Temperature sensor unit, temperature sensor assembly, and method for assembling a temperature sensor

Abstract

To provide a temperature sensor unit that is easy to manufacture and can accurately measure the temperature of an object being measured. [Solution] In the temperature sensor unit 2, the sensor case 20 extends in a first direction and houses the temperature sensor. The gripping member 30 grips the object to be measured 3 and the sensor case 20. The first portion 31 of the gripping member 30 faces the sensor case 20 in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The second portion 32 of the gripping member 30 faces the object to be measured 3 in the second direction. The third portion 33 connects the first portion 31 and the second portion 32. The sensor case 20 is recessed in the second direction and includes a stepped portion 27 into which the first portion 31 fits. The second surface 27b of the stepped portion 27 is closer to the temperature sensor than the first surface 27a in the second direction. The first portion 31 has a third surface 42a that is in surface contact with the second surface 27b.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature sensor unit, an assembly of a temperature sensor, and a method for assembling a temperature sensor.

Background Art

[0002] A temperature sensor unit including a temperature sensor, a sensor case, and a gripping member is known (for example, Patent Document 1). The sensor case houses the temperature sensor. The gripping member holds the measurement object and the sensor case.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For accurate temperature detection of a measurement object, it is desirable that the sensor case be accurately positioned with respect to the measurement object. In Patent Document 1, a gripping member is used for positioning the sensor case. The more complex the shape of the gripping member is for accurate positioning of the sensor case, the more likely the manufacturing cost is to increase. Even if the number of parts increases, the attachment becomes complicated and the manufacturing cost increases.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a temperature sensor unit that can accurately measure the temperature of a measurement object while having a configuration that is easy to manufacture. Another aspect of the present invention aims to provide an assembly of a temperature sensor that can accurately measure the temperature of a measurement object while having a configuration that is easy to manufacture. Still another aspect of the present invention aims to provide a method for assembling a temperature sensor that can easily and accurately position a sensor case with respect to a measurement object so that the temperature of the measurement object can be accurately measured. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A temperature sensor unit according to one embodiment comprises a temperature sensor, a sensor case, and a gripping member. The sensor case extends in a first direction and houses the temperature sensor. The gripping member grips the object to be measured and the sensor case. The gripping member includes a first part, a second part, and a third part. The first part faces the sensor case in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The second part faces the object to be measured in the second direction. The third part connects the first part and the second part. The sensor case includes a stepped portion that is recessed in the second direction and into which the first part fits. The stepped portion has a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is closer to the temperature sensor than the first surface in the second direction. The first part has a third surface that is in surface contact with the second surface.

[0007] In one of the above embodiments, the stepped portion of the sensor case is configured to fit the first portion of the gripping member. The second surface of the stepped portion is closer to the temperature sensor than the first surface in the second direction. The first portion of the gripping member has a third surface that is in surface contact with the second surface of the stepped portion. In this case, the sensor case and gripping member have shapes that are easy to manufacture, and the gripping member accurately positions the sensor case relative to the object to be measured. Heat from the object to be measured is appropriately transferred to the temperature sensor unit, and the temperature can be accurately measured.

[0008] In one of the above embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the material forming the gripping member may be higher than that of the material forming the sensor case. In this case, heat from the object to be measured is easily transferred to the temperature sensor through the gripping member.

[0009] In one of the above embodiments, the first part may be in contact with the first surface. The first part may include a portion that is not in contact with the sensor case between the portion in contact with the first surface and the portion in contact with the second surface. In this case, the second surface and the third surface can be more reliably in surface contact.

[0010] In one of the above embodiments, the third surface may extend in the first direction. In this case, the contact area between the gripping member and the sensor case is ensured.

[0011] In one of the above embodiments, when viewed from the second direction, the second surface may be sandwiched between the first surfaces in the first direction. In the first direction, the maximum width of the second surface may be greater than the maximum width of the third surface. In this case, the third surface makes more reliable surface contact with the second surface.

[0012] In one of the above embodiments, the temperature sensor may include a temperature-sensing element housed inside the sensor case. The temperature-sensing element may overlap with the second surface when viewed from the second direction. In this case, heat from the object to be measured is easily transferred to the temperature-sensing element through the gripping member.

