Temperature sensor fixture and temperature sensor

Abstract

To sufficiently reduce the manufacturing cost, and to be easily attachable / detachable to / from objects of various shapes for temperature measurement.SOLUTION: The temperature sensor fixture is a thermocouple mounting sheet 3a that prevents the temperature measuring portion 2a of the thermocouple main body 2 from separating from a temperature measuring object X while being brought close to the temperature measuring object X, and includes a first sheet 11 made of an insulating material with an adhesive layer on one side for preventing separation from the temperature measuring object X, and a second sheet 12 formed in a sheet shape from a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the first sheet 11 and disposed on the other side of the first sheet 11, the second sheet 12 being formed to be smaller in size than the first sheet 11 in a plan view, and disposed on the other side of the first sheet 11 so that the outer edge of the second sheet 12 is located in the inner region of the first sheet 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature sensor mounting fixture that prevents a temperature measuring portion of a temperature sensor from moving away from an object to be measured while keeping the temperature measuring portion close to the object, and to a temperature sensor equipped with such a temperature sensor mounting fixture. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, the following patent document discloses, as a first embodiment, a thermocouple in which the temperature measuring part (a pair of thermocouple wires) of the thermocouple is sandwiched between a metal block and a metal pressure plate, and in this state the pressure plate is screwed to the metal block. This patent document also discloses, as a second embodiment, a thermocouple in which a groove is formed in the metal block into which the temperature measuring part (a pair of thermocouple wires) can be fitted, and the thermocouple wires inserted into this groove are crushed within the groove, thereby fixing the temperature measuring part to the metal block. When attaching these thermocouples to an object to be measured, the thermocouple is bonded to the object to be measured with an adhesive applied to one surface of the metal block (the surface opposite to the surface to which the temperature measuring part is fixed). This makes it possible to measure the temperature of the object to be measured via the metal block using the temperature measuring part. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-187234 (pages 1-2, Figures 2-3) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the thermocouples disclosed in the above patent documents have the following problems to be solved.

[0005] Specifically, the thermocouples disclosed in the above patent documents employ a configuration in which a temperature measuring unit (a pair of thermocouple wires) is attached to a temperature measurement target via a metal block with an adhesive applied to one surface. In this case, the thermocouple disclosed as the first embodiment employs a configuration in which the temperature measuring unit is attached to the temperature measurement target using a metal block, a pressure plate, and fixing screws. This requires a large number of components for attaching the temperature measuring unit to the temperature measurement target, and the manufacturing costs of these components are high, making it difficult to reduce the manufacturing costs of the thermocouple. Furthermore, the thermocouple disclosed as the second embodiment also requires high manufacturing costs for the metal block with a groove into which the temperature measuring unit can be inserted. Furthermore, fixing the temperature measuring unit to the metal block requires a complicated process of inserting the temperature measuring unit into the groove and then crushing the temperature measuring unit within the groove, making it difficult to reduce the manufacturing costs of the thermocouple.

[0006] Furthermore, in all of the examples of the thermocouples disclosed in the above patent documents, a configuration is adopted in which the temperature measuring unit is attached to the object to be measured via a rectangular (flat) metal block. This results in the components required to attach the temperature measuring unit to the object to be measured being large. This makes it difficult to attach and detach the thermocouple in a narrow space, and the metal block protruding from the object to be measured can get in the way when attached to the object to be measured. Furthermore, because the metal block is rectangular (flat), it is difficult to attach it to a curved surface of the object to be measured. This makes it difficult to accurately measure the temperature when measuring various pipes, cables, etc.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems that need to be improved, and its main object is to provide a temperature sensor mounting fixture and a temperature sensor that are low in manufacturing cost and can be easily attached and detached to objects of various shapes that require temperature measurement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The temperature sensor mounting fixture of the present invention is a temperature sensor mounting fixture that prevents the temperature measuring portion of a temperature sensor from separating from an object to be measured while the temperature measuring portion is in close proximity to the object to be measured, and includes a first sheet made of an insulating material with an adhesive layer on one side to prevent separation from the object to be measured, and a second sheet formed in a sheet shape from a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the first sheet and disposed on the other side of the first sheet, the second sheet being smaller in size than the first sheet in a plan view and disposed on the other side of the first sheet so that the outer edge of the second sheet is located inside the first sheet. Note that the "adhesive layer" in this invention also includes a "layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive."

[0009] Furthermore, the temperature sensor of the present invention comprises a temperature sensor mounting fixture as described above, and the temperature measuring portion is adhered to one surface of the first sheet by the adhesive layer so that the temperature measuring portion is positioned at a position overlapping the second sheet in the thickness direction of the temperature sensor mounting fixture.

