Linear sensor

Abstract

This disclosure addresses the problem of providing a linear sensor resistant to deformation of the housing thereof even in a high-temperature environment. A linear sensor (1) is provided with a housing (10), a substrate (20), and a metal terminal (31). The substrate (20) is positioned inside the housing (10) and has a sensor unit (21). The metal terminal (31) is electrically connected to the substrate (20). The housing (10) includes an outer housing (11) and a cover member (12). The outer housing (11) has a first recess (110) that opens upward. The cover member (12) has a second recess (120) that opens upward, is disposed inside the first recess (110), and is fixed to the outer housing (11) so as to form a space (100) between the outer housing (11) and the cover member (12). The substrate (20) is positioned between a bottom part (112) of the outer housing (11) and a bottom part (122) of the cover member (12).

Description

Linear Sensor

[0001] The present disclosure relates to linear sensors, and more particularly to linear sensors that include a substrate located inside a housing.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a rotation angle detection device that includes a substrate on which an angle detection unit is mounted, a case, and a cover member.

[0003] The case has a case base and a case protrusion. The case protrusion protrudes from the case base in the axial direction. The case protrusion includes a case protrusion end face. The case protrusion end face is the end face of the case protrusion opposite the case base. In the rotation angle detection device, a space for a board is formed, partitioned by the case base and the case protrusion. Furthermore, in the rotation angle detection device, a board opening is formed in the space above the case protrusion end face of the case protrusion, which opens toward the axial direction and communicates with the space for a board. The board is inserted into the space for a board through this board opening.

[0004] The cover member is connected to the protruding end surface of the case, and the connecting surface of the cover member and the protruding end surface of the case are welded together using a laser or the like, or are bonded together using an adhesive or the like.

[0005] When a sensor device such as the rotation angle detection device of Patent Document 1 is placed in a high-temperature environment, gas inside the housing (case and lid member) expands, which can cause the housing to deform.

[0006] JP 2023-22767 A

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a linear sensor whose housing is less likely to deform even when placed in a high-temperature environment.

[0008] A linear sensor according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing, a substrate, and a metal terminal. The substrate is located inside the housing and has a sensor portion. The metal terminal is electrically connected to the substrate. The housing includes an outer housing and a cover member. The outer housing has a first recess that opens upward. The cover member has a second recess that opens upward, is disposed inside the first recess, and is fixed to the outer housing so as to form a space between the outer housing and the cover member. The substrate is located between the bottom of the outer housing and the bottom of the cover member.

[0009] A linear sensor according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing, a substrate, a metal terminal, and a connecting member. The substrate is located inside the housing. The metal terminal is electrically connected to the substrate. The connecting member is cylindrical and connected to the housing. The housing includes an outer housing and a cover member. The outer housing has a first recess that opens upward. The cover member covers the first recess and is fixed to the outer housing. The substrate is located between the bottom of the outer housing and the bottom of the cover member. A side wall of the outer housing has a through hole that connects the interior of the housing to the interior of the connecting member.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a linear sensor of an embodiment as seen from above. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the linear sensor as seen from below. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the linear sensor as seen from above. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 6. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a side view of the linear sensor as seen from above. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a main part A1 in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a linear sensor of modified example 1 as seen from above. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the linear sensor as seen from above. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the linear sensor as seen from above. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a side view of a linear sensor of modified example 2.

[0011] Linear sensors according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments are merely a portion of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The following embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, each diagram described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the diagrams do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0012] (1) Embodiment A linear sensor 1 (sensor device) according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the linear sensor 1 as seen from above. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the linear sensor 1 as seen from below. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the linear sensor 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the linear sensor 1 taken at a position passing through the center of the middle terminal member 30 (first terminal member 301) of the three terminal members 30. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the linear sensor 1 taken at a position where the through-hole 19 is visible. FIG. 6 is a side view of the linear sensor 1 taken from the direction where the through-hole 19 is visible (right side). FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a main portion A1 of FIG. 5.

[0013] The linear sensor 1 is mounted on, for example, a vehicle equipped with an engine and a motor. The vehicle may be, for example, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or an EV. The linear sensor 1 is used, for example, to detect the gear position in an EV transmission from the movement (position) of a shift fork. The linear sensor 1 is, for example, an inductive sensor.

[0014] For convenience, the following description will define three axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) of a right-handed three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system for the linear sensor 1 as follows. Specifically, the direction along the axis of the cylindrical housing 10 provided in the linear sensor 1 is referred to as the Z-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction, in which the connecting member 13 connected to the housing 10 extends, is referred to as the X-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is referred to as the Y-axis direction. For convenience, the Z-axis direction is referred to as the up-down direction, and the side of the housing 10 where the cover member 12 is located relative to the outer housing 11 (the positive direction of the Z-axis) is referred to as "up," and the opposite side is referred to as "down." The X-axis direction is referred to as the left-right direction, and the positive direction of the X-axis is referred to as "right," and the opposite side is referred to as "left." The Y-axis direction is referred to as the front-rear direction, and the positive direction of the Y-axis is referred to as "front," and the opposite side is referred to as "rear." However, the definitions of axes and directions in this disclosure merely indicate the relative positional relationships between the components of the linear sensor 1, and do not limit the orientation of the linear sensor 1 when in use, etc.

