Oil condition detection sensor

Abstract

To simplify the pressure-resistant structure suitable for use in oil. [Solution] The oil condition detection sensor 1 comprises a main body portion 21 of the housing 2, an oil immersion portion S provided in the main body portion 21 of the housing 2 into which oil is introduced, a detection device 5 for detecting the state of the oil, and a substrate 6 on which the detection device 5 is arranged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an oil condition detection sensor.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose a technology relating to a sensor in which a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element are exposed to oil.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An electronic substrate of a sensor that detects the condition of oil needs to be placed in a space isolated from the oil. In order to provide the space isolated from the oil, it is necessary to arrange a seal on the housing to suppress the intrusion of oil into the space.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to simplify a pressure-resistant structure suitable for use in oil.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an oil condition detection sensor comprising: a main body of the oil condition detection sensor; an oil immersion portion provided in the main body into which oil is introduced; a detection device arranged in the oil immersion portion that detects the condition of oil; and a substrate on which the detection device is arranged.

[0007] According to this disclosure, an oil state detection sensor is provided, comprising a detection device disposed in oil and a substrate on which the detection device is disposed, wherein at least the portion of the substrate on which the detection device is disposed is disposed in oil together with the detection device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, the pressure-resistant structure suitable for use in oil can be simplified. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an oil condition detection sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the oil condition detection sensor according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an oil condition detection sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, but this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. The components of the multiple embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate. In addition, some components may not be used.

[0011] In this embodiment, the positional relationships of each part will be described using the terms "left," "right," "front," "rear," "up," and "down." These terms indicate the relative position or direction with respect to the center of the oil state detection sensor 1. The left-right direction, the front-back direction, and the up-down direction are orthogonal.

[0012] (Embodiment) [Oil condition detection sensor] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an oil state detection sensor according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an oil state detection sensor according to an embodiment. The oil state detection sensor 1 is installed, for example, in equipment M located in construction machinery or factory equipment. The oil state detection sensor 1 detects, for example, impurities contained in oil F such as lubricating oil or working fluid of equipment M, or the state of oil F such as the temperature of oil F. In the following description, the axial direction of the oil state detection sensor 1 is the vertical direction. One axial direction is upward, and the other axial direction is downward.

[0013] The hydraulic pressure of the lubricating oil or working fluid (oil F) of the equipment M is approximately 8 MPa.

[0014] The device M is provided with a through-hole H that communicates with a passage for oil F, such as lubricating oil or working fluid. The through-hole H is formed, for example, in the gearbox, transaxle, or hydraulic system piping of the device M. An oil condition detection sensor 1 is attached to the through-hole H.

[0015] The oil condition detection sensor 1 is partially fitted into the through-hole H of the device M. At least a portion of the oil condition detection sensor 1 is exposed to the oil F.

[0016] The oil condition detection sensor 1 comprises a housing 2 and a holder 4. The external shape of the oil condition detection sensor 1 is defined by the housing 2 and the holder 4. Inside the housing 2 or the holder 4, the oil condition detection sensor 1 includes a detection device 5, a circuit board 6, a thermoelectric power generation module 101, and a controller 150.

[0017] [Cabinet] The housing 2 includes a first member 20 and a second member 30. In the usage state of the oil condition detection sensor 1, the first member 20 and the second member 30 are assembled together. In the usage state of the oil condition detection sensor 1, the first member 20 side and the second member 30 side are electrically connected by an electrode connection structure including a first electrode portion 110 and a second electrode portion 120 described later. In the present embodiment, in the usage state of the oil condition detection sensor 1, the first member 20 is located on the lower side, and the second member 30 is located on the upper side.

[0018] The first member 20 is fixed to the through hole H of the device M. The first member 20 is provided with a detection device 5 attached to a holder 4 described later. The first member 20 is formed of a material with high thermal conductivity. The first member 20 is formed of, for example, a metal such as steel or an aluminum alloy. The first member 20 has a main body portion 21 and a head portion 22. The main body portion 21 and the head portion 22 are integrally formed.

[0019] The main body portion 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The main body portion 21 is formed in a shape that fits into the inside of the through hole H. Inside the main body portion 21, the detection device 5 and the like attached to the holder 4 described later are arranged.