[0013] In one of the above embodiments, the contact area of ​​the second part with the object to be measured may be larger than the contact area of ​​the first part with the sensor case. In this case, the sensor case can be more reliably positioned with respect to the object to be measured while suppressing an increase in the size of the sensor case.

[0014] In one of the above embodiments, the second part may include an extending portion that extends in directions perpendicular to the first and second directions. Viewed from the first direction, the center of the third surface may be closer to the third part than the center of the extending portion. In this case, a configuration in which the sensor case contacts the third part can be more reliably achieved.

[0015] In one of the above embodiments, the third portion may extend along the sensor case and the object to be measured in the second direction. The third portion may be in contact with the sensor case and the object to be measured. In this case, the sensor case and the object to be measured are more reliably positioned by an easily manufacturable configuration.

[0016] In one of the above embodiments, the maximum width of the second portion may be greater than the maximum width of the first portion in the first direction. In this case, the sensor case is reliably positioned relative to the object being measured while suppressing an increase in the size of the sensor case.

[0017] In one of the above embodiments, a fourth portion may be included that faces the third portion in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. The fourth portion may face the object to be measured. In this case, the object to be measured is more securely fixed to the gripping member.

[0018] Another embodiment of the temperature sensor assembly comprises the temperature sensor unit and the object to be measured. In this case, the temperature sensor unit is reliably positioned relative to the object to be measured, and the temperature of the object can be accurately measured.

[0019] Another embodiment of the method for assembling a temperature sensor relates to a sensor case and a gripping member. The sensor case extends in a first direction and houses the temperature sensor. The gripping member includes a first part, a second part, and a third part connecting the first and second parts. The gripping member grips the object to be measured and the sensor case. The object to be measured is positioned relative to the gripping member so that it faces the second part in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The sensor case is positioned relative to the gripping member so that it faces the first part in the second direction, with the sensor case in contact with the object to be measured. The stepped portion has a first surface and a second surface that is closer to the temperature sensor than the first surface in the second direction. The stepped portion is recessed in the second direction. In the positioning of the sensor case relative to the gripping member, the first part fits into the stepped portion such that the second surface and the first part are in surface contact.

[0020] In one of the other embodiments described above, the sensor case is positioned relative to the gripping member such that the first portion fits into the stepped portion such that the second surface and the first portion make surface contact. In this case, the sensor case can be easily and accurately positioned relative to the object to be measured. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a temperature sensor unit that can accurately measure the temperature of a measurement object while having a configuration that is easy to manufacture. Another aspect of the present invention provides an assembly of a temperature sensor that can accurately measure the temperature of a measurement object while having a configuration that is easy to manufacture. Still another aspect of the present invention provides a method of assembling a temperature sensor such that a sensor case can be easily and accurately positioned with respect to a measurement object so as to accurately measure the temperature of the measurement object.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an assembly of a temperature sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a temperature sensor unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a temperature sensor unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a temperature sensor unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a temperature sensor unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a sensor case. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view showing a sensor case. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view showing the position of a temperature sensor with respect to a sensor case.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] 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.

[0024] Referring to Figures 1 to 8, the configuration of the temperature sensor assembly 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the temperature sensor assembly will also be simply referred to as the assembly. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a temperature sensor assembly according to one embodiment. The X, Y, and Z axes extend in directions that intersect each other. In the example shown in this embodiment, the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the assembly 1 includes a temperature sensor unit 2 and an object to be measured 3. For example, the assembly 1 is configured so that the temperature sensor unit 2 and the object to be measured 3 are in contact. Figures 2 to 5 show the temperature sensor unit.

[0026] In the example shown in this embodiment, the object to be measured 3 has a rectangular cross-section. The rectangular cross-section includes shapes with chamfered corners and shapes with rounded corners. The object to be measured 3 includes a pair of sides 3a, 3b and a pair of sides 3c, 3d. Sides 3a and 3b are located on opposite sides. Sides 3c and 3d are located on opposite sides. The object to be measured 3 further includes corners 3e and 3f. Corner 3e connects side 3b and side 3c. Corner 3f connects side 3b and side 3d. The object to be measured 3 may have shapes other than these. The object to be measured 3 is, for example, a conductive member that functions as a component of another electrical circuit (not shown).