[0015] 1 to 3, the linear sensor 1 includes a housing 10. The housing 10 includes an outer housing 11 and a cover member 12.

[0016] The outer housing 11 is made of, for example, resin. As shown in Fig. 3, the outer housing 11 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, more specifically, a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom. The outer housing 11 has a side wall 111 and a bottom 112 that are integral with each other.

[0017] The side wall 111 of the outer housing 11 is cylindrical. More specifically, a part (the right part) of the side wall 111 is cylindrical and has a flat plate shape.

[0018] A recessed groove 113 is formed in the lower portion of the outer surface of the side wall 111 along the circumferential direction of the side wall 111. In addition, a plurality of (for example, three) protruding ribs 114 are formed on the inner surface of the side wall 111 to facilitate insertion of the board 20 into the outer housing 11. The three protruding ribs 114 are arranged with two on the left side and one on the right side (asymmetrical).

[0019] The bottom 112 of the outer housing 11 is plate-shaped and is connected to the lower end of the side wall 111, closing the lower opening of the side wall 111.

[0020] 3, the outer housing 11 has a first recess 110 that opens upward. The first recess 110 is formed by being surrounded by the inner surface of a side wall 111 and the upper surface of a bottom portion 112.

[0021] The cover member 12 is made of, for example, resin. As shown in Fig. 3, the cover member 12 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, more specifically, a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom. The cover member 12 has a side wall 121 and a bottom 122 that are integral with each other.

[0022] The side wall 121 of the cover member 12 is cylindrical. More specifically, a portion (the right portion) of the side wall 121 is cylindrical and flat. As shown in Figures 4 and 5 , the side wall 121 is tapered, with the diameter decreasing downward (the further away from the open top surface).

[0023] A side wall 121 of the cover member 12 is formed with a plurality of (three in this example) recesses 123 recessed inward to avoid the plurality of protruding ribs 114 of the outer housing 11 .

[0024] Furthermore, the inner surface of the side wall 121 of the cover member 12 is provided with a plurality of (eight in this example) protrusions 124 that protrude toward the center of the cover member 12. This improves the strength of the cover member 12. Furthermore, when manufacturing the cover member 12 by resin molding, the area of ​​the portion that contacts the upper mold (e.g., the inner surface of the cover member 12) and the area of ​​the portion that contacts the lower mold (e.g., the outer surface of the cover member 12) can be adjusted to be different or approximately the same. This adjustment makes it easier for the upper mold and the lower mold to be released from the cover member 12 simultaneously, facilitating the manufacture of the cover member 12.

[0025] The protrusions 124 are rectangular in side view. Here, the protrusions 124 are ribbed and extend in the vertical direction. The multiple protrusions 124 are arranged at equal angular intervals on the inner surface of the side wall 121, with the center of the cylindrical side wall 121 as the reference point.

[0026] The bottom 122 of the cover member 12 is plate-shaped and is connected to the lower end of the side wall 121, closing the lower opening of the side wall 121.

[0027] Furthermore, a convex portion 125 that protrudes upward (a concave portion on the underside of the bottom portion 122) is formed at the center of the upper surface of the bottom portion 122 of the cover member 12.

[0028] 1 and 3, the cover member 12 has a second recess 120 that opens upward. The second recess 120 is formed by being surrounded by the inner surface of a side wall 121 and the upper surface of a bottom portion 122.

[0029] 4 and 5, the cover member 12 is disposed inside the first recess 110 of the outer housing 11. A space 100 is formed between the cover member 12 and the outer housing 11.

[0030] The cover member 12 is fixed to the outer housing 11. The side wall 111 of the outer housing 11 is connected to (in contact with) the side wall 121 of the cover member 12. The upper end of the side wall 111 of the outer housing 11 is connected to (in contact with) the upper end of the side wall 121 of the cover member 12 around the entire circumference. The side wall 121 of the cover member 12 is fixed to the side wall 111 of the outer housing 11 by, for example, welding or fusion bonding. Here, a flange portion 126 that protrudes outward in the radial direction of the side wall 121 is provided at the upper end of the side wall 121 of the cover member 12. The flange portion 126 of the cover member 12 is then fixed to the side wall 111 of the outer housing 11 by, for example, welding or fusion bonding. Here, a first annular rib and a second annular rib that is larger in diameter than the first rib and concentric with the first rib are provided on the upper surface of the side wall 111 of the outer housing 11. The upper surface of the second rib and the lower surface of the flange portion 126 are fixed to each other by welding. Here, the upper surface of the first rib is in contact with the lower surface of the flange portion 126, but they may be separated from each other. The upper and lower surfaces of the bottom portion 122 are located lower than the upper and lower surfaces of the flange portion 126. Furthermore, the upper and lower surfaces of the bottom portion 122 are located lower than the through-hole 19.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the linear sensor 1 further includes a substrate 20 and a metal terminal 31.

[0032] The substrate 20 is located inside the housing 10. That is, the substrate 20 is disposed within the space 100 of the housing 10. The substrate 20 is located between the bottom 112 of the outer housing 11 and the bottom 122 of the cover member 12.

