. 6 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the current measurement module 102 of case 2. In Fig. 6, the magnetic detection unit 20 is disposed in the through hole 15, but is not shown. In the current measurement module 102 of case 2, the through hole 15 has a protruding region 15a that protrudes locally in the x direction only on the current path portion 13 side, and a narrow region 13a is formed in one of the current path portions 13, like the current measurement module 100 shown in Fig. 2. In Fig. 6, (a) = 3.5 mm, (b) = 5.5 mm, (c) = 7 mm, (d) = 9 mm, (e) = 2.6 mm, (f) = 12.5 mm, (g) = 7 mm, (h) = 4.95 mm, (i) = 4.95 mm.

[0029] Fig. 7 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 102 of Case 2. Fig. 7 shows the fluctuation rate (%) of the magnetic flux density detected when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 are moved in the x direction within the through hole 15, with 100 Hz as the reference. The white circle in Fig. 7 indicates the case where the distance in the x direction between the right end of the narrow region 13a of the left current path portion 13 and the center positions of the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 is 1 mm, the square indicates the case where it is 3 mm, the triangle indicates the case where it is 4.5 mm, the asterisk indicates the case where it is 6 mm, and the diamond indicates the case where it is 8 mm.

[0030] 7, in the current measurement module 102 of Case 2, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 13 (shown by white circles), the fluctuation rate is in the range of approximately 0% to -3%. Also, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 14 (shown by diamonds), the fluctuation rate is in the range of approximately -5% to -8%. Therefore, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are moved in the x direction, the difference in the fluctuation rate is within about 5%. Therefore, it can be seen that the current measurement module 102 of Case 2 has a high tolerance to the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction.

[0031] Fig. 8 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the current measurement module 103 of Case 3. In Fig. 8, the magnetic detection unit 20 is disposed in the through hole 15, but is not shown. In the current measurement module 103 of Case 3, the length of the protruding region 15a in the x direction is longer than that of the current measurement module 100 shown in Fig. 2, and the length of the portion of the through hole 15 other than the protruding region 15a in the x direction is shorter accordingly. In Fig. 8, (a) = 3.5 mm, (b) = 5.5 mm, (c) = 5 mm, (d) = 9 mm, (e) = 2.6 mm, (f) = 12.5 mm, (g) = 5 mm, (h) = 4.95 mm, (i) = 4.95 mm.

[0032] Fig. 9 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 103 of Case 3. Fig. 9 shows the fluctuation rate (%) of the magnetic flux density detected when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 are moved in the x direction within the through hole 15, with 100 Hz as the reference. The other elements in Fig. 9 are the same as those in Fig. 7, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0033] 9, in the current measurement module 103 of Case 3, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are 3 mm away from the current path portion 13 (indicated by a square), the fluctuation rate is in the range of approximately 0% to -5%. When the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 14 (indicated by a diamond), the fluctuation rate is in the range of approximately -3% to -8%. Therefore, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are moved in the x direction, the difference in the fluctuation rate is within about 8%. Therefore, it can be seen that the current measurement module 103 of Case 3 has a high tolerance to the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction.

[0034] Fig. 10 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the current measurement module 104 of case 4. In Fig. 10, the magnetic detection unit 20 is disposed in the through hole 15, but is not shown. In the current measurement module 104 of case 4, the length of the protruding region 15a in the x direction is longer than that of the current measurement module 103 of case 3 shown in Fig. 8, and the length of the part of the through hole 15 other than the protruding region 15a in the x direction is shorter accordingly. In Fig. 10, (a) = 3.5 mm, (b) = 5.5 mm, (c) = 3 mm, (d) = 9 mm, (e) = 2.6 mm, (f) = 12.5 mm, (g) = 3 mm, (h) = 4.95 mm, (i) = 4.95 mm.

[0035] Fig. 11 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 104 of Case 4. Fig. 11 shows the fluctuation rate (%) of the magnetic flux density detected when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 are moved in the x direction within the through hole 15, with 100 Hz as the reference. The other elements in Fig. 11 are the same as those in Fig. 7, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0036] 11, in the current measurement module 104 of Case 4, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 13 (shown by white circles), the fluctuation rate is in the range of approximately 0% to -5%. Also, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 14 (shown by diamonds), the fluctuation rate is in the range of approximately -5% to -8%. Therefore, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are moved in the x direction, the difference in the fluctuation rate is within about 5%. Therefore, it can be seen that the current measurement module 104 of Case 4 has a high tolerance to the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction.

