JP2004125767A - Sensor apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a liquid such as moisture etc. from entering into a sensing part although a process for sealing such as welding, potting, etc. is eliminated in a sensor apparatus for accommodating an assembly having a sensing part and a connector part directly connected without a harness etc. in a case. <P>SOLUTION: The sensor apparatus S1 is provided with the sensing part 10, the connector part 20 integrally bonded to the sensing part 10 and electrically connecting the sensing part 10 to the outside and the case 30 having a sensing part case 31 for accommodating the sensing part 10 and a connector part case 32 for accommodating the connector part 20. In the sensor apparatus S1, the case 30 is formed by integral molding of the sensing part case 31 and the connector part case 32. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sensor device in which an assembly in which a sensing unit and a connector unit are directly connected without interposing a harness or the like is housed in a case, that is, a so-called direct connection waterproof connector type sensor.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are schematic sectional views showing a conventional general configuration of this type of sensor device. These sensor devices are used for a temperature sensor, a magnetic sensor, and the like, and include a sensing unit 10 that performs sensing, and a connector unit that is integrally connected to the sensing unit 10 and electrically connects the sensing unit 10 to the outside. 20.
[0003]
In FIGS. 3 and 4, the sensing unit 10 is formed by mounting the sensing element 11 and the circuit element 12 on a lead frame 13, and connecting the sensing element 11 and the circuit element 12 with wires 14 with a mold resin 15. The sensing section 10 and the connector section 20 are electrically and mechanically connected to the lead frame 13 of the sensing section 10 by directly connecting one end of the terminal 21 of the connector section 20.
[0004]
Here, in both FIGS. 3 and 4, the case 30 has a sensing portion case portion 31 for housing the sensing portion 10 and a connector case portion 32 for housing the connector portion 20. 32 are joined. In FIG. 3, the sensing section case section 31 and the connector section case section 32 are joined at a contact portion D <b> 1 between the case sections 31 and 32 by adhesion or welding.
[0005]
In FIG. 4, the case part 31 for the sensing part has a shape in which the case part 32 for the connector part is inserted into the case part 32 for the connector part by welding or the like, and the case part 32 for the connector part is provided inside the case part 31 for the sensing part. The constituent resin is in a potted form. The one shown in FIG. 4 is manufactured by setting a state in which the sensing unit 10 integrated with the terminal 21 as the connector unit 20 in the sensing unit case unit 31 is set in a mold and resin molding. Can be.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in such a sensor device, when a liquid such as moisture enters the sensing unit 10 housed in the case 30, malfunction or damage due to an electric short circuit or the like may occur.
[0007]
Therefore, in the conventional configuration as described above, in order to sufficiently secure the airtightness of the joint between the sensing unit case 31 and the connector case 32, the joint is welded or the sensing unit case 31 is welded. The sealing is separately devised by, for example, potting a resin in the portion 31.
[0008]
However, even if such a seal structure is adopted, it is difficult to secure the sealability, for example, when the welding at the joint is incomplete, and the cost required for the seal cannot be avoided.
[0009]
In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to prevent a liquid such as moisture from entering a sensing unit even if a sealing step such as welding or potting is abolished.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a sensing unit (10), a connector unit (20) integrated with the sensing unit for electrically connecting the sensing unit to the outside, and a sensing unit are provided. In a sensor device including a case (30) having a case part (31) for a sensing part to house and a case part (32) for a connector part to house a connector part, the case comprises a case part for a sensing part and a case for a connector part. The part is integrally molded.
[0011]
According to this, since the case portion for the sensing portion and the case portion for the connector portion, which were conventionally separate, are formed integrally, the joint portion between the two case portions is eliminated, and the problem of ensuring airtightness is eliminated. . Therefore, even if a step for sealing such as welding or potting is abolished, it is possible to prevent liquid such as moisture from entering the sensing unit.
[0012]
Here, as in the invention described in claim 2, the case (30) can be formed by molding a resin.
[0013]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the connector section (20) includes a terminal (21) extending to the sensing section (10), and the sensing section includes a sensing element (11) that outputs a sensor signal. The sensing element is mounted on a portion of the terminal extending to the sensing section, so that electrical connection between the sensing section and the connector section is established.
[0014]
According to the invention described in claim 4, the sensing unit (10) includes a sensing element (11) that outputs a sensor signal mounted on a lead member (40), and the lead member includes a connector unit ( 20), characterized in that it also serves as an external connection terminal in the connector section.
[0015]
Generally, the electrical and mechanical connection between the connector section and the sensing section is performed by connecting one end of a terminal as an external connection terminal in the connector section and one end of a lead member (such as a lead frame) on which the sensing element is mounted in the sensing section. This is done by welding, caulking, or the like.
[0016]
However, in this case, the cost is increased due to an increase in man-hours and the number of parts for this connection. In this regard, in the invention of claim 3, the terminal of the connector portion is used as a lead member for mounting the sensing element in the sensing portion, and in the invention of claim 4, conversely, the lead member for mounting the sensing element in the sensing portion is used. Are used as terminals in the connector section.
