JP7700564B2 - Physical quantity detection device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a physical quantity detection device that detects the physical quantity of an electric wire.

Conventionally, in order to prevent damage caused by overheating of rotating electric machines such as electric motors and generators, the temperature of the rotating electric machine is detected by a temperature sensor. The rotating electric machine described in Patent Document 1 has an embedded 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 wire of the rotating electric machine.

Patent No. 5621810

When manufacturing the rotating electric machine described in Patent Document 1, an insert molding process is required in which the temperature sensor is placed in a mold together with the neutral wire of the rotating electric machine, and molten resin is injected into the mold cavity to form the molding material. This process requires more man-hours and is more expensive than when manufacturing plastic parts by injection molding rather than insert molding, and therefore is an obstacle to reducing manufacturing costs.

The present invention aims to provide a physical quantity detection device that can reduce manufacturing costs compared to embedding a physical quantity sensor that detects a physical quantity into a molding material together with the electric wire to be detected.

The present invention aims to solve the above problems by providing a physical quantity detection device that includes first and second retainers arranged to sandwich an electric wire, and a physical quantity sensor fixed to the electric wire by the first and second retainers, and detects the physical quantity of the electric wire by the physical quantity sensor, in which the first and second retainers are locked to each other to be fixed to the electric wire.

The physical quantity detection device according to the present invention makes it possible to reduce manufacturing costs compared to embedding a physical quantity sensor that detects a physical quantity into a molding material together with the electric wire to be detected.

1A and 1B are perspective views of a physical quantity detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from different directions. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the physical quantity detection device as viewed from the direction shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the physical quantity detection device as viewed from the direction shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing first to third electric wires and first and second spacers disposed between the first to third electric wires; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of a temperature sensor. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the physical quantity detection device. 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams showing an assembly procedure of the physical quantity detection device. 13A and 13B are perspective views showing a first retainer according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a physical quantity detection device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a physical quantity detection device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a physical quantity detection device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a physical quantity detection device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a first retainer according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a physical quantity detection device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a physical quantity detection device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a physical quantity detection device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a physical quantity detection device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing first to third electric wires and a spacer of a physical quantity detection device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a physical quantity detection device according to a fifth embodiment.

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

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

This physical quantity detection device 1 detects the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 as detection targets, and detects the physical quantities of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. In this embodiment, a case is described in which the temperature of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 is detected as the physical quantity, but this is not limiting, and for example, the strength of a magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 may also be detected.

The first to third electric wires 61 to 63 are connected to the three-phase windings of the rotating electric machine. The rotating electric machine is, for example, a motor that rotates a rotor by a magnetic field generated in a stator by three-phase AC current, a generator that generates three-phase AC current by the rotation of the rotor, or a motor generator that combines the functions of a motor and a generator.

As shown in the cross section of Figure 6, the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 are insulated electric wires in which conductors 611, 621, and 631 made of copper or other highly conductive material are covered with coating layers 612, 622, and 632 made of insulating resin such as enamel. Note that in this embodiment, the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 are round solid wires with a circular cross section, but this is not limiting, and the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 may be rectangular electric wires with a rectangular cross section, for example.

The first to third electric wires 61 to 63 are arranged in parallel via first and second spacers 71, 72 made of resin. 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.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first spacer 71 has a flat plate portion 711 extending parallel to the first and second electric wires 61, 62, and a pair of holding portions 712, 713 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the plate portion 711. The pair of holding portions 712, 713 are respectively formed with recesses 712a, 713a for accommodating a portion of the first electric wire 61, and recesses 712b, 713b for accommodating a portion of the second electric wire 62.

Similarly, the second spacer 72 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 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the plate portion 721. The pair of holding portions 722, 723 are respectively formed with recesses 722a, 723a for accommodating a portion of the second electric wire 62, and recesses 722b, 723b for accommodating a portion of the third electric wire 63.

The first spacer 71 also has engagement protrusions 714, 715 protruding from the plate portion 711 in 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 engagement protrusion 724 protruding from the plate portion 721 in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the second electric wire 62 and the third electric wire 63.