[0037] As described above, when comparing the current measurement modules 101 to 104 of Case 1 to Case 4, it is found that only the current measurement module 101 of Case 1 has a low tolerance for misalignment of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction, while the current measurement modules 102 to 104 of Case 2 to Case 4 have a high tolerance for misalignment of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction. In the current measurement module 101 of Case 1, the through hole 15 is rectangular, whereas the current measurement modules 102 to 104 of Case 2 to Case 4 have a protruding region 15a in which the through hole 15 locally protrudes toward the current path portion 13. Therefore, it is found that a structure in which the through hole 15 has the protruding region 15a improves the tolerance for misalignment of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction.

[0038] One reason for this is believed to be that through-hole 15 has protruding region 15a that locally protrudes toward current path portion 13, and narrow region 13a is formed on the current path portion 13 side, so that current concentrates inside narrow region 13a, thereby reducing the change in current density with frequency due to the skin effect of current path portion 13. Another reason for this is believed to be that the width of current path portion 13 is increased in portions other than narrow region 13a, reducing the electrical resistance of current path portion 13, thereby reducing the current flowing through current path portion 14, thereby reducing the change in current density with frequency due to the skin effect of current path portion 14.

[0039] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the influence of the length (c) = (g) of the current measuring module 100 on the frequency characteristics. The horizontal axis of Fig. 12 indicates the length (mm) of the current measuring module 100 (c) = (g), and the vertical axis of Fig. 12 indicates the difference (%) between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the fluctuation rate at 2000 Hz of the magnetic flux density detected by the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are moved a total of 7 mm in the x direction within the through hole 15, with 100 Hz as the reference.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 12, the shorter the length of (c)=(g) of the current measuring module 100, the smaller the difference in the rate of change of the magnetic flux density, which can be said to have a favorable effect on the frequency characteristics. On the other hand, when the length of (c)=(g) becomes 6 mm or less, the difference in the rate of change of the magnetic flux density converges, so it can be seen that the length of (c)=(g) is sufficient if it is 6 mm or less. Therefore, it is preferable that the widths (c) and (g) in the x direction of the part other than the protruding region 15a of the through hole 15 are 6 mm or less. In other words, it is preferable that the widths (c) and (g) in the x direction of the part other than the protruding region 15a of the through hole 15 are 2 / 3 or less of the width (d) in the x direction of the part where the protruding region 15a of the through hole 15 is formed.

[0041] Fig. 13 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a current measurement module 105 of case 5. In Fig. 13, the magnetic detection unit 20 is disposed in the through hole 15, but is not shown. In the current measurement module 105 of case 5, the through hole 15 is configured so that it is reversed from left to right compared to the current measurement module 104 of case 4 shown in Fig. 10. In Fig. 13, (a) = 3.5 mm, (b) = 5.5 mm, (c) = 3 mm, (d) = 9 mm, (e) = 2.6 mm, (f) = 12.5 mm, (g) = 3 mm, (h) = 4.95 mm, (i) = 4.95 mm.

[0042] Fig. 14 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 105 of Case 5. Fig. 14 shows the fluctuation rate (%) of the magnetic flux density detected when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 are moved in the x direction within the through hole 15, with 100 Hz as the reference. The other elements in Fig. 14 are the same as those in Fig. 7, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0043] 14, in the current measurement module 105 of Case 5, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 13 (shown by white circles), the fluctuation rate is in the range of approximately +7% to 15%. Also, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 14 (shown by diamonds), the fluctuation rate is in the range of approximately -10% to -15%. Therefore, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are moved in the x direction, the difference in the fluctuation rate is approximately 20% to 30%. Therefore, it can be seen that the current measurement module 105 of Case 5 has a low tolerance for the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction.

[0044] As described above, from a comparison between the current measurement module 104 in case 4 and the current measurement module 105 in case 5, it is found that in case 4, the protruding region 15a is formed on the narrow region 13a (3.5 mm) side, and in case 5, the protruding region 15a is formed on the opposite current path portion 14 side (5.5 mm), so that the form in which the protruding region 15a is formed on the narrow region 13a side has a lower tolerance for positional deviation in the x direction of the magnetic detection unit 20. Also, when comparing the current measurement modules 101 to 104 in cases 1 to 4 and the current measurement module 105 in case 5, it is found that it is preferable that the protruding region 15a is formed on the narrow region 13a side, and that the width (a) of the narrow region 13a is the same as or narrower than the width (b) of the current path portion 14.