[0017]
As described above, according to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, one member serves both as a lead member for mounting the sensing element in the sensing portion and a terminal in the connector portion. Therefore, the number of steps and the number of parts for electrical and mechanical connection between the connector section and the sensing section can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced.
[0018]
It should be noted that reference numerals in parentheses of the above-described units are examples showing the correspondence with specific units described in the embodiments described later.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(1st Embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention shown in the drawings will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic cross-sectional configuration of a sensor device S1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The sensor device S1 is applicable as a sensor for sensing temperature, magnetism, acceleration, angular velocity, and the like.
[0020]
In the illustrated example, the sensor device S1 is of a type that is attached to the mounted member K1 and detects the temperature and magnetism of the mounted member K1 and its surroundings, or the acceleration and angular velocity applied to the mounted member K1.
[0021]
The sensing unit 10 includes a sensing element 11 that performs sensing and outputs a sensor signal, and a circuit element 12 that electrically processes the sensor signal from the sensing element 11.
[0022]
The sensing element 11 may employ, for example, a thermistor in the case of a temperature sensor, a magnetoresistive element in the case of a magnetic sensor, or an element having a movable body that is displaced in accordance with acceleration or angular velocity in the case of an acceleration or angular velocity sensor. it can.
[0023]
The sensing element 11 that outputs the sensor signal may be integrated with a circuit that electrically processes the sensor signal. In that case, the sensing unit 10 does not need to have the circuit element 12.
[0024]
In the sensing unit 10, the sensing element 11 and the circuit element 12 are mounted on a lead frame 13 made of Cu, 42 alloy, or the like by bonding or the like. The elements 11 and 12 and the lead frame 13 are electrically connected by being connected by wires 14 such as Au and Al.
[0025]
The sensing unit 10 is obtained by mounting the sensing element 11 and the circuit element 12 on the lead frame 13 and connecting them with the wires 14 in this way, and sealing the same with a mold resin 15 made of epoxy resin or the like. It is. The mold resin 15 may not be provided depending on the case. For example, in the case of an acceleration or angular velocity sensor, the mold resin 15 is not provided.
[0026]
The connector unit 20 is directly connected to the sensing unit 10 and integrally joined thereto, and performs an electrical connection such as exchange of signals between the sensing unit 10 and the outside.
[0027]
In the connector section 20 of the present embodiment, an intermediate portion of a terminal 21 made of brass or the like is held by a holder 22 made of a resin such as PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). Such a connector section 20 can be made by insert molding or the like.
[0028]
One end of the connector section 20 on the sensing section 10 side of the terminal 21 is configured as a joining section 21 a directly connected to the sensing section 10. The joining portion 21a of the terminal 21 and one end of the lead frame 13 projecting from the mold resin 15 in the sensing portion 10 are joined by soldering or welding.
[0029]
The joining portion 21a of the terminal 21 and one end of the lead frame 13 may be electrically and mechanically joined at one place by soldering or welding, or may be swaged and welded or swaged. As in the case of solder joining, two-point joining may be performed, and mechanical joining and electrical joining may be distributed to different joining points.
[0030]
The sensing unit 10 and the connector unit 20 that are directly connected and integrated in this way are housed in a case 30 made by molding a resin such as PPS or PBT, ceramic, or the like.
[0031]
The case 30 includes a sensing section case section 31 that houses the sensing section 10 and a connector section case section 32 that houses the connector section 20. In the present example, a flange portion 33 for attaching the sensor device S1 to the attached member K1 is further provided. The case 30 is integrally formed as a whole.
[0032]
The case 30 is inserted into a hole K2 formed in the attached member K1, as shown in FIG. The flange portion 33 is provided with, for example, a screw hole 33a, and the sensor device S1 is screw-coupled to the mounting member K1 via the screw hole 33a and the screw hole K3 provided in the mounting member K1. .
[0033]
Further, inside the connector portion case portion 32 of the case 30, the holder 22 of the connector portion 20 is mechanically fixed by bonding, welding, heat caulking, or the like at a contact portion with the connector portion case portion 32. . This fixation requires only simple fixation without requiring airtightness, and may be performed using another member such as a snap fit.
[0034]
The other end 21b of the connector 20 opposite to the joint 21a in the terminal 21 is exposed to the outside in an opening 32a formed in the connector case 32. The other end 21b of the terminal 21 and the opening 32a are integrated to form a male connector, which can be connected to an external wiring member.
[0035]
The size, direction, number, and the like of the flange portions 33 in the case 30 vary depending on the type and shape of the sensor device. Naturally, the case 30 may not have the flange portion 33, and in that case, the case 30 and the member to be mounted K1 may be fixed using a mounting member such as a separate metal fitting.
[0036]
Further, an O-ring for sealing may be interposed between the hole K2 of the attached member K1 and the case 30, or a screw may be formed on the inner surface of the hole K2 and the corresponding outer surface of the case 30. Alternatively, the case 30 may be directly screwed to the hole K2.
