JP2008026199A - Temperature sensor and heated toilet seat equipped therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a temperature sensor wherein the heat transfer from a detecting body and thermal responsivity are rapid and its electrical insulation properties are superior, and to provide a heated toilet seat equipped with the temperature sensor and high safety (even if rapid heating is performed with electric power of large capacity). <P>SOLUTION: This temperature sensor is equipped with an insulation sheet 7, with which a temperature-sensing part 6 of a temperature-sensing element 2 makes contact and which is wider than a projected area of at least the sensing element 2, including a part of a lead wire 5, and an insulation resin material 8 used for adhesively coating the sensing element 2 and part of the lead wire 5 so as to wrap them around between itself and the insulation sheet 7. This causes heat to be transferred quickly via the insulating sheet, to the sensing element, providing a fast thermal response speed. Since the sensing element 2 that is in contact with the insulation sheet 7 and a lead wire 5 connecting part are covered by the resin material 8, the temperature sensor excelling in electrical insulation properties can be made. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a temperature sensor excellent in heat transfer performance and a heating toilet seat device including the same.

  Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 9, this type of temperature sensor is formed by immersing a part of the thermal sensor 86 of the temperature sensor and the lead wires 83a and 83b in a tank B filled with an organic resin material 87 such as epoxy. The organic resin material 87 was heated and cured in a high temperature atmosphere to form an insulating film. However, this method can produce a temperature sensor with good electrical insulation and weather resistance. However, the organic resin material 87 attached to the lead wires 83a and 83b before being heated and cured is surrounded by a surface tension around the thermal element 86. As a result, a thick spherical insulating coating 87a is formed on the thermal element 86, or excess resin collects at the tip of the temperature sensor due to gravity, resulting in variations in the shape after heat curing of the resin, resulting in defective products due to shape defects. There were drawbacks such as generation. Further, the temperature sensor thus completed has a response time until the heat of the insulating coating 87a absorbed from the detection object is transmitted to the thermal sensing device 86 due to the variation in the thickness of the insulating coating 87a covering the thermal sensing device 86. Variations occurred and the thermal response was not satisfactory.

As a temperature sensor that solves such a problem, for example, a thin temperature sensor having the following structure has been proposed. In this temperature sensor, as shown in FIG. 10A, portions extending from one end of a pair of narrow metal plate portions 93a and 93b are external lead terminals 93a ′ and 93b ′, and the narrow metal plate portion 93a. , 93b are formed with clamping portions 96a, 96b, and the electrode portions of the chip-like thermal element 97 are electrically connected to the side walls of the pair of clamping portions 96a, 96b, and the external lead terminals 93a ′, 93b It is a thin temperature sensor formed by bonding insulating sheets with adhesives 98a and 98b except for a part of '. Since this thin temperature sensor is thin and has a flat plate shape, it can be mounted in a small gap without providing a special space, and has advantages such as a high thermal response speed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-60027

However, in the thin temperature sensor having the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, the metal plate portions 93a and 93b excluding a part of the heat sensitive element 97 and the external lead terminals 93a ′ and 93b ′ are bonded with insulating sheets 98a and 98b with adhesive. Because of the combined structure, when used in a hot and humid environment or for a long period of time, the adhesive strength of the adhesive of the insulating sheets 98a and 98b may be reduced, and the insulating sheet may peel off from the metal plate portion. It was not enough in terms of reliability. In addition, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 10B, the structure of this temperature sensor is a structure in which a thin insulating sheet is used and bonded to the thermal element and the narrow metal plate part from both sides. A gap (t) is generated in the side wall portion of the heat sensitive element or the narrow metal plate, moisture or moisture enters from the gap portion due to a change in ambient temperature, the electrical characteristics of the heat sensitive element deteriorate, the insulating sheet peels off, etc. It was not enough in terms of long-term reliability. In addition, when this temperature sensor is used as an example of a heating device, for example, in a heating toilet seat and used to detect and control the temperature of the toilet seat, the water immersion insulation performance specified in the section on the electric toilet seat of the Electrical Appliance and Material Control Law is used. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 10 (b), the structure of the conventional temperature sensor needs to be satisfied, and a thin insulating sheet is used and bonded to the heat sensitive element and the narrow metal plate portion from both sides. Due to the structure, a gap (t) is generated in the side wall portion of the thermal element or narrow metal plate, and moisture or moisture enters from the gap portion due to a change in ambient temperature, so that the electrical characteristics of the thermal element deteriorate or are insulated. There has been a problem that the water-insulating performance is not sufficient in terms of long-term reliability, such as peeling of the sheet. Moreover, in the configuration of the conventional temperature sensor shown in FIG. 10A, the external lead terminals 93a ′ and 93b ′ are in an exposed state. Therefore, lead wires are attached to the external lead terminals 93a ′ and 93b ′ by soldering or spot welding. It must not be connected and the connecting part must be waterproof and insulated.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and provides a temperature sensor that is fast in heat transfer and thermal responsiveness from a detection target and has excellent electrical insulation, and includes the temperature sensor (large An object of the present invention is to provide a highly safe heating toilet seat device (even if rapid heating is performed with a large amount of electric power).

