Temperature sensor unit

Abstract

To provide a temperature sensor unit capable of improving easiness of attachment to an external device.SOLUTION: A temperature sensor unit 1 comprises a temperature sensor 2, a conductor 5, and a fixing section 6. The conductor 5 is in contact with the temperature sensor 2 in a first direction D1. The fixing section 6 includes an outer surface 6b including a second direction in a normal direction, and accommodates the temperature sensor 2 and the conductor 5. The conductor 5 includes a portion 51 accommodated in the fixing section 6 and a portion 52 continuous with the portion 51 and exposed from the fixing section 6. The portion 52 includes a region R6 extending in a direction inclined to the first direction D1 when viewed from the second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A known temperature sensor unit includes a temperature sensor, a conductor in contact with the temperature sensor, and a fixing portion that houses the temperature sensor and the conductor (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The above-described temperature sensor unit is attached to, for example, an external device. When the temperature sensor unit is attached to an external device, the side surface of the conductor is arranged so as to form a mounting surface with the external device. One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a temperature sensor unit that can improve the ease of attachment to an external device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A temperature sensor unit according to one aspect includes a temperature sensor, a conductor, and a fixing portion. The conductor is in contact with the temperature sensor in a first direction. The fixing portion includes an outer surface including a second direction intersecting the first direction as a normal direction, and houses the temperature sensor and the conductor. The conductor includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is housed in the fixing portion. The second portion is continuous with the first portion and exposed from the fixing portion. The second portion includes a region extending in a direction inclined in the first direction as viewed from the second direction.

[0006] In the above-described one aspect, the second portion includes a region extending in a direction inclined in the first direction when viewed from the second direction. The temperature sensor unit according to the above-described one aspect is attached to, for example, an external device. The configuration in which the second portion includes the above-described region can improve the ease of attachment to the external device. Therefore, the above-described one aspect can improve the ease of attachment to the external device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a temperature sensor unit that can improve the ease of attachment to an external device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, the same reference numerals will be used for the same elements or elements having the same function, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0010] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, the configuration of the temperature sensor unit 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the temperature sensor unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the temperature sensor. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the temperature sensor. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the relationship between the temperature sensor and the conductor. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the relationship between the conductor and the fixing portion. FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views showing the configuration of the temperature sensor unit according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the temperature sensor unit 1 includes a temperature sensor 2, lead wires 3 and 4, a conductor 5, and a fixing portion 6. In the temperature sensor unit 1, the temperature sensor 2 measures the temperature of the conductor 5 while being fixed to the conductor 5 by the fixing portion 6.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature sensor 2 includes a temperature-sensitive element 21, wirings 22 and 23, and a case 24. The temperature-sensitive element 21 includes an electronic component whose resistance value changes in response to an increase in temperature. The temperature-sensitive element 21 includes a body portion 21a and a sealing portion 21b. The body portion 21a includes, for example, an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor or a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) thermistor. The body portion 21a constitutes a detection portion whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change. The sealing portion 21b seals the body portion 21a. The body portion 21a is covered by the sealing portion 21b. The sealing portion 21b includes, for example, glass.

[0012] The wirings 22 and 23 are electrically connected to two electrodes provided on the body portion 21a, respectively. The wirings 22 and 23 are connected to the two electrodes by soldering, for example. The wirings 22 and 23 include a portion sealed by the sealing portion 21b together with the body portion 21a and a portion exposed from the sealing portion 21b.

[0013] In this embodiment, the wiring 22 includes a wiring region 22a, a wiring region 22b, and a wiring region 22c. The wiring 23 includes a wiring region 23a, a wiring region 23b, and a wiring region 23c. The wiring region 22a is electrically connected to one of the two electrodes of the element body 21a and extends in the longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor 2. The wiring region 23a is electrically connected to the other of the two electrodes of the element body 21a and extends in the longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor 2. In this embodiment, a part of the wiring region 22a and a part of the wiring region 23a are sealed by the sealing portion 21b together with the element body 21a, and the remaining portions of the wiring region 22a and the wiring region 23a are exposed from the sealing portion 21b.

[0014] The wiring region 22b is located on the side opposite to the wiring region 22a and extends in the longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor 2. The wiring region 23b is located on the side opposite to the wiring region 23a and extends in the longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor 2. The wiring region 22c connects the wiring region 22a and the wiring region 22b. The wiring region 23c connects the wiring region 23a and the wiring region 23b. In this embodiment, the wiring region 22c and the wiring region 23c extend in the longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor 2 as a whole while being inclined in the longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor 2 so as to be separated from each other. Therefore, it can be said that each of the wirings 22 and 23 extends in the longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor 2.

[0015] In this embodiment, the conducting wire 3 includes an end portion 3a that is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 2 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor 2. The end portion 3a is electrically connected to the wiring region 22b. Thereby, the conducting wire 3 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 2. In the conducting wire 3, it is only necessary that the end portion 3a extends in the longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor 2, and the conducting wire 3 may include a portion that extends in a direction different from the direction in which the end portion 3a extends.