[0020] The head portion 22 is arranged at an upper portion of the main body portion 21. The head portion 22 is formed in a hexagonal shape. The head portion 22 is located above the through hole H in a state where the oil condition detection sensor 1 is attached to the through hole H. A washer portion 23 is formed below the head portion 22.

[0021] The washer portion 23 has a ring shape. The diameter of the washer portion 23 is larger than the diameter of the main body portion 21 and the diameter of the head portion 22. A downward-facing surface 23a of the washer portion 23 contacts a surface Ma of the device M in a state where the oil condition detection sensor 1 is attached to the through hole H. The washer portion 23 restricts the oil condition detection sensor 1 from falling into the through hole H.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the groove 24 extends upward from the lower end of the main body 21. The groove 24 opens downward. The groove 24 is located inside the through hole H when the oil state detection sensor 1 is installed in the through hole H. Oil F flows into the interior of the main body 21 from the groove 24. When the housing 2 and the holder 4 are assembled, the groove 24 is located in the same position circumferentially as the recess 43 of the holder 4. In other words, when the housing 2 and the holder 4 are assembled, the groove 24 is located in a position that communicates with the recess 43 of the holder 4.

[0023] The recess 25 is located at the upper end of the main body 21. The recess 25 opens upward. The thermoelectric power generation module 101 and the first electrode portion 110, which will be described later, are located on the upward-facing surface 25a of the recess 25. The recess 25 can accommodate the lower end of the second member 30.

[0024] The recess 26 is located in the head portion 22. The recess 26 opens upward. The recess 26 is located above the recess 25. The diameter of the recess 26 is larger than the diameter of the recess 25. The recess 26 is connected to the recess 25. The recess 26 can accommodate the intermediate portion of the second member 30.

[0025] A female threaded portion 27 is formed on the circumferential surface of the recess 26, or in other words, on the inner circumferential surface of the head 22. The male threaded portion 33 of the second member 30 is screwed into the female threaded portion 27. The first member 20 and the second member 30 are fixed together by the screwing of the female threaded portion 27 and the male threaded portion 33 of the second member 30.

[0026] An introduction section 29 is provided in the main body 21. The introduction section 29 is a hole that penetrates the main body 21 in the thickness direction. The introduction section 29 communicates with the outside and the internal space of the main body 21. The introduction section 29 introduces oil F into the oil immersion section S, which will be described later. Multiple introduction sections 29 may be provided.

[0027] In this embodiment, a seal (not shown) is located inside the main body 21, above the third substrate 63 (described later) and below the first electrode section 110, the second electrode section 120, and the controller 150. This seal ensures that the first electrode section 110, the second electrode section 120, and the controller 150 are located in a sealed space inside the main body 21.

[0028] A controller 150, described later, is located on the second member 30. The second member 30 is assembled to the first member 20, which is fixed to the through hole H of the device M. The second member 30 is screwed into and fixed to the first member 20. The second member 30 has a main body 31 and a head 32. The main body 31 and the head 32 are integrally formed. The second member 30 further has a heat transfer section 34.

[0029] The main body portion 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The main body portion 31 is inserted into the recess 26 of the head portion 22 of the first member 20. The controller 150 is located inside the main body portion 31. The main body portion 31 is made of a material with low thermal conductivity, such as resin, in order to suppress heat conduction between the first member 20 and the main body portion 31. The main body portion 31 is made of a material with lower thermal conductivity than the first member 20.

[0030] The head portion 32 is positioned on the upper part of the main body portion 31. The diameter of the head portion 32 is larger than the diameter of the main body portion 31. The head portion 32 is made of a material with higher thermal conductivity than the main body portion 31. The head portion 32 is positioned above the first member 20 when the oil state detection sensor 1 is attached to the through hole H. The head portion 32 is made of a metal such as steel or an aluminum alloy. The head portion 32 is exposed to the atmosphere surrounding the oil state detection sensor 1. The head portion 32 releases heat transferred from the first member 20 to the atmosphere.

[0031] A male threaded portion 33 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 31. The male threaded portion 33 is screwed into the female threaded portion 27 of the first member 20. The first member 20 and the second member 30 are fixed together by screwing the male threaded portion 33 into the female threaded portion 27 on the circumferential surface of the recess 26.