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, a temperature sensor of the present invention includes a temperature-sensitive element whose electric resistance changes according to temperature, a lead wire electrically connected to the temperature-sensitive element, and a temperature-sensitive element of the temperature-sensitive element. An insulating sheet that is in contact with each other and that is larger than a projected area including at least part of the temperature sensitive element and the lead wire, and is attached so as to wrap the temperature sensitive element and part of the lead wire between the insulating sheet and It is provided with a coated insulating resin material.

  With the above configuration, since at least one surface of the temperature sensing element is in contact with the insulating sheet, the heat sensing element is quickly transferred to the temperature sensing element through the thin insulating sheet, and the thermal response speed is high. Since the temperature sensing element and the lead wire connecting portion that are in contact with each other are covered with an insulating resin material, it is possible to realize a temperature sensor with excellent electrical insulation.

  The temperature sensor of the present invention can realize a temperature sensor that is fast in heat transfer and thermal responsiveness from an object to be detected and excellent in electrical insulation.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a temperature sensing element whose electrical resistance changes according to temperature, a lead wire electrically connected to the temperature sensing element, a temperature sensing portion of the temperature sensing element, and at least the temperature sensing element and A temperature sensor comprising: an insulating sheet having a larger area than a projected area including a part of the lead wire; and an insulating resin material attached and coated so as to wrap the temperature sensing element and a part of the lead wire between the insulating sheet and the insulating sheet. is there. With this configuration, since at least one side of the temperature sensing element is in contact with the insulation sheet, the heat sensing element is quickly transferred to the temperature sensing element through the thin insulation sheet, and the thermal response speed is high and the insulation sheet is contacted. Since the temperature sensing element and the lead wire connecting portion are covered with an insulating resin material except for the temperature sensing portion, a temperature sensor with excellent electrical insulation can be realized.

  2nd invention is a temperature sensor of Claim 1 which an insulating resin material consists of resin provided with adhesiveness and flexibility. By covering a part of the insulating sheet and the temperature sensing element with an insulating resin material having flexibility, when the temperature sensor is mounted on a slightly curved inner surface, the insulating sheet and the flexible insulation are used. Since both the resin material can be bent along the curved inner surface, the insulating sheet can be brought into close contact with the surface to be detected, and a high response speed can be secured without impairing heat transfer. In addition, even if repeated expansion and contraction due to temperature changes acts on each component of the temperature sensor, it acts to flexibly relieve stress with a flexible insulating resin material, thereby impairing the waterproof insulation performance of the temperature sensor And can be used stably for a long time. Examples of resin materials having adhesiveness and flexibility include materials such as silicone resins and polyurethane resins.

A third invention is the temperature sensor according to claim 1, wherein the insulating resin material is a thermosetting resin having adhesiveness such as an epoxy resin or an acrylic resin. Thus, by covering a part of the insulating sheet and the thermosensitive element with the thermosetting resin having adhesiveness, even if the expansion and contraction due to the temperature change acts repeatedly on each component of the temperature sensor, By maintaining sufficient adhesion between the curable resin, the insulating sheet, and the temperature sensitive element, it can be used stably for a long time without impairing the waterproof insulation performance of the temperature sensor. Examples of the thermosetting resin having adhesiveness include materials such as epoxy resins and acrylic resins.

  In the fourth aspect of the invention, the insulating sheet is made of a resin having excellent electrical insulation even if it is formed as thin as an epoxy resin, a phenol resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamideimide resin, a polyurethane resin, a polyester resin, or a polyesterimide resin. It is a temperature sensor of any one of Claim 1 to 3. Even if it is formed thinly, the insulation sheet is made of resin with excellent electrical insulation, so that heat is quickly transferred to the temperature sensitive part of the temperature sensing element via the thin insulation sheet, providing high-speed response and high insulation. A performance temperature sensor is possible. Examples of the resin having excellent electrical insulation even when formed thin include materials such as epoxy resin, phenol resin, polyimide resin, polyamideimide resin, polyurethane resin, polyester resin, and polyesterimide resin.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the lead wire, the lead wire is connected to the insulating resin material side instead of the insulating sheet side by spot welding or soldering to a lead terminal provided in the temperature sensitive element. It is a temperature sensor of description. In order to connect the lead wire to the lead terminal provided in the temperature sensing element in this way, by connecting the lead wire to the insulating resin material side instead of the insulating sheet side by spot welding or soldering, via the insulating sheet Since the protrusion on the insulating sheet side that should quickly transfer heat to the temperature sensing portion of the temperature sensing element can be prevented, the insulation sheet can be brought into close contact with the detected portion, and the high-speed response of the temperature sensor can be stably obtained. .