[0016] In this embodiment, the conducting wire 4 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 2 and includes an end portion 4a extending in the longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor 2. The end portion 4a is electrically connected to the wiring region 23b. Thereby, the conducting wire 4 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 2. In the conducting wire 4, it is only necessary that the end portion 4a extends in the longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor 2, and the conducting wire 4 may include a portion extending in a direction different from the direction in which the end portion 3a extends.

[0017] The case 24 houses the temperature-sensitive element 21, the wirings 22 and 23, and a part of the end portions 3a and 4a of the conducting wires 3 and 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the case 24 includes a main body portion 241 and a protruding portion 242. In this embodiment, the main body portion 241 has a bottomed cylindrical shape. The main body portion 241 has, for example, a bottomed cylindrical shape with a rectangular cross section. The main body portion 241 may have, for example, a bottomed cylindrical shape with a circular cross section. The main body portion 241 includes a bottom portion 241a, an opening portion 241b, a pair of side surfaces 241c and 241d facing each other, and a pair of side surfaces 241e and 241f facing each other. The bottom portion 241a is located at one end in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 241, and the opening portion 241b is located at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 241. The main body portion 241 includes a resin portion 241g filled with resin in a state where the temperature-sensitive element 21, the wirings 22 and 23, and the end portions 3a and 4a of the conducting wires 3 and 4 are inserted from the opening portion 241b. The temperature-sensitive element 21 is positioned near the bottom portion 241a of the main body portion 241 by the resin portion 241g. The end portions 3a and 4a electrically connected to the corresponding wiring regions among the wiring regions 22b and 23b extend outside the main body portion 241 from the opening portion 241b.

[0018] A pair of side surfaces 241c, 241d and a pair of side surfaces 241e, 241f extend in the longitudinal direction of the main body 241 so as to connect the bottom 241a and the opening 241b. The direction in which the pair of side surfaces 241c, 241d face each other and the direction in which the pair of side surfaces 241e, 241f face each other intersect each other, for example. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the pair of side surfaces 241c, 241d face each other and the direction in which the pair of side surfaces 241e, 241f face each other are orthogonal to each other.

[0019] An engaging portion 241h that engages with the conductor 5 is formed on the side surface 241e. That is, the main body 241 includes the engaging portion 241h. The engaging portion 241h extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body 241 and is formed so as to be recessed from the side surface 241e toward the inside of the main body 241. That is, the engaging portion 241h can also be said to be a recess formed in the side surface 241e.

[0020] The side surface 241e includes, for example, surface regions 241e1, 241e2, 241e3 that define the engaging portion 241h. In the present embodiment, the surface region 241e1 defines the bottom surface of the engaging portion 241h, and the surface regions 241e2, 241e3 define the side wall surfaces of the engaging portion 241h. In the temperature sensor unit 1, the surface regions 241e1, 241e2, 241e3 of the side surface 241e constitute the contact surface of the temperature sensor 2 with respect to the conductor 5.

[0021] The side surface 241f includes, for example, surface regions 241f1, 241f2. In the present embodiment, the side surface 241f is composed only of the surface regions 241f1, 241f2. In the side surface 241f, the surface region 241f2 is formed so as to be recessed from the surface region 241f1 toward the inside of the main body 241. In the temperature sensor unit 1, the surface region 241f2 of the side surface 241f constitutes the contact surface of the temperature sensor 2 with respect to the conductor 5.

[0022] The protruding portion 242 is formed to protrude from the side surface 241c. In the present embodiment, the protruding portion 242 is formed to protrude in the normal direction of the side surface 241c from the end closer to the bottom portion 241a among both ends of the side surface 241c. The protruding portion 242 has, for example, a columnar shape. As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the protruding portion 242 has a quadrangular prism shape. The protruding portion 242 may have a column shape other than a quadrangular prism. In the present embodiment, the main body portion 241 and the protruding portion 242 are continuous and integrally formed.

[0023] The conductor 5 is formed by, for example, press-working a linear member having conductivity. The conductor 5 includes, for example, resin and metal. The above metal includes, for example, copper. In the present embodiment, the conductor 5 is composed of a copper wire 5b covered with a coating 5a made of resin. That is, in the present embodiment, the conductor 5 includes the coating 5a and the copper wire 5b. When using the temperature sensor unit 1, the temperature sensor unit 1 is attached to an external device. In the temperature sensor unit 1, the temperature sensor 2 may measure the temperature of the external device via the conductor 5.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the conductor 5 is composed of a main body portion including four surfaces, four side surfaces including a side surface constituting the mounting surface for the external device, and an end portion including one end surface. The side surface constituting the mounting surface of the end portion is configured to be parallel to the mounting surface of the external device to which the temperature sensor unit 1 is attached. As described above, the conductor 5 is composed of a copper wire 5b covered with a coating 5a, but at the above end portion, the coating 5a is peeled off and the internal copper wire 5b is exposed. In the present embodiment, the main body portion of the conductor 5 is composed of a copper wire 5b covered with a coating 5a, and the end portion of the conductor 5 is composed of the exposed copper wire 5b.