[0033] The substrate 20 has a sensor section 21. The sensor section 21 includes, for example, a coil patterned on the substrate 20.

[0034] In addition to the sensor unit 21, one or more electronic components 22 are mounted on the substrate 20. The electronic components 22 are, for example, an IC, a memory, a resistor, a capacitor, or the like.

[0035] The metal terminal 31 is electrically connected to the substrate 20. The metal terminal 31 is electrically connected to the sensor unit 21 and the electronic component 22 (IC) via a conductive pattern formed on the substrate 20.

[0036] In this way, in the linear sensor 1, the cover member 12 having the second recess 120 opening upward is disposed inside the first recess 110 opening upward in the outer housing 11. Therefore, the volume of the space 100 surrounded by the cover member 12 and the outer housing 11 can be made smaller than, for example, the structure of Comparative Example 1 in which a flat cover member is fixed to the upper end of the side wall of the outer housing so as to close the first recess. This makes it less likely for the housing 10 to deform even if the linear sensor 1 is placed in a high-temperature environment.

[0037] The vertical depth D2 of the second recess 120 is smaller than the vertical depth D1 of the first recess 110 (see FIG. 4 ). Furthermore, the vertical depth D2 of the second recess 120 is greater than half the vertical depth D1 of the first recess 110. In this disclosure, the "vertical depth D1 of the first recess 110" refers to the vertical distance from the upper end surface of the side wall 111 of the outer housing 11 to the upper surface of the bottom 112 of the outer housing 11 (the lowest portion of the upper surface of the bottom 112). In this disclosure, the "vertical depth D2 of the second recess 120" refers to the vertical distance from the upper end surface of the side wall 121 of the cover member 12 to the upper surface of the bottom 122 of the cover member 12 (the lowest portion of the upper surface of the bottom 122).

[0038] In the linear sensor 1, the vertical depth D2 of the second recess 120 is greater than half the vertical depth D1 of the first recess 110, which makes it possible to reduce the space 100 within the housing 10, making it even less likely for deformation of the housing 10 to occur.

[0039] Furthermore, the area of ​​the bottom surface of the second recess 120 is smaller than the area of ​​the bottom surface of the first recess 110. Furthermore, the area of ​​the bottom surface of the second recess 120 is larger than half the area of ​​the bottom surface of the first recess 110. In this disclosure, the "area of ​​the bottom surface of the first recess 110" refers to the area of ​​the upper surface of the bottom 112 of the outer housing 11 in a top view (the area of ​​the region surrounded by the outline of the bottom 112 on the projection surface when the bottom 112 is projected onto a horizontal projection surface). In this disclosure, the "area of ​​the bottom surface of the second recess 120" refers to the area of ​​the upper surface of the bottom 122 of the cover member 12 in a top view (the area of ​​the region surrounded by the outline of the bottom 122 on the projection surface when the bottom 122 is projected onto a horizontal projection surface).

[0040] The area of ​​the bottom surface of the second recess 120 is larger than the area of ​​the substrate 20 .

[0041] In the linear sensor 1, the area of ​​the bottom surface of the second recess 120 is larger than the area of ​​the substrate 20, so that the space 100 in the housing 10 is smaller, making it even more difficult for deformation of the housing 10 to occur.

[0042] 2, 4, and 5, the bottom 112 of the outer housing 11 has a third recess 115 that opens downward. The substrate 20 is disposed above the third recess 115 and on the upper surface of the bottom 112 of the outer housing 11. More specifically, the sensor unit 21 provided on the substrate 20 is located within the projection area of ​​the third recess 115 when the linear sensor 1 is viewed from above.

[0043] 4 and 5, the bottom 112 of the outer housing 11 has a thin portion 116. In the linear sensor 1, the thin portion 116 includes the bottom of the third recess 115. The thin portion 116 is thinner than the substrate 20. The thin portion 116 is also thinner than the bottom 122 of the cover member 12. The sensor unit 21 of the substrate 20 is disposed on the upper surface of the thin portion 116.

[0044] The linear sensor 1 detects the position of a detection target by detecting, for example, a change in magnetic flux caused by the detection target approaching or receding in a high-frequency magnetic field generated by the pattern coil (sensor unit 21). The detection target is located, for example, below the linear sensor 1. The detection accuracy of the linear sensor 1 depends on the gap (distance) between the sensor unit 21 and the detection target, and it is desirable to keep the gap between the sensor unit 21 and the detection target as small as possible. Therefore, in the linear sensor 1, from the viewpoint of improving the detection accuracy of the sensor unit 21, it is desirable that the portion of the housing 10 where the substrate 20 (sensor unit 21) is disposed be thin. Therefore, in the linear sensor 1 of this embodiment, the housing 10 has a thin portion 116, and the substrate 20 is disposed so that the sensor unit 21 overlaps the thin portion 116.

[0045] However, if there is a portion of the housing 10 that is thinner than other portions, deformation is particularly likely to occur in that thinner portion when the temperature of the space 100 in the housing 10 rises. In contrast, in the linear sensor 1 of this embodiment, the volume of the space 100 surrounded by the cover member 12 and the outer housing 11 is small, so deformation of the housing 10, particularly deformation of the thin-walled portion 116, can be suppressed even if the linear sensor 1 is placed in a high-temperature environment.