The first spacer 71 has two engagement protrusions 714, 715 between a pair of holding portions 712, 713. The second spacer 72 has one engagement protrusion 724 between a pair of holding portions 722, 723. These engagement protrusions 714, 715, 724 are used for relative positioning and fixing with the second retainer 3 of the physical quantity detection device 1 described next.

The physical quantity detection device 1 has a first and second retainer 2, 3 arranged to sandwich the first to third electric wires 61 to 63, 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, not insert molding. In addition, as the resin material for the sensor holder 5, it is preferable to use one with high thermal conductivity of 1 W/m·K or more, and more preferably one with thermal conductivity of 3 W/m·K or more, in order to improve the temperature detection accuracy.

The physical quantity detection device 1 detects the temperatures of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 using the temperature sensor 4. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the temperature sensor 4 has a thermistor 41 as a detection unit that converts a physical quantity (temperature in this embodiment) into an electrical 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, 442 drawn out from the case member 42.

The case member 42 is a cylindrical molded body with a bottom 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 (thermistor 41, holding member 43, filler 46, and parts of the signal lines 441 and 442) are referred to as the main body 40 of the temperature sensor 4.

The thermistor 41 has 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, 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.

One end of each of the pair of lead wires 412, 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, 413 is connected to a pair of signal wires 441, 442 outside the sealing material 414. The signal wires 441, 442 are insulated wires in which core wires 441a, 442a made of a twisted wire in which multiple strands are twisted together are covered with insulators 441b, 442b made of resin.

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

As shown in FIG. 3, the sensor holder 5 is provided with an outlet window 501 that leads the signal lines 441, 442 out of the holding space 50, and a pair of locking projections 51, 52 that prevent the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 from slipping out of the outlet window 501. In this embodiment, the outlet window 501 is provided between the pair of locking projections 51, 52. The signal lines 441, 442 are led out of the outlet window 501 along the arrangement direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63.

The sensor holder 5 also has an opening 502 through which the holding space 50 opens toward the first retainer 2, and this opening 502 is blocked 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 by the first retainer 2 so as not to slip out of the opening 502.

The sensor holder 5 is integrally formed with an opposing wall 53 facing the first to third electric wires 61 to 63, a pair of side walls 54, 55 facing each other parallel to the axial direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 across the holding space 50, and a bottom wall 56 closing the holding space 50 on the side opposite the outlet window 501. The case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 is surrounded on three sides by the opposing wall 53 and the pair of side walls 54, 55.

The pair of locking projections 51, 52 are provided at the respective ends of the pair of side walls 54, 55. The bottom wall 56 is provided with an engagement projection 57 that projects in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first to third electric wires 61-63. The engagement projection 57 is erected on the surface 56a of the bottom wall 56 that faces the first retainer 2.

An engagement recess 210 into which the engagement protrusion 57 engages is formed on the outer wall 21 of the first retainer 2. When the engagement protrusion 57 engages with the engagement recess 210, the sensor holder 5 is restricted from moving relative to the first retainer 2 in the arrangement direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63.

The opposing surface 53a of the opposing wall 53 of the sensor holder 5 facing the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 has concave surfaces 530a, 530b, and 530c recessed to conform to the outer circumferential surfaces of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. The curvature of the concave surfaces 530a, 530b, and 530c as viewed in the axial direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 is the same as the curvature of the outer circumferential surfaces of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 or is slightly larger than the curvature of the outer circumferential surfaces of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. The shape of the sensor holder 5 having the concave surfaces 530a, 530b, and 530c makes it easier for the heat of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 to be transferred to the temperature sensor 4 via the sensor holder 5.

The opposing wall 53 is formed with a first engagement groove 531 into which the plate portion 711 of the first spacer 71 engages, and a second engagement groove 532 into which the plate portion 721 of the second spacer 72 engages. 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.

The temperature sensor 4 and the sensor holder 5 are disposed between the first retainer 2 and the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. The temperature sensor 4 is fixed to the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 by the first and second retainers 2, 3 being locked together.