[0025] The fixing portion 6 houses the temperature sensor 2 and the conductor 5. The fixing portion 6 fixes the temperature sensor 2 to the conductor 5. In the present embodiment, the fixing portion 6 houses a part of the temperature sensor 2 and the conductor 5, and fixes the temperature sensor 2 to the above-mentioned part of the conductor 5. In the present embodiment, the fixing portion 6 is formed, for example, as follows. First, with the surface regions 241e1, 241e2, 241e3 and the surface region 241f2 of the temperature sensor 2 in contact with the conductor 5, the temperature sensor 2 and the portion of the conductor 5 in contact with the temperature sensor 2 are disposed inside the mold. Next, injection molding is performed in which resin is injected into the mold and then the resin is cured. As a result, the fixing portion 6 is molded around the above-mentioned portion of the temperature sensor 2 and the conductor 5 in contact with the temperature sensor 2, and the temperature sensor 2 is fixed to the conductor 5.

[0026] In the present embodiment, the fixing portion 6 includes a pair of outer surfaces 6a, 6b, a pair of outer surfaces 6c, 6d, and a pair of outer surfaces 6e, 6f. The outer surfaces 6a, 6b face each other in the direction in which the side surfaces 241c, 241d of the case 24 face each other. In the present embodiment, the outer surfaces 6a, 6b exhibit a rectangular shape with one of the four corners rounded. The above-mentioned one corner portion is located, for example, near the bottom portion 241a. The outer surfaces 6a, 6b may exhibit a rectangular shape in which not all of the four corners are rounded, or may exhibit a rectangular shape in which two or more of the four corners are rounded. Alternatively, the outer surfaces 6a, 6b may exhibit a circular shape, or may exhibit a polygonal shape other than a rectangular shape. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the outer surfaces 6a, 6b corresponds to the direction in which the wirings 22, 23 and the end portions 3a, 4a extend, and the short transverse direction of the outer surfaces 6a, 6b corresponds to the direction in which the side surfaces 241e, 241f of the case 24 face each other.

[0027] The outer surface 6a includes, for example, surface regions 6a1 and 6a2. In the present embodiment, the outer surface 6a is composed only of the surface regions 6a1 and 6a2. On the outer surface 6a, the surface region 6a2 is formed so as to be recessed inside the fixing portion 6 with respect to the surface region 6a1. On the outer surface 6a, the surface region 6a2 is located near the bottom 241a and includes the rounded one corner. In the present embodiment, the protruding portion 242 of the case 24 is exposed from the surface region 6a1.

[0028] On the outer surface 6b, a protruding portion 61 is formed so as to protrude from the outer surface 6b. That is, the fixing portion 6 includes the protruding portion 61. The protruding portion 61 protrudes from the outer surface 6b, for example, in the normal direction of the outer surface 6b. The protruding portion 61 has, for example, a substantially L shape when viewed from the normal direction of the outer surface 6b.

[0029] In the present embodiment, the protruding portion 61 includes a portion 61a extending in the direction in which the side surfaces 241e and 241f face each other, and a portion 61b extending in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 241. The portion 61a extends from one end to the other end of the outer surface 6b in the direction in which the side surfaces 241e and 241f face each other. The portion 61b is located near the other end of the outer surface 6b in the direction in which the side surfaces 241e and 241f face each other and substantially at the center of the outer surface 6b in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 241, and is continuous with the portion 61a.

[0030] The outer surfaces 6c and 6d face each other in the direction in which the side surfaces 241e and 241f face each other. In the present embodiment, the outer surface 6c is located near the side surface 241e, and the outer surface 6d is located near the side surface 241f. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the outer surfaces 6c and 6d corresponds to the direction in which the main body portion 241 extends, and the short side direction of the outer surfaces 6c and 6d corresponds to the direction in which the side surfaces 241c and 241d face each other.

[0031] The outer surfaces 6e and 6f face each other in the direction in which the main body portion 241 extends. In the present embodiment, the outer surface 6e is located closer to the bottom portion 241a, and the outer surface 6f is located closer to the opening portion 241b. As described above, the one rounded corner of the outer surfaces 6a and 6b is located closer to the bottom portion 241a. Therefore, the outer surface 6e has a curved shape corresponding to the one rounded corner of the outer surfaces 6a and 6b. In the present embodiment, the outer surface 6e includes a flat surface region and a surface region that is curved corresponding to the one corner. The outer surface 6f is positioned so as to surround the temperature sensor 2 and the conductor 5 when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the outer surface 6f.

[0032] In the temperature sensor unit 1, the conductor 5 is in contact with the temperature sensor 2. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the conductor 5 is in contact with the temperature sensor 2 is the first direction D1, the direction that intersects the first direction D1 and is included in the normal direction of the outer surface 6b is the second direction D2, and the direction that intersects the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 and in which the wirings 22 and 23 and the end portions 3a and 4a extend is the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the third direction D3 is also the direction in which the temperature sensor 2 and the main body portion 241 extend. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are, for example, orthogonal to each other.