[0046] 3 and 5 to 7, the outer housing 11 has a through-hole 19 that communicates with the outside. The through-hole 19 penetrates a side wall 111 of the outer housing 11 in the left-right direction.

[0047] The housing 10 also has a first space 101 between the bottom 112 of the outer housing 11 and the bottom 122 of the cover member 12. The first space 101 is a part of the space 100 inside the housing 10 that is surrounded by the bottom 112 of the outer housing 11, the bottom 122 of the cover member 12, and the sidewall 111 of the outer housing 11. The board 20 is disposed in the first space 101 of the space 100 inside the housing 10.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5 , the first space 101 is connected to the through-hole 19 .

[0049] In the linear sensor 1 of this embodiment, the housing 10 further has a second space 102. The second space 102 is a space in the space 100 inside the housing 10, between the side wall 111 of the outer housing 11 and the side wall 121 of the cover member 12.

[0050] 5, the first space 101 is connected to the through-hole 19 via the second space 102. In the linear sensor 1 of this embodiment, the space 100 inside the housing 10 is connected to the outside only by the through-hole 19.

[0051] In the linear sensor 1, the outer housing 11 has the through-holes 19, so gas (air, inert gas, etc.) inside the housing 10 that has expanded due to heat can escape to the outside through the through-holes 19. This makes it difficult for the pressure in the space 100 inside the housing 10 to increase even when the linear sensor 1 is placed in a high-temperature environment. This makes it even more difficult for deformation of the housing 10, particularly deformation of the thin-walled portion 116, to occur.

[0052] Furthermore, since the first space 101 is connected to the through-hole 19 via the second space 102, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the first space 101.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the linear sensor 1 further includes a connecting member 13 and an external terminal 32.

[0054] The connecting member 13 is made of, for example, resin. The connecting member 13 is connected to the outer housing 11. The connecting member 13 extends rightward from the upper end of the flat portion of the side wall 111 of the outer housing 11. The connecting member 13 is a member for connecting the linear sensor 1 to an external device, such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of a vehicle.

[0055] The connecting member 13 is cylindrical. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the cross-sectional shape of the inner surface of the connecting member 13 is rectangular with rounded corners. The width of the cross-section of the inner surface of the connecting member 13 is constant in the extension direction (left-right direction) of the connecting member 13. In other words, the inner surface of the connecting member 13 does not have any protrusions or depressions. The connecting member 13 has an internal space (third space 103) inside.

[0056] The external terminal 32 is disposed in the internal space (third space 103) of the connection member 13. The external terminal 32 is connected to the metal terminal 31.

[0057] The external terminal 32 is a member for electrically connecting the substrate 20 via the metal terminal 31 to an external device (such as an ECU) to which the linear sensor 1 is coupled via the connecting member 13. That is, a sensor signal obtained by calculating data acquired by the sensor unit 21 of the substrate 20 is transmitted to the external device via the metal terminal 31 and the external terminal 32.

[0058] In the linear sensor 1, the external terminals 32 are integrally formed from the same material as the metal terminals 31. For example, of the metal terminal member 30 connected to the substrate 20, the portion located within the first space 101 and the portion held by the outer housing 11 (the J-shaped portion in FIG. 4 and the portion extending diagonally upward to the right from the top end of the J) are the metal terminals 31. Also, of the terminal member 30, the portion located in the internal space (third space 103) of the connecting member 13 (the portion extending in the left-right direction) is the external terminal 32.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 , in the linear sensor 1, the through hole 19 is connected to the internal space (third space 103) of the connecting member 13. This reduces the intrusion of foreign matter into the housing 10 through the through hole 19, compared to the structure of Comparative Example 2, in which the through hole is connected to the outside at a portion of the outer housing other than the portion connected to the connecting member. Furthermore, in the structure of Comparative Example 2, an external device such as a thermometer may be located beyond the through hole, but it is unlikely that such a device is located at the connection destination of the connecting member 13. Therefore, the possibility that gas released to the outside of the housing 10 through the through hole 19 will affect the external device such as a thermometer is reduced. Furthermore, by forming the through hole 19 so that the first space 101 and the internal space (third space 103) of the cylindrical connecting member 13 are connected, the linear sensor 1 can be made thinner.

[0060] In the linear sensor 1, the connecting member 13 is formed integrally with the outer housing 11. For example, the outer housing 11 and the connecting member 13 are formed integrally by resin molding. This makes it even more difficult for foreign matter to enter the interior of the housing 10 compared to when the connecting member and the outer housing are separate bodies and joined together by adhesive or the like. Furthermore, when joining the connecting member and the outer housing, it is no longer necessary to align the positions of the through holes and assemble them to prevent foreign matter from entering.

[0061] In the linear sensor 1, as shown in Fig. 7, the through hole 19 is located below the external terminal 32. This makes it easy to manufacture the outer housing 11 having the through hole 19. Also, as shown in Fig. 7, an imaginary line VL1 that passes through the opening surface 190 of the through hole 19 and extends along the extension direction of the through hole 19 intersects with the opening surface 130 of the connecting member 13. This makes it easy to manufacture the outer housing 11 having the through hole 19 that communicates with the internal space (third space 103) of the connecting member 13.