The first retainer 2 integrally comprises an outer wall 21 that closes the opening 502 of the holding space 50 in the sensor holder 5, a pair of side walls 22, 23 that face the pair of side walls 54, 55 of the sensor holder 5, a number of arms 241-244 that extend from each of the pair of side walls 22, 23 over the first to third electric wires 61-63 toward the second retainer 3, and engagement protrusions 251-254 provided at the tip of each of the arms 241-244.

In this embodiment, the first retainer 2 has four arms 241 to 244, of which two arms 241 and 243 extend from one of the pair of side walls 22 and 23, toward the second retainer 3. The other two arms 242 and 244 extend from the other of the pair of side walls 22 and 23, toward the second retainer 3.

The second retainer 3 is generally rectangular in shape, elongated in the direction in which the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 are arranged, and has multiple engagement recesses 311 to 314 formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The engagement recesses 311 to 314 engage with the engagement protrusions 251 to 254 of the first retainer 2, respectively. Through the engagement between the engagement recesses 311 to 314 and the engagement protrusions 251 to 254, the first retainer 2 and the second retainer 3 are locked to each other, sandwiching the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 and the temperature sensor 4 between them, and are fixed to the first to third electric wires 61 to 63.

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

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 FIG. 7(a) to (c). In the first step, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the 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 body 40 of the temperature sensor 4 is placed between the pair of side walls 22, 23 of the first retainer 2, and the engagement protrusion 57 of the sensor holder 5 is engaged with the engagement recess 210 of the first retainer 2. This forms an assembly 10 (see FIG. 7(c)) consisting of the first retainer 2, the temperature sensor 4, and the sensor holder 5.

In the third step, as shown in FIG. 7(c), the engaging projections 714, 715, 724 of the first and second spacers 71, 72 are engaged with the engaging recesses 321-323 of the second retainer 3, the first to third electric wires 61-63 are sandwiched between the assembly 10 and the second retainer 3, and the engaging projections 251-254 of the first retainer 2 are engaged with the engaging recesses 311-314 of the second retainer 3. This completes the assembly of the physical quantity detection device 1.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the physical quantity detection device 1 can be manufactured without the need for an insert molding process, which makes it possible to reduce manufacturing costs. In addition, 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 possible to achieve further cost reduction by using a commercially available temperature sensor 4 (a standard product from a sensor manufacturer). Note that the same effect can be obtained even if the first embodiment is modified as follows.

In the first embodiment, the first retainer 2 has four arms 241-244, and the engagement protrusions 251-254 provided at the tips of these arms 241-244 engage with the engagement recesses 311-314 of the second retainer 3, respectively. However, conversely, the second retainer may be provided with multiple arms, and the engagement protrusions provided at the tips of these arms may be engaged with the engagement recesses formed in the first retainer, thereby locking the first and second retainers together.

In the first embodiment, the engaging projections 714, 715, 724 of the first and second spacers 71, 72 engage with the engaging recesses 321-323 of the second retainer 3. However, the engaging projections on at least one of the first and second spacers may be engaged with engaging recesses formed on 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 be engaged.

Furthermore, the relationship between the engagement protrusion and the engagement recess in the first embodiment may be reversed. For example, an engagement recess may be formed at the tip of the arm of the first retainer, and an engagement protrusion provided on the second retainer may be engaged with this engagement 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.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a physical quantity detection device 1A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figures 8(a) and (b) are perspective views showing a first retainer 2A according to the second embodiment. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a physical quantity detection device 1A according to the second embodiment. In Figures 8 and 9, components that are common to those described in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in Figures 1 to 7, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

The physical quantity detection device 1A according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 is elastically pressed against the inner surface of the holding space 50 on the side of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63, specifically, the inner surface 53b of the opposing wall 53 of the sensor holder 5 on the side of the holding space 50.

In this embodiment, an elastic portion 211 that presses against 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 of the outer wall 21 that protrudes toward the holding space 50. The side surface 42b of the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 opposite the abutment surface 42a against which the elastic portion 211 abuts is in contact with the inner surface 53b of the opposing wall 53 of the sensor holder 5 without any gaps. This makes it easier for the heat of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 to be transferred from the sensor holder 5 to the case member 42.