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the temperature sensor unit 2 is attached to the object to be measured 3 and measures the temperature of the object to be measured 3. The temperature sensor unit 2 detects the heat transferred from the object to be measured 3. The temperature sensor unit 2 comprises a temperature sensor 10, a sensor case 20 in which the temperature sensor 10 is housed, and a gripping member 30 that holds the sensor case 20. The gripping member 30 corresponds to a positioning member that positions the sensor case 20 relative to the object to be measured 3. Figures 6 and 7 show the sensor case.

[0028] The sensor case 20 extends in the Z-axis direction. The temperature sensor 10 is housed in the sensor case 20. The temperature sensor 10 detects heat transmitted from the outside. As shown in Figure 8, the temperature sensor 10 includes a sensing unit 11, two electrodes (not shown) of the sensing unit 11 connected to each other, conductors 12 and 13, and lead wires 14 and 15 electrically connected to the conductors 12 and 13, respectively. The sensing unit 11 corresponds to, for example, a temperature sensing element. The temperature sensing element has, for example, the characteristic that its resistance decreases as the temperature increases. The sensing unit 11 is housed inside the sensor case 20. For example, the temperature sensing element includes an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor element.

[0029] The sensor case 20 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The rectangular parallelepiped shape includes a rectangular parallelepiped with chamfered corners and edges, and a rectangular parallelepiped with rounded corners and edges. The sensor case 20 has a bottom portion 21a at one end in the longitudinal direction and an insertion portion 21b at the other end into which lead wires 14 and 15 are inserted. For example, the temperature sensor 10 is inserted into the sensor case 20 in the Z-axis direction from the insertion portion 21b and filled with resin 25. The detection portion 11 of the temperature sensor 10 is positioned near the bottom portion 21a of the sensor case 20 by the hardened resin 25. The lead wires 14 and 15, which are electrically connected to the detection portion 11, extend from the insertion portion 21b to the outside of the sensor case 20.

[0030] The sensor case 20 has an outer surface. The outer surface of the sensor case 20 includes four sides 27a, 26b, 26c, and 26d connected to the bottom 21a. The sensor case 20 further includes a corner 26e. The corner 26e connects side 27a and side 26c. Sides 27a and 26b are located opposite each other in the Y-axis direction. Sides 26c and 26d are located opposite each other in the X-axis direction. Sides 27a and 26b are arranged along the X-axis and Z-axis directions, respectively. Sides 27a and 26b are perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. Sides 26c and 26d intersect with side 27a and 26b. Sides 26c and 26d are arranged along the Y-axis and Z-axis directions, respectively. Sides 26c and 26d extend in the Y-axis direction. Sides 26c and 26d are perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The side surface 26d is configured to be in contact with the object to be measured 3. For example, the Z-axis direction corresponds to the first direction, and the Y-axis direction corresponds to the second direction.

[0031] The sensor case 20 includes a stepped portion 27. The stepped portion 27 is recessed in the Y-axis direction from a virtual plane along the side surface 27a of the sensor case 20. In other words, at the stepped portion 27, the outer surface of the sensor case 20 is recessed in the Y-axis direction. The first portion 31 of the gripping member 30 fits into the stepped portion 27. The stepped portion 27 is composed of, for example, a side surface 27a, a side surface 27b, and a wall surface 27c. The sensor case 20 further has a side surface 27b that is closer to the temperature sensor 10 in the Y-axis direction than side surface 27a. The wall surface 27c connects side surface 27a and side surface 27b. The wall surface 27c extends in a direction intersecting the XZ plane.