[0032] The heat transfer section 34 is located inside the main body 31 and the head section 32. The heat transfer section 34 is formed in a columnar shape. The heat transfer section 34 is made of a material with higher thermal conductivity than the main body 31. The heat transfer section 34 is made of a metal such as steel or an aluminum alloy. The heat transfer section 34 is in contact with the thermoelectric power generation module 101. In this embodiment, the lower end of the heat transfer section 34 is in contact with the cooling plate of the thermoelectric power generation module 101. The heat transfer section 34 transfers heat from the first member 20 to the head section 32 of the second member 30 via the thermoelectric power generation module 101.

[0033] The internal containment space of the second component 30 is filled with resin. More specifically, after the controller 150 and the like are assembled inside the second component 30, liquid resin material is filled into the containment space and then solidified. The resin is filled so as to cover the entire controller 150. The controller 150 and the like housed within the containment space are sealed by the resin.

[0034] [Holder] As shown in Figure 1, the detection device 5 is located in the holder 4. The holder 4 is assembled to the housing 2. The holder 4 is located inside the main body portion 21 of the first member 20 of the housing 2. The holder 4 comprises a main body portion 41, a flange portion 42, and a recess 43. The main body portion 41, the flange portion 42, and the recess 43 are integrally formed.

[0035] The main body portion 41 is block-shaped. The main body portion 41 has a recess 43 that is open at the bottom when viewed from the side in a predetermined direction. The main body portion 41 is U-shaped (cup-shaped) when viewed from the side in a predetermined direction. The main body portion 41 is located in the center of the interior of the main body portion 21 of the first member 20 of the housing 2 when viewed from above. The main body portion 41 has a length approximately equal to the diameter of the interior of the main body portion 21 of the first member 20 of the housing 2. A flange portion 42 is located at the lower end of the main body portion 41.

[0036] A first substrate 61 is positioned on one side surface 41a of the main body 41. A second substrate 62 is positioned on the other side surface 41b of the main body 41. Side surfaces 41a and 41b are planes parallel to the vertical direction. A third substrate 63 is positioned on the upward-facing surface 41c of the main body 41. Surface 41c is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0037] The flange portion 42 has a diameter approximately the same as the internal diameter of the main body portion 21 of the first member 20 of the housing 2. In a vertical view, the opening of the recess 43 is located in the center of the flange portion 42. In a vertical view, the flange portion 42 is a pair of semicircular members. The flange portion 42 is positioned to cover the lower end of the internal space of the main body portion 21 of the first member 20 of the housing 2.

[0038] The recess 43 is a portion that is recessed from the bottom to the top of the main body 41. The recess 43 is positioned to communicate with the groove 24 of the first member 20 of the housing 2. The recess 43 communicates with the through hole H. Oil F enters the recess 43.

[0039] [Oil-soaked area] As shown in Figure 1, the internal space between the inner circumferential surface of the main body portion 21 of the first member 20 of the housing 2 and the holder 4 is the oil immersion portion S. The detection device 5 and circuit board 6, etc., attached to the holder 4 are arranged in the oil immersion portion S with the oil state detection sensor 1 attached to the through hole H. Oil F enters the oil immersion portion S from the outside through the introduction portion 29.

[0040] The oil-immersed section S has a U-shaped internal space with an opening at the bottom when viewed from the side in a predetermined direction. The oil-immersed section S includes a first oil-immersed section S1, a second oil-immersed section S2, and a third oil-immersed section S3. The first oil-immersed section S1, the second oil-immersed section S2, and the third oil-immersed section S3 are in communication with each other.

[0041] The first oil immersion section S1 is the space between one side surface 41a of the main body 41, the flange 42, and the inner circumferential surface of the main body 21 of the first member 20 of the housing 2. The first oil immersion section S1 is one end of the U-shape. The lower part of the first substrate 61, the light-emitting element 51 of the detection device 5, and the first connector 71 are arranged in the first oil immersion section S1.

