CURRENT SENSOR

Abstract

A current sensor for detecting current flowing through a conductive bus bar. A fitting groove is formed in the bus bar. A package is fitted into the fitting groove including a magnetic detection element that detects current flowing through the bus bar. A lead frame is connected to the magnetic detection element and extends out of the package. The bus bar includes a first conductor and a second conductor facing toward the first conductor, with the first and second conductors defining the fitting groove. The magnetic detection element is arranged between the first conductor and the second conductor in a state in which the package is fitted into the fitting groove.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention, together with objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description of the presently preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a current sensor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the current sensor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the current sensor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing the operation of the current sensor;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a current sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6A is a side view and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view showing a current sensor according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A current sensor for detecting current, the current sensor comprising: a conductive bus bar;a fitting groove formed in the bus bar;a package fitted into the fitting groove and including a magnetic detection element that detects current flowing through the bus bar; anda lead frame connected to the magnetic detection element and extending out of the package.

2. The current sensor according to claim 1, wherein the bus bar includes a first conductor and a second conductor facing toward the first conductor, with the first and second conductors defining the fitting groove, wherein the magnetic detection element is arranged between the first conductor and the second conductor in a state in which the package is fitted into the fitting groove.

3. The current sensor according to claim 2, wherein the magnetic detection element is a Hall element that detects a magnetic field produced at each of the first and second conductors.

4. The current sensor according to claim 2, further comprising: a circuit board supporting the lead frame.

5. The current sensor according to claim 4, wherein the package includes a recess for partially accommodating the circuit board, and the circuit board is arranged in the fitting groove together with the package in a state in which the circuit board is partially accommodated in the recess.

6. The current sensor according to claim 5, wherein the circuit board includes a tab accommodated in the recess of the package.

7. The current sensor according to claim 4, wherein the circuit board is fitted into the fitting groove together with the package.

8. The current sensor according to claim 4, wherein the package includes an engaging portion engageable with the circuit board.

9. The current sensor according to claim 1, wherein the package is formed in general conformity with the fitting groove.

10. A mounting structure for mounting a magnetic detection element on a bus bar having a fitting groove, the mounting structure comprising: a package fittable into the fitting groove and including the magnetic detection element; anda lead frame connected to the magnetic detection element and extending out of the package.

11. The mounting structure according to claim 10, wherein the bus bar includes a first conductor and a second conductor facing toward the first conductor, with the first and second conductors defining the fitting groove, wherein the magnetic detection element is arranged between the first conductor and the second conductor in a state in which the package is fitted into the fitting groove.

12. The mounting structure according to claim 11, further comprising: a circuit board supporting the lead frame.

13. The mounting structure according to claim 12, wherein the package includes a recess for partially accommodating the circuit board, and the circuit board is arrangeable in the fitting groove together with the package in a state in which the circuit board is partially accommodated in the recess.

14. The mounting structure according to claim 13, wherein the circuit board includes a tab accommodated in the recess of the package.

15. The mounting structure according to claim 12, wherein the circuit board is fittable into the fitting groove together with the package.

16. The mounting structure according to claim 12, wherein the package includes an engaging portion engageable with the circuit board.

17. The mounting structure according to claim 10, wherein the package is formed in general conformity with the fitting groove.