[0033] As described above, in the present embodiment, the fixing portion 6 houses a part of the temperature sensor 2 and the conductor 5. Therefore, the conductor 5 includes a portion 51 housed in the fixing portion 6 and a portion 52 that is continuous with the portion 51 and exposed from the fixing portion 6. For example, when the portion 51 constitutes the first portion, the portion 52 constitutes the second portion. In the present embodiment, the portion 51 includes a region R1, a region R2, and a region R3. In the present embodiment, each of the region R1, the region R2, and the region R3 is constituted by a copper wire 5b covered with a coating 5a. The region R1 and the region R2 face each other.

[0034] Region R1 extends in the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, region R1 faces region R2 in the first direction D1. Region R1 includes a pair of surfaces R1a and R1b, and a pair of surfaces R1c and R1d. The pair of surfaces R1a and R1b face each other in the first direction D1. In the present embodiment, surface R1a is located closer to region R2, and surface R1b is located on the opposite side of surface R1a. The pair of surfaces R1c and R1d face each other in the second direction D2. In the present embodiment, surface R1c is located closer to the outer surface 6a, and surface R1d is located closer to the outer surface 6b.

[0035] Region R2 extends in the third direction D3. Region R2 includes a pair of surfaces R2a and R2b, and a pair of surfaces R2c and R2d. The pair of surfaces R2a and R2b face each other in the first direction D1. In the present embodiment, surface R2a is located closer to region R1, and surface R2b is located on the opposite side of surface R2a. The pair of surfaces R2c and R2d face each other in the second direction D2. In the present embodiment, surface R2c is located closer to the outer surface 6a, and surface R2d is located closer to the outer surface 6b.

[0036] In the conductor 5, regions R1 and R2 are in contact with the temperature sensor 2. In the temperature sensor unit 1, the fixing portion 6 houses the temperature sensor 2, regions R1, and region R2, and fixes the temperature sensor 2 to regions R1 and R2. As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, among regions R1, surface R1a is in contact with the surface region 241e1, surface R1c is in contact with the surface region 241e2, and surface R1d is in contact with the surface region 241e3. In the conductor 5, region R1 is engaged with the engaging portion 241h of the case 24. In the present embodiment, among regions R2, surface R2a is in contact with the surface region 241f2. In FIG. 4, the illustration of the fixing portion 6 is omitted in order to clearly show the relationship between regions R1 and R2 and the temperature sensor 2.

[0037] For example, in region R2, the length in the third direction D3 of the portion in contact with the temperature sensor 2 is smaller than the length in the third direction D3 of the portion in contact with the temperature sensor 2 in region R1. In region R2, the length in the third direction D3 of the portion in contact with the temperature sensor 2 may be larger than the length in the third direction D3 of the portion in contact with the temperature sensor 2 in region R1, or may be the same as the length in the third direction D3 of the portion in contact with the temperature sensor 2 in region R1.

[0038] In region R1, the length in the third direction D3 of the portion in contact with the temperature sensor 2 is defined, for example, by the length in the third direction D3 of the portion where the surface R1a and the surface region 241e1 are in contact. In region R1, the length in the third direction D3 of the portion in contact with the temperature sensor 2 may be defined by the length in the third direction D3 of the portion where the surface R1c and the surface region 241e2 are in contact, or may be defined by the length in the third direction D3 of the portion where the surface R1d and the surface region 241e3 are in contact. In region R2, the length in the third direction D3 of the portion in contact with the temperature sensor 2 is defined, for example, by the length in the third direction D3 of the portion where the surface R2a and the surface region 241f2 are in contact.

[0039] Region R3 connects region R1 and region R2. In the present embodiment, region R3 is also housed in the fixing portion 6, similar to region R1 and region R2. On the other hand, region R3 is different from region R1 and region R2 in that it is not in contact with the temperature sensor 2. In the present embodiment, one end of region R3 is connected to the end located closer to the outer surface 6e among the two ends in the third direction D3 of region R1, and the other end of region R3 is connected to the end located closer to the outer surface 6e among the two ends in the third direction D3 of region R2. In the present embodiment, region R3 has a curved shape that curves away from the bottom 241a of the temperature sensor 2 when viewed from the second direction D2. The portion 51 where region R1 and region R2 are connected by region R3 has a substantially U-shaped appearance when viewed from the second direction D2.

[0040] Region R3 includes a pair of surfaces R3a, R3b and a pair of surfaces R3c, R3d. The pair of surfaces R3a, R3b face each other in the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, surface R3a is located closer to the bottom 241a, and surface R3b is located on the side opposite to surface R3a. Surface R3a connects surface R1a and surface R2a, and surface R3b connects surface R1b and surface R2b. The pair of surfaces R3c, R3d face each other in the second direction D2. In the present embodiment, surface R3c is located closer to the outer surface 6a, and surface R3d is located closer to the outer surface 6b. Surface R3c connects surface R1c and surface R2c, and surface R3d connects surface R1d and surface R2d.