[0010] Therefore, compared to the configuration disclosed in the aforementioned patent document, in which a temperature sensor (a pair of thermocouple wires) is attached to a target via a metal block, the temperature sensor attachment fixture and temperature sensor according to the present invention significantly reduce the manufacturing costs of the temperature sensor attachment fixture and temperature sensor because the components of the temperature sensor attachment fixture (such as the first and second sheets) are inexpensive and the manufacturing processes for the temperature sensor attachment fixture and the temperature sensor are extremely simple. Furthermore, when the temperature sensor attachment fixture is attached to a target, the temperature sensor is covered by the second sheet, which has high thermal conductivity. This allows not only the target side of the temperature sensor but also the opposite side (the second sheet side) to have a temperature similar to that of the target. This allows the temperature of the target to be accurately measured via the temperature sensor, the entirety of which is similar to that of the target. Furthermore, unlike the configuration disclosed in the aforementioned patent document, the temperature sensor attachment fixture is thin, which facilitates attachment and detachment, and the temperature sensor can be attached to the target without the temperature sensor attachment fixture or the like protruding significantly from the target. Furthermore, unlike a configuration in which the temperature sensor is attached via a metal block, the thin temperature sensor attachment fixture can be deformed to fit tightly to the curved surface of the object to be measured, allowing the temperature sensor to be securely and easily attached to objects of various shapes. Furthermore, by positioning the outer edge of the second sheet within the inner area of ​​the first sheet, insulation between the object to be measured and the second sheet can be ensured. Furthermore, because an adhesive layer is provided on one side of the first sheet, the adhesive strength of this adhesive layer makes it easy to attach the temperature sensor to the object to be measured.

[0011] In addition, the temperature sensor mounting fixture of the present invention includes a third sheet made of an insulating material that is larger in size than the second sheet when viewed in a plane, and the third sheet is arranged on the other side of the first sheet so that the outer edge of the second sheet is located in the inner area of ​​the third sheet, and the second sheet is sandwiched between the first sheet and the third sheet.

[0012] Therefore, with the temperature sensor mounting fixture of the present invention and a temperature sensor equipped with such a temperature sensor mounting fixture, the second sheet is sandwiched between the first sheet and the third sheet, so there are no exposed areas of the second sheet, which further improves the insulation between the object to be measured and the second sheet, and also ensures insulation between the various conductors around the temperature sensor and the second sheet.

[0013] In addition, the temperature sensor of the present invention comprises a temperature sensor mounting fixture having a first sheet made of an insulating material with a temperature measuring portion fixed to one side thereof, and a second sheet formed in a sheet shape from a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the first sheet and arranged on the other side of the first sheet, the second sheet being formed to be smaller in size than the first sheet in a planar view, and arranged on the other side of the first sheet so that the outer edge of the second sheet is located in the inner region of the first sheet.

[0014] Therefore, with the temperature sensor according to the present invention, by applying adhesive or attaching double-sided adhesive tape to at least one side of the first sheet and the object to be measured, the temperature sensor can be easily attached to the object to be measured using the adhesive layer or double-sided adhesive tape. Furthermore, compared to the configuration in which the temperature sensor (a pair of thermocouple wires) is attached to the object to be measured via a metal block as disclosed in the aforementioned patent document, the components of the temperature sensor attachment fixture (such as the first and second sheets) are inexpensive, and the manufacturing processes for the temperature sensor attachment fixture and the temperature sensor are very simple, thereby significantly reducing the manufacturing costs of the temperature sensor attachment fixture and the temperature sensor. Furthermore, when the temperature sensor is attached to the object to be measured by the temperature sensor attachment fixture, the temperature sensor is covered by the second sheet, which has high thermal conductivity. This allows not only the temperature on the object side of the temperature sensor but also the opposite side (the side of the second sheet) to be at approximately the same temperature as the object to be measured. This allows the temperature of the object to be accurately measured via the temperature sensor, the entirety of which is at approximately the same temperature as the object to be measured. Furthermore, unlike the configurations disclosed in the aforementioned patent documents, the temperature sensor mounting fixture is thin, which allows for easy attachment and detachment, and the temperature measuring unit can be attached to the object without the temperature sensor mounting fixture protruding significantly from the object. Furthermore, unlike configurations that require attachment via a metal block, the thin temperature sensor mounting fixture can be deformed to fit tightly against curved surfaces of the object, allowing for reliable and easy attachment of the temperature measuring unit to objects of various shapes. Furthermore, by positioning the outer edge of the second sheet within the inner area of ​​the first sheet, insulation between the object and the second sheet can be ensured.

[0015] In addition, the temperature sensor of the present invention comprises a temperature sensor mounting fixture having sheet A made of an insulating material and sheet B formed into a sheet shape from a material having a higher thermal conductivity than sheet A and arranged on one side of sheet A, wherein sheet B is formed to be smaller in size than sheet A in a planar view and is arranged on the one side of sheet A so that the outer edge of sheet B is located in the inner area of ​​sheet A, and a temperature measuring unit is sandwiched between sheets A and B.

