The technology disclosed in the present application relates to a sensor device.
Sensor devices including a substrate and a temperature sensor mounted on the substrate are known (see, for example, PTLs 1 and 2).
PTL 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-340925
PTL 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 3-156331
PTL 3: Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Registration Application Publication No. 5-52727
When a sensor device is installed on an installation surface to detect the ambient temperature around the sensor device by using a temperature sensor, if the temperature sensor receives thermal effect of the installation surface, the ability of the temperature sensor to follow a change in the ambient temperature may be impaired. The ambient temperature is the temperature of air around the sensor device. For example, the ambient temperature corresponds to the room temperature when the sensor device is installed indoors, and corresponds to the outside temperature when the sensor device is installed outdoors.
An object of one aspect of the technology disclosed in the present application is to provide a sensor device in which the ability of a temperature sensor to follow a change in the ambient temperature is high.
A sensor device according to an aspect of the technology disclosed in the present application, which is a sensor device to be installed on an installation surface, includes a substrate and a temperature sensor. The substrate includes a substrate body that is disposed along the installation surface and an extension portion that extends from the substrate body in a direction away from the installation surface. The temperature sensor is mounted on the extension portion and detects an ambient temperature around the sensor device.
With the technology disclosed in the present application, it is possible to provide a sensor device in which the ability of a temperature sensor to follow a change in the ambient temperature is high.
First, a first embodiment of the technology disclosed in the present application will be described.
A sensor device 10 illustrated in
The substrate unit 14 includes a substrate 20, a temperature sensor 22, and a plurality of heat generating modules 24 (see
A surface on one side in the thickness direction of the substrate body 26 is a mounting surface 26A, and a surface on the other side in the thickness direction of the substrate body 26 is an affixing surface 26B. The thickness direction of the substrate body 26 is the same as the direction normal to the mounting surface 26A and the affixing surface 26B of the substrate body 26. The plurality of heat generating modules 24 and other components (not shown) are mounted on the mounting surface 26A. A conductive pattern (not shown) is formed on the substrate 20. The plurality of heat generating modules 24, the temperature sensor 22 (described below), and the like are electrically connected via the conductive pattern. The affixing surface 26B is directly affixed to the installation surface 12 by using, for example, a double-sided tape.
The extension portion 28 extends from the substrate body 26 in a direction away from the installation surface 12. That is, the extension portion 28 extends from the substrate body 26 toward one side in the thickness direction of the substrate body 26 (in the direction of arrow A). The extension portion 28 includes a standing portion 30 that stands with respect to the substrate body 26, and a bent portion 32 that is bent from an upper end of the standing portion 30 toward the substrate body 26 side (in the direction of arrow B). The bent portion 32 forms a distal end portion of the extension portion 28 and faces the substrate body 26 in the thickness direction of the substrate body 26. The bent portion 32 has an upper surface 32A facing toward a side opposite from the substrate body 26 in a side view of the substrate 20, and a lower surface 32B facing toward the substrate body 26 side.
The temperature sensor 22 is, for example, a chip sensor, and is mounted on the lower surface 32B of the bent portion 32. The temperature sensor 22 detects the ambient temperature around the sensor device 10, and outputs a signal in accordance with the ambient temperature. The temperature sensor 22 is not in direct contact with any members other than the extension portion 28, and is in a state of floating in a space inside the cover 16 described below (a space between the cover 16 and the installation surface 12). To the temperature sensor 22, air outside the sensor device 10 is supplied through an opening (not shown) formed in the cover 16, an opening (not shown) formed between a top wall 36 of the cover 16 and the installation surface 12, and the like.
As illustrated in
The bent portion 32, which is the distal end portion of the extension portion 28, is located at a position that does not overlap the plurality of heat generating modules 24 in plan view of the substrate 20. Thus, the temperature sensor 22 is disposed at a position deviated from the plurality of heat generating modules 24 in plan view of the substrate 20. That is, the temperature sensor 22 is disposed at a position that does not overlap the plurality of heat generating modules 24 in plan view of the substrate 20.
