Temperature sensor unit

Abstract

This invention provides a temperature sensor unit that can accurately measure the temperature of an object to be measured. [Solution] The temperature sensor unit 1 comprises a temperature sensor 10 and a mounting member 20. The mounting member 20 attaches the temperature sensor 10 to the object whose temperature is to be measured. The mounting member 20 includes a base portion 21, a positioning portion 23, and a connecting portion 25. The temperature sensor 10 is provided on the base portion 21. The positioning portion 23 is spaced apart from the base portion 21 and positions the base portion 21 relative to the object whose temperature is to be measured. The connecting portion 25 connects the base portion 21 and the positioning portion 23. The base portion 21 has a contact surface that faces the object whose temperature is to be measured when the base portion 21 is positioned relative to the object whose temperature is to be measured by the positioning portion 23. The base portion 21 and the positioning portion 23 are aligned in a second direction that intersects the first direction when viewed from a first direction that intersects the contact surface.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A temperature sensor unit including a temperature sensor and a mounting member is known (for example, Patent Document 1). The mounting member mounts the temperature sensor to an object to be measured for temperature. The mounting member includes a positioning portion that positions the temperature sensor relative to the object to be measured for temperature. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-88060 [Brief Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] The positioning portion may be distorted when being attached to the object to be measured for temperature. If the shape of the positioning portion is distorted, it becomes difficult for heat to transfer from the object to be measured for temperature to the temperature sensor. In particular, when the positioning portion is fastened to the object to be measured for temperature as in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the force applied during fastening may distort the mounting member. In this case, it is difficult for heat to transfer from the object to be measured for temperature to the temperature sensor, which may reduce the accuracy of temperature measurement of the object by the temperature sensor.

[0005] Even when heat transfers between the positioning portion and the temperature sensor, there is a risk that the accuracy of temperature measurement of the object to be measured for temperature may decrease. For example, in order to ensure that the temperature sensor is positioned correctly relative to the object to be measured for temperature, it is conceivable that the positioning portion is formed of metal. However, when the positioning portion is formed of a material with high thermal conductivity such as metal, the accuracy of temperature measurement of the object to be measured for temperature may decrease due to the influence of heat transfer between the positioning portion and the temperature sensor.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a temperature sensor unit capable of accurately measuring the temperature of an object to be measured. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A temperature sensor unit according to one embodiment comprises a temperature sensor and a mounting member. The mounting member attaches the temperature sensor to an object whose temperature is to be measured. The mounting member includes a base portion, a positioning portion, and a connecting portion. The temperature sensor is provided on the base portion. The positioning portion is spaced apart from the base portion and positions the base portion relative to the object whose temperature is to be measured. The connecting portion connects the base portion and the positioning portion. The base portion has a contact surface that faces the object whose temperature is to be measured when the base portion is positioned relative to the object whose temperature is to be measured by the positioning portion. The base portion and the positioning portion are aligned in a second direction intersecting the first direction when viewed from a first direction intersecting the contact surface.

[0008] In one of the above embodiments, the positioning unit positions the base unit, on which the temperature sensor is mounted, relative to the object whose temperature is to be measured. The positioning unit is spaced apart from the base unit, and a connecting unit connects the base unit and the positioning unit. Therefore, even if the shape of the positioning unit is distorted, the base unit is less affected by the distortion of the positioning unit. In addition, heat transfer between the positioning unit and the base unit is reduced. Furthermore, the base unit can directly contact the object whose temperature is to be measured. Therefore, the temperature of the object whose temperature is to be measured can be accurately measured.

[0009] In one of the above embodiments, the positioning portion may surround the base portion when viewed from the first direction. In this case, the base portion is in direct contact with the object to be measured, yet the positioning portion can hold the base portion more securely. Therefore, the base portion can be properly positioned.

[0010] In one of the above embodiments, the elastic modulus of the connecting portion may be lower than that of the positioning portion. In this case, the flexibility of the connecting portion is higher than that of the positioning portion. Therefore, the influence of the distortion of the positioning portion on the base portion can be reduced by the connecting portion.