[0016] Therefore, with the temperature sensor according to the present invention, by applying an adhesive or attaching double-sided adhesive tape to at least one of the other surface of sheet A and the object to be measured, the temperature sensor can be easily attached to the object to be measured using the adhesive layer or double-sided adhesive tape. Furthermore, compared to the configuration in which the temperature sensor (a pair of thermocouple wires) is attached to the object to be measured via a metal block as disclosed in the aforementioned patent document, the components of the temperature sensor attachment (sheet A, sheet B, etc.) are inexpensive and the manufacturing process of the temperature sensor is very simple, thereby significantly reducing the manufacturing cost of the temperature sensor. Furthermore, when attached to the object to be measured by the temperature sensor attachment, the temperature sensor is covered by sheet B, which has high thermal conductivity, so that not only the temperature sensor on the side of the temperature sensor facing the object to be measured but also the opposite side (the side facing sheet B) can be kept at a temperature similar to that of the object to be measured. This allows the temperature of the object to be accurately measured via the temperature sensor, the entirety of which is at a temperature similar to that of the object to be measured. Furthermore, unlike the configurations disclosed in the aforementioned patent documents, the temperature sensor mounting fixture is thin, which allows for easy attachment and detachment, and the temperature measuring unit can be attached to the object without the temperature sensor mounting fixture protruding significantly from the object. Furthermore, unlike configurations that require attachment via a metal block, the thin temperature sensor mounting fixture can be deformed to fit tightly against curved surfaces of the object, allowing the temperature measuring unit to be securely and easily attached to objects of various shapes. Furthermore, by positioning the outer edge of sheet B within the inner area of ​​sheet A, insulation between the object and sheet B can be ensured.

[0017] In addition, the temperature sensor of the present invention has a temperature sensor mounting fixture that includes a sheet C made of an insulating material that is larger in size than the sheet B when viewed in a plane, and the sheet C is arranged on one side of the sheet A so that the outer edge of the sheet B is located in the inner area of ​​the sheet C, and the sheet B is sandwiched between the sheets A and C.

[0018] Therefore, according to the temperature sensor of the present invention, since sheet B is sandwiched between sheets A and C, there are no exposed areas of sheet B, which further improves the insulation between the object to be measured and sheet B, and also ensures insulation between the various conductors around the temperature sensor and sheet B.

[0019] In addition, the temperature sensor of the present invention is configured such that an adhesive layer is provided on the other side of the sheet A, and the adhesive layer can prevent the temperature measuring portion from being separated from the object to be measured when the temperature measuring portion is brought close to the object to be measured.

[0020] Therefore, according to the temperature sensor of the present invention, the adhesive strength of the adhesive layer makes it possible to easily attach the temperature sensor to the object to be measured. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the temperature sensor mounting fixture and temperature sensor of the present invention, the components of the temperature sensor mounting fixture are inexpensive, and the manufacturing process of the temperature sensor and the manufacturing process of the temperature sensor are very simple. This not only allows for a sufficient reduction in the manufacturing costs of the temperature sensor mounting fixture and the temperature sensor, but also means that when the temperature sensor mounting fixture is attached to the object to be measured, the temperature measuring part is covered by the second sheet or sheet B, which has a high thermal conductivity. This means that not only the side of the temperature measuring part that faces the object to be measured, but also the opposite side (the side of the second sheet or sheet B) can be kept at a temperature similar to that of the object to be measured. The temperature can be measured accurately, and because the temperature sensor mounting fixture is thin, it is easy to attach and detach. The temperature measuring unit can be attached to the object to be measured without the temperature sensor mounting fixture protruding significantly from the object to be measured. The thin temperature sensor mounting fixture can be deformed to fit tightly against curved surfaces of the object to be measured, so the temperature measuring unit can be securely and easily attached to objects of various shapes. In addition, because the outer edges of the second sheet or sheet B are positioned within the inner area of ​​the first sheet or sheet A, insulation between the object to be measured and the second sheet or sheet B can be ensured. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a thermocouple 1A as seen from the front side. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the thermocouple 1A. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a thermocouple 1A. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the structure of a thermocouple 1A. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is another explanatory diagram for explaining the structure of the thermocouple 1A. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the thermocouple 1B as seen from the front side. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the thermocouple 1B. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a thermocouple 1B. [Figure 9]FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the structure of a thermocouple 1B. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is another explanatory diagram for explaining the structure of the thermocouple 1B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the "temperature sensor fixture" and the "temperature sensor" will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] 1 to 5 is an example of a "temperature sensor" and includes a thermocouple body 2 and a thermocouple mounting sheet 3a. Note that in Figs. 4 and 5, the thickness of each component of the thermocouple mounting sheet 3a is exaggerated to make it easier to understand the configuration of the thermocouple 1A (thermocouple mounting sheet 3a).

[0025] In this case, thermocouple mounting sheet 3a is an example of a "temperature sensor mounting fixture that prevents the temperature measuring portion of a temperature sensor from being removed from a temperature measurement target while keeping it close to the temperature measurement target," and includes first sheet 11, second sheet 12, and third sheet 13, each of which is rectangular in plan view. First sheet 11 corresponds to the "first sheet made of an insulating material," and is, for example, a sheet made of resin such as polyimide or paper with a thickness ranging from 0.01 mm to 1.0 mm (for example, a polyimide sheet with a thickness of 0.1 mm). One surface of first sheet 11 (the bottom surface in Figures 1, 3-5, and the top surface in Figure 2) is provided with an adhesive layer, which is an example of an "adhesive layer that prevents removal from a temperature measurement target."

[0026] Second sheet 12 corresponds to the "second sheet" and is composed of, for example, a highly heat-conductive layer (for example, aluminum foil with a thickness of about 0.1 mm) formed from a sheet of aluminum, copper, graphite, heat-dissipating silicone, or the like ("a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the first sheet") with a thickness of 0.01 mm to 1.0 mm. In this case, second sheet 12 is formed to be smaller in size than first sheet 11 in a plan view, and is disposed on the other surface of first sheet 11 (the side opposite to the surface on which the adhesive layer is provided) so that outer edge portion 12a is located in the inner region of first sheet 11.

