Sensor component

Abstract

To provide a sensor component designed to suppress the ingress of a fluid into the inside while simplifying a shape.SOLUTION: A sensor component 1 comprises: a rod-like sensor body 2 which is press-fitted into a fitting hole 10a; detection means which is provided on a side in a press-fitting direction of the fitting hole 10a of the sensor body 2 and detects a physical quantity of a measurement object; and a pair of O-rings 4, 5 which are installed on the sensor body 2 and can be adhered to an inner surface of the fitting hole 10a. The sensor body 2 has: a primary molding part 6 which is constituted by primary molding and in which the detection means is embedded; a secondary molding part 7 which is constituted by secondary molding and is provided on a reverse side in the press-fitting direction of the fitting hole 10a of the primary molding part 6; and a boundary part 8 between the primary molding part and the secondary molding part. The primary molding part 6 has a first installation part 63 in which one O-ring 4 of the pair of O-rings is installed, and the secondary molding part 7 has a second installation part 74 in which the other O-ring 5 of the pair of O-rings is installed, with the second installation part, the boundary part, and the first installation part being provided in this order in the press-fitting direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor component.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a sensor component for measuring the temperature of a device housing as a measurement target is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The sensor component described in Patent Document 1 is assembled into a mounting hole provided in a device housing to measure the temperature of the measurement target. The sensor component includes a temperature measurement unit, a rod-shaped primary molded part in which a part of the temperature measurement unit is embedded, a secondary molded part covering the primary molded part, and a metal cap that is bent and crimped at the tip of the primary molded part. The temperature measurement unit includes a pair of lead wires and a temperature detection element that is electrically connected between the pair of lead wires to detect the temperature of the measurement target. The temperature detection element is provided so as to be exposed from the tip of the primary molded part and is covered with a metal cap so as to sense the temperature of the fluid as the measurement target.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in order to prevent the intrusion of fluid between (inside) the primary molded part and the secondary molded part, the sensor component described in Patent Document 1 is formed with protrusions or fine irregularities on the outer surface of the primary molded part and covered with the secondary molded part. Therefore, the shape of the primary molded part becomes complicated, and the resin amount of the primary molded part may increase.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a sensor component that suppresses the intrusion of fluid into the inside while simplifying the shape.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is a sensor component that is press-fitted into a mounting hole provided in a housing to detect a physical quantity of a measurement object, and includes a rod-shaped sensor body that is press-fitted into the mounting hole, a detection means provided on a side of the sensor body in a press-fitting direction of the mounting hole to detect the physical quantity of the measurement object, and a pair of O-rings installed on the sensor body and capable of being in close contact with an inner surface of the mounting hole. The sensor body is formed by two-color molding, and the sensor body includes a primary molding part formed by primary molding and embedding the detection means, a secondary molding part formed by secondary molding and provided on a side opposite to the press-fitting direction of the mounting hole of the primary molding part, and a boundary part between the primary molding part and the secondary molding part. The primary molding part has a first installation part where one of the pair of O-rings is installed, the secondary molding part has a second installation part where the other of the pair of O-rings is installed, and the second installation part, the boundary part, and the first installation part are arranged in this order in the press-fitting direction. The sensor component is characterized by this.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the invention described in claim 1, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of fluid into the interior while simplifying the shape.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a sensor component 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the sensor component 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a state where the sensor component 1 is press-fitted into the mounting hole 10a of the housing 10.

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the sensor component 1 of the present embodiment is press-fitted into a mounting hole 10a provided in a housing 10 (shown in FIG. 3) and is used to measure the temperature (physical quantity) of cooling water W (measurement target, shown in FIG. 3) provided inside the housing 10.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sensor component 1 includes a sensor main body 2 press-fitted into the mounting hole 10a, and a temperature measurement unit 3 (shown in FIG. 2) that is embedded in the sensor main body 2 and includes a detection element 31 (detection means, shown in FIG. 2) for detecting the temperature of the measurement target, and a pair of O-rings 4 and 5 installed on the sensor main body 2. Hereinafter, one of the pair of O-rings 4 and 5 may be referred to as the "first O-ring 4", and the other may be referred to as the "second O-ring 5".

