Physical quantity detection device

Abstract

To provide a physical quantity detection device which enables manufacturing cost to be reduced more than when a physical quantity sensor for detecting a physical quantity is buried together with an electrical wire to be detected in a mold material.SOLUTION: A physical quantity detection device 1 comprises: first and second retainers 2 and 3 arranged sandwiching first to third electrical wires 61-63; and a temperature sensor 4 fixed to the first to third electrical wires 61-63 by the first and second retainers 2 and 3. The first and second retainers 2 and 3 are locked to each other to be fixed to the first to third electrical wires 61-63.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a physical quantity detection device for detecting physical quantities of electric wires.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to prevent damage due to overheating of rotating electrical machines such as electric motors and generators, the temperature of the rotating electrical machine has been detected by a temperature sensor. The rotating electrical machine described in Patent Document 1 has an embedded type temperature detection unit in which a temperature sensor incorporating a temperature detection element such as a thermistor is embedded in a molding material together with the neutral line of the rotating electrical machine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When manufacturing the rotating electrical machine described in Patent Document 1, an insert molding process is required in which a temperature sensor is arranged in a mold together with the neutral line of the rotating electrical machine, and molten resin is injected into the cavity of the mold to form a molding material. This process requires more man-hours and higher costs compared to the case of manufacturing resin parts by injection molding that is not insert molding, thus hindering the reduction of manufacturing costs.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a physical quantity detection device capable of reducing manufacturing costs as compared with the case where a physical quantity sensor for detecting a physical quantity is embedded in a molding material together with an electric wire to be detected.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above problems, and provides a physical quantity detection device including first and second retainers arranged with a wire therebetween, and a physical quantity sensor fixed to the wire by the first and second retainers, the physical quantity detection device detecting a physical quantity of the wire, wherein the first and second retainers are fixed to the wire by being locked to each other.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the physical quantity detection device of the present invention, the manufacturing cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the physical quantity sensor for detecting the physical quantity is embedded in the molding material together with the wire to be detected.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0010] FIGS. 1(a) and (b) are perspective views of a physical quantity detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention viewed from different directions. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the physical quantity detection device viewed from the direction shown in FIG. 1(a). FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the physical quantity detection device viewed from the direction shown in FIG. 1(b). FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing first to third electric wires and first and second spacers arranged between the first to third electric wires. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the inside of the temperature sensor. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the physical quantity detection device.

[0011] This physical quantity detection device 1 detects the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 and detects the physical quantity of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. In the present embodiment, the case of detecting the temperature of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 as this physical quantity will be described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the intensity of the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 may be detected.

[0012] The first to third electric wires 61 to 63 are connected to the respective three-phase windings of the rotating electrical machine. The rotating electrical machine is, for example, a motor that rotates the rotor by a magnetic field generated in the stator by a three-phase alternating current, or a generator (alternator) that generates a three-phase alternating current by the rotation of the rotor, or a motor-generator having both the functions of a motor and a generator.

[0013] As shown in a cross section in FIG. 6, the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 are insulated coated electric wires in which conductors 611, 621, 631 made of a good conductor such as copper are coated with coating layers 612, 622, 632 made of an insulating resin such as enamel. In the present embodiment, the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 are round single wires having a circular cross section, but it is not limited thereto, and the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 may be, for example, flat wires having a rectangular cross section.

[0014] The first to third electric wires 61 to 63 are arranged in parallel via resin-made first and second spacers 71 and 72. The first spacer 71 is disposed between the first electric wire 61 and the second electric wire 62, and the second spacer 72 is disposed between the second electric wire 62 and the third electric wire 63.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 4, the first spacer 71 integrally has a flat plate portion 711 extending in parallel with the first and second electric wires 61 and 62, and a pair of holding portions 712 and 713 provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the plate portion 711. Recesses 712a and 713a for accommodating a part of the first electric wire 61 and recesses 712b and 713b for accommodating a part of the second electric wire 62 are respectively formed in the pair of holding portions 712 and 713.

[0016] Similarly, the second spacer 72 integrally has a flat plate portion 721 extending parallel to the second and third electric wires 62, 63, and a pair of holding portions 722, 723 provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the plate portion 721. In the pair of holding portions 722, 723, recesses 722a, 723a for accommodating a part of the second electric wire 62 and recesses 722b, 723b for accommodating a part of the third electric wire 63 are respectively formed.

[0017] Further, the first spacer 71 has engaging protrusions 714, 715 protruding from the plate portion 711 along a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first electric wire 61 and the second electric wire 62. Similarly, the second spacer 72 has an engaging protrusion 724 protruding from the plate portion 721 along a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the second electric wire 62 and the third electric wire 63.