[0062] More specifically, the through holes 19 are formed by placing pin-shaped members in the portions corresponding to the through holes 19 when a component integrally including the outer housing 11 and the connecting member 13 is manufactured by resin molding, and then removing the pin-shaped members (to the right) when the component is released from the mold after resin molding. Therefore, by positioning the through holes 19 below the external terminals 32, it becomes easier to remove the pin-shaped members. Furthermore, by setting the angle of the through holes 19 so that the virtual line VL1 intersects with the opening surface 130 of the connecting member 13, it becomes even easier to remove the pin-shaped members. This facilitates the manufacture of the outer housing 11 having the through holes 19.

[0063] In one example, the angle formed by the extension direction of the through hole 19 with respect to the lower inner surface 131 of the connection member 13 is in the range of 0 degrees to 10 degrees (0 degrees in this embodiment).

[0064] In one example, if the extension dimension (left-right dimension) of the internal space (third space 103) of the connecting member 13 is L1, and the dimension in the vertical direction between the upper inner surface 132 of the connecting member 13 and the through hole 19 is L2, the angle formed by the extension direction of the through hole 19 relative to the lower inner surface 131 of the connecting member 13 is less than or equal to Arctan (L2 / L1).

[0065] Furthermore, if the horizontal distance between the tip (right end) of the external terminal 32 and the inner bottom surface 133 of the tubular connecting member 13 is L11, and the vertical dimension between the tip 321 of the external terminal 32 and the through hole 19 is L12, the angle formed by the extension direction of the through hole 19 relative to the lower inner surface 131 of the connecting member 13 is less than or equal to Arctan (L12 / L11).

[0066] In this way, by setting the extension direction of the through hole 19 so that the pin-shaped member used to form the through hole 19 does not come into contact with other parts of the linear sensor 1 (connection member 13, external terminal 32, etc.) when removing the pin-shaped member, it becomes even easier to remove the pin-shaped member, and manufacturing of the outer housing 11 having the through hole 19 becomes easier.

[0067] 6 and 7 , the linear sensor 1 further includes a wall portion 14. The wall portion 14 is located inside the through-hole 19. The wall portion 14 is formed integrally with the outer housing 11. The wall portion 14 covers a portion of the terminal member 30 that is exposed in the through-hole 19.

[0068] More specifically, the metal terminal 31 of the terminal member 30 has a first end 311 located in the first space 101 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The first end 311 of the metal terminal 31 is connected to the substrate 20. The metal terminal 31 also has a second end 312 located inside the through-hole 19 (see FIGS. 4 and 6). The second end 312 of the metal terminal 31 is connected to the external terminal 32. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the wall 14 covers the front, rear, and left side surfaces of the second end 312 of the metal terminal 31. Although the wall 14 does not cover the right side surface of the second end 312 of the metal terminal 31 as shown in FIG. 6, the wall 14 may also cover the right side surface.

[0069] In this way, the wall portion 14 covers the portion of the metal terminal 31 that is located inside the through hole 19, which prevents the metal terminal 31 from being damaged by contact with foreign matter, etc. Also, it is possible to prevent the metal terminals 31 from being short-circuited with each other due to the intrusion of foreign metal matter.

[0070] 3, 5, and 7, the wall 14 is flush with the inner surface of the first recess 110 (the surface of the side wall 111 of the outer housing 11 facing the first recess 110). The length (dimension in the left-right direction) of the wall 14 is shorter than the length (dimension in the left-right direction) of the through-hole 19. Note that "flush" in the present disclosure does not necessarily mean that the wall 14 and the inner surface of the first recess 110 are connected on the same plane, and the wall 14 may slightly protrude or recess from the inner surface of the first recess 110.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 6 , the linear sensor 1 further includes a first terminal member 301 as a terminal member 30 having a metal terminal 31, and a second terminal member 302 and a third terminal member 303 made of metal. Similar to the first terminal member 301, the second terminal member 302 and the third terminal member 303 are conductive members for electrically connecting the substrate 20 to an external device. The first terminal member 301 to the third terminal member 303 are arranged adjacent to each other, for example, from back to front (from left to right in FIG. 6 ), in the order of the second terminal member 302, the first terminal member 301, and the third terminal member 303. The first terminal member 301, the second terminal member 302, and the third terminal member 303 are electrically connected to the substrate 20.

[0072] Furthermore, the linear sensor 1 further includes a second wall portion 142 and a third wall portion 143 in addition to a first wall portion 141 as the wall portion 14 covering (the metal terminal 31 of) the first terminal member 301. The second wall portion 142 covers a portion of the second terminal member 302 that is located inside the through hole 19. The third wall portion 143 covers a portion of the third terminal member 303 that is located inside the through hole 19.

[0073] In this way, the presence of the second wall portion 142 (or the third wall portion 143) makes it possible to increase the insulation distance between the first terminal member 301 and the second terminal member 302 (or the third terminal member 303).