[0045] FIG. 15 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the current measurement module 106 in the case 6. In FIG. 15, the magnetic detection unit 20 is disposed in the through hole 15, but is not shown. The current measurement module 106 in the case 6 is configured such that the through hole 15 has protruding regions 15a and 15b on the current path portion 13 side and the current path portion 14 side. The length of the protruding region 15a in the x direction is shorter than the length of the protruding region 15b in the x direction. In FIG. 15, (a)=3.5 mm, (b)=5.5 mm, (c)=3 mm, (d)=9 mm, (e)=2.6 mm, (f)=12.5 mm, (g)=3 mm, (h)=4.95 mm, (i)=4.95 mm, and (j)=5.5 mm.

[0046] Fig. 16 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 106 in Case 6. Fig. 16 shows the fluctuation rate (%) of the magnetic flux density detected when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 are moved in the x direction within the through hole 15, with 100 Hz as the reference. The other elements in Fig. 16 are the same as those in Fig. 7, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0047] 16, in the current measurement module 106 of Case 6, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 13 (shown by white circles), the fluctuation rate is generally within the range of +0% to 7%. Also, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 14 (shown by diamonds), the fluctuation rate is generally within the range of -9% to -15%. Therefore, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are moved in the x direction, a difference in the fluctuation rate occurs of approximately 10 to 25%. Therefore, it can be seen that the current measurement module 106 of Case 6 has a low tolerance for positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction.

[0048] FIG. 17 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the current measurement module 107 of the case 7. In FIG. 17, the magnetic detection unit 20 is disposed in the through hole 15, but is not shown. The current measurement module 107 of the case 7 is configured such that the through hole 15 has protruding regions 15a and 15b on the current path portion 13 side and the current path portion 14 side. The length of the protruding region 15a in the x direction is longer than the length of the protruding region 15b in the x direction. In FIG. 17, (a)=3.5 mm, (b)=5.5 mm, (c)=3 mm, (d)=9 mm, (e)=2.6 mm, (f)=12.5 mm, (g)=3 mm, (h)=4.95 mm, (i)=4.95 mm, and (j)=7.5 mm.

[0049] Fig. 18 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 107 in case 7. Fig. 18 shows the fluctuation rate (%) of the magnetic flux density detected when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 are moved in the x direction within the through hole 15, with 100 Hz as the reference. The other elements in Fig. 18 are the same as those in Fig. 7, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0050] 18, in the current measurement module 107 of Case 7, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 13 (shown by white circles), the fluctuation rate is in the range of approximately +2% to -5%. Also, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 14 (shown by diamonds), the fluctuation rate is in the range of approximately -5% to -13%. Therefore, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are moved in the x direction, the difference in the fluctuation rate is approximately 10%. Therefore, it can be seen that the current measurement module 107 of Case 7 has a higher tolerance for the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction than Cases 5 and 6, but is lower than Cases 2 to 4.

[0051] From the results of the current measurement modules 106 and 107 in cases 6 and 7, it can be seen that the configuration in which the through hole 15 has two protruding regions 15a, one on the current path section 13 side and one on the current path section 14 side, has a lower tolerance for positional deviation of the magnetic detection section 20 in the x-direction compared to the configurations in cases 2 to 4 in which the through hole 15 has the protruding region 15a only on one of the current path section 13 sides.

[0052] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing the influence of the length (j) (see Fig. 15 or Fig. 17) of the current measuring module 106 or 107 on the frequency characteristics. The horizontal axis of Fig. 19 shows the length (mm) of the current measuring module 106 or 107 (j), and the vertical axis of Fig. 19 shows the difference (%) between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the fluctuation rate at 2000 Hz of the magnetic flux density detected by the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are moved a total of 7 mm in the x direction within the through hole 15, with 100 Hz as the reference.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 19, the longer the length (j) of the current measuring module 106 or 107, the smaller the difference in the rate of variation of the magnetic flux density becomes, which can be said to have a favorable effect on the frequency characteristics.