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a temperature sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a toilet seat casing having a seating surface, a heater for heating the seating surface, and the temperature sensor built in the toilet seat casing. And a control unit that controls the heating temperature of the seating surface in accordance with the heating toilet seat device. With this configuration, even if the heater that heats the seating surface of the toilet seat casing is heated and heated in a short time with large-capacity power, the temperature sensor built in the toilet seat casing is excellent in high-speed response and electrical insulation. Can be controlled to a comfortable and safe temperature.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the heating toilet seat device according to claim 6, wherein the seating surface of the toilet seat casing is formed of a metal having good thermal conductivity, and the insulating sheet side of the temperature sensor is closely fixed to the inside of the seating surface. With this configuration, the heat of the heater that heats the seating surface of the toilet seat casing is transmitted at high speed to the seating surface formed of a metal having good thermal conductivity, so that the temperature distribution of the seating surface is uniformized and the seating surface is uniformed. By attaching the insulating sheet side of the temperature sensor in close contact with the inside, the temperature of the seating surface acts so as to be quickly transmitted to the temperature sensing part of the temperature sensor via the insulating sheet. As described above, the insulating sheet side of the temperature sensor is closely fixed to the inside of the metal seating surface. Therefore, it is possible to realize a safe heating toilet seat device that saves usual heat-retaining power and saves energy.

  The eighth invention is the seventh invention, wherein the seating surface of the toilet seat casing is an aluminum alloy plate. By forming the seating surface of the toilet seat casing with an aluminum alloy plate having good thermal conductivity and a small heat capacity, even if the heating power of the heater for heating the seating surface is the same as before, the heating rate and heat transfer rate are increased, The time (seconds) required for the seating surface to reach a comfortable heating temperature from normal temperature (room temperature) can be shortened and shortened, and the temperature distribution is easier to perform with less uneven temperature, making it easier to save energy and comfort. Can be further improved.

According to a ninth invention, in the seventh or eighth invention, the heater is attached to the back side of the seating surface of the toilet seat casing via a soaking sheet, and the insulating sheet of the temperature sensor is closely fixed to the soaking sheet. Is. By matching the shape and area of this soaking sheet to the range required for heating the seating surface, the part of the soaking sheet can be preferentially uniformly heated, and the temperature of the soaking sheet can be measured with a temperature sensor. In order to detect quickly, temperature control which improves the comfort and energy saving property of a heating toilet seat apparatus becomes possible.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Further, in the description of the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations and the effects and the same description is not repeated.

(Embodiment 1)
1 is a perspective view of a temperature sensor according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the temperature sensor 1 is electrically connected by solder to a temperature sensing element 2 such as a thermistor whose electrical resistance changes according to temperature, and an electrode portion 3 of the temperature sensing element 2. The lead part 4 and a lead wire 5 welded or soldered to the lead part 4 are further provided. The temperature sensing part 6 of the temperature sensing element 2 is in contact with and includes at least a part of the temperature sensing element 2 and the lead wire 5. The insulating sheet 7 is larger than the projected area, and includes an insulating resin material 8 that is attached and covered so as to wrap a part of the temperature sensitive element 2 and the lead wire 5 between the insulating sheet 7. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the temperature sensor 1 has a lead part 4 made of a metal plate or a metal wire soldered to both sides of a temperature sensing element 2 such as a thermistor and the other end of the lead part 4. In a state in which the lead wire 5 is soldered or spot welded, the lead wire 5 is placed on an insulating sheet 7 wider than the projected area from the temperature sensing element 2 to a part of the lead wire 5, and an insulating resin material 8 is used from above. For example, a liquid epoxy resin is hung until the temperature sensitive element 2, the lead portion 4, the lead wire 5, etc. are covered, and is adhered and solidified on the insulating sheet 7. At this time, it is necessary that the temperature sensing part 6 of the temperature sensing element 2 is integrated with the insulating sheet 7 in surface contact, and a part of the insulation coating part 9 of the lead wire 5 is covered with the insulating resin material 8. . Here, in the case of a general temperature sensing element, the back side surface that is in surface contact with the insulating sheet may also be a temperature sensing part, but in this case, the surface contact may be on either the front or back side. The flat part of the temperature sensing part may be used so that the temperature sensing surface is in close contact with the insulating sheet.