[0011] In one of the above embodiments, the positioning portion may include an engaging portion that engages with an external member and a pair of extending portions that extend from the engaging portion in a second direction when viewed from a first direction. The base portion may be positioned between the pair of extending portions when viewed from a first direction. Each of the pair of extending portions may include a wall portion that extends in the first direction. The connecting portion may be connected to the wall portions of the pair of extending portions. In this case, since the contact area between the pair of extending portions and the wall portion is secured, the base portion can be held more securely by the positioning portion, even though the base portion is in direct contact with the object to be measured for temperature.

[0012] In one of the above embodiments, the connecting portion may include a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion may form an isolated space in a planar direction intersecting the first direction by connection with the positioning portion. The second connecting portion may be formed in the isolated space and connected to the first connecting portion, the positioning portion and the base portion. In this case, the connecting portion can more reliably connect the base portion and the positioning portion, and the stability of the base portion's arrangement can be improved.

[0013] In one of the above embodiments, the base portion may include a heat transfer plate that forms the contact surface. The positioning portion and the heat transfer plate may be made of a metal material. In this case, the rigidity of the positioning portion and the base portion is ensured, as is the thermal conductivity of the base portion to the temperature sensor.

[0014] In one of the above embodiments, the positioning unit may have a facing surface that faces the object to be measured. The contact surface of the base unit may be inclined with respect to the facing surface before being positioned on the object to be measured by the positioning unit. In this case, the object to be measured and the base unit can be made to contact more reliably. For example, even if the positioning unit is distorted, the object to be measured and the base unit can be made to contact more reliably.

[0015] In one of the above aspects, the positioning portion may have a facing surface that faces the temperature measuring object. In a state before being positioned on the temperature measuring object by the positioning portion, at least a part of the facing surface of the base portion may protrude to the opposite side of the temperature sensor relative to the virtual plane including the facing surface. In this case, the temperature measuring object and the base portion can be brought into contact more reliably. For example, even if the positioning portion is distorted, the temperature measuring object and the base portion can be brought into contact more reliably. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a temperature sensor unit capable of accurately measuring the temperature of a temperature measuring object. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a temperature sensor unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the temperature sensor unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a part of the temperature sensor unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the temperature sensor unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a part of the temperature sensor unit. [Figure 6] (a) is a side view showing a state before the temperature sensor unit is attached to the temperature measuring object, and (b) is a side view showing a state where the temperature sensor unit is attached to the temperature measuring object. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the temperature sensor unit taken along line A-A. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the temperature sensor unit taken along line B-B. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements or elements having the same functions, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

[0019] The configuration of the temperature sensor unit 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams showing the temperature sensor unit 1. FIGS. 3 to 5 are diagrams each showing a part of the temperature sensor unit 1. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis extend in directions intersecting each other. In the example shown in the present embodiment, the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0020] The temperature sensor unit 1 is attached to a temperature measurement object (not shown in the drawings) and measures the temperature of the temperature measurement object. The temperature sensor unit 1 detects heat transferred from the temperature measurement object. The temperature sensor unit 1 includes a bottom surface 1a. In a state where the temperature sensor unit 1 is attached to the temperature measurement object, at least a part of the bottom surface 1a faces the temperature measurement object and is in contact with the temperature measurement object. In this specification, the term "face" means facing each other without interposing another member described in this specification. For example, "p faces q" means that "p" and "q" face each other without interposing another member described in this specification. In this specification, the term "oppose" means facing each other regardless of whether another member is interposed therebetween. The temperature sensor unit 1 includes a temperature sensor 10 and a mounting member 20.

[0021] The temperature sensor 10 detects heat transmitted from the outside. As shown in Figure 3, the temperature sensor 10 includes a detection unit 11, two electrodes (not shown) of the detection unit 11, wires 12 and 13 electrically connected to them, and lead wires 14 and 15 electrically connected to the wires 12 and 13, respectively. The detection unit 11 corresponds to, for example, a temperature sensing element. The temperature sensing element has, for example, a characteristic in which its resistance decreases as the temperature increases. For example, the temperature sensing element includes an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor element. In this embodiment, the lead wires 14 and 15 correspond to wiring.