[0042] The second oil immersion portion S2 is the space between the other side surface 41b of the main body portion 41, the flange portion 42, and the inner circumferential surface of the main body portion 21 of the first member 20 of the housing 2. The second oil immersion portion S2 is the other end of the U-shape. The second oil immersion portion S2 is positioned opposite the first oil immersion portion S1, with the recess 43 of the holder 4 in between. The lower part of the second substrate 62, the light receiving element 52 of the detection device 5, and the second connector 72 are located in the second oil immersion portion S2.

[0043] The third oil immersion section S3 is the space between the upward-facing surface 41c of the main body 41, the flange 42, and the inner circumferential surface of the main body 21 of the first member 20 of the housing 2. The third oil immersion section S3 connects the upper end of the first oil immersion section S1 and the second oil immersion section S2. The upper part of the first substrate 61, the upper part of the second substrate 62, the third substrate 63, and the third connector 73 are arranged in the third oil immersion section S3.

[0044] The oil immersion section S configured in this way includes an introduction section 29. The introduction section 29 communicates with the internal space and introduces oil into the internal space.

[0045] The hydraulic pressure in the oil-immersed section S is approximately 8 MPa, the same as the hydraulic pressure of the oil F in the equipment M.

[0046] [Detection device] The detection device 5 shown in Figure 1 includes measuring members, optical sensors, temperature sensors, resonant circuits, sensors and circuits for measuring the conductivity of oil, and acoustic sensors, all of which have the function of detecting the state of the oil. In this embodiment, the detection device 5 is described as an optical sensor that detects the state of impurities, etc., contained in the oil F of the equipment M. The detection device 5 is placed in the oil F. The detection device 5 is placed in a holder 4 located inside the main body 21 of the first member 20. The detection device 5 is driven by power generated by the thermoelectric power generation module 101. The detection device 5 has a light-emitting element 51 and a light-receiving element 52. The light-emitting element 51 and the light-receiving element 52 are arranged facing each other in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, with a groove 24 of the first member 20 in between them. Since oil F has penetrated into the groove 24, the light-emitting element 51 and the light-receiving element 52 are exposed to the oil F.

[0047] The light-emitting element 51 receives power from the thermoelectric power generation module 101 and emits monochromatic light. The light emitted by the light-emitting element 51 passes through the oil F in the groove 24 of the first member 20 and reaches the light-receiving element 52.

[0048] The light-receiving element 52 receives light that reaches it. The light-receiving element 52 receives light from the light-emitting element 51. The light-receiving element 52 outputs the amount of light received as an electrical signal. The amount of light that reaches the light-receiving element 52, in other words, the electrical signal converted by the light-receiving element 52, changes according to, for example, the amount of impurities contained in the oil F. The converted electrical signal is output to the wireless communication circuit of the controller 150 via the first electrode section 110 and the second electrode section 120.

[0049] [substrate] As shown in Figure 1, the substrate 6 is on which the detection device 5 and other components are arranged. The substrate 6 is on which the light-emitting element 51 and the light-receiving element 52 are arranged. The substrate 6 transmits a control signal received from the controller 150 to the light-emitting element 51 of the detection device 5 to control the emission of light from the light-emitting element 51. The substrate 6 transmits the electrical signal received by the light-receiving element 52 of the detection device 5 to the controller 150.

[0050] In this embodiment, the substrate 6 is located in the internal space which is the oil immersion portion S. At least the portion of the substrate 6 on which the detection device 5 is located is placed in the oil F together with the detection device 5. The substrate 6 includes a first substrate 61, a second substrate 62, and a third substrate 63. The first substrate 61 and the second substrate 62 are arranged facing each other with the groove portion 24 of the first member 20 in between. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the first substrate 61, the second substrate 62, and the third substrate 63, they will be described as substrate 6.

[0051] The first substrate 61 is located on one side surface 41a of the main body 41. The first substrate 61 is located in a plane parallel to the vertical direction. The first substrate 61 includes a pattern surface 61a and a first connector 71. The first substrate 61 has the light-emitting element 51 of the detection device 5 on it. The pattern surface 61a has the light-emitting element 51 of the detection device 5 and the first connector 71 on it. The first connector 71 connects the first substrate 61 and the third substrate 63. The first connector 71 transmits a control signal received from the controller 150 to the light-emitting element 51 of the detection device 5 to control the emission of light from the light-emitting element 51.