[0018] In the first spacer 71, two engaging protrusions 714, 715 are provided between the pair of holding portions 712, 713. In the second spacer 72, one engaging protrusion 724 is provided between the pair of holding portions 722, 723. These engaging protrusions 714, 715, 724 are used for relative positioning and fixing with the second retainer 3 of the physical quantity detection device 1 described below.

[0019] The physical quantity detection device 1 includes first and second retainers 2, 3 disposed with the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 interposed therebetween, a temperature sensor 4 as a physical quantity sensor fixed to the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 by the first and second retainers 2, 3, and a sensor holder 5 in which a holding space 50 for holding the temperature sensor 4 is formed. The first to third electric wires 61 to 63 are arranged parallel to each other between the first retainer 2 and the second retainer 3. The first and second retainers 2, 3 and the sensor holder 5 are single resin parts formed by injection molding rather than insert molding. Note that, as the resin material of the sensor holder 5, in order to improve the detection accuracy of temperature, it is preferable to use a material with high thermal conductivity having a thermal conductivity of 1 W / m·K or more, and more preferably a material having a thermal conductivity of 3 W / m·K or more.

[0020] The physical quantity detection device 1 detects the temperatures of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 by the temperature sensor 4. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the temperature sensor 4 includes a thermistor 41 as a detection unit that converts a physical quantity (temperature in this embodiment) into an electric signal, a case member 42 that houses the thermistor 41, a holding member 43 housed in the case member 42, and a pair of signal lines 441 and 442 drawn out from the case member 42.

[0021] The case member 42 is a bottomed cylindrical molded body made of injection-molded resin. The inside of the case member 42 is filled with a filler 46. The filler 46 is, for example, an epoxy resin. Hereinafter, the case member 42 and the parts housed therein (the thermistor 41, the holding member 43, the filler 46, and a part of the signal lines 441 and 442) are referred to as the main body part 40 of the temperature sensor 4.

[0022] The thermistor 41 includes a metal oxide sintered body 411 (see FIG. 6) as a detection element whose electrical resistance changes with temperature, a pair of lead wires 412 and 413 connected to the metal oxide sintered body 411, and a sealing material 414 that seals the metal oxide sintered body 411. The sealing material 414 is, for example, a glass sealing material and is formed in an elliptical spherical shape.

[0023] One end of each of the pair of lead wires 412 and 413 is connected to the metal oxide sintered body 411 inside the sealing material 414. The other end of each of the pair of lead wires 412 and 413 is connected to the pair of signal lines 441 and 442 outside the sealing material 414. The signal lines 441 and 442 are insulated electric wires formed by covering core wires 441a and 442a made of, for example, a twisted wire in which a plurality of strands are twisted together with insulators 441b and 442b made of resin.

[0024] A pair of lead wires 412 and 413 and a pair of signal wires 441 and 442 constitute signal lines 451 and 452 that transmit the electrical signal output by the thermistor 41. The signal lines 451 and 452 transmit this electrical signal to, for example, a control device that controls a rotating electrical machine. When the detected temperature is higher than a predetermined value, the control device suppresses the current flowing through the rotating electrical machine and prevents damage caused by overheating of the rotating electrical machine.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the sensor holder 5 is provided with a lead-out window 501 that leads out the signal wires 441 and 442 from the holding space 50, and a pair of locking protrusions 51 and 52 that prevent the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 from coming out of the lead-out window 501. In the present embodiment, the lead-out window 501 is provided between the pair of locking protrusions 51 and 52. The signal wires 441 and 442 are led out from the lead-out window 501 along the arrangement direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63.

[0026] Further, the sensor holder 5 has an opening 502 through which the holding space 50 opens toward the first retainer 2, and this opening 502 is closed by the first retainer 2. The case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 is held in the holding space 50 of the sensor holder 5 so as not to come out of the opening 502 by the first retainer 2.

[0027] The sensor holder 5 integrally has a facing wall 53 facing the first to third electric wires 61 to 63, a pair of side walls 54 and 55 facing each other in parallel with the axial direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 with the holding space 50 interposed therebetween, and a bottom wall 56 that closes the holding space 50 on the side opposite to the lead-out window 501. The case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 is surrounded from three directions by the facing wall 53 and the pair of side walls 54 and 55.

[0028] The pair of locking protrusions 51 and 52 are provided at the respective ends of the pair of side walls 54 and 55. The bottom wall 56 is provided with an engaging protrusion 57 that protrudes along a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. The engaging protrusion 57 is erected on the facing surface 56a of the bottom wall 56 facing the first retainer 2.