As illustrated in
The substrate unit 14 is formed as follows. That is, as illustrated in
Next, functions and advantageous effects of the first embodiment will be described.
First, a comparative example will be described in order to clarify the functions and advantageous effects of the first embodiment.
As illustrated in
In contrast, in the sensor device 10 according to the first embodiment illustrated in
As illustrated in
In the sensor device 10 according to the first embodiment, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 22 is closer to the ambient temperature than in the sensor device 110 according to the comparative example. Thus, with the sensor device 10 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to improve the ability of the temperature sensor 22 to follow a change in the ambient temperature.
With the sensor device 10 according to the first embodiment, the following functions and advantageous effects are further achieved. That is, with the sensor device 10 according to the first embodiment, the temperature sensor 22 is mounted on the bent portion 32, which is the distal end portion of the extension portion 28. Accordingly, the distance between the temperature sensor 22 and the installation surface 12 can be increased by the amount due to mounting of the temperature sensor 22 on the distal end portion of the extension portion 28, and thus it is possible to further reduce thermal effect that the temperature sensor 22 receives from the installation surface 12.
The temperature sensor 22 is mounted on the lower surface 32B of the bent portion 32. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively use the space between the bent portion 32 and the substrate body 26 for disposing the temperature sensor 22 while reliably providing a large distance between the temperature sensor 22 and the installation surface 12. Thus, it is possible to achieve both the ability of the temperature sensor 22 to follow a change in the ambient temperature and reduction in size of the sensor device 10 in the height direction.
The bent portion 32 is bent from the upper end of the standing portion 30 toward the substrate body 26 side (in the direction of arrow B), and faces the substrate body 26. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress protrusion of the bent portion 32 in a lateral direction of the substrate body 26 (in the direction opposite to the arrow B). Thus, it is possible to reduce the size of the sensor device 10 in the direction along the installation surface 12.
The temperature sensor 22 is disposed at a position deviated from the heat generating module 24 in plan view of the substrate 20. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce thermal effect that the temperature sensor 22 receives from, in addition to the installation surface 12, the plurality of heat generating modules 24. Thus, it possible to further improve the ability of the temperature sensor 22 to follow a change in the ambient temperature.
The extension portion 28 has elasticity, the standing portion 30 is in an elastically bent state (compressed state) between the top wall 36 and the substrate body 26, and thereby the bent portion 32 is in contact with the top wall 36 of the cover 16 in a pressed state. Accordingly, the temperature sensor 22 can be held in a state of being separated from the installation surface 12, and thus it is possible to maintain the ability of the temperature sensor 22 to follow a change in the ambient temperature.
Next, modifications of the first embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, the substrate body 26 is directly affixed to the installation surface 12. However, a bottom wall that is to be affixed to the installation surface 12 may be formed in the cover 16, and the substrate body 26 may be disposed along the installation surface 12 with the bottom wall therebetween. The substrate body 26 may be fixed to the installation surface 12 by using a method other than affixing.
In the first embodiment, the temperature sensor 22 outputs a signal in accordance with the ambient temperature. However, the temperature sensor 22 may output a signal in accordance with the ambient temperature and the ambient humidity. The sensor device 10 may periodically transmit the detected temperature data and the detected humidity data wirelessly or by wire.
In the first embodiment, the substrate 20 is a flexible substrate. However, the substrate 20 may be a substrate other than a flexible substrate.
In the first embodiment, the temperature sensor 22 is disposed at a position deviated from the plurality of heat generating modules 24 in plan view of the substrate 20. However, the temperature sensor 22 may be disposed at a position overlapping the plurality of heat generating modules 24 in plan view of the substrate 20.
In the first embodiment, the sensor device 10 is installed on the installation surface 12 extending in the horizontal direction. However, the sensor device 10 may be installed on an installation surface 12 extending in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, or may be installed on an installation surface 12 extending in the vertical direction.
Next, a second embodiment of the technology disclosed in the present application will be described.