[0041] Portion 52 includes region R4, region R5, and region R6. Region R4 is connected to portion 51. In the present embodiment, region R4 is connected to the end of region R2 in the third direction D3 that is not connected to region R3. Region R4 extends in the second direction D2 from the above-mentioned end of region R2. In the present embodiment, region R4 extends in the second direction D2 from the above-mentioned end of region R2 in the direction from the outer surface 6a to the outer surface 6b. In the present embodiment, region R4 is composed of a copper wire 5b covered with a coating 5a.

[0042] Region R4 includes a pair of surfaces R4a, R4b and a pair of surfaces R4c, R4d. The pair of surfaces R4a, R4b face each other in the first direction D1. Surface R4a is located closer to region R1 in the first direction D1 and is continuous with surface R2a of region R2. Surface R4b is located on the side opposite to surface R4a and is continuous with surface R2b of region R2. The pair of surfaces R4c, R4d face each other in the third direction D3. Surface R4c is located closer to region R3 in the third direction D3 and is continuous with surface R2c of region R2. Surface R4d is located on the side opposite to surface R4c and is continuous with surface R2d of region R2.

[0043] Region R5 is separated from region R4 and extends in the second direction D2. In the present embodiment, region R4 and region R5 are separated from each other in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and extend in the direction from the outer surface 6a toward the outer surface 6b in the second direction D2. In the present embodiment, region R5 includes a portion R5A formed by a copper wire 5b covered with a coating 5a and a portion R5B that is continuous with the portion R5A and is formed by an exposed copper wire 5b. The outer edge of the portion R5B as viewed from the second direction D2 is located inside the outer edge of the portion R5A as viewed from the second direction D2 by the thickness of the coating 5a.

[0044] The portion R5A includes a pair of surfaces R5Aa, R5Ab and a pair of surfaces R5Ac, R5Ad. The pair of surfaces R5Aa, R5Ab face each other in the first direction D1. In the present embodiment, the surface R5Aa faces the same direction as the surface R4a, and the surface R5b faces the same direction as the surface R4b. The pair of surfaces R5Ac, R5Ad face each other in the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the surface R5Ac faces the same direction as the surface R4c, and the surface R5Ad faces the same direction as the surface R4d.

[0045] The portion R5B includes a pair of side surfaces R5Ba, R5Bb, a pair of side surfaces R5Bc, R5Bd, and an end surface R5Be. That is, the portion R5B includes four side surfaces R5Ba, R5Bb, R5Bc, R5Bd and one end surface R5Be. As described above, in the temperature sensor unit 1, the portion 52 includes the region R5. Therefore, it can be said that the portion 52 includes four side surfaces R5Ba, R5Bb, R5Bc, R5Bd and one end surface R5Be.

[0046] A pair of side surfaces R5Ba and R5Bb face each other in the first direction D1. In the present embodiment, the side surface R5Ba is located closer to the surface R5Aa, and the side surface R5Bb is located on the opposite side of the side surface R5Ba. A pair of side surfaces R5Bc and R5Bd face each other in the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the side surface R5Bc is located closer to the surface R5Ac, and the side surface R5Bd is located on the opposite side of the side surface R5Bc. The end surface R5Be faces the same direction as the outer surface 6b of the conductor 5 and is parallel to the outer surface 6b.

[0047] The region R6 connects the region R4 and the region R5. In the present embodiment, the region R6 is composed of a copper wire 5b covered with a coating 5a. As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the region R6 extends in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1 and the third direction D3 when viewed from the second direction D2. The region R6 only needs to extend in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1 when viewed from the second direction D2. That is, the direction in which the region R6 extends does not have to be inclined with respect to the third direction D3. The degree of inclination of the region R6 with respect to the first direction D1 and the third direction D3 is set based on, for example, the positional relationship between the temperature sensor unit 1 and an external device to which the temperature sensor unit 1 is attached. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the region R6 faces the outer surface 6b in the second direction D2 and is separated from the outer surface 6b in the second direction D2.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the direction in which the region R6 extends from the region R4 to the region R5 includes, as direction components, the direction from the outer surface 6d to the outer surface 6c and the direction from the outer surface 6f to the outer surface 6e. The direction in which the region R6 extends from the region R4 to the region R5 may include, as direction components, the direction from the outer surface 6d to the outer surface 6c and the direction from the outer surface 6e to the outer surface 6f.

[0049] Region R6 includes a pair of surfaces R6a, R6b and a pair of surfaces R6c, R6d. That is, region R6 includes four surfaces R6a, R6b, R6c, R6d. The pair of surfaces R6a, R6b face each other in a direction inclined in the first direction D1. In the present embodiment, surface R6a connects surface R4a and surface R5Aa, and surface R6b connects surface R4b and surface R5Ab.