[0022] The detection unit 11 is provided on the mounting member 20. The detection unit 11 is located inside the mounting member 20. Lead wires 14 and 15, which are electrically connected to the detection unit 11, extend from inside the mounting member 20 to outside the mounting member 20. The lead wires 14 and 15 extend in the Z-axis direction.

[0023] The mounting member 20 attaches the temperature sensor 10 to the object whose temperature is to be measured. For example, the mounting member 20 engages with an external member and is fixed to the object whose temperature is to be measured by the external member. The mounting member 20 includes, for example, a lug terminal. In the example shown in this embodiment, the external member includes a fastening member. The fastening member includes, for example, a screw.

[0024] The mounting member 20 includes a base portion 21, a positioning portion 23, and a connecting portion 25. The base portion 21 is provided with a temperature sensor 10. The positioning portion 23 positions the base portion 21 relative to the object to be measured for temperature. The connecting portion 25 connects the base portion 21 and the positioning portion 23. Figures 3 and 4 show the temperature sensor unit 1 with a portion of the connecting portion 25 removed. Figure 5 shows the temperature sensor unit 1 with the entire connecting portion 25 removed.

[0025] The base portion 21 includes a main surface 21a and a main surface 21b, and side surfaces 21c, 21d, 21e, and 21f. The main surfaces 21a and 21b face each other in the Y-axis direction. Side surfaces 21c and 21d face each other in the X-axis direction. Side surfaces 21e and 21f face each other in the Z-axis direction.

[0026] The main surfaces 21a and 21b intersect in the Y-axis direction. The main surface 21a corresponds to the surface of the base portion 21, and the main surface 21b corresponds to the back surface of the base portion 21. The temperature sensor 10 is positioned on the main surface 21a. The main surface 21b forms part of the bottom surface 1a of the temperature sensor unit 1. When the main surface 21b is positioned on the object to be measured by the positioning portion 23, it faces the object to be measured and contacts the object to be measured. The main surface 21b corresponds to the contact surface that contacts the object to be measured.

[0027] The base portion 21 includes, for example, a heat transfer plate 31, an insulating layer 33, and a substrate 35. The heat transfer plate 31 forms the main surface 21b. The heat transfer plate 31 includes a mounting surface 31a that faces the main surface 21b in the Y-axis direction and on which the substrate 35 is placed. At least a portion of the mounting surface 31a is covered by the insulating layer 33 and the substrate 35. The main surface 21b and the mounting surface 31a are located on opposite sides of the heat transfer plate 31.

[0028] The heat transfer plate 31 may, for example, have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The heat transfer plate 31 may, for example, have a rectangular shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The thermal conductivity of the material forming the heat transfer plate 31 is higher than the thermal conductivity of the material forming the substrate 35. The heat transfer plate 31 may, for example, be made of a metallic material. The metallic material constituting the heat transfer plate 31 may include, for example, at least one selected from aluminum, copper, iron, and stainless steel.

[0029] The insulating layer 33 is made of an insulating material. The insulating layer 33 is provided on the heat transfer plate 31. The insulating layer 33 covers at least a portion of the mounting surface 31a. The material of the insulating layer 33 is, for example, polyimide and epoxy resin.

[0030] The substrate 35 forms the main surface 21a. The substrate 35 is formed on an insulating layer 33. The detection unit 11 of the temperature sensor 10 is provided on the substrate 35. The detection unit 11 is electrically connected to the conductors 12 and 13 by wiring W on the substrate 35. The substrate 35 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction, for example. The substrate 35 is formed from, for example, glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin. The substrate 35 may also be a component of the temperature sensor 10.

[0031] The positioning portion 23 is spaced apart from the base portion 21. The positioning portion 23 may be made of, for example, a metallic material. The metallic material constituting the positioning portion 23 includes, for example, at least one selected from phosphor bronze or spring stainless steel. In the example shown in this embodiment, the metallic material forming the positioning portion 23 is different from the metallic material forming the heat transfer plate 31.