[0052] The second substrate 62 is located on the other side surface 41b of the main body 41. The second substrate 62 is located in a plane parallel to the vertical direction. The second substrate 62 includes a pattern surface 62a and a second connector 72. The light-receiving element 52 of the detection device 5 is located on the second substrate 62. The light-receiving element 52 of the detection device 5 and the second connector 72 are located on the pattern surface 62a. The second connector 72 connects the second substrate 62 and the third substrate 63. The second connector 72 transmits the electrical signal received by the light-receiving element 52 of the detection device 5 to the controller 150.

[0053] The third substrate 63 is positioned on the upward-facing surface 41c of the main body 41. The third substrate 63 is positioned in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The third substrate 63 includes a pattern surface 63a and a third connector 73. The third substrate 63 is connected to the first substrate 61 via the first connector 71. The third substrate 63 is connected to the second substrate 62 via the second connector 72. The third substrate 63 is connected to the controller 150 via the third connector 73. The first connector 71, the second connector 72, and the third connector 73 are positioned on the pattern surface 63a. The third connector 73 transmits a control signal received from the controller 150 to the first substrate 61, which controls the emission of light from the light-emitting element 51 of the detection device 5. The third connector 73 transmits an electrical signal received by the light-receiving element 52 of the detection device 5, which was received via the second connector 72, to the controller 150.

[0054] Pattern surfaces 61a, 62a, and 63a include integrated circuits. Pattern surfaces 61a, 62a, and 63a are coated with an oil-resistant coating to suppress corrosion by oil F. The oil-resistant coating prevents short circuits in the mounted parts of integrated circuits, etc., due to impurities.

[0055] For oil-resistant coatings, UV (Ultraviolet) curing resins are used, for example. UV curing resins contain, for example, urethane acrylate in an amount of 20 wt% to 40 wt% by weight.

[0056] To suppress corrosion caused by oil F, the first connector 71, the second connector 72, and the third connector 73 are coated with oil-resistant grease on all connector pins inserted into each connector. The oil-resistant grease prevents short circuits in the mounted parts of integrated circuits, etc., caused by impurities.

[0057] Using Figures 3 and 4, the application of grease will be explained using the second connector 72 as an example. Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the oil state detection sensor according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a partial enlarged view of Figure 3. Grease is applied to at least the insertion portion 72b of the connector pin 72a that is inserted into the second connector 72. By inserting the greased connector pin 72a into the second connector 72, the gap between the second connector 72 and the insertion portion 72b of the connector pin 72a is filled with grease. This prevents oil F and impurities from entering between the second connector 72 and the insertion portion 72b of the connector pin 72a. Grease is similarly applied to the connector pins of the first connector 71 and the third connector 73.

[0058] [Thermoelectric power generation module] As shown in Figure 1, the thermoelectric power generation module 101 converts the temperature difference between the oil F temperature and the ambient temperature surrounding the oil state detection sensor 1 into electricity. The thermoelectric power generation module 101 is installed between a heat receiving plate and a cooling plate. The thermoelectric power generation module 101 generates electricity through the Seebeck effect by creating a temperature difference between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate. The thermoelectric power generation module 101 comprises a pair of substrates and a thermoelectric conversion element placed between the pair of substrates. The thermoelectric power generation module 101 supplies the generated electricity to the detection device 5 and the controller 150 via the first electrode section 110 and the second electrode section 120.

[0059] In this embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation module 101 is positioned in the center of the surface 25a of the recess 25 of the main body portion 21 of the first member 20. In this embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation module 101 receives heat from the surface 25a of the recess 25 of the main body portion 21 of the first member 20. The thermoelectric power generation module 101 cools by transferring heat to the heat transfer section 34.

[0060] [First electrode part] As shown in Figure 1, the first electrode portion 110 is an electrode arranged to electrically connect the first member 20 and the second member 30. The first electrode portion 110 is, for example, a slip ring. The first electrode portion 110 is located on the first member 20. More specifically, the first electrode portion 110 is located on the surface 25a of the recess 25 of the main body portion 21 of the first member 20.