[0012] Hereinafter, the direction in which the mounting hole 10a of the housing 10 penetrates may be referred to as the "vertical direction Z", the press-fitting direction of the sensor component 1 with respect to the mounting hole 10a may be referred to as the "downward Z1", and the direction opposite thereto may be referred to as the "upward Z2".

[0013] The sensor main body 2 is formed by two-color molding, and the temperature measurement unit 3 described later is embedded by insert molding. The sensor main body 2 includes a primary molded part 6 formed by primary molding, a secondary molded part 7 formed by secondary molding, and a boundary part 8 (hereinafter may be referred to as the boundary part 8) between the primary molded part 6 and the secondary molded part 7. The primary molded part 6 and the secondary molded part 7 are provided coaxially.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the one-time molding part 6 includes a columnar detection part 61 formed by embedding a part of the temperature measurement part 3 including the detection element 31 (shown in FIG. 2), and a first mounting part 62 including a first installation part 63 that is continuous above the detection part 61 in the Z1 direction and on which the first O-ring 4 is mounted.

[0015] The detection part 61 is formed by embedding a part of the temperature measurement part 3 including the detection element 31, and is configured as a solid columnar shape with its axis extending in the vertical direction Z.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the first mounting part 62 is provided coaxially with the detection part 61 and is configured as a columnar shape with a larger diameter than the detection part 61. A first installation part 63 on which the first O-ring 4 described later can be installed is provided on the first mounting part 62. As shown in FIG. 2, the first installation part 63 is provided at a position recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the first mounting part 62 toward the central axis side, and includes a first bottom surface 63A that is continuous around the axis of the first mounting part 62, and a pair of first side surfaces 63B, 63B that rise from both ends of the first bottom surface 63A in the Z direction. It is configured in a concave groove shape with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the first mounting part 62. In a state where the first O-ring 4 is installed in the first installation part 63, the pair of first side surfaces 63B, 63B are configured to restrict the displacement of the first O-ring 4 in the Z direction.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the secondary molding part 7 includes a secondary molding part main body 71, a second mounting part 72 that is continuous below the secondary molding part main body 71 in the Z2 direction and on which the second O-ring 5 is mounted, and a connector part 73 that is continuous above the secondary molding part main body 71 and can be connected to an external device (not shown).

[0018] The secondary molding part main body 71 is provided coaxially with the one-time molding part 6 and is configured as a columnar cylindrical part 711 having a dimension larger than the diameter dimension of the second mounting part 72 described later, a flange-like part 712 provided at the upper end of the cylindrical part 711 and protruding in the thickness direction, and a pair of protruding parts 713, 713 provided at the upper end of the cylindrical part 711 and protruding away from each other from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical part 711.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the second mounting portion 72 is provided coaxially with the secondary molding portion main body 71 and the first mounting portion 62, and is configured in a columnar shape with substantially the same diameter dimension as the first mounting portion 62. A second installation portion 74 on which a second O-ring 5 to be described later can be installed is provided on the second mounting portion 72. As shown in FIG. 2, the second installation portion 74 is provided at a position recessed toward the central axis from the outer peripheral surface of the second mounting portion 72, and includes a second bottom surface 74A continuous around the axis of the second mounting portion 72, and a pair of second side surfaces 74B, 74B rising from both end portions in the vertical direction Z of the second bottom surface 74A, and is configured in a concave groove shape with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the second mounting portion 72. In a state where the second O-ring 5 is installed in the second installation portion 74, displacement of the second O-ring 5 in the vertical direction Z is regulated by the pair of second side surfaces 74B, 74B.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the connector portion 73 is provided coaxially with the secondary molding portion main body 71, and includes a cylindrical connector portion main body 731 having the vertical direction Z as an axis, and a pair of conductor portions 32, 32 that constitute a temperature measurement portion 3 to be described later, and a pair of external connection portions 732, 732 that are exposed and provided inside the connector portion main body 731. The connector portion 73 is configured to be connected to an external device (not shown) and transmit the temperature of the measurement target.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the boundary portion 8 includes a flat circular first upper surface 81 (interface) of the first mounting portion 62 in the primary molding portion 6, a convex portion 82 provided at the center of the first upper surface 81 and protruding from the center portion, a flat circular second lower surface 83 (interface) of the second mounting portion 72 in the secondary molding portion 7, and a concave portion 84 provided at the center of the second lower surface 83 and recessed from the center portion to fit into the convex portion 82.