[0054] Fig. 20 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the current measurement module 108 in the case 8. In Fig. 20, the magnetic detection unit 20 is disposed in the through hole 15, but is not shown. The current measurement module 108 in the case 8 is configured such that the length (e) of the protruding region 15a in the y direction is short. In Fig. 20, (a) = 3.5 mm, (b) = 5.5 mm, (c) = 6 mm, (d) = 9 mm, (e) = 1.5 mm, (f) = 12.5 mm, (g) = 6 mm, (h) = 4.95 mm, (i) = 4.95 mm.

[0055] Fig. 21 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 108 in case 8. Fig. 21 shows the fluctuation rate (%) of the magnetic flux density detected when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 are moved in the x direction within the through hole 15, with 100 Hz as the reference. The other elements in Fig. 21 are the same as those in Fig. 7, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0056] 21, in the current measurement module 108 of Case 8, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are 3 mm away from the current path portion 13 (indicated by a square), the fluctuation rate is generally within the range of +7% to -2%. Also, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are 1 mm away from the current path portion 13 (indicated by a circle), the fluctuation rate is generally within the range of 0% to -8%. Therefore, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are moved in the x direction, the difference in the fluctuation rate expands to a maximum of about 16%. Therefore, it can be seen that the current measurement module 108 of Case 8 has a low tolerance for the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction.

[0057] Fig. 22 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the current measurement module 109 of case 9. In Fig. 22, the magnetic detection unit 20 is disposed in the through hole 15, but is not shown. The current measurement module 109 of case 9 is configured such that the length (e) of the protruding region 15a in the y direction is longer than that of the current measurement module 108 of case 8. In Fig. 22, (a) = 3.5 mm, (b) = 5.5 mm, (c) = 6 mm, (d) = 9 mm, (e) = 2.6 mm, (f) = 12.5 mm, (g) = 6 mm, (h) = 4.95 mm, (i) = 4.95 mm.

[0058] Fig. 23 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 109 in case 9. Fig. 23 shows the fluctuation rate (%) of the magnetic flux density detected when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 are moved in the x direction within the through hole 15, with 100 Hz as the reference. The other elements in Fig. 23 are the same as those in Fig. 7, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 23, in the current measurement module 109 of Case 9, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are 3 mm away from the current path portion 13 (indicated by a square), the fluctuation rate is generally within the range of 0% to -2%. When the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 14 (indicated by a diamond), the fluctuation rate is generally within the range of -4% to -6%. Therefore, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are moved in the x direction, the difference in the fluctuation rate is within the range of 4%. Therefore, it can be seen that the current measurement module 109 of Case 9 has a high tolerance to the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction.

[0060] Fig. 24 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the current measurement module 110 of the case 10. In Fig. 24, the magnetic detection unit 20 is disposed in the through hole 15, but is not shown. The current measurement module 110 of the case 10 is configured such that the length (e) of the protruding region 15a in the y direction is longer than that of the current measurement module 109 of the case 9. In Fig. 24, (a) = 3.5 mm, (b) = 5.5 mm, (c) = 6 mm, (d) = 9 mm, (e) = 6.6 mm, (f) = 12.5 mm, (g) = 6 mm, (h) = 4.95 mm, (i) = 4.95 mm.

[0061] Fig. 25 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 110 in the case 10. Fig. 25 shows the fluctuation rate (%) of the magnetic flux density detected when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 are moved in the x direction within the through hole 15, with 100 Hz as the reference. The other elements in Fig. 25 are the same as those in Fig. 7, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0062] 25, in the current measurement module 110 of case 10, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 13 (indicated by circles), the fluctuation rate is generally within the range of +2% to +3%. Also, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 14 (indicated by diamonds), the fluctuation rate is generally within the range of -5% to -8%. Therefore, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are moved in the x direction, the difference in the fluctuation rate increases to a maximum of 11%. Therefore, it can be seen that the current measurement module 109 of case 9 has a low tolerance for the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction.

[0063] Fig. 26 is a diagram showing the effect of the length of (e) of the current measuring module 100 on the frequency characteristics. The horizontal axis of Fig. 26 indicates the length (mm) of (e) of the current measuring module 100, and the vertical axis of Fig. 26 indicates the difference (%) between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the fluctuation rate at 1000 Hz of the magnetic flux density detected by the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are moved a total of 7 mm in the x direction within the through hole 15, with 100 Hz as the reference. Fig. 26 shows the case where the length of (e) is changed from 1.0 mm to 6.6 mm.