[0050] The pair of surfaces R6c, R6d are inclined in the third direction D3 and face each other in a direction different from the direction in which the pair of surfaces R6a, R6b face each other. The direction in which the pair of surfaces R6a, R6b face each other and the direction in which the pair of surfaces R6c, R6d face each other, for example, intersect. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the pair of surfaces R6a, R6b face each other and the direction in which the pair of surfaces R6c, R6d face each other are orthogonal. In the present embodiment, surface R6c connects surface R4c and surface R5c, and surface R6d connects surface R4d and surface R5d. As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, in region R6, of the four surfaces R6a, R6b, R6c, R6d, two adjacent surfaces R6a, R6d face the outer surface 6b of the fixing portion 6 in the second direction D2.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the direction in which the pair of surfaces R6a, R6b face each other is different from the direction in which the pair of surfaces R4a, R4b and the pair of surfaces R5Aa, R5Ab face each other. Similarly, the direction in which the pair of surfaces R6c, R6d face each other is different from the direction in which the pair of surfaces R4c, R4d and the pair of surfaces R5Ac, R5Ad face each other. Thus, in the present embodiment, region R6 has a twisted shape with respect to region R4 and region R5.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the distance between the region R6 in the second direction D2 and the outer surface 6b decreases as going from the region R4 to the region R5. The distance between the region R6 in the second direction D2 and the outer surface 6b may decrease continuously or stepwise as going from the region R4 to the region R5. The distance between the region R6 in the second direction D2 and the outer surface 6b is defined by, for example, the shortest distance between the angle formed by the surfaces R6a and R6d and the outer surface 6b.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the portion 52 further includes a region R7. The region R7 is separated from the regions R4, R5, and R6, and is connected to the end of the region R1 that is not connected to the region R3 among both ends of the region R1. In the present embodiment, the region R7 is composed of a copper wire 5b covered with a coating 5a. In the present embodiment, the region R7 extends in the third direction D3, similar to the region R1. The direction in which the region R7 extends is not limited to the third direction D3. The region R7 may extend in, for example, either the first direction D1 or the second direction D2, or may extend in a direction inclined to any of the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3. In the conductor 5, the region R7 may also engage with the engaging portion 241h of the case 24. In the present embodiment, a part of the region R7 closer to the region R1 engages with the engaging portion 241h.

[0054] As described above, the regions R1 to R4, R6, R7 and the portion R5A are composed of a copper wire 5b covered with a coating 5a, and the portion R5B is composed of an exposed copper wire 5b. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the main body portion of the conductor 5 is composed of the regions R1 to R4, R6, R7, and the portion R5A, and the end portion of the conductor 5 is composed of the portion R5B. In the portion R5B that constitutes the end portion of the conductor 5, the side surface R5Ba constitutes a mounting surface for an external device to which the temperature sensor unit 1 is mounted. That is, in the temperature sensor unit 1, the side surface R5Ba is configured to be parallel to the external device.

[0055] Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a state in which the temperature sensor unit 1 is attached to an external device will be described. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the external device. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the temperature sensor unit and the external device.

[0056] The external device to which the temperature sensor unit 1 is attached includes, for example, a stator S that functions as a component of a rotating electric machine. The stator S includes, for example, an annular stator core S1 and a stator coil S2. In the present embodiment, the axial direction of the stator core S1 includes a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the rotating electric machine, the radial direction of the stator core S1 includes a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the rotating electric machine, and the circumferential direction of the stator core S1 includes a direction around the rotation axis of the rotating electric machine.

[0057] For example, the stator core S1 is configured by laminating a plurality of electromagnetic steel sheets in the axial direction of the stator core S1. A plurality of slots are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the stator core S1 to define a space for accommodating the stator coil S2. The plurality of slots are formed at a certain angular interval, for example, in the circumferential direction of the stator core S1. The plurality of slots extend radially from the inner peripheral surface of the stator core S1. Teeth protruding toward the inner periphery of the stator core S1 are formed between each slot in the circumferential direction of the stator core S1. In FIG. 8, since the state in which the stator coil S2 is accommodated in each slot is shown, the slots and the teeth are not shown.

[0058] The stator coil S2 is composed of a three-phase coil including, for example, a U-phase coil, a V-phase coil, and a W-phase coil. Each of the U-phase coil, the V-phase coil, and the W-phase coil is configured by connecting a plurality of coils S3 wound around the teeth of the stator core S1 in a predetermined connection method. The plurality of coils S3 are made of copper wires covered with a coating made of, for example, resin, similar to the conductor 5. At the end of each coil S3, the coating is peeled off and the copper wire is exposed. The ends of each coil S3 are connected to the corresponding ends of adjacent coils S3 in the radial direction of the stator S, for example, by welding. In the stator S, a part of the coil S3 protruding in the axial direction of the stator core S1 from the axial end of the stator core S1 constitutes the coil end S4.