[0022] The first upper surface 81 is formed in a circular shape by a flat surface orthogonal to the axis of the primary molding portion 6. The second lower surface 83 is formed in a circular shape by a flat surface orthogonal to the axis of the secondary molding portion 7. These first upper surface 81 and second lower surface 83 are configured to face each other and have a minute gap S in the state where the sensor component 1 is completed.

[0023] Here, in a general resin molded product manufactured by two-color molding, the gap between the primary molding portion and the secondary molding portion may be sealed using, for example, a potting agent or the like. However, in the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the gap S between the first upper surface 81 and the second lower surface 83 is not sealed using a potting agent or the like. As a result, a minute gap S is formed between the first upper surface 81 and the second lower surface 83 in the state where the sensor component 1 is completed. In the present embodiment, by having the minute gap S between the first upper surface 81 and the second lower surface 83, heat transfer between the primary molding portion 6 and the secondary molding portion 7 is blocked, and heat dissipation from the primary molding portion 6 to the secondary molding portion 7 is suppressed.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature measurement unit 3 includes a detection element 31 that detects the temperature of the measurement target, and a pair of conductor portions 32, 32 connected to both ends of the detection element 31. A part of each of the pair of conductor portions 32, 32 is embedded in the secondary molding portion main body 71 and the second mounting portion 72 in the primary molding portion 6 and the secondary molding portion 7, and the other part, the external connection portion 732, is provided to be exposed inside the connector portion 73.

[0025] The first O-ring 4 is made of a material having water resistance. The first O-ring 4 is formed in a ring shape and is configured to be installable in the first installation portion 63. Further, in the state where the first O-ring 4 is installed in the first installation portion 63, the outer peripheral surface of the first O-ring 4 is provided on the side away from the central axis with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the first mounting portion 62, and in the state where the sensor component 1 is press-fitted into the mounting hole 10a, the outer peripheral surface of the first O-ring 4 is configured to elastically contact the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 10a.

[0026] The second O-ring 5 is made of an oil-resistant material. The second O-ring 5 is configured in a ring shape and can be installed in the second installation portion 74. Further, in a state where the second O-ring 5 is installed in the second installation portion 74, the outer peripheral surface of the second O-ring 5 is provided on the side away from the central axis with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the second mounting portion 72, and in a state where the sensor component 1 is press-fitted into the mounting hole 10a, the outer peripheral surface of the second O-ring 5 is configured to elastically contact the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 10a.

[0027] When manufacturing such a sensor component 1, with the detection element 31 electrically connected between the pair of conductor portions 32, 32, the detection element 31 and the pair of conductor portions 32, 32 are installed at a predetermined position in a mold (not shown). In this state, molten resin is injected into the mold (the molten resin is injected once). As the injection progresses, the primary injection of the molten resin into the mold is completed. After that, the molten resin is cured in the mold. Thereby, the primary molding portion 6 in which a part of the detection element 31 and the pair of conductor portions 32, 32 are embedded is molded.