[0061] The first electrode section 110 has first electrodes 111 arranged concentrically. Adjacent first electrodes 111 in the radial direction are spaced apart.

[0062] As shown in Figure 1, the second electrode portion 120 is an electrode arranged to electrically connect the first member 20 and the second member 30. The second electrode portion 120 is located at the axial end of the second member 30. More specifically, the second electrode portion 120 is located on the downward-facing surface 31a of the main body portion 31 of the second member 30. Multiple second electrode portions 120 may be arranged in the circumferential direction of the main body portion 31. In this embodiment, two second electrode portions 1201 and 1202 are arranged. The two second electrode portions 1201 and 1202 are located 180° apart in the circumferential direction of the main body portion 31. When there is no particular need to distinguish between the second electrode portions 1201 and 1202, they will be described as the second electrode portion 120.

[0063] [Second electrode part] The second electrode section 120 has a plurality of second electrodes 121 arranged at different positions in the radial direction, in other words, spaced apart in the radial direction.

[0064] When the first member 20 and the second member 30 are assembled, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 121 are electrically connected on a one-to-one basis. Multiple second electrodes 121 are electrically connected to the first electrode 111, which is positioned at different locations in the radial direction.

[0065] In one second electrode section 120, radially adjacent second electrodes 121 are spaced further apart than radially adjacent first electrodes 111.

[0066] The second electrode 121 is formed in a needle shape that can move back and forth in the axial direction. The second electrode 121 is, for example, a spring contact. The second electrode 121 is screwed into the female thread portion 27 formed on the circumferential surface of the recess 26. When the male thread portion 33 and the female thread portion 27 on the circumferential surface of the recess 26 are screwed together and fixed, in other words, when the first member 20 and the second member 30 are assembled, the tip of the second electrode 121 is pressed against the first electrode 111 of the first electrode portion 110. By the tip of the second electrode 121 contacting the first electrode 111 of the first electrode portion 110, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 121 are electrically connected.

[0067] [controller] As shown in Figure 1, the controller 150 is housed inside the main body 31 of the second member 30. The controller 150 is powered by electricity supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 101. The controller 150 includes a circuit for controlling wireless communication between the oil condition detection sensor 1 and an external device, a circuit for outputting a control signal to the light-emitting element 51 of the detection device 5, and a circuit for receiving an electrical signal from the light-receiving element 52 of the detection device 5.

[0068] The controller 150 activates the light-emitting element 51 of the detection device 5 based, for example, on a signal received via wireless communication. The controller 150 outputs a control signal to the light-emitting element 51 of the detection device 5 via the first electrode section 110 and the second electrode section 120.

[0069] The controller 150 receives an electrical signal from the light-receiving element 52 of the detection device 5. The controller 150 receives the electrical signal from the light-receiving element 52 of the detection device 5 via the first electrode section 110 and the second electrode section 120. Based on the electrical signal output from the light-receiving element 52, the controller 150 analyzes the state of impurities, etc., contained in the oil F of the device M. The controller 150 transmits the analysis results to an external device, for example, by wireless communication.

[0070] [Assembly Method] The circuit board 6, on which the detection device 5 and each connector are attached, is assembled to the holder 4. When connecting the circuit board 6 to each connector, grease is applied to each connector pin, and then each connector pin is inserted into the connector attached to the circuit board 6.

[0071] A holder 4, on which a circuit board 6 and the like are assembled, is inserted and assembled into the internal space of the main body portion 21 of the first member 20. At this time, the groove portion 24 of the first member 20 and the recess portion 43 of the holder 4 are positioned at the same location in the circumferential direction.

[0072] The first member 20 is inserted into the through hole H of the device M. The second member 30 is assembled to the first member 20, which is fixed in the through hole H. More specifically, the main body 31 of the second member 30 is inserted into the recesses 25 and 26 of the first member 20. The male threaded portion 33 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the main body 31 is screwed into the female threaded portion 27 formed on the circumferential surface of the recess 26. The first member 20 and the second member 30 are fixed together by the screwing of the male threaded portion 33 and the female threaded portion 27 on the circumferential surface of the recess 26. Once the first member 20 and the second member 30 are assembled, the first electrode 111 of the first electrode portion 110 and the second electrode 121 of the second electrode portion 120 come into contact and are electrically connected.