  The operation of the temperature sensor configured as described above will be described below. The insulating sheet 7 is a thin film-like insulating material having a thickness of about 0.05 to 0.3 mm, and the heat conduction in the thickness direction of the thin insulating sheet 7 is extremely fast. Moreover, since the temperature sensing portion 6 is in surface contact with the thin insulating sheet 7 on one side of the temperature sensing element 2, heat is quickly transferred to the temperature sensing element 2 via the thin insulating sheet 7, and the thermal response speed is high. The temperature sensitive element 2, the lead part 4, and the lead wire 5 on the insulating sheet 7 are covered with an insulating resin material 8, and the portion surrounded by the insulating sheet 7 and the insulating resin material 8 is surrounded by surrounding gas or It can insulate from liquid and electricity, and acts as a temperature sensor with excellent electrical insulation. The insulating resin material 8 is made of a resin having both electrical insulation and adhesive properties, such as epoxy resin and silicone resin, and the temperature sensitive element 2 and the lead portion 4 placed on the insulating sheet 7 in a somewhat fluid state. Dropping from the upper side of the lead wire 5 to cover the temperature sensitive element 2, the lead portion 4, the lead wire 5 and the like placed on the insulating sheet 7, and then for natural solidification or shortening of the solidification time By solidifying in an atmosphere of about 40 ° C., the insulating resin material 8 extends not only to the temperature-sensitive element 2 but also to the connection portion between the lead wire 5 and the lead portion 4 and part of the insulating coating portion 9 of the lead wire 5. By being covered with, the moisture can be prevented from entering the conductive portions of the temperature sensor 1 and the temperature sensor 1.

1 to 5, the insulating sheet 7 is illustrated by taking a flat plate shape as an example. However, an edge fold portion may be provided on the peripheral end face or a shallow container shape may be formed. When potting, the insulating resin material 8 can be prevented from flowing out from the insulating sheet 7 to the outside, so that production can be facilitated.

  In the present embodiment, when the insulating resin material 8 is a resin having both adhesiveness and flexibility such as silicone resin and polyurethane resin, the thin insulating sheet 7 can be bent so as to be somewhat curved. Become. Therefore, even when the temperature sensor 1 is used by being attached to an inner surface that is somewhat curved, both the insulating sheet 7 and the flexible insulating resin material 8 can bend along the curved inner surface, so that the insulating sheet 7 Since the surface to be detected can be brought into close contact with the temperature to be detected, a high heat transfer rate (thermal response) can be ensured without impairing the heat transfer property. Further, even if repeated expansion and contraction due to temperature change acts on each component of the temperature sensor 1, the flexible insulating resin material 8 acts to relieve stress flexibly and impairs waterproofness and insulation. Thus, a temperature sensor that can be used stably for a long period of time can be realized.

  In addition, when the insulating resin material 8 is a thermosetting resin excellent in adhesive strength and heat resistance such as an epoxy resin or an acrylic resin, repeated expansion and contraction due to temperature change acts on each component of the temperature sensor 1. However, sufficient adhesion between the thermosetting insulating resin material 8 and the insulating sheet 7, the temperature sensitive element 2, the lead portion 4, the lead wire 5, etc. can be maintained, without impairing waterproofness or insulation. A temperature sensor that can be used stably for a long period of time can be realized.

  Further, the insulating sheet 7 is made of a resin having an excellent electrical insulating property even if it is thinly formed, such as an epoxy resin, a phenol resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamideimide resin, a polyurethane resin, a polyester resin, or a polyesterimide resin. Heat is quickly transferred to the temperature sensing portion 6 of the temperature sensing element 2 via the thin insulating sheet 7, and a temperature sensor with a high-speed response and high insulation performance becomes possible.

  Further, the lead wire 5 is connected to the insulating resin material 8 side instead of the insulating sheet 7 side by spot welding or soldering to the lead portion 4 which is a lead terminal provided in the temperature sensing element 2, so that the insulating sheet 7 is Therefore, it is possible to prevent the protrusion on the insulating sheet 7 side that should quickly transfer heat to the temperature sensing portion 6 of the temperature sensing element 2, so that the insulating sheet 7 can be brought into close contact with the surface to be detected, and the temperature sensor can operate at high speed. Responsiveness can be obtained stably. That is, it is important to connect the lead wire 5 without causing unnecessary unevenness on the insulating sheet 7.

  As described above, in this embodiment, at least one side of the temperature sensing element 2 has the temperature sensing portion 6 in contact with the insulating sheet 7, so that heat is quickly transferred to the temperature sensing element 2 through the thin insulating sheet 7. In addition, since the thermal response speed is fast and the temperature sensing element 2 and the lead wire 5 connecting portion are covered with the insulating resin material 8 except for the temperature sensing portion in contact with the insulating sheet 7, the electrical insulating property is excellent. Temperature sensor can be realized. If it is such a structure, when it installs in various temperature detection ponds and marshes through the insulating sheet 7, if there is a plane part corresponding to a temperature sensing part at least in the target object, it will stick to that part, and a thermal response Good temperature detection can be realized.