[0074] 1 to 6, the linear sensor 1 further includes a pair of fixed arms 15. The fixed arms 15 are portions for fixing the linear sensor 1 to an external member.

[0075] The fixed arms 15 are made of, for example, resin. The pair of fixed arms 15 are connected to the outer housing 11. The pair of fixed arms 15 are formed integrally with the outer housing 11. For example, the outer housing 11 and the pair of fixed arms 15 are formed integrally by resin molding. The pair of fixed arms 15 protrude in opposite directions from the outer surfaces of the side walls 111 of the outer housing 11. The fixed arms 15 are flat. A through hole 150 that penetrates vertically is formed at the tip of the fixed arm 15.

[0076] A cylindrical metallic collar 151 is provided in the through hole 150 of the fixed arm 15. The collar 151 is formed integrally with the fixed arm 15 by forming the fixed arm 15 by insert molding using the collar 151 as an insert component.

[0077] 1 to 6, the linear sensor 1 further includes an O-ring 40. The O-ring 40 is disposed in a groove 113 formed in the side wall 111 of the outer housing 11. The O-ring 40 can ensure airtightness of the mounting portion when the linear sensor 1 is mounted to an external member.

[0078] (2) Modifications The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Modifications of the embodiment are listed below. The above embodiment and the modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0079] (2.1) Modification 1 The linear sensor 1 of this modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. FIG.

[0080] 8 to 10 , in the linear sensor 1 of this modified example, the cover member 12 does not include the second recess 120. Specifically, the cover member 12 is plate-shaped and is fixed to the outer housing 11 so as to cover the first recess 110 of the outer housing 11. As shown schematically in FIG. 10 , the side wall 111 of the outer housing 11 has a through hole 19, and the through hole 19 is formed so as to connect the interior of the housing 10 (space 100) and the internal space of the connecting member 13 (third space 103).

[0081] That is, the linear sensor 1 of this modified example includes a housing 10, a substrate 20, metal terminals 31, and a connecting member 13. The substrate 20 is located inside the housing 10. The metal terminals 31 are electrically connected to the substrate 20. The connecting member 13 is connected to the housing 10. The housing 10 includes an outer housing 11 and a cover member 12. The outer housing 11 has a first recess 110 that opens upward. The cover member 12 covers the first recess 110 and is fixed to the outer housing 11. The substrate 20 is located between a bottom 112 of the outer housing 11 and a bottom 122 of the cover member 12. The side wall 111 of the outer housing 11 has a through hole 19 that connects the interior of the housing 10 (space 100) and the interior of the connecting member 13 (third space 103).

[0082] In the linear sensor 1 of this modified example, when the linear sensor 1 is placed in a high-temperature environment, gas inside the housing 10 that expands due to the heat can be released to the outside through the through-hole 19. This makes it difficult for the pressure in the space 100 inside the housing 10 to increase, making it difficult for deformation of the housing 10 to occur. Furthermore, because the through-hole 19 connects the inside of the housing 10 (space 100) with the inside of the connecting member 13 (third space 103), foreign matter is prevented from entering the inside of the housing 10 through the through-hole 19 compared to when the through-hole 19 is provided outside the connecting member (for example, the bottom 112).

[0083] 9 and 10 , in the linear sensor 1 of this modified example, the metal terminal 31 is also arranged to cross the through hole 19. A wall portion 14 is provided inside the through hole 19. The metal terminal 31 has a first end 311 connected to the substrate 20 and a second end 312 located inside the through hole 19. The wall portion 14 covers the second end 312 of the metal terminal 31. This prevents the metal terminal 31 from being damaged by foreign matter coming into contact with the metal terminal 31, for example.

[0084] (2.2) Modification 2 The linear sensor 1 of this modification will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0085] 11 and 12, in the linear sensor 1 of this modified example, the housing 10 does not have the through-hole 19. That is, the portion where the through-hole 19 was provided in the linear sensor 1 of the embodiment is filled with resin. Note that the other configurations are the same as those of the linear sensor 1 of the embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0086] The linear sensor 1 of this modified example also makes it possible to reduce the volume of the space 100 surrounded by the cover member 12 and the outer housing 11. This makes it less likely for the housing 10 to deform even if the linear sensor 1 is placed in a high-temperature environment.

[0087] (3) Aspects As can be seen from the above-described embodiment and modifications, the present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0088] The linear sensor (1) of the first aspect includes a housing (10), a substrate (20), and a metal terminal (31). The substrate (20) is located inside the housing (10) and has a sensor portion (21). The metal terminal (31) is electrically connected to the substrate (20). The housing (10) includes an outer housing (11) and a cover member (12). The outer housing (11) has a first recess (110) that opens upward. The cover member (12) has a second recess (120) that opens upward, is disposed inside the first recess (110), and is fixed to the outer housing (11) so as to form a space (100) between the outer housing (11) and the cover member (12). The substrate (20) is located between a bottom (112) of the outer housing (11) and a bottom (122) of the cover member (12).

[0089] According to this aspect, the volume of the space (100) surrounded by the cover member (12) and the outer housing (11) can be reduced, which makes it difficult for the housing (10) to deform even if the linear sensor (1) is placed in a high-temperature environment.