This second embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment, and improves the accuracy of detecting the temperatures of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 because the heat of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 is easily transferred to the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a physical quantity detection device 1B according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figures 10 and 11 are exploded perspective views of a physical quantity detection device 1B according to the third embodiment. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a physical quantity detection device 1B according to the third embodiment. In Figures 10 to 12, components that are common to those described in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in Figures 1 to 7, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

The physical quantity detection device 1B according to this embodiment does not have a sensor holder 5, and a holding space 20 that holds 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.

The first retainer 2B has an outlet window 201 through which the signal lines 441, 442 of the temperature sensor 4 are led out of the holding space 20. The first retainer 2B also has locking projections 26, 27 that prevent the case member 42 from slipping out of the outlet window 201, and a bottom wall 28 provided at the end opposite the locking projections 26, 27.

This third embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment, and since the sensor holder 5 is not required, further cost reductions can be achieved. In addition, since the heat of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 is easily transferred to the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4, the accuracy of detecting the temperature of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 can be further improved.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a physical quantity detection device 1C according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a first retainer 2C according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a physical quantity detection device 1C according to the fourth embodiment. In Figures 13 and 14, components that are common to those described in the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals as those in Figures 1 to 12, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

The physical quantity detection device 1C according to this embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 is elastically pressed against the first to third electric wires 61 to 63.

In this embodiment, the outer wall 21 of the first retainer 2C is provided with an elastic portion 211 that presses the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 against the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. As in the second embodiment, the elastic portion 211 is a tongue-shaped portion of the outer wall 21 that protrudes toward the retaining space 50. The case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 has a side surface 42b opposite to the abutment surface 42a with which the elastic portion 211 abuts, which is in contact with the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. This makes it easier for heat from the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 to be transferred to the case member 42.

In this fourth embodiment, the heat of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 is more easily transferred to the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 than in the third embodiment, so the accuracy of detecting the temperature of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 can be further improved.

[Fifth embodiment]
Next, a physical quantity detection device 1D according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figure 15 is a perspective view showing a physical quantity detection device 1D according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figures 16 and 17 are exploded perspective views of the physical quantity detection device 1D. Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 and a spacer 7D arranged between the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the physical quantity detection device. In Figures 15 to 19, components that are common to those described in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in Figures 1 to 7, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

The physical quantity detection device 1D includes a first retainer 8 and a second retainer 3D arranged to sandwich the first to third electric wires 61 to 63, a lid member 9 engaged with the first retainer 8, and a temperature sensor 4. A spacer 7D is 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.

The second retainer 3D has a first abutment surface 33a that abuts against the first retainer 8 on one side in the arrangement direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63, and a second abutment surface 33b that abuts against the first retainer 8 on the other side in the arrangement direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. The first abutment surface 33a has first to fourth fitting holes 331 to 334 formed therein, and the second abutment surface 33b has fifth to eighth fitting holes 335 to 338 formed therein.

The second retainer 3D has a surface 34a facing the first to third electric wires 61 to 63, which is formed with recessed surfaces 340a, 340b, and 340c recessed along the outer circumferential surfaces of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. First and second engagement grooves 341, 342 that engage with the second connecting portions 77 (described later) of the pair of spacers 7D are formed between the recessed surface 340a corresponding to the first electric wire 61 and the recessed surface 340b corresponding to the second electric wire 62, and between the recessed surface 340b corresponding to the second electric wire 62 and the recessed surface 340c corresponding to the third electric wire 63.

The spacer 7D integrally comprises first to third wire support parts 73-75, each of which has a semicircular cross-sectional groove 70 formed therein for accommodating one of the first to third electric wires 61-63, and first and second plate-shaped connecting parts 76, 77 connecting the first to third wire support parts 73-75 in the longitudinal direction of the first to third electric wires 61-63. The first wire support part 73 is provided with first and second anchor parts 731, 732, and the second wire support part 74 is provided with a third anchor part 741. The third wire support part 75 is provided with fourth to sixth anchor parts 751-753. The first to sixth anchor portions 731, 732, 741, 751, 752, and 753 are protrusions that protrude in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction and longitudinal direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63.