[0064] 26, when the length of (e) of the current measurement module 100 is 1.5 mm or less and 6.6 mm, the difference in the rate of variation of the magnetic flux density is large, which can be said to have an undesirable effect on the frequency characteristics. On the other hand, when the length of (e) of the current measurement module 100 is within the range of 2 mm to 6 mm, the difference in the rate of variation of the magnetic flux density is small, which can be said to have a favorable effect on the frequency characteristics. From the above, it is desirable that the length of (e) of the current measurement module 100 is equal to or greater than the thickness of the conductor 10 in the z direction (2 mm) and equal to or less than half the length of (f) of the through hole 15 (12.5 mm).

[0065] Fig. 27 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a current measurement module 111 of case 11. In the current measurement module 111 of case 11, two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are arranged side by side in the x direction, and each of the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 has a magnetic sensing surface that detects a z-direction component perpendicular to the y direction and the x direction of a magnetic field generated by currents flowing through two current path portions 13, 14. The other configuration is the same as that of the current measurement module 109 of case 9. In Fig. 27, (a) = 3.5 mm, (b) = 5.5 mm, (c) = 6 mm, (d) = 9 mm, (e) = 2.6 mm, (f) = 12.5 mm, (g) = 6 mm, (h) = 4.95 mm, (i) = 4.95 mm.

[0066] Fig. 28 is a graph showing the effect of the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 111 in the case 11. Fig. 28 shows the fluctuation rate (%) of the magnetic flux density detected when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 are moved in the x direction within the through hole 15, with 100 Hz as the reference. The white circle in Fig. 28 indicates the case where the distance in the x direction between the left end of the left current path unit 13 and the center positions of the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 is 1.3 mm, the square indicates the case where it is 1.8 mm, the triangle indicates the case where it is 2.3 mm, the asterisk indicates the case where it is 2.8 mm, and the diamond indicates the case where it is 3.3 mm.

[0067] 28, in the current measurement module 111 of case 11, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 13 (indicated by circles), the fluctuation rate is generally within the range of 0% to -7%. Also, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 14 (indicated by diamonds), the fluctuation rate is generally within the range of -3% to -7%. Therefore, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are moved in the x direction, the difference in the fluctuation rate is generally within the range of 3%. Therefore, it can be seen that the current measurement module 111 of case 11 has a high tolerance to the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction.

[0068] Fig. 29 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the current measurement module 112 of case 12. In the current measurement module 112 of case 12, the magnetic detection unit 20 is arranged in the xy plane direction, as compared to the current measurement module 101 of case 1. That is, the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 are arranged side by side in the x direction. The other configuration is the same as that of the current measurement module 101 of case 1. In Fig. 29, (a) = 3.5 mm, (b) = 5.5 mm, (d) = 9 mm, and (f) = 12.5 mm.

[0069] Fig. 30 is a graph showing the effect of misalignment of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement module 112 in the case 12. Fig. 30 shows the fluctuation rate (%) of the magnetic flux density detected when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 are moved in the x direction within the through hole 15, with 100 Hz as the reference. The other elements in Fig. 30 are the same as those in Fig. 28, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0070] 30, in the current measurement module 112 of case 12, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 13 (indicated by circles), the fluctuation rate is generally within the range of +2% to +5%. Also, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are close to the current path portion 14 (indicated by diamonds), the fluctuation rate is generally within the range of -4% to -9%. Therefore, when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are moved in the x direction, the difference in the fluctuation rate increases to a maximum of 14%. Therefore, it can be seen that the current measurement module 112 of case 12 has a low tolerance for the positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction.

[0071] As described above, in comparison between the current measurement module 111 of case 11 and the current measurement module 112 of case 12, it is found that the current measurement module 111 of case 11 has a higher tolerance to positional deviation in the x direction of the magnetic detection unit 20. Therefore, it is found that the form in which the through hole 15 has the protruding region 15a is superior even when the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 are arranged side by side in the x direction.