In the second embodiment illustrated in
The extension portion 28 includes the standing portion 30 that stands with respect to the substrate body 26 and the bent portion 32 that is bent with respect to the standing portion 30. The bent portion 32 overlaps a cut-out portion 42, which is formed in the substrate 20 by the cut-and-raised piece, in plan view of the substrate 20. As illustrated in
In the second embodiment, the substrate unit 14 is formed as follows. That is, as illustrated in
Also with the second embodiment, as illustrated in
The temperature sensor 22 is mounted on the bent portion 32, which is the distal end portion of the extension portion 28. Accordingly, the distance between the temperature sensor 22 and the installation surface 12 can be increased by the amount due to mounting of the temperature sensor 22 on the distal end portion of the extension portion 28, and thus it is possible to further reduce thermal effect that the temperature sensor 22 receives from the installation surface 12.
The extension portion 28 is a cut-and-raised piece between the pair of slits 40 (see
The bent portion 32 has the upper surface 32A facing toward a side opposite from the substrate body 26 and the lower surface 32B facing toward the substrate body 26 side, the temperature sensor 22 is mounted on the upper surface 32A, and the heat insulator 44 is attached to the lower surface 32B. Accordingly, the heat insulator 44 is disposed between the temperature sensor 22 and the installation surface 12, and thus it is possible to more effectively reduce thermal effect that the temperature sensor 22 receives from the installation surface 12.
In the second embodiment, modifications that are the same as those of the first embodiment may be applied.
Next, a third embodiment of the technology disclosed in the present application will be described.
In the third embodiment illustrated in
The extension portion 28 includes the standing portion 30 that stands with respect to the substrate body 26 and the bent portion 32 that is bent with respect to the standing portion 30. The bent portion 32 overlaps a cut-out portion 52, which is formed in the substrate 20 by the cut-and-raised piece, in plan view of the substrate 20. The bent portion 32 has the upper surface 32A facing toward a side opposite from the substrate body 26 in a side view of the substrate 20 and the lower surface 32B facing toward the substrate body 26 side. The temperature sensor 22 is mounted on the upper surface 32A of the bent portion 32. A heat insulator 54 having a block shape is attached to the lower surface 32B of the bent portion 32.
In the third embodiment, the substrate unit 14 is formed as follows. That is, the substrate 20, having a flat shape and having the slit 50, is formed; and the temperature sensor 22 and the plurality of heat generating modules 24 are mounted on the substrate 20. Then, the extension portion 28 is bent between the substrate body 26 and the standing portion 30 and between the standing portion 30 and the bent portion 32. Thus, the substrate unit 14 is formed.
Also with the third embodiment, the extension portion 28 extends from the substrate body 26 in a direction away from the installation surface, and the temperature sensor 22 is mounted on the extension portion 28. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce thermal effect that the temperature sensor 22 receives from the installation surface by the amount due to separation of the temperature sensor 22 from the installation surface. Thus, it is possible to improve the ability of the temperature sensor 22 to follow a change in the ambient temperature.
The temperature sensor 22 is mounted on the bent portion 32, which is the distal end portion of the extension portion 28. Accordingly, the distance between the temperature sensor 22 and the installation surface can be increased by the amount due to mounting of the temperature sensor 22 on the distal end portion of the extension portion 28, and thus it is possible to further reduce thermal effect that the temperature sensor 22 receives from the installation surface.
The extension portion 28 is a cut-and-raised piece formed between the slit 50, which is formed in the substrate 20, and the side portion 34C. Accordingly, in the process of manufacturing the substrate 20, even when manufacturing a plurality of substrates 20 (obtaining multiple pieces) from one sheet material, it is possible to efficiently manufacture the substrate 20 by suppressing generation of a waste portion in the sheet material.