[0029] On the outer wall 21 of the first retainer 2, an engagement recess 210 with which the engagement protrusion 57 engages is formed. When the engagement protrusion 57 of the sensor holder 5 engages with the engagement recess 210, relative movement of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 in the arrangement direction with respect to the first retainer 2 is restricted.

[0030] On the opposing surfaces 53a of the opposing wall 53 of the sensor holder 5 facing the first to third electric wires 61 to 63, concave surfaces 530a, 530b, 530c that are recessed along the outer peripheral surfaces of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 are formed. The curvature of the concave surfaces 530a, 530b, 530c as viewed from the axial direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 is the same as or slightly larger than the curvature of the outer peripheral surfaces of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. Due to the shape of the sensor holder 5 having these concave surfaces 530a, 530b, 530c, heat of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 is easily transmitted to the temperature sensor 4 through the sensor holder 5.

[0031] Also, on the opposing wall 53, a first engagement groove 531 with which the plate portion 711 of the first spacer 71 engages and a second engagement groove 532 with which the plate portion 721 of the second spacer 72 engages are formed. The plate portion 711 of the first spacer 71 engages with the first engagement groove 531 between the pair of holding portions 712, 713. The plate portion 721 of the second spacer 72 engages with the second engagement groove 532 between the pair of holding portions 722, 723.

[0032] The temperature sensor 4 and the sensor holder 5 are arranged between the first retainer 2 and the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. The temperature sensor 4 is fixed with respect to the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 when the first and second retainers 2, 3 are locked to each other.

[0033] The first retainer 2 integrally includes an outer wall 21 that closes the opening 502 of the holding space 50 in the sensor holder 5, a pair of transverse walls 22 and 23 that face the pair of side walls 54 and 55 of the sensor holder 5 respectively, a plurality of arms 241 to 244 that extend from each of the pair of transverse walls 22 and 23 across the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 toward the second retainer 3, and engaging protrusions 251 to 254 provided at the tip ends of the plurality of arms 241 to 244.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the first retainer 2 has four arms 241 to 244, and among these, two arms 241 and 243 extend from one of the pair of transverse walls 22 and 23, i.e., the transverse wall 22, toward the second retainer 3. The other two arms 242 and 244 extend from the other transverse wall 23 of the pair of transverse walls 22 and 23 toward the second retainer 3.

[0035] The second retainer 3 is substantially rectangular in shape and long in the arrangement direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63, and a plurality of engaging recesses 311 to 314 are formed at both longitudinal ends. The engaging protrusions 251 to 254 of the first retainer 2 are respectively engaged with these engaging recesses 311 to 314. By the engagement between the engaging recesses 311 to 314 and the engaging protrusions 251 to 254, the first retainer 2 and the second retainer 3 are locked to each other with the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 and the temperature sensor 4 sandwiched therebetween, and are fixed to the first to third electric wires 61 to 63.

[0036] Further, the second retainer 3 is formed with engaging recesses 321 to 323 into which the engaging protrusions 714 and 715 of the first spacer 71 and the engaging protrusion 724 of the second spacer 72 are respectively engaged. The second retainer 3 is positioned relative to the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 by the engagement of the engaging protrusions 714, 715, and 724 of the first and second spacers 71 and 72 with the engaging recesses 321 to 323.

[0037] Figs. 7(a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the assembly procedure of the physical quantity detection device 1. The physical quantity detection device 1 is assembled by the first to third steps shown in Figs. 7(a) to (c). In the first step, as shown in Fig. 7(a), the main body 40 of the temperature sensor 4 is accommodated in the holding space 50 through the opening 502 of the sensor holder 5. In the second step, as shown in Fig. 7(b), the sensor holder 5 accommodating the main body 40 of the temperature sensor 4 is arranged between a pair of lateral walls 22 and 23 of the first retainer 2, and the engaging protrusion 57 of the sensor holder 5 is engaged with the engaging recess 210 of the first retainer 2. Thereby, an assembly 10 (see Fig. 7(c)) composed of the first retainer 2, the temperature sensor 4, and the sensor holder 5 is formed.

[0038] In the third step, as shown in Fig. 7(c), the engaging protrusions 714, 715, and 724 of the first and second spacers 71 and 72 are engaged with the engaging recesses 321 to 323 of the second retainer 3, and the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 are sandwiched between the assembly 10 and the second retainer 3, and the engaging protrusions 251 to 254 of the first retainer 2 are engaged with the engaging recesses 311 to 314 of the second retainer 3. Thereby, the physical quantity detection device 1 is assembled.