[0027] The third sheet 13 corresponds to a "third sheet made of an insulating material" and is, for example, made of the same sheet as the first sheet 11 (a sheet with an adhesive that is the same size, material, thickness, etc. as the first sheet 11). As a result, the third sheet 13 is larger in size in a plan view than the second sheet 12, similar to the first sheet 11. The third sheet 13 is attached to the surface of the first sheet 11 on which the second sheet 12 is disposed, so that the outer edge region 13a of the third sheet 13 overlaps the outer edge region 11a of the outer edge region 11a. As a result, in the thermocouple-mounting sheet 3a of this example, the second sheet 12 is sandwiched between the first sheet 11 and the third sheet 13, with the outer edge region 12a of the second sheet 12 located in the inner regions of the first sheet 11 and the third sheet 13.

[0028] In this case, in the thermocouple 1A (thermocouple mounting sheet 3a) of this example, the first sheet 11 and the third sheet 13 are, as an example, configured as translucent sheets (sheets through which the back side can be seen). This makes it possible to easily check the temperature measurement target X, except for the area covered by the second sheet 12, during the mounting operation on the temperature measurement target X (described later) or after the mounting is completed, facilitating the mounting operation and making it easy to check whether the mounting position is correct. In FIG. 1, the areas of the thermocouple main body 2 that can be seen through the third sheet 13 are shown by solid lines.

[0029] This thermocouple 1A is shipped by the manufacturer with the thermocouple body 2 attached to the thermocouple mounting sheet 3a, but when the thermocouple mounting sheet 3a is shipped alone (for example, when it is shipped as a general-purpose "temperature sensor mounting fixture" for attaching a "temperature sensor such as a thermocouple" to an object to be measured), a peelable backing is attached to the adhesive layer of the first sheet 11 (not shown).

[0030] On the other hand, when manufacturing the thermocouple 1A, the thermocouple body 2 is attached to the thermocouple attachment sheet 3a, which is manufactured by integrating the three sheets 11 to 13 as described above. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the thermocouple body 2 is attached to one surface of the first sheet 11 (the surface on which the adhesive layer is provided) so that the temperature measuring portion 2a of the thermocouple body 2 is positioned at a position overlapping the second sheet 12 in the thickness direction of the thermocouple attachment sheet 3a. Next, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 4, a removable backing sheet 4 is attached to the adhesive layer of the first sheet 11. With the above steps, the thermocouple 1A is completed.

[0031] When measuring temperature using this thermocouple 1A, the mount 4 is peeled off from the first sheet 11 (adhesive layer), and the thermocouple 1A is attached to the temperature measurement target X as shown in Fig. 5. As a result, the temperature measurement part 2a of the thermocouple main body 2 is brought close to the temperature measurement target X, and the thermocouple attachment sheet 3a prevents the thermocouple 1A from being separated from the temperature measurement target X, completing the attachment of the thermocouple 1A.

[0032] In this case, if the thermocouple main body 2 (temperature measuring portion 2a) is simply to be attached to the temperature measurement object X, various existing adhesive tapes can be used instead of the thermocouple attachment sheet 3a. However, as an example, when an attempt was made to attach the thermocouple main body 2 (temperature measuring portion 2a) to the temperature measurement object X using the above-mentioned first sheet 11 alone to measure the temperature, it was found that it was difficult to accurately measure the temperature of the temperature measurement object X. This is due to the low thermal conductivity of the resin material that constitutes the first sheet 11.

[0033] Specifically, because the thermal conductivity of the first sheet 11 is low, heat from the temperature measurement object X is not easily transferred from the portion of the first sheet 11 in contact with the temperature measurement object X to the portion in contact with the temperature measurement unit 2a (i.e., the portion of the first sheet 11 that is separated from the temperature measurement object X due to the presence of the temperature measurement unit 2a), and therefore the temperature of the portion of the first sheet 11 in contact with the temperature measurement unit 2a is lower than the temperature of the temperature measurement object X. For this reason, temperature measurement is performed in a state where the temperature of the portion of the temperature measurement unit 2a in contact with the first sheet 11 (the portion not in contact with the temperature measurement object X) has not reached the same temperature as the temperature measurement object X (a state where it is lower than the temperature measurement object X), making it difficult to measure the accurate temperature of the temperature measurement object X. Although the phenomenon has been described in an environment where the atmospheric temperature is lower than the temperature of the object to be measured X, in an environment where the atmospheric temperature is higher than the temperature of the object to be measured X, the temperature of the part of the temperature measuring unit 2a that is in contact with the first sheet 11 (the part that is not in contact with the object to be measured X) becomes higher than the temperature of the object to be measured X, making it difficult to measure the temperature accurately even in such an environment.