[0032] Sides 27a, 26b, 26c, and 26d are flat. Sides 26b, 26c, and 26d are all rectangular in shape. In the example shown in this embodiment, side 27a is ring-shaped. Viewed from the Y-axis direction, side 27b is surrounded by side 27a. Side 27b is rectangular in shape. Viewed from the Y-axis direction, side 27b is sandwiched between side 27a in the X-axis direction. Viewed from the Y-axis direction, side 27b is sandwiched between side 27a in the Z-axis direction. The sensor case 20 includes four wall surfaces 27c connected to each side of side 27b. For example, a pair of wall surfaces 27c face each other in the X-axis direction, and a pair of wall surfaces 27c face each other in the Z-axis direction. For example, side 27a corresponds to the first surface, and side 27b corresponds to the second surface.

[0033] The gripping member 30 positions the sensor case 20 relative to the object to be measured 3. The gripping member 30 has a bent plate shape. The thermal conductivity of the material forming the gripping member 30 is higher than that of the material forming the sensor case. The gripping member 30 is made of metal. The gripping member 30 grips the sensor case 20 and the object to be measured 3 while the sensor case 20 and the object to be measured 3 are in contact with each other.

[0034] The gripping member 30 includes a first portion 31 facing the sensor case 20, a second portion 32 facing the object to be measured 3, and a connecting portion 33 connecting the first portion 31 and the second portion 32. The first portion 31 engages with the sensor case 20, and the second portion 32 engages with the object to be measured 3. The metal material of the gripping member 30 is spring-grade phosphor bronze or spring-grade stainless steel. The connecting portion 33 corresponds to the third portion.

[0035] The first portion 31 includes a first plate portion 41, a second plate portion 42, a third plate portion 43, and a fourth plate portion 44. As shown in Figure 5, the first plate portion 41, the second plate portion 42, the third plate portion 43, and the fourth plate portion 44 have a flat plate shape. The first plate portion 41, the second plate portion 42, the third plate portion 43, and the fourth plate portion 44 each have a rectangular shape in plan view. The longitudinal direction of the first plate portion 41, the second plate portion 42, the third plate portion 43, and the fourth plate portion 44 corresponds to the Z-axis direction.

[0036] The first plate portion 41 faces the side surface 27a of the sensor case 20. The first plate portion 41 extends along the side surface 27a. The first plate portion 41 is in contact with the side surface 27a of the sensor case 20. The first plate portion 41 includes a contact surface 41a that is in surface contact with the side surface 27a. The second plate portion 42 faces the side surface 27b. In this specification, "facing" means facing each other without any other members shown in this specification in between. For example, "p faces q" means that "p" and "q" face each other without any other members shown in this specification in between. In this specification, "facing each other" means facing each other regardless of whether or not there are other members in between.

[0037] The second plate portion 42 extends along the side surface 27b. The second plate portion 42 is in contact with the side surface 27b of the sensor case 20. The second plate portion 42 includes a contact surface 42a that is in surface contact with the side surface 27b. The contact surface 42a extends in the Z-axis direction. As shown in Figure 4, in the Z-axis direction, the maximum width L3 of the side surface 27b of the sensor case 20 is greater than the maximum width L1 of the contact surface 42a of the gripping member 30. As shown in Figure 8, in the Y-axis direction, the detection unit 11 and the side surface 27b overlap. In the Y-axis direction, the detection unit 11 and the contact surface 42a overlap. The side surface 27a corresponds to the first surface, the side surface 27b corresponds to the second surface, and the contact surface 42a corresponds to the third surface.

[0038] The third plate portion 43 faces the wall surface 27c and the side surface 27b of the stepped portion 27. The third plate portion 43 is inclined with respect to the side surfaces 27a and 27b. The third plate portion 43 does not come into contact with the wall surface 27c and 27b. The first portion 31 has a portion that does not come into contact with the sensor case 20 between the portion that comes into contact with the side surface 27a and the portion that comes into contact with the side surface 27b. In other words, the sensor case 20 has a region between the side surfaces 27a and 27b that does not come into contact with the first portion 31.

[0039] The third plate portion 43 has, for example, a contact surface 43a that abuts against the connection portion between the side surface 27a and the wall surface 27c. The first plate portion 41 is connected to the connecting portion 33 at one end and to the third plate portion 43 at the other end. The third plate portion 43 is connected to the first plate portion 41 at one end and to the second plate portion 42 at the other end. The second plate portion 42 is connected to the third plate portion 43 at one end and to the fourth plate portion 44 at the other end.