[0039] According to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the physical quantity detection device 1 can be manufactured without requiring an insert molding process, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Further, by matching the size of the holding space 50 in the sensor holder 5 to a commercially available general-purpose temperature sensor 4, it is also possible to further reduce the cost by using a commercially available temperature sensor 4 (a standard product of a sensor manufacturer). Note that the same effects can be obtained even if the first embodiment is modified as follows.

[0040] In the first embodiment, the case where the first retainer 2 has four arms 241 to 244 and the engaging protrusions 251 to 254 provided at the tip portions of these arms 241 to 244 engage with the engaging recesses 311 to 314 of the second retainer 3 has been described. Conversely, a plurality of arms may be provided on the second retainer, and the engaging protrusions provided at the tip portions of these arms may be engaged with the engaging recesses formed in the first retainer, thereby locking the first retainer and the second retainer to each other.

[0041] Also, in the first embodiment, the case where the engaging protrusions 714, 715, 724 of the first and second spacers 71, 72 engage with the engaging recesses 321 to 323 of the second retainer 3 has been described. However, the engaging protrusions provided on at least one of the first and second spacers may be engaged with the engaging recesses formed in the first retainer or the sensor holder 5. In this case, the second retainer 3 and the first and second spacers 71, 72 do not necessarily have to engage with each other.

[0042] Furthermore, the relationship between the engaging protrusion and the engaging recess in the first embodiment may be reversed. For example, an engaging recess may be formed at the tip portion of the arm of the first retainer, and the engaging protrusion provided on the second retainer may be engaged with this engaging recess. The same applies to the engagement between the first retainer 2 and the sensor holder 5 and the engagement between the second retainer 3 and the first and second spacers 71, 72.

[0043] [Second Embodiment] Next, the physical quantity detection device 1A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0044] FIGS. 8(a) and (b) are perspective views showing the first retainer 2A according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the physical quantity detection device 1A according to the second embodiment. In FIGS. 8 and 9, components common to those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 7, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0045] In the physical quantity detection device 1A according to this embodiment, the configuration in which the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 is elastically pressed against the inner surfaces on the first to third electric wire 61-63 sides in the holding space 50, specifically, the inner surface 53b on the holding space 50 side of the opposing wall 53 of the sensor holder 5, is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0046] In this embodiment, an elastic portion 211 for pressing the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 is provided on the outer wall 21 of the first retainer 2A. The elastic portion 211 is a tongue-shaped portion where a part of the outer wall 21 protrudes toward the holding space 50. The side surface 42b of the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 on the side opposite to the contact surface 42a with which the elastic portion 211 abuts is in contact with the inner surface 53b side of the opposing wall 53 of the sensor holder 5 without a gap. Thereby, the heat of the first to third electric wires 61-63 is easily transmitted from the sensor holder 5 to the case member 42.

[0047] Also according to this second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and since the heat of the first to third electric wires 61-63 is easily transmitted to the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4, the detection accuracy of the temperatures of the first to third electric wires 61-63 can be improved.

[0048] [Third Embodiment] Next, the physical quantity detection device 1B according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

[0049] FIGS. 10 and 11 are exploded perspective views of the physical quantity detection device 1B according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the physical quantity detection device 1B according to the third embodiment. In FIGS. 10 to 12, for the components common to those described in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those given in FIGS. 1 to 7 are used and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0050] The physical quantity detection device 1B according to the present embodiment does not have a sensor holder 5, and a holding space 20 for holding the temperature sensor 4 is formed in the first retainer 2B. The holding space 20 opens toward the first to third electric wires 61 to 63, and the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 faces the first to third electric wires 61 to 63.

[0051] In the first retainer 2B, a lead-out window 201 for leading out the signal lines 441 and 442 of the temperature sensor 4 from the holding space 20 is formed. Further, the first retainer 2B has locking protrusions 26 and 27 that prevent the case member 42 from coming out of the lead-out window 201, and a bottom wall 28 provided at an end opposite to the locking protrusions 26 and 27.

[0052] Also according to this third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and since the sensor holder 5 is not required, further cost reduction can be achieved. In addition, since the heat of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 is easily transmitted to the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4, the detection accuracy of the temperature of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 can be further improved.

[0053] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, the physical quantity detection device 1C according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0054] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the first retainer 2C according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the physical quantity detection device 1C according to the fourth embodiment. In FIGS. 13 and 14, components common to those described in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 12, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0055] The physical quantity detection device 1C according to the present embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 is elastically pressed toward the first to third electric wires 61 to 63.