[0032] In the example shown in Figure 5, the positioning unit 23 surrounds the base unit 21 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. In this specification, "surrounding" is not limited to surrounding all four sides, but also includes intermittent surrounding. The positioning unit 23 has an opening P that opens in the Y-axis direction. The base unit 21 is positioned so as to overlap the opening P when viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0033] The positioning portion 23 includes, for example, an engaging portion 41 and a pair of extending portions 43. The base portion 21 is surrounded on three sides by the engaging portion 41 and the pair of extending portions 43 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the base portion 21 faces the engaging portion 41 in the Z-axis direction and faces each of the pair of extending portions 43 in the X-axis direction. The pair of extending portions 43 are arranged to sandwich the base portion 21. For example, the engaging portion 41 and the pair of extending portions 43 are formed from a single continuous member. In other words, for example, the engaging portion 41 and the pair of extending portions 43 are formed integrally.

[0034] The engaging portion 41 engages with an external member. The engaging portion 41 forms, for example, a lug terminal. In the example shown in this embodiment, the engaging portion 41 has a hole 41a into which a screw, which is an external member, is inserted. The engaging portion 41 is fixed to the object to be measured by being sandwiched between, for example, the head of the screw and the object to be measured.

[0035] The engaging portion 41 has an opposing surface 41b that faces the object to be measured. For example, when the temperature sensor 10 is positioned on the object to be measured by the positioning portion 23, the opposing surface 41b is in contact with the object to be measured. The main surface 21b and the opposing surface 41b are aligned in the Z-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction. That is, the base portion 21 and the positioning portion 23 are aligned in the Z-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis direction corresponds to the first direction, and the Z-axis direction corresponds to the second direction.

[0036] Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are side views showing a part of the temperature sensor unit. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) show the temperature sensor unit 1 with all of the connecting portion 25 removed.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6(a), before the temperature sensor 10 is positioned on the object to be measured by the positioning unit 23, at least a portion of the main surface 21b of the base unit 21 protrudes toward the opposite side of the temperature sensor 10 with respect to the virtual plane α which includes the opposing surface 41b. For example, before the main surface 21b of the base unit 21 is positioned on the object to be measured by the positioning unit 23, it is inclined with respect to the opposing surface 41b. Before the main surface 21b of the base unit 21 is positioned on the object to be measured by the positioning unit 23, it is inclined so that it moves away from the engaging portion 41 in the Z-axis direction and away from the positioning unit 23 in the Y-axis direction. Before the main surface 21b of the base unit 21 is positioned on the object to be measured by the positioning unit 23, it is inclined with respect to the XY plane.

[0038] When the temperature sensor 10 is positioned on the object to be measured by the positioning part 23, the main surface 21b of the base part 21 comes into contact with the object to be measured, and the base part 21 is pressed against the object by the elasticity of the connecting part 25. At this time, as shown in Figure 6(b), the main surface 21b approaches parallel to the virtual plane α. When the engaging part 41 is fixed to the object to be measured by screws, even if the opposing surface 41b is inclined with respect to the surface of the object to be measured, the main surface 21b is inclined with respect to the virtual plane α which includes the opposing surface 41b, so the main surface 21b and the object to be measured can be reliably brought into contact.

[0039] The pair of extending portions 43 extend from the engaging portion 41 in the Z-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The pair of extending portions 43 face each other in the X-axis direction. The base portion 21 is positioned between the pair of extending portions 43 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. In a modified version of this embodiment, the positioning portion 23 may not include at least one of the pair of extending portions 43.