[0040] The fourth plate portion 44 faces the wall surface 27c and the side surface 27b of the stepped portion 27. The fourth plate portion 44 extends in the Y-axis and X-axis directions away from the second plate portion 42, the first plate portion 41, the third plate portion 43, and the side surface 27b. The fourth plate portion 44 and the third plate portion 43 are separated. The fourth plate portion 44 is inclined with respect to the side surfaces 27a and 27b. The fourth plate portion 44 is not in contact with the wall surface 27c and 27b. The fourth plate portion 44 has a contact surface 44a that elastically abuts against, for example, the connection portion between the side surface 27a and the wall surface 27c. In the XY plane, the fourth plate portion 44 forms the end of the gripping member 30. The contact surfaces 43a and 44a extend in directions that intersect each other.

[0041] The connecting portion 33 extends from the first plate portion 41 in the Y-axis direction. In the example shown in this embodiment, the connecting portion 33 has a plate shape. The connecting portion 33 and the second plate portion 42, the third plate portion 43, and the fourth plate portion 44 are separated and face each other. The first plate portion 41 and the connecting portion 33 form a corner portion C1 at the point where they are connected, and the corner portion 26e of the sensor case 20 is located at this corner portion C1. The connecting portion 33 is connected to the first plate portion 41 at one end and to the second portion 32 at the other end. The connecting portion 33 is located along the side surface 26c of the sensor case 20 and the side surface 3c of the object to be measured 3 in the Y-axis direction. The connecting portion 33 is in contact with the side surface 26c of the sensor case 20 and the side surface 3c of the object to be measured 3.

[0042] The connecting portion 33 includes a first connecting portion 33a and a second connecting portion 33b. The first connecting portion 33a and the second connecting portion 33b are each rectangular in shape. The longitudinal direction of the first connecting portion 33a corresponds to the Z-axis direction. The longitudinal direction of the second connecting portion 33b corresponds to the Z-axis direction. The first connecting portion 33a is connected to the first plate portion 41 at one end and to the second connecting portion 33b at the other end. The second connecting portion 33b is connected to the first connecting portion 33a at one end and to the second portion 32 at the other end. In the Z-axis direction, the maximum width L2 of the second connecting portion 33b is greater than the maximum width L1 of the first connecting portion 33a. In the example shown in this embodiment, in the Z-axis direction, the maximum width of the first portion 31 is the same as the maximum width L1 of the first connecting portion 33a.

[0043] The second part 32 faces the object to be measured 3. The second part 32 and the connecting part 33 are connected to each other. The second part 32 includes the first wall part 32a and the second wall part 32b. The second connecting part 33b and the first wall part 32a form a corner C2 at the point where they are connected, and the corner 3e of the object to be measured 3 is located at this corner C2. The second wall part 32b and the first wall part 32a form a corner C4 at the point where they are connected, and the corner 3f of the object to be measured 3 is located at this corner C4. The first wall part 32a corresponds to the extended part. The second wall part 32b corresponds to the fourth part.

[0044] The first wall portion 32a is located along the side surface 3b of the object to be measured 3 and is in contact with the side surface 3b. The first wall portion 32a extends in directions perpendicular to the Z-axis and Y-axis directions. The first wall portion 32a and the first portion 31 face each other in the Y-axis direction. The first wall portion 32a has, for example, a flat plate shape. The first wall portion 32a has a rectangular shape in plan view. The first wall portion 32a is connected to the connecting portion 33 at one end and to the second wall portion 32b at the other end.