  In the present embodiment, the insulating sheet 7 has been described as being made of a resin material. However, the insulating sheet 7 is not limited to a resin material, and the same effect can be obtained with an insulating material other than a resin, such as a ceramic sheet.

  In addition, the configuration having the lead portion 4 between the temperature sensing element 2 and the lead wire 5 has been described. However, the configuration is not limited to that having the lead portion 4, and the lead wire 5 is soldered to the temperature sensing element 2. The same effect can be obtained even with a configuration in which the electrical connection is made directly.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the heating toilet seat device according to the second embodiment of the present invention installed in the toilet bowl, FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the main part of the side part of the toilet seat, and FIG. The principal part sectional drawing of the heating apparatus adhere | attached on the toilet seat in a BB cut surface is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the heating toilet seat device body 11 is placed and fixed on the toilet bowl 10. The main body 11 is provided with a toilet lid 12 and a toilet seat 13 so as to be rotatable. An infrared ray transmitting portion is provided on a sleeve portion 14 of the main body 11, and the presence or absence of a human body in the toilet space (for example, An infrared sensor 15 for detecting whether the user enters the toilet room or the proximity of the user to the heated toilet seat device 11 is incorporated.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the toilet seat casing 16 of the toilet seat 13 includes a toilet seat casing 16a (upper frame) having a metal seating surface and a toilet seat casing 16b (lower frame) facing the toilet bowl. By joining and fixing the peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge, a structure having a cavity portion 17 is provided. Inside the hollow portion 17, a heater 20 for heating the seating surface 19 is attached to the toilet seat inner wall surface 18 corresponding to the seating portion of the toilet seat casing 16a. The outer side of the heater 20 is covered with an insulating coating 21, and the tubing heater wire 20 is formed of a meandering wiring pattern and is made of two sheets of aluminum foil having a thickness of about 0.1 mm with an adhesive applied on one side. Attached to the inner wall surface 18 of the toilet seat casing 16a (upper frame) having a thickness of about 1 mm with an adhesive attached to the aluminum foil of the soaking sheet 22 in a state sandwiched between the soaking sheets 22 and 23. It is fixed. The temperature sensor 1 for detecting the temperature of the seating surface 19 is attached and fixed so as to be in close contact with the surface of the soaking sheet 23.

  About the heating toilet seat apparatus comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  When the user enters the toilet, the human body detection sensor 15 detects this, and a large-capacity electric power is supplied to the heater 20 by the signal to instantaneously raise the temperature, so that the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat casing 16 reaches the target temperature. Let Therefore, since the human body contacts the seating surface 19 that has been heated and heated before the user sits on the toilet seat 13, the toilet seat 13 can be used comfortably. In addition, energy saving can be realized by providing a seating detection function so that heating is stopped when the user is seated, thereby allowing toilet seat heating to function during use.

  Conventional heating toilet seat devices generally have a maximum power input to the heater of about 50 to 60 watts. Therefore, when energization is started when using the toilet seat, it takes 5 minutes to raise the temperature from room temperature to 35 ° C. Since it has to wait for 10 minutes, it is necessary to keep warm and energize even when it is not normally used, which is wasteful and inconvenient from the viewpoint of energy saving. The heating toilet seat device 11 according to the present embodiment satisfies the condition that the temperature of the seating surface 19 can be controlled safely and comfortably even when the power input to the heater 20 is about 1200 watts at maximum. For example, a tubing heater shown in section as the heater 20 has conventionally used PVC (vinyl chloride resin), which has a thickness of the insulating coating 21 around the heater 20 of about 0.8 mm and a low heat resistance of about 105 ° C. However, in this embodiment, PFA (perfluoroalkoxy resin) having a heat resistance as thin as 0.1 to 0.3 mm and high heat resistance of about 260 ° C. is used. Therefore, when the conventional heater is energized at 1200 watts, the heater is heated at a high speed. However, since the insulation coating on the outer periphery of the heater wire is 0.8 mm thick, the heat transfer is hindered and the heat transfer rate to the aluminum foil soaking sheet and toilet seat casing Becomes slower. When the heater wire is in a state where a large amount of power is supplied to the heater wire in a state where heat transfer is not good, insulation of PVC (vinyl chloride resin) is as low as about 105 ° C and the heat resistance temperature is several hundred degrees in a few seconds. The coating softens, melts, or burns and thermally impairs insulation. In this conventional case, even if the temperature sensor is attached to the soaking sheet or the toilet seat casing and the heater is heated to detect that the temperature has risen and the heater is turned off, the temperature sensor increases the temperature. As described above, since the insulation coating of the heater was damaged before detection, it was not practical at all.