[0073] When the first member 20 and the second member 30 are assembled, the first electrode 111 of the first electrode portion 110 and the second electrode 121 of the second electrode portion 120 come into contact regardless of the position of the second electrode portion 120 in the circumferential direction. When the first member 20 and the second member 30 are assembled, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 121 are electrically connected one-to-one. In this way, the first member 20 side and the second member 30 side are electrically connected by the first electrode portion 110 and the second electrode portion 120. In this manner, the oil condition detection sensor 1 is attached to the through hole H of the device M.

[0074] With the device M attached to the through-hole H, oil F enters the groove 24 of the first member 20 and the recess 43 of the holder 4. As a result, the light-emitting element 51 and the light-receiving element 52 of the detection device 5 are exposed to the oil F. In addition, oil F enters the oil-immersed section S through the introduction section 29 of the main body 21 of the first member 20 of the housing 2. As a result, the substrate 6 and the detection device 5 inside the oil-immersed section S are exposed to the oil F.

[0075] [effect] As described above, in this embodiment, at least the portion of the substrate 6 on which the detection device 5 is located is placed in the oil F together with the detection device 5. This embodiment eliminates the pressure difference between the oil-immersed portion S inside the housing 2 of the oil state detection sensor 1 and the outside. According to this embodiment, the influence of the hydraulic pressure of the oil F, such as the lubricating oil or working fluid of the equipment M, acting on the detection device 5 and the substrate 6 can be reduced.

[0076] In this embodiment, the oil immersion section S, where the detection device 5 and the substrate 6 are located, is provided with an introduction section 29 for introducing oil F, such as lubricating oil or working fluid from the equipment M. This embodiment eliminates the pressure difference between the oil immersion section S inside the housing 2 of the oil state detection sensor 1 and the outside. According to this embodiment, the hydraulic pressure in the oil immersion section S can be made to be approximately the same as the hydraulic pressure of oil F, such as lubricating oil or working fluid from the equipment M.

[0077] Thus, according to this embodiment, sealing of the space in which the detection device 5 and the substrate 6 are arranged becomes unnecessary, and the pressure-resistant structure suitable for use in oil F can be simplified. According to this embodiment, since the pressure-resistant structure can be simplified, it can be installed in a confined space. According to this embodiment, the cost of the oil state detection sensor 1 can be reduced.

[0078] In contrast, conventional designs do not allow oil F to enter the space corresponding to the oil-immersed portion S, but instead fill it with air or resin. As a result, the hydraulic pressure of the oil F acts on the third substrate 63 and the flange portion 42 via the upward-facing surface 41c of the main body portion 41. Consequently, the third substrate 63 and the flange portion 42 are subjected to pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0079] In this embodiment, the detection device 5 can detect the state of impurities, etc., contained in the oil F of the equipment M, or the temperature of the oil F.

[0080] In this embodiment, at least the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 62 can be placed in the oil immersion section S.

[0081] In this embodiment, multiple introduction sections 29 can be provided in the oil immersion section S.

[0082] In this embodiment, the patterned surface of the substrate 6 is coated with an oil-resistant coating, and each connector is coated with oil-resistant grease. According to this embodiment, corrosion of the substrate 6 can be prevented. According to this embodiment, the intrusion of oil F and impurities between each connector and connector pin of the substrate 6 can be suppressed. According to this embodiment, the substrate 6 can be used while exposed to oil F.

[0083] In this embodiment, the patterned surface of the substrate 6 may include an integrated circuit.

[0084] In the embodiment, an oil-resistant coating can be made of a UV-curing resin.

[0085] In this embodiment, the hydraulic pressure of the oil-immersed section S is 8 MPa or less.

[0086] (modified version) In the above description, the substrate 6 was assumed to include a first substrate 61, a second substrate 62, and a third substrate 63, but it is not limited to this. Furthermore, the arrangement of the substrate 6 is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0087] In the above description, it was assumed that the first substrate 61, the second substrate 62, and the third substrate 63 are coated with an oil-resistant coating on their pattern surfaces, and that the first connector 71, the second connector 72, and the third connector 73 are coated with oil-resistant grease, but the invention is not limited to this. In the interior of the main body 21 located above the oil immersion portion S, the substrate 6, which is placed in the space into which oil F enters, may similarly be coated with an oil-resistant coating on its pattern surface, and that the first connector 71, the second connector 72, and the third connector 73 are coated with oil-resistant grease.