[0034] In contrast, in this example, the thermocouple main body 2 is attached to the temperature measurement object X using a thermocouple attachment sheet 3a in which the thermocouple main body 2 is adhered to the first sheet 11 so that the temperature measurement portion 2a is positioned overlapping the second sheet 12, and the temperature measurement portion 2a is entirely covered by the second sheet 12. Here, the first sheet 11 located between the temperature measurement object X and the second sheet 12 has low thermal conductivity as described above, but its thickness (i.e., the distance between the temperature measurement object X and the second sheet 12) is very thin, so its effect on heat transfer between the temperature measurement object X and the second sheet 12 is small. In addition, the second sheet 12 covering the temperature measurement portion 2a is made of aluminum foil (metal foil) which has high thermal conductivity. Therefore, in this thermocouple attachment sheet 3a, heat from the temperature measurement object X is transferred to the second sheet 12 in the thickness direction of the first sheet 11, and this heat is easily transferred throughout the entire area of ​​the second sheet 12, so that the temperature of the portion of the second sheet 12 that overlaps with the temperature measurement unit 2a in the thickness direction of the thermocouple attachment sheet 3a becomes approximately the same temperature as the temperature measurement object X. As a result, not only the portion of the temperature measurement unit 2a that is in contact with the temperature measurement object X, but also the portion on the second sheet 12 side (the portion on the opposite side from the temperature measurement object X) becomes approximately the same temperature as the temperature measurement object X, and the entire temperature measurement unit 2a becomes approximately the same temperature as the temperature measurement object X, making it possible to accurately measure the temperature of the temperature measurement object X.

[0035] Furthermore, in the thermocouple-mounting sheet 3a employed in the thermocouple 1A of this example, as described above, the second sheet 12 is formed smaller than the first sheet 11 and is disposed so that its outer edge 12a is located in the inner region of the first sheet 11. As a result, the outer edge region 11a of the first sheet 11 (the region where the second sheet 12 is not present) ensures insulation between the temperature measurement object X and the second sheet 12. Furthermore, in the thermocouple-mounting sheet 3a employed in the thermocouple 1A of this example, as described above, the second sheet 12 is sandwiched between the first sheet 11 and the third sheet 13 so that the outer edge 12a of the second sheet 12 is located in the inner region of the third sheet 13. As a result, there are no exposed portions of the metal second sheet 12, and therefore insulation between the various conductors around the thermocouple 1A and the second sheet 12 is also ensured.

[0036] Furthermore, even when attaching the thermocouple main body 2 or the like to the temperature measurement object X using the thermocouple attachment sheet 3a shipped separately as described above, by attaching the thermocouple main body 2 to the temperature measurement object X using the thermocouple attachment sheet 3a so that the temperature measuring part 2a is positioned at a position overlapping the second sheet 12 in the thickness direction of the thermocouple attachment sheet 3a, it is possible to achieve the same effect as when measuring temperature using the thermocouple 1A described above.

[0037] In this way, this thermocouple mounting sheet 3a is a "temperature sensor mounting fixture" that prevents the temperature measuring portion 2a of the thermocouple main body 2 from separating from the temperature measuring object X while keeping it close to the temperature measuring object X, and includes a first sheet 11 made of an insulating material (in this example, resin, paper, etc.) with an adhesive layer on one side to prevent separation from the temperature measuring object X, and a second sheet 12 formed in a sheet shape from a material (in this example, aluminum, copper, graphite, heat-dissipating silicone, etc.) with a higher thermal conductivity than the first sheet 11 and disposed on the other side of the first sheet 11, the second sheet 12 being formed to be smaller in size than the first sheet 11 in a planar view, and disposed on the other side of the first sheet 11 so that the outer edge portion 12a of the second sheet 12 is located in the inner region of the first sheet 11. Furthermore, this thermocouple 1A is provided with the above-mentioned thermocouple mounting sheet 3a, and is adhered to one surface of the first sheet 11 by an adhesive layer so that the temperature measuring portion 2a is positioned at a position overlapping the second sheet 12 in the thickness direction of the thermocouple mounting sheet 3a.

[0038] Therefore, compared to the configuration disclosed in the aforementioned patent document in which a temperature measuring unit (a pair of thermocouple wires) is attached to a temperature measurement target via a metal block, the thermocouple-attaching sheet 3a and the thermocouple 1A employ inexpensive components (such as the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12) for the thermocouple-attaching sheet 3a and the thermocouple 1A. Furthermore, when the thermocouple-attaching sheet 3a is attached to the temperature measurement target X, the thermocouple-attaching sheet 3a and the thermocouple 1A employ highly thermally conductive second sheet 12 to cover the temperature measuring unit 2a. This allows not only the temperature measuring unit X side of the temperature measuring unit 2a but also the opposite side (the side facing the second sheet 12) to be at a temperature similar to that of the temperature measurement target X. This allows the temperature of the temperature measurement target X to be accurately measured via the temperature measuring unit 2a, the entirety of which is at a temperature similar to that of the temperature measurement target X. Furthermore, unlike the configurations disclosed in the aforementioned patent documents, the thermocouple mounting sheet 3a is thin, which facilitates attachment and detachment, and the temperature measuring unit 2a can be attached to the temperature measurement target X without significantly protruding the thermocouple mounting sheet 3a from the temperature measurement target X. Furthermore, unlike configurations that require attachment via a metal block, the thin thermocouple mounting sheet 3a can be deformed to fit tightly against the curved surface of the temperature measurement target X, allowing the temperature measuring unit 2a to be securely and easily attached to temperature measurement targets X of various shapes. Furthermore, since the outer edge 12a of the second sheet 12 is positioned within the inner region of the first sheet 11, insulation between the temperature measurement target X and the second sheet 12 can be ensured. Furthermore, since an adhesive layer is provided on one surface of the first sheet 11, the adhesive strength of this adhesive layer allows the thermocouple 1A to be easily attached to the temperature measurement target X.