The pair of spacers 7D and the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 are fixed to each other by the first and second fixing members 78, 79. The first fixing member 78 is provided between the first anchor portion 731 and the second anchor portion 732, and surrounds the first electric 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 electric 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, 79 are, for example, molded molding materials, but each of the first and second fixing members 78, 79 may be formed by a combination of multiple resin members.

The first retainer 8 has a holding space 80 that holds the temperature sensor 4. The holding space 80 has an opening 800 that opens toward the opposite side of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63, and this opening 800 is closed by a cover member 9. The first retainer 8 integrally includes an intervening wall portion 81 that is interposed between the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 and the temperature sensor 4, first and second side wall portions 82, 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, 85 that face each other across the holding space 80, and a bottom wall portion 86 provided between the first and second protruding wall portions 84, 85.

The first and second protruding walls 84, 85 are provided to protrude from both ends of the intervening wall 81 in the arrangement direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction and longitudinal direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. In order to improve the accuracy of temperature detection, it is preferable to use a resin material for the first retainer 8 that has high thermal conductivity with a thermal conductivity of 1 W/m·K or more, and it is even more preferable to use a resin material with a thermal conductivity of 3 W/m·K or more.

The first retainer 8 has a first abutment surface 8a that abuts against the first abutment surface 33a of the second retainer 3D, and a second abutment surface 8b that abuts against the second abutment surface 33b of the second retainer 3D. The first and second abutment surfaces 8a, 8b are provided with first to eighth fitting protrusions 871-878 that fit into the first to eighth fitting holes 331-338 of the second retainer 3D, respectively. The first retainer 8 and the second retainer 3D are fixed to the first to third electric wires 61-63 by the first to eighth fitting protrusions 871-878 fitting into the first to eighth fitting holes 331-338 of the second retainer 3D and being locked to each other.

The locking structure between the first retainer 8 and the second retainer 3D may be a structure in which multiple fitting protrusions of the second retainer 3D are fitted into multiple fitting holes formed in the first retainer 8, or a snap-fit structure.

The intervening wall 81 has a surface 81a facing the first to third electric wires 61 to 63, which is formed with concave surfaces 810a, 810b, and 810c recessed along the outer circumferential surfaces of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. First and second engagement grooves 811 and 812 that engage with the second connecting portions 77 of the pair of spacers 7D 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.

The cover member 9 integrally includes a blocking wall 91 that blocks 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 engagement protrusions 96 to 99 provided at the respective tips 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.

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

The blocking wall 91 of the cover member 9 is provided with an elastic portion 911 that presses the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 against the intervening wall portion 81. The elastic portion 911 is a tongue-shaped portion of the blocking wall 91 that protrudes toward the retaining space 80. As shown in FIG. 19, the side surface 42b of the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 opposite the contact surface 42a with which the elastic portion 911 contacts is in contact with the intervening wall portion 81 without any gaps. This makes it easier for the heat of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 to be transferred from the intervening wall portion 81 to the case member 42.

The blocking wall 91 of the cover member 9 is provided with a locking protrusion 912 that locks the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4 to prevent the body 40 of the temperature sensor 4 from slipping out of the holding space 80 along the arrangement direction of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63. The locking protrusion 912 faces the pair of signal lines 441, 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 slipping out of the holding space 80 of the first retainer 8 by the cover 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.

This fifth embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment, and improves the accuracy of detecting the temperatures of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 because the heat of the first to third electric wires 61 to 63 is easily transferred to the case member 42 of the temperature sensor 4.

(Summary of the embodiment)
Next, the technical ideas grasped from the above-described embodiment will be described by using the reference numerals and the like in the embodiment. However, the reference numerals and the like in the following description do not limit the components in the claims to the members and the like specifically shown in the embodiment.