[0072] FIG. 31 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the current measurement modules 113 to 115 of cases 13 to 15. In the current measurement modules 113 to 115 of cases 13 to 15, the protruding region 15a of the through hole 15 is moved upward compared to the current measurement module 109 of case 9. That is, (h) is changed in the range of 0 to 4.95 mm. The other configurations are the same as the current measurement module 109 of case 9. In FIG. 31, (a)=3.5 mm, (b)=5.5 mm, (c)=6 mm, (d)=9 mm, (e)=2.6 mm, (f)=12.5 mm, (g)=6 mm, (h)=0 to 4.95 mm, (i)=4.95 to 9.9 mm. The length of (h) of case 13 is 0 mm, the length of (h) of case 14 is 2.4 mm, and the length of (h) of case 15 is 4.95 mm.

[0073] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the influence of the length (h) on the frequency characteristics for the current measurement modules 113 to 115 of the cases 13 to 15. The horizontal axis of FIG. 32 indicates the length (h) (mm) of the current measurement module 100, and the vertical axis of FIG. 32 indicates the difference (%) in the fluctuation rate at 2000 Hz of the magnetic flux density detected by the two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 when the two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22 are moved a total of 7 mm in the x direction in the through hole 15. In FIG. 32, the left point indicates the case where the protruding region 15a is moved to the top of the through hole 15 and (h)=0, the center point indicates the case where (h)=2.4, and the right point indicates the case where the protruding region 15a is at the center of the through hole 15 and (h)=(i).

[0074] 32, the shorter the length (h) of the current measuring module 100, the larger the difference in the rate of change of the magnetic flux density, which has an undesirable effect on the frequency characteristics. From the above, it can be seen that it is best when the protruding region 15a is in the center of the through hole 15 and (h)=(i).

[0075] FIG. 33 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the current measurement modules 116 to 120 of cases 16 to 20. The current measurement modules 116 to 120 of cases 16 to 20 have (g) changed in the range of 3 to 9 mm compared to the current measurement module 109 of case 9. The other configurations are the same as the current measurement module 109 of case 9. In FIG. 33, (a)=3.5 mm, (b)=5.5 mm, (c)=6 mm, (d)=9 mm, (e)=2.6 mm, (f)=12.5 mm, (g)=3 to 9 mm, (h)=4.95 mm, (i)=4.95 mm. The length of (g) of case 16 is 3 mm, the length of (g) of case 17 is 5 mm, the length of (g) of case 18 is 6 mm, the length of (g) of case 19 is 7 mm, and the length of (g) of case 20 is 9 mm.

[0076] FIG. 34 is a diagram showing the influence of the length of (g) on ​​the frequency characteristics for the current measuring modules 116 to 120 of the cases 16 to 20. The horizontal axis of FIG. 34 shows the length (mm) of (g) of the current measuring module 100, and the vertical axis of FIG. 34 shows the difference (%) between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the fluctuation rate at 2000 Hz of the magnetic flux density detected by the two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 when the two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22 are moved a total of 7 mm in the x direction in the through hole 15, with 100 Hz as the reference. In FIG. 34, the numerical values ​​when (g) is changed in the range of 3 to 9 mm are shown. Note that when (g) is changed, (c) is not changed, so that the through hole 15 has an asymmetric shape in the vertical direction.

[0077] 34, the shorter the length of (g) of the current measurement module 100, the smaller the difference in the rate of fluctuation of the magnetic flux density, which can be said to have a favorable effect on the frequency characteristics. On the other hand, when the length of (g) is 6 mm or less, the difference in the rate of fluctuation of the magnetic flux density converges, so it can be seen that a length of (g) of 6 mm or less is sufficient.

[0078] [Effects of this embodiment] According to the current measurement module 100 of the first embodiment, the through hole 15 has the protruding region 15a only on one side of the current path portion 13. This can improve the tolerance for positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction.

[0079] According to the current measurement module 100 of the first embodiment, the widths (c) and (g) in the x direction of the portion other than the protruding region 15a of the through-hole 15 are ⅔ or less of the width (d) in the x direction of the portion where the protruding region 15a of the through-hole 15 is formed. This can improve the tolerance for positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction.

[0080] According to the current measurement module 100 of the first embodiment, the widths (c) and (g) in the x direction of the portion other than the protruding region 15a of the through-hole 15 are 6 mm or less. This makes it possible to improve the tolerance for positional deviation of the magnetic detection unit 20 in the x direction.

[0081] According to the current measuring module 100 of the first embodiment, the length (e) in the y direction of the protruding region 15a of the through hole 15 of the current measuring module 100 is equal to or less than half the length (f) in the y direction of the through hole 15 and is equal to or greater than the thickness in the z direction of the conductor 10. This can improve the tolerance of the magnetic detection unit 20 to positional deviation in the x direction.