[0045] In the example shown in this embodiment, the maximum width of the first wall portion 32a in the Z-axis direction is the same as the maximum width L2 of the second connecting portion 33b. In the Z-axis direction, the maximum width of the first wall portion 32a is greater than the maximum width of the side surface 26c. The contact area of ​​the second portion 32 in contact with the object to be measured 3 is greater than the contact area of ​​the first portion 31 in contact with the sensor case 20. The contact area between the first wall portion 32a and the object to be measured 3 is greater than the overlapping area of ​​the first portion 31 and the sensor case 20 when viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0046] Viewed from the Z-axis direction, the center position CE1 of the second plate portion 42 of the first portion 31 is closer to the connecting portion 33 than the center position CE2 of the first wall portion 32a. The center position CE1 of the second plate portion 42 corresponds to the center position of the contact surface 42a. In the X-axis direction, the maximum width of the first portion 31 is smaller than the maximum width of the first wall portion 32a. When the sensor case 20 and the object to be measured 3 are gripped by the gripping member 30, viewed from the Z-axis direction, the center of gravity G1 of the sensor case is closer to the connecting portion 33 than the center of gravity G2 of the portion of the object to be measured 3 that is gripped by the gripping member 30.

[0047] The second wall portion 32b is located along the side surface 3d of the object to be measured 3 and is in contact with the side surface 3d. The second wall portion 32b and the connecting portion 33 face each other in the X-axis direction. The second wall portion 32b has, for example, a flat plate shape. The second wall portion 32b has a rectangular shape in plan view. The second wall portion 32b is connected to the first wall portion 32a at one end and forms the end of the gripping member 30 at the other end. In the example shown in this embodiment, in the Z-axis direction, the maximum width of the second wall portion 32b is the same as the maximum width L2 of the second connecting portion 33b.

[0048] The gripping member 30 is integrally constructed to surround the sensor case 20 when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and the fourth plate portion 44, second plate portion 42, third plate portion 43, first plate portion 41, first connecting portion 33a, second connecting portion 33b, first wall portion 32a, and second wall portion 32b are continuous in this order. In the example shown in this embodiment, the gripping member 30 is formed in an annular shape so as to be divided between the fourth plate portion 44 and the second wall portion 32b when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0049] Next, an example of how to assemble the temperature sensor will be described. First, the object to be measured 3 is positioned on the gripping member 30 so that it faces the first wall portion 32a in the Y-axis direction.

[0050] Next, the sensor case 20 is positioned relative to the gripping member 30 such that it is in contact with the object to be measured 3 and faces the first portion 31 in the Y-axis direction. In this position, the first portion 31 is fitted into the stepped portion 27 such that the side surface 27b and the first portion 31 are in surface contact.

[0051] For example, the side surface 26b of the sensor case 20 is slid in the X-axis direction relative to the side surface 3a of the object to be measured 3, and the sensor case 20 is moved toward the connecting portion 33. At this time, the sensor case 20 is slid along the contact surface 44a of the fourth plate portion 44, and the first portion 31 is fitted into the stepped portion 27.

[0052] As described above, in the temperature sensor unit 2, the stepped portion 27 of the sensor case 20 is configured to accommodate the first portion 31 of the gripping member 30. The side surface 27b of the stepped portion 27 is closer to the temperature sensor 10 in the Y-axis direction than the side surface 27a. The first portion 31 of the gripping member 30 has a contact surface 42a that makes surface contact with the side surface 27b of the stepped portion 27. In this case, the sensor case 20 and the gripping member 30 have shapes that are easy to manufacture, and the gripping member 30 accurately positions the sensor case 20 relative to the object to be measured 3. Heat from the object to be measured 3 is appropriately transferred to the temperature sensor unit 2, and the temperature can be accurately measured.

[0053] The thermal conductivity of the material forming the gripping member 30 may be higher than that of the material forming the sensor case 20. In this case, heat from the object to be measured 3 is easily transferred to the temperature sensor through the gripping member 30.

[0054] The first portion 31 may be in contact with the side surface 27a. The first portion 31 may include a portion that is not in contact with the sensor case 20 between the portion in contact with side surface 27a and the portion in contact with side surface 27b. In this case, the side surface 27a of the sensor case 20 and the contact surface 42a of the gripping member 30 can be made to contact more reliably.

[0055] The contact surface 42a may extend in the Z-axis direction. In this case, the contact area between the gripping member 30 and the sensor case 20 is ensured.