[0059] In the stator S, mounting terminals S5 for attaching the temperature sensor unit 1 are provided on the outer periphery of the coil end S4. The mounting terminals S5 are provided, for example, on the outermost periphery of the coil end S4. At the mounting terminals S5, similar to the portion R5B of the conductor 5, the coating is peeled off and the internal copper wire is exposed. In the stator S, the mounting terminals S5 include a pair of side surfaces S5a, a pair of side surfaces S5c, and an end surface S5e. In the stator S, of the pair of side surfaces S5a, one side surface S5a is connected to the end of the adjacent coil S3, and the other side surface S5a constitutes the mounting surface of the stator S.

[0060] The temperature sensor unit 1 is attached to the stator S, for example, as follows. First, the side surface R5Ba of the portion R5B is brought into contact with the other side surface S5a of the pair of side surfaces S5a of the mounting terminal S5. Next, the side surface R5Ba and the other side surface S5a are welded. As a result, the conductor 5 and the plurality of coils S3 are electrically connected, and the temperature sensor unit 1 is attached to the stator S. In a state where the temperature sensor unit 1 is attached to the stator S, the side surface R5Ba and the other side surface S5a are in contact with each other. In a state where the temperature sensor unit 1 is attached to the stator S, the pair of side surfaces S5a face each other in the first direction D1, the pair of side surfaces S5c face each other in the third direction D3, and the end surface R5Be and the end surface S5e face the same direction.

[0061] As described above, in the temperature sensor unit 1, the portion 52 includes a region R6 that extends in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1 when viewed from the second direction D2. The configuration in which the portion 52 includes the region R6 can improve the ease of attachment to an external device. Therefore, the temperature sensor unit 1 can improve the ease of attachment to an external device.

[0062] In the temperature sensor unit 1, of the four surfaces R6a, R6b, R6c, and R6d included in the region R6, two adjacent surfaces R6a and R6d face the outer surface 6b in the second direction D2. The temperature sensor unit 1 easily realizes a configuration in which the region R6 extends in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1 when viewed from the second direction D2.

[0063] In the temperature sensor unit 1, the ends 3a and 4a of the wirings 22 and 23 and the conductors 3 and 4 extend in the third direction D3. In the temperature sensor unit 1 in which the ends 3a and 4a of the wirings 22 and 23 and the conductors 3 and 4 extend as described above, when the temperature sensor unit 1 is attached to an external device, the ends 3a and 4a of the wirings 22 and 23 and the conductors 3 and 4 hardly hinder the attachment of the temperature sensor unit 1 to the external device. Therefore, the temperature sensor unit 1 can further improve the ease of attachment to an external device.

[0064] In the temperature sensor unit 1, the distance between the region R6 in the second direction D2 and the outer surface 6b decreases as going from the region R4 to the region R5. When it is difficult to sufficiently secure the length of the region R5 in the first direction D1, for example, from the boundary between the portion R5A and the portion R5B, the coating 5a in the portion R5A may peel off. When the coating 5a peels off, in the portion R5A, the copper wire 5b may be exposed and damaged. The temperature sensor unit 1 is easier to secure the length of the region R5 in the first direction D1 as compared with the configuration in which the distance between the region R6 in the second direction and the outer surface 6b is constant. Therefore, when the temperature sensor unit 1 is attached to an external device, the temperature sensor unit 1 suppresses the copper wire 5b from being exposed and damaged in the portion R5A.

[0065] As described above, the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments and each modification, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist thereof.

[0066] In the temperature sensor unit 1, the end portions 3a, 4a of the wirings 22, 23 and the conductive wires 3, 4 may not extend in the third direction D3. As described above, the temperature sensor unit 1 in which the end portions 3a, 4a of the wirings 22, 23 and the conductive wires 3, 4 extend in the third direction D3 can further improve the ease of attachment to an external device.

[0067] In the temperature sensor unit 1, the distance between the region R6 in the second direction D2 and the outer surface 6b may not decrease as going from the region R4 to the region R5. The distance between the region R6 in the second direction D2 and the outer surface 6b may be, for example, constant, or may increase as going from the region R4 to the region R5. The temperature sensor unit 1, in which the distance between the region R6 and the outer surface 6b in the second direction D2 decreases as going from the region R4 to the region R5, suppresses the copper wire 5b from being exposed and damaged in the portion R5A, as described above.

[0068] In the temperature sensor unit 1, two adjacent surfaces R6a and R6d out of the four surfaces R6a, R6b, R6c, and R6d face the outer surface 6b in the second direction D2. However, the combination of the surfaces facing the outer surface 6b in the second direction D2 is not limited to the above-described combination. In the temperature sensor unit 1, for example, two adjacent surfaces R6b and R6d out of the four surfaces R6a, R6b, R6c, and R6d may face the outer surface 6b in the second direction D2.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, the region R6 included four surfaces R6a, R6b, R6c, and R6d, but the region R6 may include five or more surfaces. When the region R6 includes five or more surfaces, the regions R1 to R5 may also include five or more surfaces. When the region R6 includes five or more surfaces, the conductor 5 may be composed of a main body portion including five surfaces, and an end portion including five side surfaces and one end surface that constitute a mounting surface for an external device.