[0039] Furthermore, this thermocouple-mounting sheet 3a includes a third sheet 13 made of an insulating material that is larger in size than the second sheet 12 in a plan view, and the third sheet 13 is disposed on the other surface of the first sheet 11 so that the outer edge 12a of the second sheet 12 is located inside the third sheet 13, and the second sheet 12 is sandwiched between the first sheet 11 and the third sheet 13. Therefore, with this thermocouple-mounting sheet 3a and thermocouple 1A, since the second sheet 12 is sandwiched between the first sheet 11 and the third sheet 13, there are no exposed portions of the second sheet 12, which further improves the insulation between the temperature measurement object X and the second sheet 12 and also ensures insulation between the various conductors around the thermocouple 1A and the second sheet 12.

[0040] Next, another embodiment of the "temperature sensor" will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that components having the same functions as the thermocouple 1A described above will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0041] The thermocouple 1B shown in Figures 6 to 10 is another example of a "temperature sensor" and includes a thermocouple main body 2 and a thermocouple mounting sheet 3b. Note that in Figures 9 and 10, the thickness of each component of the thermocouple mounting sheet 3b is exaggerated to make it easier to understand the configuration of the thermocouple 1B (thermocouple mounting sheet 3b).

[0042] In this case, thermocouple mounting sheet 3b is another example of a "temperature sensor mounting fixture" and includes first sheet 11, second sheet 12, and third sheet 13. In this thermocouple mounting sheet 3b (thermocouple 1B), first sheet 11 corresponds to "sheet A," second sheet 12 corresponds to "sheet B," and third sheet 13 corresponds to "sheet C." In addition, in Figures 6 and 7, parts of thermocouple main body 2 that can be seen through first sheet 11 and third sheet 13 are shown with solid lines.

[0043] Unlike the thermocouple 1A described above, this thermocouple 1B has the temperature measuring portion 2a of the thermocouple main body 2 sandwiched between the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 of the thermocouple attachment sheet 3b. Note that the materials and thicknesses of the sheets 11 to 13 and their positional relationships in the planar direction are the same as those of the thermocouple attachment sheet described above, and therefore detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0044] When manufacturing this thermocouple 1B, the thermocouple main body 2 (temperature measuring portion 2a) is disposed on the surface of the first sheet 11 opposite the adhesive layer, and the second sheet 12 is disposed on the first sheet 11 so as to cover the temperature measuring portion 2a, and then the third sheet 13 is attached. As a result, as shown in Figures 6, 7, and 9, the sheets 11 to 13 are integrated with the temperature measuring portion 2a of the thermocouple main body 2 positioned at a position overlapping the second sheet 12 in the thickness direction of the thermocouple attachment sheet 3b, and the thermocouple 1B is completed.

[0045] When measuring temperature using this thermocouple 1B, the backing 4 (see FIG. 9) attached to the adhesive layer of the first sheet 11 is peeled off from the first sheet 11 (adhesive layer), and the thermocouple 1B is attached to the temperature measurement target X as shown in FIG. 10. As a result, the temperature measurement portion 2a of the thermocouple main body 2 is brought close to the temperature measurement target X, and its removal from the temperature measurement target X is restricted by the thermocouple attachment sheet 3b, completing the attachment of the thermocouple 1B. In this state, the temperature measurement portion 2a is entirely covered by the second sheet 12 as described above, and therefore, it is possible to accurately measure the temperature of the temperature measurement target X via the temperature measurement portion 2a, the entire temperature of which is approximately the same as the temperature of the temperature measurement target X, in the same way as when the thermocouple main body 2 (temperature measurement portion 2a) is attached to the temperature measurement target X by the thermocouple attachment sheet 3a.

[0046] Thus, this thermocouple 1B comprises a thermocouple mounting sheet 3b having a first sheet 11 made of an insulating material (in this example, resin, paper, etc.) with an adhesive layer on one side, and a second sheet 12 formed in a sheet shape from a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the first sheet 11 (in this example, aluminum, copper, graphite, heat-dissipating silicone, etc.) and disposed on the other side of the first sheet 11, the second sheet 12 being formed to be smaller in size than the first sheet 11 in a planar view and disposed on the other side of the first sheet 11 so that the outer edge 12a of the second sheet 12 is located in the inner region of the first sheet 11, the temperature measuring unit 2a is sandwiched between the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12, and the adhesive layer is configured to prevent the temperature measuring unit 2a from separating from the temperature measuring object X when the temperature measuring unit 2a is brought close to the temperature measuring object X.