[1] A physical quantity detection device (1, 1A-1D) that includes first and second retainers (2, 2A, 2B, 2D, 3, 3D) that are arranged to sandwich an electric wire (61-63) and a physical quantity sensor (temperature sensor 4) that is fixed to the electric wire (61-63) by the first and second retainers (2, 2A, 2B, 2D, 3, 3D), and detects the physical quantity of the electric wire (61-63) by the physical quantity sensor (4), in which the physical quantity detection device (1, 1A-1D) is fixed to the electric wire (61-63) by engaging the first and second retainers (2, 2A, 2B, 2D, 3, 3D) with each other.

[2] The physical quantity detection device (1, 1A to 1C) described in [1] above, in which the physical quantity sensor (4) is disposed between the first retainer (2, 2A, 2B) and the electric wire (61 to 63).

[3] A physical quantity detection device (1, 1A to 1C) described in [1] above, in which a plurality of the electric wires (61 to 63) are arranged in parallel 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).

[4] The physical quantity detection device (1, 1A-1C) described in [1] or [2] above, in which one of the first and second retainers (2, 3) (2) has a plurality of arms (241-244) extending toward the other retainer (3), and the tip of each of the plurality of arms (241-244) engages with the other retainer (3).

[5] The physical quantity detection device (1, 1A) described in any one of [1] to [3] above further includes 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 disposed between the first retainer (2) and the electric wires (61 to 63).

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

[7] The physical quantity detection device (1, 1A) described in [4] or [5] above, in which a concave surface (53b, 53c, 53d) recessed along the outer circumferential surface of the electric wire (61-63) is formed on the surface (53a) of the sensor holder (5) facing the electric wire (61-63).

[8] The physical quantity sensor (4) has a detection unit (thermistor 41) that converts the physical quantity into an electric signal, a signal line (451, 452) that transmits the electric signal, and a case member (42) that houses the detection unit (41), and the sensor holder (5) is provided with an outlet window (501) that leads the signal line (451, 452) out of the holding space (50), and a locking protrusion (51, 52) that prevents the case member (42) from slipping out of the outlet window (501). The physical quantity detection device (1, 1A) described in any one of [4] to [6] above.

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

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

[11] The physical quantity sensor (4) has a detection unit (41) that converts the physical quantity into an electrical signal, a signal line (451, 452) that transmits the electrical signal, and a case member (42) that houses the detection unit (41), and the first retainer (2) is provided with an outlet window (201) that leads the signal line (451, 452) out of the holding space (20), and a locking protrusion (26, 27) that prevents the case member (20) from slipping out of the outlet window (201). The physical quantity detection device (1B, 1C) described in [9] above.

[12] The physical quantity detection device (1C) described in [10] above, in which the case member (42) is elastically pressed against the electric wires (61-63).

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

[14] The physical quantity detection device (1D) described in [13] above, in which the holding space (80) has an opening (800) that opens toward the opposite side to the electric wires (61-63), and the opening (800) is closed by a cover member (9) attached to the first retainer (8).

[15] The physical quantity detection device (1D) described in [14] above, in which the first retainer (8) has an intervening wall portion (81) interposed between the electric wires (61-63) and the physical quantity sensor (4), and a concave surface (810a, 810b, 810c) recessed along the outer circumferential surface of the electric wires (61-63) is formed on the opposing surface (81a) of the intervening wall portion (81) facing the electric wires (61-63).

[16] The physical quantity detection device (1D) described in [15] above, in which the cover member (9) is provided with an elastic portion (911) that presses the physical quantity sensor (4) against the intervening wall portion (81).

Although the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. It should be noted that not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the means for solving the problems of the invention.

The present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the second and fourth embodiments, the elastic portion 211 is provided on the outer wall 21 of the first retainer 2, but this is not limiting, and the elastic portion may be formed of an elastic body such as rubber or a spring. Furthermore, the number of electric wires for which physical quantities are to be detected is not limited to three, and may be one, two, or four or more.