[0056] Viewed from the Y-axis direction, the side surface 27b may be sandwiched between the first surfaces in the Z-axis direction. In the Z-axis direction, the maximum width of the side surface 27b may be greater than the maximum width of the contact surface 42a. In this case, the contact surface 42a makes more reliable surface contact with the side surface 27b.

[0057] The temperature sensor 10 may include a detection unit 11 housed inside the sensor case 20. The detection unit 11 may overlap with the side surface 27b when viewed from the Y-axis direction. In this case, heat from the object to be measured 3 is easily transferred to the detection unit 11 through the gripping member 30.

[0058] The contact area of ​​the second part 32 with the object to be measured 3 may be larger than the contact area of ​​the first part 31 with the sensor case 20. In this case, the sensor case can be more reliably positioned with respect to the object to be measured while suppressing an increase in the size of the sensor case 20.

[0059] The second portion 32 may include a first wall portion 32a extending in directions perpendicular to the Z-axis and Y-axis directions. Viewed from the Z-axis direction, the center position CE1 of the contact surface 42a may be closer to the connecting portion 33 than the center position CE2 of the first wall portion 32a. In this case, a configuration in which the sensor case 20 contacts the connecting portion 33 can be more reliably achieved.

[0060] The connecting portion 33 may extend along the sensor case 20 and the object to be measured 3 in the Y-axis direction. The connecting portion 33 may be in contact with the sensor case 20 and the object to be measured 3. In this case, the sensor case 20 and the object to be measured 3 are more reliably positioned by an easily manufacturable configuration.

[0061] In the Z-axis direction, the maximum width L2 of the second part 32 may be greater than the maximum width L1 of the first part 31. In this case, the sensor case 20 is reliably positioned by the object to be measured 3 while preventing an increase in the size of the sensor case 20.

[0062] In the X-axis direction, it may include a second wall portion 32b facing the connecting portion 33. The second wall portion 32b may face the object to be measured 3. In this case, the object to be measured 3 is more securely fixed to the gripping member 30.

[0063] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the example described above, side surface 27a has an annular shape that surrounds side surface 27b when viewed from the Y-axis direction. However, side surface 27a is not limited to this shape. For example, side surface 27a may be a rectangular surface connected to side surface 26c. In this case, side surface 27b may be connected to side surface 26d.

[0064] As can be seen from the above-described embodiments and modifications, this specification includes the following embodiments. (Note 1) A temperature sensor and A sensor case extending in the first direction and housing the temperature sensor It comprises a gripping member for gripping the object to be measured and the sensor case, The gripping member includes a first portion facing the sensor case in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a second portion facing the object to be measured in the second direction, and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion. The sensor case includes a recessed portion in the second direction into which the first portion fits, The stepped portion has a first surface and a second surface that is closer to the temperature sensor than the first surface in the second direction. The first part is a temperature sensor unit having a third surface that is in surface contact with the second surface. (Note 2) The temperature sensor unit as described in Appendix 1, wherein the thermal conductivity of the material forming the gripping member is higher than that of the material forming the sensor case. (Note 3) The first part is in contact with the first surface, The temperature sensor unit according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the first part includes a portion that does not come into contact with the sensor case between the portion in contact with the first surface and the portion in contact with the second surface. (Note 4) The third surface is a temperature sensor unit according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, extending in the first direction. (Note 5) Viewed from the second direction, the second surface is sandwiched between the first surface in the first direction. A temperature sensor unit according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein, in the first direction, the maximum width of the second surface is greater than the maximum width of the third surface. (Note 6) The temperature sensor includes a temperature-sensing element housed inside the sensor case. The temperature sensing element is a temperature sensor unit according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, which overlaps with the second surface when viewed from the second direction. (Note 7) The temperature sensor unit according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, wherein the contact area of ​​the second portion in contact with the object to be measured is larger than the contact area of ​​the first portion in contact with the sensor case. (Note 8) The second portion includes an extending portion that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, A temperature sensor unit according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, wherein, when viewed from the first direction, the center position of the third surface is closer to the third portion than the center position of the wall portion. (Note 9) The third portion is a temperature sensor unit according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 8, which extends in the second direction along the sensor case and the object to be measured and is in contact with the sensor case and the object to be measured. (Note 10) The temperature sensor unit according to any one of the appendices 1 to 9, wherein, in the first direction, the maximum width of the second portion is greater than the maximum width of the first portion. (Note 11) In a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, it includes the fourth portion facing the third portion, The fourth part is a temperature sensor unit, as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 10, which faces the object to be measured. (Note 12) A temperature sensor unit described in any one of the appendices 1 to 11, A temperature sensor assembly comprising the aforementioned object to be measured. (Note 13) A sensor case extending in a first direction and housing a temperature sensor, and a gripping member including a first part, a second part, and a third part connecting the first part and the second part, which grips the object to be measured and the sensor case, The object to be measured is positioned with respect to the gripping member such that it faces the second portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, With respect to the gripping member, the sensor case is positioned such that it faces the first portion in the second direction while in contact with the object to be measured. A method for assembling a temperature sensor, wherein the sensor case is positioned relative to the gripping member, and the first portion is fitted into a stepped portion that has a first surface and a second surface that is closer to the temperature sensor than the first surface in the second direction, and is recessed in the second direction, such that the second surface and the first portion make surface contact. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 1...Assembly, 2...Temperature sensor unit, 3...Object to be measured, 10...Temperature sensor, 20...Sensor case, 27...Stepped section, 27a, 27b...Side view, 30...Gripping member, 31...First section, 32...Second section, 33...Connecting section, 32a...First wall section, 32b...Second wall section, 42a...Contact surface, CE1, CE2...Center position, L1, L2, L3...Maximum width.