[0047] Therefore, with this thermocouple 1B, compared to a configuration in which a temperature measuring unit (a pair of thermocouple wires) is attached to a temperature measurement target via a metal block as disclosed in the aforementioned patent document, the components of the thermocouple attachment sheet 3b (such as the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12) are inexpensive and the manufacturing process of the thermocouple 1B is very simple, so the manufacturing cost of the thermocouple 1B can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, when the thermocouple main body 2 (temperature measuring unit 2a) is attached to the temperature measurement target X using the thermocouple attachment sheet 3b, the temperature measuring unit 2a is covered by the second sheet 12, which has high thermal conductivity. This makes it possible to make not only the temperature measuring unit X side of the temperature measuring unit 2a but also the opposite side (the side of the second sheet 12) have a temperature similar to that of the temperature measurement target X. As a result, the temperature of the temperature measurement target X can be accurately measured via the temperature measuring unit 2a, the entirety of which is similar to that of the temperature measurement target X. Furthermore, unlike the configurations disclosed in the aforementioned patent documents, the thermocouple mounting sheet 3b is thin, which facilitates attachment and detachment, and the temperature measuring unit 2a can be attached to the temperature measurement target X without significantly protruding the thermocouple mounting sheet 3b from the temperature measurement target X. Furthermore, unlike configurations that require attachment via a metal block, the thin thermocouple mounting sheet 3b can be deformed to fit tightly against the curved surface of the temperature measurement target X, allowing the temperature measuring unit 2a to be securely and easily attached to temperature measurement targets X of various shapes. Furthermore, since the outer edge 12a of the second sheet 12 is positioned within the inner region of the first sheet 11, insulation between the temperature measurement target X and the second sheet 12 can be ensured. Furthermore, since an adhesive layer is provided on the other surface of the first sheet 11, the adhesive strength of this adhesive layer allows the thermocouple 1B to be easily attached to the temperature measurement target X.

[0048] Furthermore, in this thermocouple 1B, the thermocouple mounting sheet 3b includes a third sheet 13 made of an insulating material that is larger in size in a plan view than the second sheet 12, and the third sheet 13 is disposed on the other surface of the first sheet 11 so that the outer edge 12a of the second sheet 12 is located in the inner region of the third sheet 13, and the second sheet 12 is sandwiched between the first sheet 11 and the third sheet 13. Therefore, according to this thermocouple 1B, since the second sheet 12 is sandwiched between the first sheet 11 and the third sheet 13, there are no exposed portions of the second sheet 12, which further improves the insulation between the temperature measurement object X and the second sheet 12 and also ensures insulation between the various conductors around the thermocouple 1B and the second sheet 12.

[0049] The configurations of the "temperature sensor mounting fixture" and the "temperature sensor" are not limited to the above-described examples of the thermocouple mounting sheets 3a and 3b and the thermocouples 1A and 1B.

[0050] For example, while examples of thermocouple mounting sheets 3a, 3b and thermocouples 1A, 1B having a first sheet 11 with an adhesive layer on one surface have been described, a "temperature sensor mounting fixture" or "temperature sensor" can also be configured with a first sheet 11 without an adhesive layer. In such a "temperature sensor mounting fixture" or "temperature sensor," applying adhesive or attaching double-sided adhesive tape to at least one surface of first sheet 11 and the object to be measured not only makes it easy to mount the "temperature sensor" to the object to be measured X using the adhesive layer or double-sided adhesive tape, but also provides the same effects as the thermocouple mounting sheet 3a and thermocouples 1A, 1B described above when the mounting is complete.

[0051] Furthermore, examples have been given of thermocouple mounting sheets 3a, 3b and thermocouples 1A, 1B equipped with third sheet 13, which is an example of the "third sheet" and "sheet C." However, when it is not necessary to ensure insulation between the periphery of the mounting location of thermocouples 1A, 1B and second sheet 12, third sheet 13 in thermocouple mounting sheets 3a, 3b is not necessary, and the thermocouple main body 2 (temperature measuring portion 2a) can be mounted to the temperature measurement object X using a "temperature sensor mounting sheet (temperature sensor mounting fixture)" consisting only of first sheet 11 and second sheet 12 (not shown).

[0052] Furthermore, the thermocouple mounting sheets 3a and 3b have been described as examples in which the first sheet 11, which is an example of the "first sheet" and "sheet A," and the third sheet 13, which is an example of the "third sheet" and "sheet C," are the same size. However, the "third sheet" and "sheet C" can be formed smaller than the "first sheet" and "sheet A" or larger than the "first sheet" and "sheet A" (not shown) as long as they meet the condition that they are larger than the "second sheet" and "sheet B."

[0053] Furthermore, an example has been described in which the third sheet 13 is constructed from the same sheet as the first sheet 11, that is, an example in which a "third sheet" and a "sheet C" are used that have an "adhesive layer (pressure-sensitive adhesive layer)" like the "first sheet" and "sheet A." However, by using a "first sheet" and a "sheet A" each having an "adhesive layer (pressure-sensitive adhesive layer)" on both sides, the "adhesive layer (pressure-sensitive adhesive layer)" formed on one side of the "first sheet" and "sheet A" can function as a "layer for preventing separation from the temperature measurement target," and the "adhesive layer (pressure-sensitive adhesive layer)" formed on the other side can function as a "layer for attaching the [second sheet] and [third sheet] or [sheet B] and [sheet C] to the [first sheet] or [sheet A]," thereby configuring a "temperature sensor mounting fixture" similar to the thermocouple mounting sheets 3a and 3b.