[0056] In this embodiment, an elastic portion 211 is provided on the outer wall 21 of the first retainer 2C to press the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 against the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. Similar to the second embodiment, the elastic portion 211 is a tongue-shaped portion where a part of the outer wall 21 protrudes toward the holding space 50. The side surface 42b of the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4, which is opposite to the contact surface 42a against which the elastic portion 211 abuts, is in contact with the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. This makes it easier for the heat of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 to be transmitted to the case member 42.

[0057] According to this fourth embodiment, compared with the third embodiment, the heat of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 is more easily transmitted to the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the temperatures of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 can be further enhanced.

[0058] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, the physical quantity detection device 1D according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 19.

[0059] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the physical quantity detection device 1D according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 16 and 17 are exploded perspective views of the physical quantity detection device 1D. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 and the spacer 7D disposed between the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the physical quantity detection device. In FIGS. 15 to 19, the components common to those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those given in FIGS. 1 to 7, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0060] The physical quantity detection device 1D includes a first retainer 8 and a second retainer 3D that are arranged with the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 interposed therebetween, a lid member 9 that is locked to the first retainer 8, and a temperature sensor 4. Spacers 7D are respectively arranged between the first electric wire 61 and the second electric wire 62, and between the second electric wire 62 and the third electric wire 63. The first retainer 8, the lid member 9, the second retainer 3D, and the spacer 7D are made of injection-molded resin.

[0061] The second retainer 3D has a first contact surface 33a that contacts the first retainer 8 on one side in the arrangement direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63, and a second contact surface 33b that contacts the first retainer 8 on the other side in the arrangement direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. The first contact surface 33a is formed with first to fourth fitting holes 331 to 334, and the second contact surface 33b is formed with fifth to eighth fitting holes 335 to 338.

[0062] Concave surfaces 340a, 340b, 340c that are recessed along the outer peripheral surfaces of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 are formed on the opposing surface 34a of the second retainer 3D with respect to the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. Between the concave surface 340a corresponding to the first electric wire 61 and the concave surface 340b corresponding to the second electric wire 62, and between the concave surface 340b corresponding to the second electric wire 62 and the concave surface 340c corresponding to the third electric wire 63, first and second engaging grooves 341, 342 that engage with respective second connecting portions 77 (described later) of the pair of spacers 7D are formed.

[0063] The spacer 7D integrally includes first to third wire support portions 73 to 75 each formed with a semi-circular cross-sectional concave groove 70 for accommodating any one of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63, and first and second connecting portions 76 and 77 in the form of plates for connecting the first to third wire support portions 73 to 75 in the longitudinal direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. The first wire support portion 73 is provided with first and second anchor portions 731 and 732, the second wire support portion 74 is provided with a third anchor portion 741, and the third wire support portion 75 is provided with fourth to sixth anchor portions 751 to 753. The first to sixth anchor portions 731, 732, 741, 751, 752, and 753 are protrusions provided to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction and the longitudinal direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63.

[0064] A pair of spacers 7D and the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 are fixed to each other by first and second fixing members 78 and 79. The first fixing member 78 is provided between the first anchor portion 731 and the second anchor portion 732, and surrounds the first wire support portion 73 of the pair of spacers 7D together with the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. The second fixing member 79 is provided between the fifth anchor portion 752 and the sixth anchor portion 753, and surrounds the third wire support portion 75 of the pair of spacers 7D together with the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. The first and second fixing members 78 and 79 are, for example, molded materials formed by molding, but each of the first and second fixing members 78 and 79 may be configured by a combination of a plurality of resin members.

[0065] In the first retainer 8, a holding space 80 for holding the temperature sensor 4 is formed. The holding space 80 has an opening 800 that opens toward the side opposite to the first to third electric wires 61 to 63, and this opening 800 is closed by the lid member 9. The first retainer 8 includes an intervening wall portion 81 interposed between the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 and the temperature sensor 4, first and second side wall portions 82 and 83 provided on both sides of the intervening wall portion 81 in the arrangement direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63, first and second protruding wall portions 84 and 85 facing each other with the holding space 80 therebetween, and a bottom wall portion 86 provided between the first and second protruding wall portions 84 and 85, which are integrally formed.

[0066] The first and second protruding wall portions 84 and 85 are provided to protrude from both end portions of the intervening wall portion 81 in the arrangement direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction and the longitudinal direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. As the resin material of the first retainer 8, in order to improve the temperature detection accuracy, it is preferably a material with high thermal conductivity having a thermal conductivity of 1 W / m·K or more, and more preferably a material with a thermal conductivity of 3 W / m·K or more.