[0040] Each of the pair of extending portions 43 includes wall portions 45 and 46 that extend in the Y-axis direction. Wall portions 45 and 46 face each other in the X-axis direction. The base portion 21 is positioned between wall portions 45 and 46 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. Each of the pair of extending portions 43 includes a curved edge portion 47 that curves in the Y-axis direction from the base portion 21 side when viewed from the X-axis direction. When viewed from the X-axis direction, a gap is formed between the curved edge portion 47 and the main surface 21a of the base portion 21. When viewed from the X-axis direction, the portion of the extending portion 43 on which the curved edge portion 47 is provided does not overlap with the base portion 21. In the Y-axis direction, the curved edge portion 47 is further away from the main surface 21b of the base portion 21 than from the main surface 21a of the base portion 21.

[0041] The connecting portion 25 is joined to the wall portions 45 and 46 of the pair of extending portions 43. The elastic modulus of the connecting portion 25 may be lower than that of the positioning portion. In this case, the flexibility of the connecting portion 25 is higher than that of the positioning portion 23. The connecting portion 25 includes a first connecting portion 51 and a second connecting portion 52. The first connecting portion 51 and the second connecting portion 52 are formed from different materials. In a modified example of this embodiment, the first connecting portion 51 and the second connecting portion 52 may be formed from the same material. For example, the materials of the first connecting portion 51 and the second connecting portion 52 are at least one selected from, for example, epoxy resin, polyester, polyurethane, phenol, and nylon.

[0042] The first connecting portion 51, by connecting with the positioning portion 23, forms an isolated space S in a planar direction intersecting the Y-axis direction. The first connecting portion 51 includes a pair of wall portions 61 and 62 facing each other in the Z-axis direction, and an embedded portion 63 that fills the gap between the positioning portion 23 and the base portion 21. In the example shown in this embodiment, the pair of wall portions 61 and 62 are each formed integrally with the embedded portion 63. Wall portion 61 is connected to wall portions 45 and 46, the engaging portion 41, and the embedded portion 63. Wall portion 62 is connected to wall portions 45 and 46, the base portion 21, and the embedded portion 63.

[0043] Wall portion 61 is joined to wall portions 45, 46 and engagement portion 41. Wall portion 61 connects wall portions 45, 46 and engagement portion 41. Wall portion 61 seals the opening formed by wall portions 45, 46 and engagement portion 41. Wall portion 62 is joined to wall portions 45, 46, the main surface 21a of base portion 21 and lead wires 14, 15. Wall portion 62 connects wall portions 45, 46, the base portion 21 and lead wires 14, 15. Lead wires 14, 15 extend from wall portion 62 to the outside of isolation space S. Wall portion 62 seals the opening formed by wall portions 45, 46 and the main surface 21a of base portion 21.

[0044] The embedded portion 63 is joined to a pair of extended portions 43, a base portion 21, and an engaging portion 41. The embedded portion 63 connects the pair of extended portions 43 to the base portion 21 and connects the engaging portion 41 to the base portion 21. For example, the embedded portion 63 seals the gap between the positioning portion 23 and the base portion 21. Viewed from the X-axis direction, the embedded portion 63 is exposed from an opening defined by the curved edge portion 47.

[0045] Figures 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of the temperature sensor unit. Figures 7 and 8 show the temperature sensor unit 1 with the entire second connecting portion 52 removed. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the embedded portion 63 includes a pair of sealing portions 64 and a pair of sealing portions 65. The pair of sealing portions 64 and the pair of sealing portions 65 seal the gap between the pair of extending portions 43 and the base portion 21. The sealing portions 64 and 65 are connected to each other so as to be continuous in the Z-axis direction. Figure 7 shows a cross-section along line AA shown in Figure 1. Figure 8 shows a cross-section along line BB shown in Figure 1.

[0046] As shown in Figure 7, the pair of sealing portions 64 include contact surfaces 64a, 64b, and 64c. One of the pair of sealing portions 64 seals the gap between the wall portion 45 and the base portion 21. In one of the pair of sealing portions 64, the contact surface 64a is joined to the wall portion 45 of the extension portion 43, the contact surface 64b is joined to the main surface 21a of the base portion 21, and the contact surface 64c is joined to the side surface 21c of the base portion 21. The other of the pair of sealing portions 64 seals the gap between the wall portion 46 and the base portion 21. In the other of the pair of sealing portions 64, the contact surface 64a is joined to the wall portion 46 of the extension portion 43, the contact surface 64b is joined to the main surface 21a of the base portion 21, and the contact surface 64c is joined to the side surface 21d of the base portion 21.