[0090] In the linear sensor (1) of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the vertical depth (D2) of the second recess (120) is greater than half the vertical depth (D1) of the first recess (110).

[0091] According to this embodiment, the volume of the space (100) inside the housing (10) can be reduced, and deformation of the housing (10) becomes even less likely to occur even if the linear sensor (1) is placed in a high-temperature environment.

[0092] In the linear sensor (1) of the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the area of ​​the bottom surface of the second recess (120) is larger than the area of ​​the substrate (20).

[0093] According to this embodiment, the volume of the space (100) inside the housing (10) can be reduced, and deformation of the housing (10) becomes even less likely to occur even if the linear sensor (1) is placed in a high-temperature environment.

[0094] In the linear sensor (1) of the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the outer housing (11) has a through-hole (19) that communicates with the outside. A first space (101) located between a bottom (112) of the outer housing (11) and a bottom (122) of the cover member (12) communicates with the through-hole (19).

[0095] According to this embodiment, gas inside the housing (10) that has expanded due to heat can be released to the outside through the through-holes (19), making it even more difficult for the housing (10) to deform even if the linear sensor (1) is placed in a high-temperature environment.

[0096] In the linear sensor (1) of the fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the first space (101) is connected to the through hole (19) via the second space (102) located between the side wall (111) of the outer housing (11) and the side wall (121) of the cover member (12).

[0097] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the first space (101).

[0098] The linear sensor (1) of the sixth aspect is the linear sensor (1) of the fourth or fifth aspect, further comprising a tubular connecting member (13) and an external terminal (32). The connecting member (13) is connected to the outer housing (11). The external terminal (32) is disposed in the internal space (third space 103) of the connecting member (13). The external terminal (32) is connected to the metal terminal (31). The through hole (19) is connected to the internal space (third space 103).

[0099] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the housing (10) through the through-hole (19).

[0100] In the linear sensor (1) of the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the connecting member (13) is formed integrally with the outer housing (11).

[0101] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the housing (10) when the connecting member (13) and the housing (10) are joined together.

[0102] The linear sensor (1) of an eighth aspect is any one of the fourth to seventh aspects, and further includes a tubular connecting member (13) and an external terminal (32). The connecting member (13) is connected to the outer housing (11). The external terminal (32) is disposed in an internal space (third space 103) of the connecting member (13). The external terminal (32) is connected to the metal terminal (31). The through hole (19) is located below the external terminal (32).

[0103] According to this aspect, it becomes easy to manufacture the outer housing (11) having the through hole (19) that communicates with the internal space (third space 103) of the connecting member (13).

[0104] In the linear sensor (1) of the ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, a virtual line (VL1) extending through the opening surface (190) of the through hole (19) and along the extension direction of the through hole (19) intersects with the opening surface (130) of the connecting member (13).

[0105] According to this aspect, it becomes easy to manufacture the outer housing (11) having the through hole (19) that communicates with the internal space (third space 103) of the connecting member (13).

[0106] The linear sensor (1) of a tenth aspect is the linear sensor (1) of any one of the fourth to ninth aspects, further comprising a wall portion (14) inside the through hole (19). The metal terminal (31) has a first end (311) located in the first space (101) and a second end (312) located inside the through hole (19). The wall portion (14) covers the second end (312) of the metal terminal (31).

[0107] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent the metal terminal (31) from being damaged due to contact with foreign matter or the like.

[0108] In the linear sensor (1) of the eleventh aspect, in the tenth aspect, the wall portion (14) is flush with the inner surface of the first recess (110). The length of the wall portion (14) is shorter than the length of the through hole (19).

[0109] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent the size of the wall portion (14) from becoming too large.

[0110] In the linear sensor (1) of the twelfth aspect, in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the bottom (112) of the outer housing (11) has a third recess (115) that opens downward. The substrate (20) is disposed above the third recess (115) and on the upper surface of the bottom (112) of the outer housing (11).

[0111] According to this aspect, the detection accuracy of the sensor unit (21) can be improved.

[0112] In the linear sensor (1) of the thirteenth aspect, in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the bottom (112) of the outer housing (11) has a thin portion (116). A substrate (20) is disposed on the upper surface of the thin portion (116). The thin portion (116) is thinner than the substrate (20).

[0113] According to this aspect, the detection accuracy of the sensor unit (21) can be improved.

[0114] In a linear sensor (1) of a fourteenth aspect, in any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the cover member (12) is cylindrical. A plurality of protrusions (124) protruding toward the center of the cover member (12) are provided on the inner surface of the side wall (121) of the cover member (12).

[0115] According to this aspect, the strength of the cover member (12) can be improved, and the cover member (12) can be easily manufactured.

[0116] A linear sensor (1) of a fifteenth aspect includes a housing (10), a substrate (20), a metal terminal (31), and a connecting member (13). The substrate (20) is located inside the housing (10). The metal terminal (31) is electrically connected to the substrate (20). The connecting member (13) is cylindrical and connected to the housing (10). The housing (10) includes an outer housing (11) and a cover member (12). The outer housing (11) has a first recess (110) that opens upward. The cover member (12) covers the first recess (110) and is fixed to the outer housing (11). The substrate (20) is located between a bottom (112) of the outer housing (11) and a bottom (122) of the cover member (12). The side wall (111) of the outer housing (11) has a through hole (19) that connects the inside of the housing (10) with the inside of the connecting member (13).