[0088] In the above description, the inlet 29 was explained as a hole communicating with the oil-immersed portion S, but it is not limited to a hole and can be anything that communicates with the oil-immersed portion S. For example, the inlet 29 may be a slit, notch, or the like that communicates with the oil-immersed portion S.

[0089] The above describes a case in which the first electrode portion 110 is placed on the first member 20 and the second electrode portion 120 is placed on the second member 30, but the arrangement of the first electrode portion 110 and the second electrode portion 120 is not limited to this. The first electrode portion 110 may be placed on the second member 30 and the second electrode portion 120 may be placed on the first member 20.

[0090] The above describes a case where the thermoelectric power generation module 101 and detection device 5 are placed in the first member 20 and the controller 150 is placed in the second member 30. However, the arrangement of the thermoelectric power generation module 101, detection device 5 and controller 150 is not limited to this. The controller 150 may be placed in the first member 20 and the thermoelectric power generation module 101 and detection device 5 may be placed in the second member 30.

[0091] In the above example, the substrate 6 is placed inside the holder 4, but the bottom and outer periphery of the holder 4 may be removed, resulting in a structure where the substrate 6 is exposed to the oil F. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1…Oil condition detection sensor, 2…Housing, 20…First component, 21…Main body, 22…Head, 23…Washer, 24…Groove, 25…Recess, 26…Recess, 27…Female thread, 29…Inlet, 30…Second component, 31…Main body, 32…Head, 33…Male thread, 34…Heat transfer part, 4…Holder, 41…Main body, 42…Flange, 43…Recess, 5…Detection device, 51…Light-emitting element Child, 52... light receiving element, 6... substrate, 61... first substrate, 62... second substrate, 63... third substrate, 71... first connector, 72... second connector, 73... third connector, 101... thermoelectric power generation module, 150... controller, 110... first electrode section, 111... first electrode, 120... second electrode section, 121... second electrode, F... oil, H... through hole, M... equipment, S... oil immersion section.

Claims

1. The main body of the oil condition detection sensor, The main body is provided with an oil immersion section into which oil is introduced, The oil-immersed section includes a detection device for detecting the state of the oil, A substrate on which the detection device is arranged, Oil condition detection sensor.

2. An oil condition detection sensor, A detection device placed in the oil, A substrate on which the detection device is arranged, Equipped with, At least the portion of the substrate on which the detection device is located is placed in oil together with the detection device. Oil condition detection sensor.

3. The detection device is a light sensor or a temperature sensor. The oil condition detection sensor according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The oil-immersed portion has a U-shaped internal space that is open at the bottom when viewed from the side. A light-emitting element is positioned on one end, A light-receiving element is positioned on the other end side and receives light from the light-emitting element, A substrate located in the internal space on which at least one of the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element is arranged, An introduction section that communicates with the aforementioned internal space and introduces oil into the aforementioned internal space, The oil condition detection sensor according to claim 1, comprising:

5. The substrate includes a first substrate on which the light-emitting element is arranged and a second substrate on which the light-receiving element is arranged. The oil condition detection sensor according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned introduction section is arranged in multiple locations. The oil condition detection sensor according to claim 4.

7. The substrate comprises a pattern surface and a connector. The patterned surface is coated with an oil-resistant coating. The connector is coated with oil-resistant grease. The oil condition detection sensor according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The substrate includes an integrated circuit on the pattern surface. The oil condition detection sensor according to claim 7.

9. The oil-resistant coating uses a UV-curing resin. The oil condition detection sensor according to claim 7.

10. The UV-curing resin contains urethane acrylate in an amount of 20% by weight or more and 40% by weight or less. The oil condition detection sensor according to claim 9.

11. The hydraulic pressure of the oil-immersed section is 8 MPa or less. The oil condition detection sensor according to claim 4.

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