The bent portion 32 has the upper surface 32A facing toward a side opposite from the substrate body 26 and the lower surface 32B facing toward the substrate body 26 side, the temperature sensor 22 is mounted on the upper surface 32A, and the heat insulator 54 is attached to the lower surface 32B. Accordingly, the heat insulator 54 is disposed between the temperature sensor 22 and the installation surface, and thus it is possible to more effectively reduce thermal effect that the temperature sensor 22 receives from the installation surface.
In the third embodiment, modifications that are the same as those of the first embodiment may be applied.
Next, a fourth embodiment of the technology disclosed in the present application will be described.
In the fourth embodiment illustrated in
In the fourth embodiment, the substrate unit 14 is formed as follows. That is, the substrate 20, having a flat shape and including the extension portion 28, is formed; and the temperature sensor 22 and the plurality of heat generating modules 24 are mounted on the substrate 20. Then, the extension portion 28 is bent between the substrate body 26 and the standing portion 30. Thus, the substrate unit 14 is formed.
Also with the fourth embodiment, the extension portion 28 extends from the substrate body 26 in a direction away from the installation surface, and the temperature sensor 22 is mounted on the extension portion 28. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce thermal effect that the temperature sensor 22 receives from the installation surface by the amount due to separation of the temperature sensor 22 from the installation surface. Thus, it is possible to improve the ability of the temperature sensor 22 to follow a change in the ambient temperature.
The extension portion 28 has the inner surface 32C facing toward the substrate body 26 side and an outer surface 32D facing toward a side opposite from the substrate body 26 in a side view of the substrate 20, and the temperature sensor 22 is mounted on the inner surface 32C. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress protrusion of the temperature sensor 22 in a lateral direction of the substrate body 26.
In the fourth embodiment, modifications that are the same as those of the first embodiment may be applied.
Next, a fifth embodiment of the technology disclosed in the present application will be described.
In the fifth embodiment illustrated in
In the fifth embodiment, the substrate unit 14 is formed as follows. That is, the substrate 20, having a flat shape and including the extension portion 28, is formed; and the temperature sensor 22 and the plurality of heat generating modules 24 are mounted on the substrate 20. Then, the extension portion 28 is bent between the substrate body 26 and the standing portion 30 and between the standing portion 30 and the bent portion 32. Thus, the substrate unit 14 is formed.
Also with the fifth embodiment, the extension portion 28 extends from the substrate body 26 in a direction away from the installation surface, and the temperature sensor 22 is mounted on the extension portion 28. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce thermal effect that the temperature sensor 22 receives from the installation surface by the amount due to separation of the temperature sensor 22 from the installation surface. Thus, it is possible to improve the ability of the temperature sensor 22 to follow a change in the ambient temperature.
The bent portion 32 has the inner surface 32C facing toward the substrate body 26 side and an outer surface 32D facing toward a side opposite from the substrate body 26, and the temperature sensor 22 is mounted on the inner surface 32C. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress protrusion of the temperature sensor 22 in a lateral direction of the substrate body 26.
In the fifth embodiment, modifications that are the same as those of the first embodiment may be applied.
Next, a sixth embodiment of the technology disclosed in the present application will be described.
In the sixth embodiment illustrated in
When the openings 62 are formed in the side wall 60 in the vicinity of the temperature sensor 22 as described above, air outside the sensor device 10 can be supplied to the temperature sensor 22 through the openings 62, and thus it is possible to improve the ability of the temperature sensor 22 to follow a change in the ambient temperature.
The cover 16 according to the sixth embodiment, having the openings 62, may be used in combination with the configuration of the substrate unit 14 according to any of the first to fifth embodiments.
Heretofore, the first to sixth embodiments of the technology disclosed in the present application have been described. However, the technology disclosed in the present application is not limited to the above. In addition to the above, it is needless to say that the technology can be carried out in various modifications within the spirit and scope thereof.
The entire contents of the disclosure in Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-183805 are incorporated herein by reference.
All the documents, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in the present specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as in a case where each of the documents, patent applications, and technical standards is specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2018-183805 | Sep 2018 | JP | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP2019/032398 | 8/20/2019 | WO | 00 |