[0117] According to this embodiment, gas inside the housing (10) that has expanded due to heat can be released to the outside through the through-holes (19), making it even more difficult for the housing (10) to deform even if the linear sensor (1) is placed in a high-temperature environment.

[0118] In the linear sensor (1) of the sixteenth aspect, in the fifteenth aspect, the metal terminal (31) is arranged across the through hole (19). A wall portion (14) is provided within the through hole (19). The metal terminal (31) has a first end (311) connected to the substrate (20) and a second end (312) located inside the through hole (19). The wall portion (14) covers the second end (312) of the metal terminal (31).

[0119] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent the metal terminal (31) from being damaged due to contact with foreign matter or the like.

[0120] In the linear sensor (1) of the seventeenth aspect, in the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, the bottom (112) of the outer housing (11) has a thin portion (116). A substrate (20) is disposed on the upper surface of the thin portion (116). The thin portion (116) is thinner than the substrate (20).

[0121] According to this aspect, when the sensor portion (21) is provided on the substrate (20), the detection accuracy of the sensor portion (21) can be improved.

[0122] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Linear sensor 10 Housing 100 Space 101 First space 102 Second space 11 Outer housing 110 First recess 111 Side wall 112 Bottom 115 Third recess 116 Thin-walled portion 12 Cover member 120 Second recess 121 Side wall 122 Bottom 124 Protrusion 13 Connection member 130 Opening surface 103 Third space (internal space) 14 Wall 19 Through hole 190 Opening surface 20 Substrate 21 Sensor portion 31 Metal terminal 311 First end 312 Second end 32 External terminal D1 Depth D2 Depth VL1 Virtual line

Claims

1. A linear sensor comprising: a housing; a substrate located inside the housing and having a sensor portion; and a metal terminal electrically connected to the substrate, wherein the housing includes an outer housing having a first recess opening upward; and a cover member having a second recess opening upward, disposed inside the first recess, and fixed to the outer housing, wherein the substrate is located between a bottom of the outer housing and a bottom of the cover member.

2. The linear sensor according to claim 1, wherein the vertical depth of the second recess is greater than half the vertical depth of the first recess.

3. The linear sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the area of ​​the bottom surface of the second recess is larger than the area of ​​the substrate.

4. A linear sensor as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer housing has a through hole connecting to the outside, and a first space located between the bottom of the outer housing and the bottom of the cover member is connected to the through hole.

5. The linear sensor according to claim 4, wherein the first space is connected to the through hole via a second space located between a side wall of the outer housing and a side wall of the cover member.

6. A linear sensor as described in claim 4 or 5, further comprising: a cylindrical connecting member connected to the outer housing; and an external terminal arranged in the internal space of the connecting member, the external terminal being connected to the metal terminal, and the through hole being connected to the internal space.

7. The linear sensor according to claim 6, wherein the connection member is formed integrally with the outer casing.

8. A linear sensor as described in any one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising: a cylindrical connecting member connected to the outer housing; and an external terminal arranged in the internal space of the connecting member, the external terminal being connected to the metal terminal, and the through hole being located below the external terminal.

9. The linear sensor according to claim 8, wherein an imaginary line passing through the opening surface of the through hole and extending in the extension direction of the through hole intersects with the opening surface of the connection member.

10. A linear sensor as described in any one of claims 4 to 9, further comprising a wall portion inside the through hole, the metal terminal having a first end located in the first space and a second end located inside the through hole, and the wall portion covering the second end of the metal terminal.

11. The linear sensor according to claim 10, wherein the wall portion is flush with the inner surface of the first recess, and the length of the wall portion is shorter than the length of the through hole.

12. A linear sensor as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the bottom of the outer housing has a third recess that opens downward, and the substrate is positioned above the third recess and on the upper surface of the bottom of the outer housing.

13. A linear sensor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the bottom of the outer housing has a thin portion, the substrate is disposed on an upper surface of the thin portion, and the thin portion is thinner than the substrate.

14. A linear sensor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the cover member is cylindrical, and the inner surface of the side wall of the cover member is provided with a plurality of protrusions protruding towards the center of the cover member.

15. A linear sensor comprising: a housing; a substrate located inside the housing; a metal terminal electrically connected to the substrate; and a cylindrical connecting member connected to the housing, wherein the housing includes an outer housing having a first recess opening upward, and a cover member covering the first recess and fixed to the outer housing, the substrate is located between a bottom of the outer housing and a bottom of the cover member, and a side wall of the outer housing has a through hole connecting the inside of the housing and the inside of the connecting member.

16. A linear sensor as described in claim 15, wherein the metal terminal is arranged across the through hole, a wall portion is provided within the through hole, the metal terminal has a first end connected to the substrate and a second end located inside the through hole, and the wall portion covers the second end of the metal terminal.

17. The linear sensor according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the bottom of the outer housing has a thin portion, the substrate is disposed on an upper surface of the thin portion, and the thin portion is thinner than the substrate.

Images