In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the thickness of the insulating coating 21 on the outer periphery of the heater 20 is set to 0.1 to 0.1.
Since PFA (perfluoroalkoxy resin), which is thin as 0.3 mm and has a high heat resistance of about 260 ° C., is used, when the heater 20 is energized with 1200 watts, the heater 20 is heated at a high speed and at the same time has a thin insulation. Heat is transferred at high speed to the two aluminum soaking sheets 22 and 23 attached so as to sandwich the insulating coating 21 through the coating 21, and the seating surface 19 and the Heat is quickly transferred to the temperature sensor 1. Therefore, the temperature sensor 1 described in the first embodiment is attached to the soaking sheet 23 in close contact, and the temperature signal of the temperature sensor 1 is detected by the control unit 30 (not shown) of the heating toilet seat device 11. By controlling the electric power of 20, the temperature of the seating surface 19 can be raised safely and comfortably in a short time such as about 6 seconds without overheating the heater 20 and the insulating coating 21.

  By the way, in the above-described conventional embodiment, when the heater is energized with 1200 watts, the insulation coating of vinyl chloride resin on the outer periphery of the heater wire is 0.8 mm thick, so the heater wire temperature is about twice the heat resistance temperature of the insulation coating 105 ° C. Even when the temperature reaches 200 ° C., the temperature of the soaking sheet does not reach 30 ° C., whereas in the heating toilet seat device 11 of the present embodiment, the perfluoroalkoxy resin insulation coating 21 on the outer periphery of the heater wire 20 is 0. Since the thickness of the heater wire 20 is as thin as 2 mm, the seating surface 19 and the temperature sensor 1 can be controlled to an appropriate temperature of about 35 ° C. to 40 ° C. with the temperature of the heater wire 20 being about 100 ° C. or less, which is less than half the heat resistant temperature 260 ° C. it can. Moreover, since the two aluminum soaking sheets 22 and 23 are bonded so as to sandwich the insulating film 21 of the heater 20, the heat of the heater 20 can be quickly passed through the thin insulating film 21 without escaping anywhere. The toilet seat casing 16a which is transferred to the heat-uniforming sheets 22 and 23 and is conducted from the heat-uniforming sheet 22 is a press-molded product of an aluminum alloy plate (plate thickness 1 mm) having a small specific heat and excellent thermal conductivity. Can be quickly and evenly heated with a relatively small amount of power. In other words, the fact that the aluminum alloy plate constituting the toilet seat casing 16a has a small specific heat and a thin plate thickness of 1 mm means that the heat capacity is small, and that the heat capacity is small means that the temperature can be raised with a small amount of heat energy. The temperature can be raised to an appropriate temperature with a small amount of electric power in time.

  Further, as described in the first embodiment, the temperature sensor 1 is quickly transferred to the temperature sensing element 2 through the thin insulating sheet 7, has a high thermal response speed, and is in contact with the insulating sheet 7. Since the temperature sensitive element 2 and the lead wire 5 connecting portion other than the temperature portion are covered with the insulating resin material 8, the electrical insulation is excellent, and the insulating sheet 7 is in close contact with the soaking sheet 23 in FIG. It is pasted on. The conventional temperature sensor as shown in FIG. 9 described at the beginning until the heat of the insulating coating 87 a absorbed from the detection object is transferred to the thermal element 86 due to the variation in the thickness of the insulating coating 87 a covering the thermal element 86. The response time varies, and since the insulating coating 87a is thick and the thermal response is slow, detection of temperature changes in the heater 20, the seating surface 19, and the soaking sheet 23 is delayed, and the power control of the heater 20 is also delayed. Therefore, even if an attempt was made to control the temperature of the seating surface 19 by feedback control from this temperature sensor, the overshoot / undershoot of the temperature of the heater 20 and the seating surface 19 exceeded the allowable range, and was not practical. On the other hand, the temperature sensor 1 having a high thermal response speed and excellent electrical insulation described in the first embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. 7, so that the heater 20 for heating the seating surface 19 of the toilet seat casing 16 is increased. Even if the heating is performed in a short time with the capacity power, the temperature sensor 1 can quickly detect the temperature changes of the heater 20, the seating surface 19, and the soaking sheet 23, so that the seating surface 19 is controlled to a comfortable and safe temperature. Can do.