[0037]
Although the boundaries between the parts 31 to 33 in the case 30 are not strictly determined, in the illustrated example, a relatively thin part accommodating the joint between the joint 21 a in the sensing unit 30 and the terminal 21 and one end of the lead frame 13. That is, the portion located below the attached member K1 is the case 31 for the sensing unit. The flange portion 33 is a portion protruding rightward in the case 30 in the figure, and the connector case portion 32 is the remaining portion.
[0038]
In such a sensor device S <b> 1, a sensor signal from the sensing element 11 is processed by the circuit element 12, and the processed signal is output from the lead frame 13 to the outside via the terminal 21.
[0039]
In the present embodiment, the case 30 is characterized in that the case 31 for the sensing unit and the case 32 for the connector are integrally formed. In other words, the present embodiment is characterized in that the case 30 has a case 30 which is integrally formed as a whole and in which the sensing unit 10 and the connector unit 20 which are directly connected and integrated are housed.
[0040]
According to this, the case 30 in which the case 31 for the sensing unit and the case 32 for the connector, which are conventionally separate, is formed as a single unit, so that the joint between the case units 31 and 32 is eliminated, and airtightness is eliminated. There will be no problem of securing the space. Therefore, even if a step for sealing such as welding or potting is abolished, it is possible to prevent liquid such as moisture from entering the sensing unit 10.
[0041]
Further, in the case of an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor, if resin is potted inside the case part 31 for the sensing unit, the sensor characteristics do not function. It is possible. That is, the sensor device S1 has an expanded application range.
[0042]
The sensing unit 10 is not limited to the above configuration, as long as the sensing unit performs sensing in accordance with the purpose and is directly connected to the connector unit and is electrically connected. The configuration of the connector is not limited to the above-described terminal and holder as long as the connector is directly connected to the sensing unit and integrally joined thereto, and performs electrical connection between the sensing unit and the outside.
[0043]
In short, the integrated sensing unit and connector unit are configured as a sensor sub-assembly, which means that this sub-assembly has a sensing unit that performs sensing and a connector unit that establishes conduction with the outside. Can be.
[0044]
(2nd Embodiment)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic sectional configuration of a sensor device S2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Here, the description will be focused on the differences from the first embodiment, and the same portions will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings to simplify the description.
[0045]
In the first embodiment, the sensing section 10 and the connector section 20 are integrated by joining the joining section 21a of the terminal 21 and one end of the lead frame 13 by soldering or welding. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the function of the lead member for mounting the sensing element in the sensing unit and the function of the terminal in the connector unit are combined by one member.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal 21 of the connector section 20 extends to the sensing section 10, and the sensing element 11 of the sensing section 10 is mounted on the terminal 21 extending to the sensing section 10. Thus, electrical conduction between the sensing unit 10 and the connector unit 20 is established.
[0047]
Thus, the mechanical and electrical connection between the sensing unit 10 and the connector unit 20 is realized by eliminating the need for the lead frame 13 existing in the first embodiment.
[0048]
In the present embodiment, one member can serve as a lead member for mounting the sensing element in the sensing portion and a terminal in the connector portion, so that the electrical and mechanical connection between the connector portion 20 and the sensing portion 10 can be achieved. The number of man-hours and the number of parts required for the dynamic connection can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced.
[0049]
In this embodiment, the same effect can be obtained even if the terminal 21 shown in FIG. In this case, the lead frame 40 can be made of the same material as that of the first embodiment, and is a lead member on which the sensing element 11 and the circuit element 12 of the sensing unit 10 are mounted.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 2, the lead frame 40 of the present embodiment extends to the connector section 20 and also serves as an external connection terminal of the connector section 20. That is, the end portion 40b of the lead frame 40 on the connector portion side is exposed to the outside in the opening portion 32a formed in the connector portion case portion 32, and forms a male connector together with the opening portion 32a. It can be connected to a wiring member.
[0051]
Although not shown in FIG. 2, the portion of the lead frame 40 on the connector portion 20 side is configured to be folded back in multiple (for example, double or triple) to increase strength in connection with an external wiring member. It can be secured.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a sensor device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a sensor device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view showing a configuration of a conventional general sensor device.
FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view showing another configuration of a conventional general sensor device.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 sensing part, 20 connector part, 30 case,
31: case part for sensing part, 32 ... case part for connector part.

Claims (4)

A sensing unit (10);
A connector unit (20) that is integrated with the sensing unit and performs an electrical connection between the sensing unit and the outside;
A sensor device comprising: a sensing section case section (31) that houses the sensing section; and a case (30) that has a connector section case section (32) that houses the connector section.
The sensor device, wherein the case is formed by integrally molding the case for the sensing unit and the case for the connector. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the case (30) is formed by molding a resin. The connector section (20) includes a terminal (21) extending to the sensing section (10).
The sensing unit includes a sensing element (11) that outputs a sensor signal,
The electrical connection between the said sensing part and the said connector part is made by mounting the said sensing element in the part of the said terminal extended to the said sensing part, The Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. Sensor device. The sensing unit (10) includes a sensing element (11) that outputs a sensor signal mounted on a lead member (40),
3. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the lead member extends to the connector part and also serves as an external connection terminal in the connector part. 4.

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