[0082] According to the current measurement module 100 of the first embodiment, the through hole 15 has the protruding region 15a only on one side of the current path portion 13, and the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection portion 20 are arranged side by side in the z direction (such as in cases 2 to 4). This makes it possible to improve the tolerance of the magnetic detection portion 20 to misalignment in the x direction.

[0083] According to the current measurement module 100 of the first embodiment, the through hole 15 has the protruding region 15a only on one side of the current path portion 13, and the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 of the magnetic detection portion 20 are arranged side by side in the x direction (case 11). This can improve the tolerance of the magnetic detection portion 20 to positional deviation in the x direction.

[0084] FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing an example of a schematic configuration of the current measurement module 200 in the second embodiment. FIG. 36 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of a schematic configuration of the current measurement module 200 in the second embodiment. FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view in a plane parallel to the zx plane, passing through the protruding region 15a formed in the through hole 15 and the magnetoelectric conversion elements 21 and 22 of the current measurement module 200 in the second embodiment. In the current measurement module 200 according to the second embodiment, magnetoresistance elements are used as the two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22. The current measurement module 200 according to the second embodiment corresponds to the case 2 of the current measurement module 100 according to the first embodiment. In the current measurement module 200 according to the second embodiment, the two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22 of the magnetic detection unit 20 are arranged in the z direction, sandwiching a boundary surface where the magnetic field in the x direction generated by the current flowing through the conductor 10 becomes zero. In FIG. 36, the boundary surface is indicated by a dashed line. The two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 may be disposed at different positions in the x direction or at the same position in the x direction. Other configurations of the current measurement module 200 according to the second embodiment are similar to the corresponding configurations of case 2 of the current measurement module 100 according to the first embodiment, so corresponding reference numerals are used for corresponding configurations and duplicated explanations are omitted.

[0085] 35 and 36, when viewed from the z direction, the two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22 are disposed in positions facing the protruding region 15a within the through hole 15. In other words, when viewed from the x direction, the two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22 are disposed in the range in which the protruding region 15a of the through hole 15 is formed.

[0086] As shown in Figs. 35 and 36, when viewed from each of the x and y directions, the two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22 are disposed at different positions in the z direction within the through hole 15. As a more specific example, in the zx plane, the magnetic detection element 21 is located on the negative side of the z direction with respect to the boundary surface where the magnetic field in the x direction generated by the currents flowing through the two current path portions 13 and 14 is zero, and the magnetic detection element 22 is located on the positive side of the z direction with respect to the boundary surface where the magnetic field in the x direction generated by the currents flowing through the two current path portions 13 and 14 is zero, and they are not disposed opposite each other in the x direction or the z direction. When the conductor 10 is made of a uniform material and has a uniform thickness, the magnetic detection element 21 is located on the negative side of the z direction with respect to the plane that divides the conductor 10 equally in two in the z direction, and the magnetic detection element 22 is located on the positive side of the z direction with respect to the plane that divides the conductor 10 equally in two in the z direction. Even in this case, if the protruding region 15a and the magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are in the same position in the y direction, the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 and the protruding region 15a may be considered to face each other, and when viewed from the x direction, the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 may be considered to be disposed in the range in which the protruding region 15a of the through hole 15 is formed and may be considered to be disposed on either side of the conductor 10. Each of the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 has a magnetic sensing surface that detects the x-direction component of the magnetic field generated by the currents flowing through the two current path portions 13, 14.

[0087] FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing another example of the schematic configuration of the current measurement module 200 in the second embodiment. FIG. 38 is a side cross-sectional view showing another example of the schematic configuration of the current measurement module 200 in the second embodiment. FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view in a plane parallel to the zx plane, passing through the protruding region 15a formed in the through hole 15 and the magnetoelectric conversion elements 21 and 22 of the current measurement module 200 in the second embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 37 to FIG. 38 is different from the example shown in FIG. 35 to FIG. 36 in that the two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22 are arranged in the x direction, sandwiching a boundary surface where the magnetic field in the z direction generated by the current flowing in the conductor 10 becomes zero, and each of the two magnetic detection elements 21 and 22 has a magnetic sensing surface that detects the z direction component of the magnetic field generated by the current flowing in the two current path parts 13 and 14. In FIG. 38, the boundary surface is indicated by a dashed line. Other configurations of the example shown in Figures 37 and 38 are similar to the corresponding configurations of the example shown in Figures 35 and 36, so corresponding configurations are given corresponding reference numerals and duplicated explanations are omitted.