[0067] Further, the first retainer 8 has a first contact surface 8a that contacts the first contact surface 33a of the second retainer 3D and a second contact surface 8b that contacts the second contact surface 33b of the second retainer 3D. The first and second contact surfaces 8a and 8b are provided with first to eighth fitting protrusions 871 to 878 that are respectively fitted into the first to eighth fitting holes 331 to 338 of the second retainer 3D. The first retainer 8 and the second retainer 3D are fixed to the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 by fitting the first to eighth fitting protrusions 871 to 878 into the first to eighth fitting holes 331 to 338 of the second retainer 3D and locking them to each other.

[0068] Note that, as the locking structure between the first retainer 8 and the second retainer 3D, a structure in which a plurality of fitting protrusions of the second retainer 3D are fitted into a plurality of fitting holes formed in the first retainer 8 may be used, or a snap-fit structure may also be used.

[0069] On the opposing surfaces 81a of the intervening wall portion 81 facing the first to third electric wires 61 to 63, concave surfaces 810a, 810b, 810c that are recessed along the outer peripheral surfaces of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 are formed. Between the concave surface 810a corresponding to the first electric wire 61 and the concave surface 810b corresponding to the second electric wire 62, and between the concave surface 810b corresponding to the second electric wire 62 and the concave surface 810c corresponding to the third electric wire 63, first and second engaging grooves 811, 812 that engage with the respective second connecting portions 77 of the pair of spacers 7D are formed.

[0070] The lid member 9 integrally has a closing wall 91 that closes the opening 800 of the holding space 80 of the first retainer 8, first to fourth arms 92 to 95 that face the first and second protruding wall portions 84, 85 of the first retainer 8, and first to fourth engaging protrusions 96 to 99 provided at the respective tip portions of the first to fourth arms 92 to 95. The first to fourth arms 92 to 95 are disposed between the first and second protruding wall portions 84, 85 and the temperature sensor 4. More specifically, the first and third arms 92, 94 are disposed between the first protruding wall portion 84 and the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4, and the second and fourth arms 93, 95 are disposed between the second protruding wall portion 85 and the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4.

[0071] The lid member 9 is attached to the first retainer 8 by the first and third engaging protrusions 96, 98 engaging with the engaging recesses 841, 842 formed in the first protruding wall portion 84 and the second and fourth engaging protrusions 97, 99 engaging with the engaging recesses 851, 852 formed in the second protruding wall portion 85.

[0072] On the closing wall 91 of the lid member 9, an elastic portion 911 is provided that presses the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 toward the intervening wall portion 81. The elastic portion 911 is a tongue-shaped portion where a part of the closing wall 91 protrudes toward the holding space 80 side. As shown in FIG. 19, the side surface 42b of the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4, which is opposite to the contact surface 42a against which the elastic portion 911 abuts, is in contact with the intervening wall portion 81 without a gap. Thereby, the heat of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 is easily transmitted from the intervening wall portion 81 to the case member 42.

[0073] Also, on the closing wall 91 of the lid member 9, a locking projection 912 is provided that locks the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 to prevent the main body portion 40 of the temperature sensor 4 from coming out of the holding space 80 along the arrangement direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. The locking projection 912 faces the pair of signal lines 441 and 442 and is provided so as to protrude toward the intervening wall portion 81 of the first retainer 8. The temperature sensor 4 is prevented from coming out of the holding space 80 of the first retainer 8 by the lid member 9 and is fixed to the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 by the first retainer 8 and the second retainer 3D.

[0074] Also by this fifth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and since the heat of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 is easily transmitted to the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4, the detection accuracy of the temperatures of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 can be improved.

[0075] (Summary of the Embodiment) Next, the technical idea grasped from the embodiments described above will be described by referring to the reference numerals and the like in the embodiments. However, each reference numeral in the following description is not limited to the members and the like that specifically show the components in the claims in the embodiments.

[0076] [1] A physical quantity detection device (1, 1A to 1D) including first and second retainers (2, 2A, 2B, 2D, 3, 3D) arranged with electric wires (61 to 63) therebetween, and a physical quantity sensor (temperature sensor 4) fixed to the electric wires (61 to 63) by the first and second retainers (2, 2A, 2B, 2D, 3, 3D), wherein the physical quantity sensor (4) detects a physical quantity of the electric wires (61 to 63), and the first and second retainers (2, 2A, 2B, 2D, 3, 3D) are locked to each other to be fixed to the electric wires (61 to 63).