[0028] After that, molten resin is injected into the mold (the molten resin is injected twice). As the secondary injection progresses, the secondary injection of the molten resin into the mold is completed. After that, the molten resin is cured in the mold. Thereby, the secondary molding portion 7 is molded overlapping the primary molding portion 6. At this time, the first upper surface 81 in the primary molding portion 6 and the second lower surface 83 in the secondary molding portion 7 face each other, and a minute gap S is formed between the first upper surface 81 and the second lower surface 83.

[0029] After that, the first O-ring 4 is installed in the first installation portion 63 provided in the primary molding portion 6, and the second O-ring 5 is installed in the second installation portion 74 provided in the secondary molding portion 7. In this way, the sensor component 1 is completed. In a state where the sensor component 1 is completed, a minute gap S is formed between the first upper surface 81 and the second lower surface 83 at the boundary portion 8 between the primary molding portion 6 and the secondary molding portion 7. That is, in the present embodiment, the finished product is obtained without sealing the minute gap S between the first upper surface 81 and the second lower surface 83.

[0030] Next, when assembling the completed sensor component 1 into the mounting hole 10a of the housing 10, the tip of the sensor component 1 is brought close to and inserted (press-fitted) into the upper end of the mounting hole 10a. As the insertion progresses, the sensor component 1 reaches a predetermined position in the mounting hole 10a. At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the first O-ring 4 is elastically in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 10a, and the outer peripheral surface of the second O-ring 5 is elastically in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 10a. In this state, in the press-fitting direction of the sensor component 1, the second O-ring 5, the boundary portion 8 between the primary molding portion 6 and the secondary molding portion 7, and the first O-ring 4 are arranged in this order. In this way, the assembly of the sensor component 1 into the mounting hole 10a of the housing 10 is completed.

[0031] According to the above-described embodiment, the sensor component 1 includes a sensor body 2, a detection element 31 (detection means), and a pair of O-rings 4 and 5. The sensor body 2 is composed of primary molding and embeds the detection element 31 (detection means). The primary molding portion 6, the secondary molding portion 7 formed by secondary molding and provided on the opposite side of the mounting hole 10a of the primary molding portion 6 in the press-fitting direction, and the boundary portion 8 between the primary molding portion 6 and the secondary molding portion 7. The primary molding portion 6 has a first installation portion 63 where the first O-ring 4 (one of the pair of O-rings 4 and 5) is installed. The secondary molding portion 7 has a second installation portion 74 where the second O-ring 5 (the other of the pair of O-rings 4 and 5) is installed. In the press-fitting direction, the second installation portion 74, the boundary portion 8, and the first installation portion 63 are arranged in this order. According to this, in the state where the sensor component 1 is press-fitted into the mounting hole 10a, the boundary portion 8 between the primary molding portion 6 and the secondary molding portion 7 is sealed by the first O-ring 4 and the second O-ring 5, and it is possible to suppress the intrusion of water (fluid) into the boundary portion 8. That is, while achieving a simple structure, that is, simplification of the shape, by providing the installation portions 63 and 74 for installing the O-rings 4 and 5 in the primary molding portion 6 and the secondary molding portion 7 respectively, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of water into the boundary portion 8.

[0032] Further, the boundary portion 8 is configured to include the first upper surface 81 (interface) of the primary molding portion 6 and the second lower surface 83 (interface) of the secondary molding portion 7 that are provided opposite to each other, and a minute gap S provided between the first upper surface 81 and the second lower surface 83. By having such a gap S, heat transfer between the first molded product and the second molded product is blocked, and it is possible to suppress deterioration of responsiveness due to heat dissipation from the first molded product to the second molded product.

[0033] Further, the first installation portion 63 is configured in a concave groove shape with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the primary molding portion 6, and the second installation portion 74 is configured in a concave groove shape with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the secondary molding portion 7. According to this, in a state where the first O-ring 4 is installed in the first installation portion 63, the movement of the first O-ring 4 in the vertical direction Z is restricted, and in a state where the second O-ring 5 is installed in the second installation portion 74, the movement of the second O-ring 5 in the vertical direction Z is restricted, and further, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of water (fluid) into the boundary portion 8 (inside).