Claims

1. A temperature sensor and A sensor case extending in the first direction and housing the temperature sensor, It comprises a gripping member for gripping the object to be measured and the sensor case, The gripping member includes a first portion facing the sensor case in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a second portion facing the object to be measured in the second direction, and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion. The sensor case includes a recessed portion in the second direction into which the first portion fits, The stepped portion has a first surface and a second surface that is closer to the temperature sensor than the first surface in the second direction. The first part is a temperature sensor unit having a third surface that is in surface contact with the second surface.

2. The temperature sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the thermal conductivity of the material forming the gripping member is higher than that of the material forming the sensor case.

3. The first part is in contact with the first surface, The temperature sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the first part includes a portion that does not come into contact with the sensor case between the portion in contact with the first surface and the portion in contact with the second surface.

4. The temperature sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the third surface extends in the first direction.

5. Viewed from the second direction, the second surface is sandwiched between the first surface in the first direction. The temperature sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein in the first direction, the maximum width of the second surface is greater than the maximum width of the third surface.

6. The temperature sensor includes a temperature-sensing element housed inside the sensor case. The temperature sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensing element overlaps with the second surface when viewed from the second direction.

7. The temperature sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the contact area of ​​the second portion in contact with the object to be measured is larger than the contact area of ​​the first portion in contact with the sensor case.

8. The second portion includes an extending portion that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, The temperature sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the first direction, the center position of the third surface is closer to the third portion than the center position of the extended portion.

9. The temperature sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the third portion extends in the second direction along the sensor case and the object to be measured, and is in contact with the sensor case and the object to be measured.

10. The temperature sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein in the first direction, the maximum width of the second portion is greater than the maximum width of the first portion.

11. In a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, it includes a fourth portion that is opposite to the third portion, The fourth part is the temperature sensor unit according to claim 1, which faces the object to be measured.

12. A temperature sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, A temperature sensor assembly comprising the aforementioned object to be measured.

13. A sensor case extending in a first direction and housing a temperature sensor, and a gripping member including a first part, a second part, and a third part connecting the first part and the second part, which grips the object to be measured and the sensor case, The object to be measured is positioned with respect to the gripping member such that it faces the second portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, With respect to the gripping member, the sensor case is positioned such that it faces the first portion in the second direction while in contact with the object to be measured. A method for assembling a temperature sensor, wherein the sensor case is positioned relative to the gripping member, and the first portion is fitted into a stepped portion that has a first surface and a second surface that is closer to the temperature sensor than the first surface in the second direction, and is recessed in the second direction, such that the second surface and the first portion make surface contact.

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