[0047] As shown in Figure 8, the pair of sealing portions 65 include contact surfaces 65a, 65b, 65c, and 65d. One of the pair of sealing portions 65 seals the gap between the wall portion 45 and the base portion 21. In one of the pair of sealing portions 65, the contact surface 65a is joined to the wall portion 45 of the extension portion 43, the contact surface 65b is joined to the curved edge portion 47 of the extension portion 43, the contact surface 65c is joined to the main surface 21a of the base portion 21, and the contact surface 65d is joined to the side surface 21c of the base portion 21. The other of the pair of sealing portions 65 seals the gap between the wall portion 46 and the base portion 21. In the other of the pair of sealing portions 65, the contact surface 65a is joined to the wall portion 46 of the extended portion 43, the contact surface 65b is joined to the edge of the curved edge portion 47 of the extended portion 43, the contact surface 65c is joined to the main surface 21a of the base portion 21, and the contact surface 65d is joined to the side surface 21d of the base portion 21.

[0048] When the temperature sensor 10 is positioned on the object to be measured by the positioning unit 23, shear forces are generated in the Y-axis direction on the pair of sealing parts 64 due to the joining of the contact surface 64a with the wall parts 45, 46 and the joining of the contact surface 64b with the main surface 21a. When the temperature sensor 10 is positioned on the object to be measured by the positioning unit 23, shear forces are generated in the Y-axis direction on the pair of sealing parts 65 due to the joining of the contact surface 65b with the edge of the curved edge part 47 and the joining of the contact surface 65c with the main surface 21a. As a result, the base part 21 is pressed against the object to be measured by the elastic force of the pair of sealing parts 64 and the pair of sealing parts 65.

[0049] The second connecting portion 52 is formed in the isolated space S. The second connecting portion 52 is positioned between a pair of wall portions 61, 62. The second connecting portion 52 is connected to the first connecting portion 51, the positioning portion 23, and the base portion 21. The second connecting portion 52 is joined to the first connecting portion 51, the wall portions 45, 46, the positioning portion 23, and the main surface 21a of the base portion 21. The second connecting portion 52 seals the detection portion 11 in the isolated space S.

[0050] The second connecting portion 52 is formed, for example, by filling the isolation space S with resin. The isolation space S is sealed by the first connecting portion 51. Therefore, the resin forming the second connecting portion 52 is less likely to leak out of the isolation space S when filling it. As a result, individual variations can be suppressed, and deterioration of properties can also be suppressed.

[0051] As described above, the positioning unit 23 positions the base unit 21, on which the temperature sensor 10 is mounted, relative to the object to be measured. The positioning unit 23 is spaced apart from the base unit 21, and the connecting unit 25 connects the base unit 21 and the positioning unit 23. Therefore, even if the shape of the positioning unit 23 is distorted, the base unit 21 is less affected by the distortion of the positioning unit 23. In addition, heat transfer between the positioning unit 23 and the base unit 21 is reduced. Furthermore, the base unit 21 can directly contact the object to be measured. Therefore, the temperature of the object to be measured can be accurately measured.

[0052] Viewed from the Y-axis direction, the positioning portion 23 may surround the base portion 21. In this case, even though the base portion 21 is in direct contact with the object to be measured, the positioning portion 23 can hold the base portion 21 more securely. Therefore, the base portion 21 can be properly positioned.

[0053] The elastic modulus of the connecting portion 25 may be lower than that of the positioning portion 23. In this case, the flexibility of the connecting portion 25 is higher than that of the positioning portion 23. Therefore, the influence of the strain on the positioning portion 23 on the base portion 21 can be reduced by the connecting portion 25.