Further, when the conventional temperature sensor S1 shown in FIG. 10 is used, the metal plate portions 93a and 93b excluding a part of the heat sensitive element 97 and the external lead terminals 93a ′ and 93b ′ are attached to a thin insulating sheet 98a with an adhesive, 98b, and the thermal response speed is fast so that the temperature of the seating surface 19 can be controlled. However, thin insulating sheets 98a and 98b are used, and the thermal element 97 and the narrow metal plate portion 93a are used. , 93b, and a gap (t) is generated in the side wall portions of the heat sensitive element 97 and the narrow metal plates 93a, 93b, and moisture and moisture are generated from the gap portions due to changes in ambient temperature. It is not sufficient in terms of long-term reliability, such as deterioration of the electrical characteristics of the thermal element 97 due to intrusion and peeling of the insulating sheets 98a and 98b, and the external lead terminals 93a ′ and 93b ′ are exposed. Connect the lead wire can not be used must be waterproof insulated handle the connection portion. Particularly in the heating toilet seat device, it is necessary to satisfy the water-insulating performance defined in the section of the electric toilet seat of the Electrical Appliance and Material Control Law, and the conventional temperature sensor S1 shown in FIG. 10 has not been put into practical use. In contrast, by configuring the temperature sensor 1 described in the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, at least one surface of the temperature-sensitive element 2 is in contact with the insulating sheet 7 because the temperature-sensitive portion 6 is in contact with the insulating sheet 7. Heat is quickly transferred to the temperature-sensitive element 2 through the sheet 7, the thermal response speed is high, and the temperature-sensitive element 2 and the lead wire connecting portion that are in contact with the insulating sheet 2 are covered with the insulating resin material 8. Therefore, even if the heater 20 that heats the seating surface 19 of the toilet seat casing 16 is heated and heated in a short time with a large capacity power, the temperature sensor 1 quickly detects temperature changes of the heater 20, the seating surface 19, and the soaking sheet 23. Therefore, the seating surface 19 can be controlled to a comfortable and safe temperature, and a heated toilet seat device having excellent electrical insulation such as long-term water-insulating performance can be realized.

  7, the configuration example in which the temperature sensor 1 is attached to the surface of the soaking sheet 23 has been described. However, the temperature sensor 1 is sandwiched between the soaking sheet 22 and the soaking sheet 23 as illustrated in FIG. 8. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to receive temperature transmission from both directions of the soaking sheet 22 and soaking sheet 23, that is, from all directions of the temperature sensor 1, so that the temperature change of the toilet seat casing 16a can be detected more accurately and quickly. can do. Moreover, since the whole circumference | surroundings of the temperature sensor 1 can be enclosed with the aluminum foil with an adhesive which forms the soaking | uniform-heating sheet 22 and the soaking | uniform-heating sheet | seat 23, waterproof insulation can be improved more.

  In the present embodiment, the structure attached to the soaking sheet 23 via the insulating sheet 7 on the smooth surface side of the temperature sensor 1 in the first embodiment is very smooth like a seating surface 19 made of metal. Even if it is a curved surface on the periphery of the seating portion or the like, and if there is at least a flat surface of the object to be bonded that opposes the temperature sensing portion of the temperature sensor 1, the bonding surface of the temperature sensor 1 is flexible. Since the adhesiveness is good and the adhesiveness is good and the thermal response is very good, the characteristics of the temperature sensor 1 can be very utilized by using such a sticking configuration.

  As described above, the heating toilet seat device 11 of the present embodiment has a temperature sensor built in the toilet seat casing 16 even if the heater 20 that heats the seating surface 19 of the toilet seat casing 16 is heated and heated in a short time with a large capacity power. Since 1 is excellent in high-speed response and electrical insulation, the seating surface 19 can be controlled to a comfortable and safe temperature.

  In addition, by forming the upper frame 16a serving as a seating surface of the toilet seat casing 16 from a metal having good thermal conductivity such as an aluminum alloy, heat transfer is accelerated even when the heating power of the heating device is the same as the conventional one. The rise time of the temperature can be shortened and the temperature distribution is easily made uniform. Further, the heat of the heater 20 that heats the seating surface 19 of the toilet seat casing 16 is transmitted to the seating surface 19 made of a metal having good thermal conductivity at high speed, so that the temperature distribution of the seating surface 16 is also made uniform. At the same time, the insulating sheet 7 side of the temperature sensor 1 is closely attached to the inside of the seating surface 19, so that the temperature of the seating surface 19 is quickly transmitted to the temperature sensing unit 2 of the temperature sensor 1 through the insulating sheet 1. Acts as follows. As described above, the insulating sheet 7 side of the temperature sensor 1 is tightly fixed to the inside of the metal seating surface 19, so that the temperature of the toilet seat can be increased due to control delay even when the temperature is rapidly increased with high power when used by a person. A safe heating toilet seat device 11 without overheating or the like becomes possible, and a normal heating toilet seat device excellent in energy saving can be realized by saving usual heat retaining power.

  In the embodiment, the upper frame body 16a of the toilet seat casing 16 is formed of an aluminum alloy. However, the present invention is not limited to the aluminum alloy, but may be any other metal such as a copper alloy or stainless steel as long as the metal has good thermal conductivity. The same effect can be obtained even with these metals.

  Note that the seating surface 19 of the toilet seat casing 16 is formed of an aluminum alloy plate having good thermal conductivity and a small heat capacity, so that the heating rate and heat of the heater 20 for heating the seating surface 19 are the same as the conventional one. The transmission speed increases, the time (seconds) for the seating surface to reach a comfortable heating temperature from room temperature (room temperature) can be shortened and accelerated, and comfortable heating with less temperature unevenness is facilitated. Further, energy saving and comfort can be improved.