[0054] Also, while the thermocouple mounting sheets 3a and 3b each having a rectangular planar shape in plan view have been described as examples, the planar shapes of the "first sheet," "second sheet," and "third sheet," as well as "sheet A," "sheet B," and "sheet C" are not limited to rectangles, and can be various shapes such as circles, ellipses, or polygons other than rectangles (not shown). Additionally, while the application to a "thermocouple," which is an example of a "temperature sensor," has been described as an example, the invention can be widely applied to various "temperature sensors" such as "resistance temperature detectors," "thermistors," and "fluorescent optical fiber temperature sensors," as well as "temperature sensor mounting fixtures" that mount these "temperature sensors" to objects to be measured. [Industrial Applicability]

[0055] According to the present invention, the components of the temperature sensor mounting fixture are inexpensive, and the manufacturing processes for the temperature sensor and the temperature sensor are very simple. This not only significantly reduces the manufacturing costs of the temperature sensor mounting fixture and the temperature sensor, but also ensures that when the temperature sensor mounting fixture is attached to the object to be measured, the temperature measurement portion is covered by the second sheet or sheet B, which has high thermal conductivity, allowing the temperature of the object to be measured accurately. The thin temperature sensor mounting fixture makes it easy to attach and detach. The temperature sensor mounting fixture can be attached to the object to be measured without the temperature sensor mounting fixture or the like protruding significantly from the object. Moreover, the temperature sensor mounting fixture can be deformed to make it adhere tightly, allowing it to be securely and easily attached to objects of various shapes. In addition, the outer edge of the second sheet or sheet B is positioned inside the first sheet or sheet A, ensuring insulation between the object to be measured and the second sheet or sheet B. This makes the present invention widely applicable to temperature sensor mounting fixtures for attaching temperature sensors to objects to be measured, and temperature sensors equipped with such temperature sensor mounting fixtures. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1A, 1B thermocouple 2 Thermocouple body 2a Temperature measurement part 3a, 3b Thermocouple mounting sheet 4 Mount 11 Sheet 1 11a, 13a Outer edge region 12 Second Sheet 12a outer edge 13 Third Sheet X Temperature measurement target

Claims

1. A temperature sensor attachment that restricts separation of a temperature measuring portion of a temperature sensor from a temperature measuring object while the temperature measuring portion is in close proximity to the temperature measuring object, a first sheet made of an insulating material having an adhesive layer on one side thereof for preventing the sheet from being separated from the object to be measured; a second sheet formed in a sheet shape from a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the first sheet and disposed on the other surface of the first sheet, The second sheet is formed to be smaller in size than the first sheet when viewed in a plane, and is arranged on the other surface of the first sheet so that the outer edge of the second sheet is located in the inner region of the first sheet.

2. a third sheet made of an insulating material and larger in size than the second sheet in a plan view; A temperature sensor mounting fixture as described in claim 1, wherein the third sheet is arranged on the other side of the first sheet so that the outer edge of the second sheet is located in the inner area of ​​the third sheet, and the second sheet is sandwiched between the first sheet and the third sheet.

3. A temperature sensor mounting fixture according to claim 1 or 2 is provided, A temperature sensor in which the temperature measuring portion is adhered to one surface of the first sheet by the adhesive layer so that the temperature measuring portion is positioned at a position overlapping the second sheet in the thickness direction of the temperature sensor mounting fixture.

4. a temperature sensor mounting fixture having a first sheet made of an insulating material with a temperature measuring unit fixed to one surface thereof, and a second sheet formed in a sheet shape from a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the first sheet and disposed on the other surface of the first sheet; The second sheet is formed to be smaller in size than the first sheet when viewed in a plane, and the temperature sensor is arranged on the other surface of the first sheet so that the outer edge of the second sheet is located in the inner region of the first sheet.

5. a third sheet made of an insulating material and larger in size than the second sheet in a plan view; 5. A temperature sensor as described in claim 4, wherein the third sheet is arranged on the other side of the first sheet so that the outer edge of the second sheet is located in the inner area of ​​the third sheet, and the second sheet is sandwiched between the first sheet and the third sheet.

6. a temperature sensor mounting fixture including a sheet A made of an insulating material and a sheet B made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the sheet A and disposed on one side of the sheet A; the sheet B is formed to be smaller in size than the sheet A in a plan view, and is disposed on the one surface of the sheet A such that an outer edge of the sheet B is located in an inner region of the sheet A; A temperature sensor having a temperature measuring portion sandwiched between the sheet A and the sheet B.

7. The temperature sensor mounting fixture includes a sheet C made of an insulating material that is larger than the sheet B in a plan view, 7. A temperature sensor as described in claim 6, wherein sheet C is arranged on one side of sheet A so that the outer edge of sheet B is located in the inner area of ​​sheet C, and sheet B is sandwiched between sheet A and sheet C.

8. A temperature sensor as described in claim 6 or 7, wherein an adhesive layer is provided on the other side of the sheet A, and the adhesive layer is configured to prevent the temperature measuring portion from separating from the temperature measuring object when the temperature measuring portion is brought close to the temperature measuring object.

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