[0054] The positioning portion 23 may include an engaging portion 41 that engages with an external member, and a pair of extending portions 43 that extend in the Z-axis direction from the engaging portion 41 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The base portion 21 may be positioned between the pair of extending portions 43 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The pair of extending portions 43 may each include wall portions 45 and 46 that extend in the Y-axis direction. The connecting portion 25 may be connected to the wall portions 45 and 46 of the pair of extending portions 43. In this case, since the contact area between the pair of extending portions 43 and the wall portions 45 and 46 is secured, the base portion 21 can be held more securely by the positioning portion 23, even though the base portion 21 is in direct contact with the object to be measured for temperature.

[0055] The connecting portion 25 may include a first connecting portion 51 and a second connecting portion 52. The first connecting portion 51 may form an isolated space in a planar direction intersecting the Y-axis direction by connection with the positioning portion 23. The second connecting portion 52 may be formed in the isolated space and connected to the first connecting portion 51, the positioning portion 23, and the base portion 21. In this case, the connecting portion 25 can more reliably connect the base portion 21 and the positioning portion 23, thereby improving the stability of the base portion 21's arrangement.

[0056] The base portion 21 may include a heat transfer plate 31 that forms the main surface 21b. The positioning portion 23 and the heat transfer plate 31 may be made of a metal material. In this case, the rigidity of the positioning portion 23 and the base portion 21 is ensured, as is the thermal conductivity of the base portion 21 to the temperature sensor.

[0057] The positioning unit 23 may have an opposing surface 41b that faces the object to be measured. The main surface 21b of the base unit 21 may be inclined with respect to the opposing surface 41b before being positioned on the object to be measured by the positioning unit 23. In this case, the object to be measured and the base unit 21 can be made to contact more reliably. For example, even if the positioning unit 23 is distorted, the object to be measured and the base unit 21 can be made to contact more reliably.

[0058] The positioning unit 23 may have an opposing surface 41b that faces the object to be measured. Before being positioned on the object to be measured by the positioning unit 23, at least a portion of the opposing surface of the base unit 21 may protrude on the side opposite to the temperature sensor 10 with respect to a virtual plane including the opposing surface 41b. In this case, the object to be measured and the base unit 21 can be made to contact more reliably. For example, even if the positioning unit 23 is distorted, the object to be measured and the base unit 21 can be made to contact more reliably.

[0059] 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 above example, the positioning portion 23 and the connecting portion 25 are formed from different materials. However, the positioning portion 23 and the connecting portion 25 may be formed from the same material. In this case, for example, the positioning portion 23 may be formed from resin. If the positioning portion 23 is formed from resin, heat transfer between the positioning portion 23 and the temperature sensor 10 is less likely to occur. Therefore, the accuracy of measuring heat from the base portion 21 can be improved. The positioning portion 23 and the connecting portion 25 may be formed integrally. In this case, the manufacturing throughput of the temperature sensor unit can be improved.

[0060] In the example described above, the engaging portion 41 and the pair of extending portions 43 were formed integrally. However, the engaging portion 41 and the pair of extending portions 43 may be formed from separate members.

[0061] In the example described above, the mounting member 20 includes, for example, a lug terminal and is fixed to the object to be measured by screws. However, the mounting member 20 may be fixed to the object to be measured by other means. For example, the mounting member 20 may be fixed to the object to be measured by welding at the engaging portion 41. The mounting member 20 may also have a gripping mechanism for gripping the object to be measured.