[0070] As can be understood from the descriptions of the above-described embodiments and each modification example, this specification includes the disclosure of the following aspects. (Appendix 1) A temperature sensor, A conductor in contact with the temperature sensor in a first direction, An outer surface including a second direction intersecting the first direction as a normal direction, and a fixing portion housing the temperature sensor and the conductor. The conductor is A first portion housed in the fixing portion, A second portion that is continuous with the first portion and exposed from the fixing portion. The temperature sensor unit, wherein the second part includes a region extending in a direction inclined in the first direction when viewed from the second direction. (Appendix 2) The temperature sensor unit according to Appendix 1, wherein the region faces the outer surface in the second direction and is separated from the outer surface in the second direction. (Appendix 3) The region includes at least four surfaces, Among the at least four surfaces, a plurality of adjacent surfaces face the outer surface in the second direction, the temperature sensor unit according to Appendix 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) The temperature sensor unit according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the region extends in a direction inclined in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction when viewed from the second direction. (Appendix 5) The temperature sensor unit according to Appendix 4, wherein the temperature sensor includes a temperature-sensitive element and a wiring electrically connected to the temperature-sensitive element and extending in the third direction. (Appendix 6) The temperature sensor unit according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, wherein the second part includes a side surface parallel to the mounting surface of the external device to which the conductor is mounted. (Appendix 7) The second part is Another region connected to the first part, And still another region separated from the another region in the first direction and the second direction, further including The region connects the another region and the still another region, The distance between the region and the outer surface in the second direction decreases from the another region to the still another region, the temperature sensor unit according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6. (Appendix 8) A temperature sensor, A conductor including a side surface, a first region and a second region facing each other in the first direction and in contact with the temperature sensor. It includes an outer surface that includes a second direction intersecting the first direction and includes the normal direction, houses the temperature sensor, the first region, and the second region, and has a fixing portion that fixes the temperature sensor to the first region and the second region. The conductor is It includes a first portion that includes the first region and the second region and is housed in the fixing portion, and a second portion that is continuous with the first portion and exposed from the fixing portion. The second portion is a third region connected to the first portion, a fourth region that includes the side surface, and a fifth region that connects the third region and the fourth region. The fifth region extends in a direction inclined in the first direction as viewed from the second direction, and is a temperature sensor unit. (Appendix 9) The fifth region includes at least four surfaces. Among the at least four surfaces, a plurality of adjacent surfaces face the outer surface in the second direction, and it is the temperature sensor unit according to Appendix 8. (Appendix 10) The temperature sensor includes a temperature-sensitive element and a wiring that is electrically connected to the temperature-sensitive element and extends in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. The fifth region extends in a direction inclined in the third direction in which the wiring extends as viewed from the second direction, and it is the temperature sensor unit according to Appendix 8 or 9. (Appendix 11) It further includes a conducting wire that is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and includes an end portion extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. The fifth region extends in a direction inclined in the third direction in which the end portion extends as viewed from the second direction, and it is the temperature sensor unit according to any one of Appendices 8 to 10. (Appendix 12) The temperature sensor unit according to any one of Appendices 8 to 11, wherein the side surface is parallel to the mounting surface of the external device to which the conductor is attached. (Appendix 13) The third region and the fourth region are separated from each other in the first direction and the second direction. The temperature sensor unit according to any one of Appendices 8 to 12, wherein the distance between the fifth region and the outer surface in the second direction decreases as going from the third region to the fourth region.

Explanation of Signs

[0071] 1... Temperature sensor unit, 2... Temperature sensor, 5... Conductor, 6... Fixing part, 6b... Outer surface, 21... Temperature-sensitive element, 22, 23... Wiring, 51, 52... Parts, R5Ba... Side surface, R6a, R6b, R6c, R6d... Surfaces.

Claims

1. A temperature sensor, a conductor in contact with the temperature sensor in a first direction, and a fixing part including an outer surface including a second direction intersecting the first direction as a normal direction, and housing the temperature sensor and the conductor, wherein the conductor includes a first part housed in the fixing part, and a second part continuous with the first part and exposed from the fixing part, and the second part includes a region extending in a direction inclined in the first direction as viewed from the second direction, a temperature sensor unit.

2. The temperature sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the region faces the outer surface in the second direction and is separated from the outer surface in the second direction.

3. The region includes at least four surfaces, and among the at least four surfaces, a plurality of adjacent surfaces face the outer surface in the second direction, the temperature sensor unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The temperature sensor unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the region extends in a direction inclined in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction as viewed from the second direction.

5. The temperature sensor unit according to claim 4, wherein the temperature sensor includes a temperature-sensitive element and a wiring electrically connected to the temperature-sensitive element and extending in the third direction.

6. The temperature sensor unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second part includes a side surface parallel to an attachment surface of an external device to which the conductor is attached.

7. The second part further includes another region connected to the first part, and yet another region separated from the another region in the first direction and the second direction, the region connecting the another region and the yet another region, and the distance between the region and the outer surface in the second direction decreases from the another region toward the yet another region, the temperature sensor unit according to claim 1 or 2.

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