1, 1A to 1D... physical quantity detection device 2, 2A to 2C, 8... first retainer 20... holding space 201... outlet windows 241 to 244... arm 3, 3D... second retainer 4... temperature sensor (physical quantity sensor)
41...Thermistor (detection unit)
451, 452...signal line 5...sensor holder 50, 80...holding space 501...lead-out window 51, 52...locking projection 53...opposing wall 53a...opposing surface 53b...inner surfaces 530a, 530b, 530c...concave surface 61-63...first to third electric wires 71...first spacer 72...second spacer 81...intervening wall portion 81a...opposing surfaces 810a, 810b, 810c...concave surface

Claims (11)

A physical quantity detection device comprising first and second retainers arranged to sandwich an electric wire therebetween, and a physical quantity sensor fixed to the electric wire by the first and second retainers, the physical quantity sensor detecting a physical quantity of the electric wire,
the first and second retainers are locked to each other and fixed to the electric wire;
The electric wires are arranged in parallel between the first and second retainers via a spacer,
At least one of the first and second retainers engages with the spacer;
Physical quantity detection device. A physical quantity detection device comprising first and second retainers arranged to sandwich an electric wire therebetween, and a physical quantity sensor fixed to the electric wire by the first and second retainers, the physical quantity sensor detecting a physical quantity of the electric wire,
the first and second retainers are locked to each other and fixed to the electric wire;
The sensor holder further includes a holding space for holding the physical quantity sensor.
the sensor holder is disposed between the first retainer and the electric 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.
Physical quantity detection device. A physical quantity detection device comprising first and second retainers arranged to sandwich an electric wire therebetween, and a physical quantity sensor fixed to the electric wire by the first and second retainers, the physical quantity sensor detecting a physical quantity of the electric wire,
the first and second retainers are locked to each other and fixed to the electric wire;
The sensor holder further includes a holding space for holding the physical quantity sensor.
the sensor holder is disposed between the first retainer and the electric 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 sensor holder is provided with an outlet window through which the signal line is led out of the holding space, and a locking protrusion that prevents the case member from slipping out of the outlet window.
Physical quantity detection device. A physical quantity detection device comprising first and second retainers arranged to sandwich an electric wire therebetween, and a physical quantity sensor fixed to the electric wire by the first and second retainers, the physical quantity sensor detecting a physical quantity of the electric wire,
the first and second retainers are locked to each other and fixed to the electric wire;
a holding space for holding the physical quantity sensor is formed in the first retainer,
The holding space is open toward the electric 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 an outlet window through which the signal line is led out of the holding space, and a locking protrusion that prevents the case member from slipping out of the outlet window.
Physical quantity detection device. The physical quantity sensor is disposed between the first retainer and the electric wire.
The physical quantity detection device according to claim 1 . one of the first and second retainers has a plurality of arms extending toward the other retainer, and a tip end of each of the plurality of arms is engaged with the other retainer;
The physical quantity detection device according to claim 1 . A concave surface is formed on a surface of the sensor holder facing the electric wire so as to conform to an outer circumferential surface of the electric wire.
The physical quantity detection device according to claim 2 or 3 . The case member is elastically pressed against an inner surface of the holding space on the electric wire side.
The physical quantity detection device according to claim 3 . A physical quantity detection device comprising first and second retainers arranged to sandwich an electric wire therebetween, and a physical quantity sensor fixed to the electric wire by the first and second retainers, the physical quantity sensor detecting a physical quantity of the electric wire,
the first and second retainers are locked to each other and fixed to the electric wire;
a holding space for holding the physical quantity sensor is formed in the first retainer,
The holding space has an opening that opens toward an opposite side to the electric wire,
the opening is closed by a cover member attached to the first retainer;
Physical quantity detection device. the first retainer has an intervening wall portion interposed between the electric wire and the physical quantity sensor,
A concave surface is formed on a surface of the intermediate wall portion facing the electric wire, the concave surface being recessed along an outer circumferential surface of the electric wire.
The physical quantity detection device according to claim 9 . The cover member is provided with an elastic portion that presses the physical quantity sensor against the intervening wall portion.
The physical quantity detection device according to claim 10 .

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