[0062] As can be seen from the above-described embodiments and modifications, this specification includes the following embodiments. (Note 1) A temperature sensor and It includes a mounting member for attaching the temperature sensor to the object whose temperature is to be measured, The aforementioned mounting member is The base portion on which the temperature sensor is provided, A positioning portion which is spaced apart from the base portion and positions the base portion relative to the object to be measured for temperature, It includes a connecting portion that connects the base portion and the positioning portion, The base portion has a contact surface that contacts the object to be measured when the base portion is positioned on the object to be measured by the positioning portion. A temperature sensor unit in which the base portion and the positioning portion are aligned in a second direction intersecting the first direction when viewed from a first direction intersecting the contact surface. (Note 2) Viewed from the first direction, the positioning portion surrounds the base portion, as described in Appendix 1, of the temperature sensor unit. (Note 3) The temperature sensor unit according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the elastic modulus of the connecting portion is lower than that of the positioning portion. (Note 4) The positioning portion includes an engaging portion that engages with an external member, and a pair of extending portions that extend from the engaging portion in the second direction when viewed from the first direction. The base portion is positioned between the pair of extending portions when viewed from the first direction. Each of the pair of extending portions includes a wall portion extending in the first direction, The connecting portion is connected to the wall portion of the pair of extending portions, and is a temperature sensor unit according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3. (Note 5) The temperature sensor unit according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein the connecting portion includes a first connecting portion that, by connection with the positioning portion, forms an isolated space isolated in a planar direction intersecting the first direction, and a second connecting portion formed in the isolated space and connected to the first connecting portion, the positioning portion, and the base portion. (Note 6) The base portion includes a heat transfer plate that forms the contact surface, The positioning portion and the heat transfer plate are made of a metal material, and the temperature sensor unit is as described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 5. (Note 7) The positioning unit has a facing surface that faces the object to be measured for temperature, The temperature sensor unit according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 6, wherein the contact surface of the base portion is inclined with respect to the opposing surface in the state before it is positioned on the object to be measured by the positioning portion. (Note 8) The positioning unit has a facing surface that faces the object to be measured for temperature, The temperature sensor unit according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, wherein, in the state prior to being positioned on the object to be measured by the positioning unit, at least a portion of the contact surface of the base unit protrudes toward the side opposite to the temperature sensor with respect to a virtual plane including the opposing surface. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1...Temperature sensor unit, 10...Temperature sensor, 20...Mounting member, 21...Base part, 21b...Main surface, 23...Positioning part, 25...Connecting part, 31...Heat transfer plate, 41...Engaging part, 41b...Opposite surface, 43...Extending part, 45,46,61,62...Wall part, 51...First connecting part, 52...Second connecting part, S...Isolated space, α...Virtual plane.

Claims

1. A temperature sensor and It includes a mounting member for attaching the temperature sensor to the object whose temperature is to be measured, The aforementioned mounting member is The base portion on which the temperature sensor is provided, A positioning portion which is spaced apart from the base portion and positions the base portion relative to the object to be measured for temperature, It includes a connecting portion that connects the base portion and the positioning portion, The base portion has a contact surface that contacts the object to be measured when the base portion is positioned on the object to be measured by the positioning portion. A temperature sensor unit in which the base portion and the positioning portion are aligned in a second direction intersecting the first direction when viewed from a first direction intersecting the contact surface.

2. The temperature sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the first direction, the positioning portion surrounds the base portion.

3. The temperature sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the elastic modulus of the connecting portion is lower than that of the positioning portion.

4. The positioning portion includes an engaging portion that engages with an external member, and a pair of extending portions that extend from the engaging portion in the second direction when viewed from the first direction. The base portion is positioned between the pair of extending portions when viewed from the first direction. Each of the pair of extending portions includes a wall portion extending in the first direction, The temperature sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is connected to the wall portion of the pair of extending portions.

5. The temperature sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion includes a first connecting portion that, by connection with the positioning portion, forms an isolated space isolated in a planar direction intersecting the first direction, and a second connecting portion formed in the isolated space and connected to the first connecting portion, the positioning portion, and the base portion.

6. The base portion includes a heat transfer plate that forms the contact surface, The temperature sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the positioning portion and the heat transfer plate are made of a metal material.

7. The positioning unit has a facing surface that faces the object to be measured for temperature, The temperature sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the contact surface of the base portion is inclined with respect to the opposing surface in the state before it is positioned on the object to be measured by the positioning portion.

8. The positioning unit has a facing surface that faces the object to be measured for temperature, The temperature sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein, in the state prior to being positioned on the object to be measured by the positioning unit, at least a portion of the contact surface of the base unit protrudes toward the side opposite to the temperature sensor with respect to a virtual plane including the opposing surface.

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