[0088] The two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 may be disposed at different positions in the z direction or at the same position in the z direction. In the example shown in Fig. 37 to Fig. 38, when viewed from each of the x direction and the y direction, the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 are disposed at different positions in the z direction in the through hole 15. As a more specific example, in the zx plane, the magnetic detection element 21 is located on the negative side in the x direction with respect to the boundary surface where the magnetic field in the z direction generated by the current flowing through the two current path parts 13, 14 is zero, and the magnetic detection element 22 is located on the positive side in the x direction with respect to the boundary surface where the magnetic field in the z direction generated by the current flowing through the two current path parts 13, 14 is zero, and are not disposed opposite each other in either the x direction or the z direction.

[0089] As described above, the current measurement module 200 according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 35 to Fig. 38 has the same effects as the current measurement module 100 according to the first embodiment. Note that, as an example, the current measurement module 200 according to the second embodiment may use the two magnetic detection elements 21, 22 arranged side by side differentially as transverse magnetic field detection elements such as TMR (tunnel magnetoresistance), that is, may detect magnetic fields in opposite directions.

[0090] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the description of the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0091] It should be noted that the order of execution of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not specifically stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and may be realized in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a later process. Even if the operational flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is explained using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, it does not mean that it is essential to perform the process in this order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10 Conductors 11,12 Main body 13,14 Current path section 13a narrow area 15 Through hole 15a Protruding area 20 Magnetic detection unit 21, 22 Magnetic detection element 100~120, 200 Current measurement module

Claims

1. A conductor having two main body portions arranged side by side in a first direction, and two current path portions arranged side by side across a through hole in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, connecting the two main body portions; a magnetic detection element having a magnetic sensing surface for detecting a magnetic field generated by currents flowing through the two current path portions; Equipped with A current measurement module, wherein the through hole has a protruding region that protrudes locally in the second direction only on one side of the two current path portions, and a narrow region is formed in the current path portion on one side having a width the same as the width in the second direction of the current path portion on the other side, or a width narrower than the width in the second direction of the current path portion on the other side.

2. 2. The current measurement module of claim 1, wherein the two magnetic detection elements are arranged side by side in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and each of the two magnetic detection elements has a magnetic sensing surface that detects a component of the magnetic field generated by currents flowing through the two current path portions in the second direction.

3. 2. The current measurement module of claim 1, wherein the two magnetic detection elements are arranged side by side in the second direction, and each of the two magnetic detection elements has a magnetic sensing surface that detects a component of a magnetic field generated by currents flowing through the two current path portions in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

4. The current measurement module according to claim 1 , wherein the length of the protruding region in the first direction is equal to or less than half the length of the through hole in the first direction and equal to or greater than a thickness of the conductor.

5. 2. The current measurement module of claim 1, wherein the width of the portion of the through hole other than the protruding region in the second direction is less than 2 / 3 of the maximum width of the through hole in the second direction in the portion of the through hole where the protruding region is formed.

6. The current measurement module according to claim 1 , wherein the width of the through-hole in the second direction other than the protruding region is 6 mm or less.

7. The current measurement module according to claim 1 , wherein the magnetic detection element is located within the through hole when viewed from a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

8. The current measurement module according to claim 1 , wherein the magnetic detection element is disposed within a range in which the protruding region of the through hole is formed when viewed from the second direction.

9. 2. The current measurement module of claim 1, wherein the magnetic sensing element is a Hall element.

10. 2. The current measurement module of claim 1, wherein the two magnetic detection elements are arranged on either side of a boundary surface in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, where the magnetic field in the second direction generated by the current flowing through the conductor is zero, and each of the two magnetic detection elements has a magnetic sensing surface that detects a component in the second direction of the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the two current path portions.

11. 2. The current measurement module of claim 1, wherein the two magnetic detection elements are arranged on either side of a boundary surface in the second direction where a magnetic field in the first direction and a third direction perpendicular to the second direction generated by a current flowing through the conductor is zero, and each of the two magnetic detection elements has a magnetic sensing surface that detects a component in the third direction of a magnetic field generated by a current flowing through the two current path portions.