[0034] Also, when water to be measured is accommodated on the press-fitting direction side of the mounting hole 10a and oil is accommodated on the side opposite to the press-fitting direction of the mounting hole 10a, one of the pair of O-rings 4 and 5 is made of a material having water resistance, and the other of the pair of O-rings 4 and 5 is made of a material having oil resistance. In this way, the material of the O-ring and, for example, the diameter of the O-ring can be freely selected on each of the primary molding portion 6 side and the secondary molding portion 7 side, and a sensor design according to the external environment can be performed. According to this, it is possible to provide a sensor structure suitable for the application.

[0035] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, includes other configurations and the like that can achieve the object of the present invention, and the following modification examples are also included in the present invention.

[0036] In the above-described embodiment, it is configured to have a minute gap S between the first upper surface 81 and the second lower surface 83 without using a potting agent or the like, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, sensor components configured without using a potting agent or the like are included in the scope of rights. For example, regarding the gap S formed without using a potting agent or the like, even if it is a minute gap S, or even if the first upper surface 81 and the second lower surface 83 are slightly separated to have an air layer, it is included in the scope of rights of the present invention.

[0037] In addition, the best configuration, method, etc. for implementing the present invention are disclosed in the above description, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the present invention is mainly illustrated and described with respect to specific embodiments, but without departing from the scope of the technical idea and purpose of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the above-described embodiments in terms of shape, material, quantity, and other detailed configurations. Therefore, the descriptions limiting the shape, material, etc. disclosed above are exemplified for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. Thus, the descriptions using the names of members with some or all of the limitations on those shapes, materials, etc. removed are included in the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0038] 1 Sensor component 2 Sensor body 31 Detection element (detection means) 4 First O-ring (one of a pair of O-rings) 5 Second O-ring (the other of a pair of O-rings) 6 Primary molding part 63 First installation part 7 Secondary molding part 74 Second installation part 8 Boundary part 81 First upper surface (interface) 83 Second lower surface (interface) S Gap 10 Housing 10a Mounting hole W Cooling water (object to be measured)

Claims

1. A sensor component that is press-fitted into a mounting hole provided in a housing to detect a physical quantity of a measurement object, a rod-shaped sensor body press-fitted into the mounting hole, detection means provided on the side of the sensor body in the press-fitting direction of the mounting hole to detect the physical quantity of the measurement object, and a pair of O-rings installed on the sensor body and capable of adhering to the inner surface of the mounting hole. The sensor component is characterized in that, the sensor body is formed by two-color molding, the sensor body includes a primary molding part formed by primary molding and embedding the detection means, a secondary molding part formed by secondary molding and provided on the side opposite to the press-fitting direction of the mounting hole of the primary molding part, and a boundary part between the primary molding part and the secondary molding part, the primary molding part has a first installation part where one of the pair of O-rings is installed, the secondary molding part has a second installation part where the other of the pair of O-rings is installed, and in the press-fitting direction, the second installation part, the boundary part, and the first installation part are arranged in this order.

2. The sensor component according to claim 1, wherein the boundary part is configured to have each interface of the primary molding part and the secondary molding part provided opposite to each other and a minute gap provided between the interfaces.

3. The first installation part is configured in a concave groove shape with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the primary molding part, and the second installation part is configured in a concave groove shape with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the secondary molding part. The sensor component according to claim 1 or 2 is characterized in that.

4. When water as a measurement object is accommodated on the press-fitting direction side in the mounting hole and oil is accommodated on the side opposite to the press-fitting direction in the mounting hole, one of the pair of O-rings is made of a material having water resistance, and the other of the pair of O-rings is made of a material having oil resistance. The sensor component according to claim 1 or 2 is characterized in that.

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