[0077] [2] The physical quantity detection device (1, 1A to 1C) according to [1] above, wherein the physical quantity sensor (4) is arranged between the first retainer (2, 2A, 2B) and the electric wires (61 to 63).

[0078] [3] The physical quantity detection device (1, 1A to 1C) according to [1] above, wherein a plurality of the electric wires (61 to 63) arranged in parallel are arranged between the first and second retainers (2, 3) via spacers (71, 72), and at least one of the first and second retainers (2, 3) engages with the spacers (71, 72).

[0079] [4] The physical quantity detection device (1, 1A to 1C) according to [1] or [2] above, wherein one of the first and second retainers (2, 3), i.e., the first retainer (2), has a plurality of arms (241 to 244) extending toward the other retainer (3), and the tip portions of the plurality of arms (241 to 244) are engaged with the other retainer (3).

[0080] [5] The physical quantity detection device (1, 1A) according to any one of [1] to [3] above, further including a sensor holder (5) in which a holding space (50) for holding the physical quantity sensor (4) is formed, and the sensor holder (5) is arranged between the first retainer (2) and the electric wires (61 to 63).

[0081] [6] The sensor holder (5) has an opening (502) through which the holding space (50) opens toward the first retainer (2), and the opening (502) is blocked by the first retainer (2). The physical quantity detection device (1, 1A) according to [4] above.

[0082] [7] On the facing surface (53a) of the sensor holder (5) with respect to the electric wires (61 to 63), concave surfaces (53b, 53c, 53d) are formed so as to follow the outer peripheral surfaces of the electric wires (61 to 63). The physical quantity detection device (1, 1A) according to [4] or [5] above.

[0083] [8] The physical quantity sensor (4) has a detection unit (thermistor 41) that converts the physical quantity into an electric signal, signal lines (451, 452) that transmit the electric signal, and a case member (42) that houses the detection unit (41). The sensor holder (5) is provided with a lead-out window (501) for leading out the signal lines (451, 452) from the holding space (50), and locking protrusions (51, 52) for preventing the case member (42) from coming out of the lead-out window (501). The physical quantity detection device (1, 1A) according to any one of [4] to [6] above.

[0084] [9] The case member (42) is elastically pressed toward the inner surface (53b) on the side of the electric wires (61 to 63) in the holding space (50). The physical quantity detection device (1A) according to [7] above.

[0085]

[10] A holding space (20) for holding the physical quantity sensor (4) is formed in the first retainer (2), and the holding space (20) opens toward the electric wires (61 to 63). The physical quantity detection device (1B, 1C) according to any one of [1] to [3] above.

[0086]

[11] The physical quantity sensor (4) has a detection unit (41) that converts the physical quantity into an electrical signal, signal lines (451, 452) that transmit the electrical signal, and a case member (42) that houses the detection unit (41). The first retainer (2) is provided with a lead-out window (201) for leading out the signal lines (451, 452) from the holding space (20), and locking protrusions (26, 27) for preventing the case member (20) from coming out of the lead-out window (201). The physical quantity detection device (1B, 1C) according to [9] above.

[0087]

[12] The physical quantity detection device (1C) according to

[10] above, wherein the case member (42) is elastically pressed toward the electric wires (61 to 63).

[0088]

[13] The physical quantity detection device (1D) according to [1] above, wherein a holding space (80) for holding the physical quantity sensor (4) is formed in the first retainer (8).

[0089]

[14] The holding space (80) has an opening (800) that opens toward the side opposite to the electric wires (61 to 63), and the opening (800) is closed by a lid member (9) attached to the first retainer (8). The physical quantity detection device (1D) according to

[13] above.

[0090]

[15] The first retainer (8) has an intervening wall portion (81) intervening between the electric wires (61 to 63) and the physical quantity sensor (4), and concave surfaces (810a, 810b, 810c) that are recessed along the outer peripheral surfaces of the electric wires (61 to 63) are formed on the opposing surface (81a) of the intervening wall portion (81) with respect to the electric wires (61 to 63). The physical quantity detection device (1D) according to

[14] above.

[0091]

[16] The lid member (9) is provided with an elastic portion (911) that presses the physical quantity sensor (4) toward the intervening wall portion (81). The physical quantity detection device (1D) according to

[15] above.

[0092] The first to fourth embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the embodiments described above do not limit the invention according to the claims. It should also be noted that not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are essential means for solving the problems of the invention.

[0093] In addition, the present invention can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from its gist. For example, in the second and fourth embodiments, the case where the elastic portion 211 is provided on the outer wall 21 of the first retainer 2 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the elastic portion may be formed of an elastic body such as rubber or a spring. Further, the electric wire for detecting the physical quantity is not limited to three, and may be one or two, or four or more.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0094] 1, 1A to 1D... Physical quantity detection device 2, 2A to 2C, 8... First retainer 20... Holding space 201... Lead-out window 241 to 244... Arms 3, 3D... Second retainer 4... Temperature sensor (physical quantity sensor) 41... Thermistor (detection unit) 451, 452... Signal lines 5... Sensor holder 50, 80... Holding space 501... Lead-out window 51, 52... Locking protrusions 53... Opposing wall 53a... Opposing surface 53b... Inner surface 530a, 530b, 530c... Concave surfaces 61 to 63... First to third electric wires 71... First spacer 72... Second spacer 81... Intervening wall portion 81a... Opposing surface 810a, 810b, 810c... Concave surfaces

Claims

1. A physical quantity detection device comprising first and second retainers arranged with a wire therebetween, and a physical quantity sensor fixed to the wire by the first and second retainers, the physical quantity sensor detecting a physical quantity of the wire, wherein: the first and second retainers are fixed to the wire by being locked to each other; a plurality of the wires arranged in parallel via a spacer are disposed between the first and second retainers; at least one of the first and second retainers engages with the spacer; a physical quantity detection device.

2. A physical quantity detection device comprising first and second retainers arranged with a wire therebetween, and a physical quantity sensor fixed to the wire by the first and second retainers, the physical quantity sensor detecting a physical quantity of the wire, wherein: the first and second retainers are fixed to the wire by being locked to each other; the device further comprises a sensor holder in which a holding space for holding the physical quantity sensor is formed; the sensor holder is disposed between the first retainer and the wire; the sensor holder has an opening through which the holding space opens toward the first retainer; the opening is closed by the first retainer; a physical quantity detection device.

3. A physical quantity detection device comprising first and second retainers arranged with a wire therebetween, and a physical quantity sensor fixed to the wire by the first and second retainers, the physical quantity sensor detecting a physical quantity of the wire, wherein: the first and second retainers are fixed to the wire by being locked to each other; the device further comprises a sensor holder in which a holding space for holding the physical quantity sensor is formed; the sensor holder is disposed between the first retainer and the wire; the physical quantity sensor has a detection unit that converts the physical quantity into an electrical signal, a signal line that transmits the electrical signal, and a case member that houses the detection unit; the sensor holder is provided with a lead-out window for leading out the signal line from the holding space, and a locking projection for preventing the case member from coming out of the lead-out window; a physical quantity detection device.

4. A physical quantity detection device comprising first and second retainers arranged with a wire therebetween, and a physical quantity sensor fixed to the wire by the first and second retainers, the physical quantity sensor detecting a physical quantity of the wire, wherein: the first and second retainers are fixed to the wire by being locked to each other; a holding space for holding the physical quantity sensor is formed in the first retainer; the holding space opens toward the wire; the physical quantity sensor includes a detection unit that converts the physical quantity into an electrical signal, a signal line that transmits the electrical signal, and a case member that houses the detection unit; the first retainer is provided with a lead-out window for leading out the signal line from the holding space, and a locking projection for preventing the case member from coming out of the lead-out window; Physical quantity detection device.

5. the physical quantity sensor is disposed between the first retainer and the wire; The physical quantity detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. One of the first and second retainers has a plurality of arms extending toward the other retainer, and the tip of each of the plurality of arms is engaged with the other retainer; The physical quantity detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A concave surface recessed along the outer peripheral surface of the wire is formed on the surface of the sensor holder facing the wire; The physical quantity detection device according to claim 2 or 3.

8. the case member is elastically pressed against the inner surface on the wire side in the holding space; The physical quantity detection device according to claim 3.

9. A physical quantity detection device comprising first and second retainers arranged with a wire therebetween, and a physical quantity sensor fixed to the wire by the first and second retainers, the physical quantity sensor detecting a physical quantity of the wire, wherein: the first and second retainers are fixed to the wire by being locked to each other; a holding space for holding the physical quantity sensor is formed in the first retainer; the holding space has an opening that opens toward the side opposite to the wire; the opening is closed by a lid member attached to the first retainer; Physical quantity detection device.

10. the first retainer has an intervening wall portion intervening between the wire and the physical quantity sensor; On the facing surface of the intervening wall portion with the electric wire, a concave surface that is recessed along the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire is formed. The physical quantity detection device according to claim 9.

11. The lid member is provided with an elastic portion that presses the physical quantity sensor toward the intervening wall portion. The physical quantity detection device according to claim 10.

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