  In addition, by adjusting the shape and area of the soaking sheets 22 and 23 to the range of the seating surface 19 necessary for heating, the soaking sheets 22 and 23 can be preferentially uniformly heated. Since the temperature of the thermal seats 22 and 23 is quickly detected by the temperature sensor 1, it is possible to perform temperature control that further improves the comfort and energy saving of the heating toilet seat device 11.

  In the embodiment, the heat equalizing sheet has been described as an example composed of two heat equalizing sheets 22 and 23. For example, the heat equalizing sheet 22 is omitted in FIGS. The same effect can be obtained even with a configuration in which the toilet frame 16a and the upper frame 16a of the toilet seat casing 16 are adhered to each other.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the temperature sensor 1 is used for the heating toilet seat device 11 has been described. However, the temperature sensor 1 is not necessarily limited to the heating toilet seat device or the present embodiment. It is useful for wall heating devices, portable individual heating devices, drying devices, etc. that require a high temperature rise, waterproof electrical insulation or high humidity electrical insulation.

  In the present embodiment, the infrared sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a human body in the toilet space has been described as an example provided in the sleeve of the main body. However, the configuration is not limited to this as long as the user can enter the toilet room. Instead, heating of the seating surface may be started by transmission / reception of a signal from a human body detection sensor or an entrance detection sensor provided separately from the main body. Thereby, the start of the toilet seat heating operation immediately before sitting can be ensured. The method of detecting the human body may be an ultrasonic method or a microwave method as well as an infrared method.

  As described above, the temperature sensor according to the present invention has a high thermal response speed and is excellent in waterproof and drip-proof electrical insulation. It can also be applied to applications. Therefore, it is useful for the realization of equipment that would require energy conservation even when it was not used because it could not be heated quickly, especially in equipment that is likely to be exposed to high humidity environments. It is.

The perspective view of the temperature sensor in Embodiment 1 of this invention AA sectional view of the same temperature sensor BB sectional view of the same temperature sensor CC sectional view of the same temperature sensor DD sectional view of the same temperature sensor Whole explanatory drawing of the heating toilet seat apparatus provided with the temperature sensor in Embodiment 2 of this invention Cross section of the main part of the toilet seat casing of the heating toilet seat device Partial sectional view of the toilet seat casing of the heating toilet seat device (A) Explanatory drawing of the manufacturing method of the conventional temperature sensor (b) Explanatory drawing explaining the structure of the same temperature sensor (A) Explanatory drawing of the structure of a conventional thin temperature sensor (b) Cross-sectional view of the temperature sensor

Explanation of symbols

1 Temperature sensor
2 Temperature Sensing Element 5 Lead Wire 6 Temperature Sensing Section 7 Insulating Sheet 6 Heating Object 8 Insulating Resin Material 16 Toilet Seat Casing 19 Seating Surface 20 Heater 22 Heat Soaking Sheet 23 Soaking Sheet 30 Control Section

Claims (9)

A temperature-sensitive element whose electrical resistance changes according to temperature, a lead wire electrically connected to the temperature-sensitive element, a temperature-sensitive part of the temperature-sensitive element are in contact, and at least a part of the temperature-sensitive element and the lead wire A temperature sensor comprising: an insulating sheet having a larger area than the projected area, and an insulating resin material attached and coated so as to enclose part of the temperature sensitive element and the lead wire between the insulating sheet and the insulating sheet. The temperature sensor according to claim 1, wherein the insulating resin material is made of a resin having adhesiveness and flexibility. The temperature sensor according to claim 1, wherein the insulating resin material is a thermosetting resin having adhesiveness. The temperature sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the insulating sheet is made of a resin having an excellent electrical insulating property even if it is formed thin. The temperature sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lead wire is connected to the insulating resin material side instead of the insulating sheet side by spot welding or soldering to a lead terminal provided in the temperature sensitive element. The temperature sensor according to claim 1, a toilet seat casing having a seating surface, a heater for heating the seating surface, and the temperature sensor built in the toilet seat casing, the seating surface according to a signal of the temperature sensor. A heating toilet seat device comprising a control unit for controlling the heating temperature of the toilet. The heating toilet seat device according to claim 6, wherein a seating surface of the toilet seat casing is formed of a metal having good thermal conductivity, and an insulating sheet side of the temperature sensor is closely fixed to the inside of the seating surface. The heating toilet seat device according to claim 7, wherein the seating surface is an aluminum alloy plate. The heating toilet seat according to any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein the heater is attached to the back side of the seating surface of the toilet seat casing via a soaking sheet, and an insulating sheet of a temperature sensor is closely fixed to the soaking sheet. apparatus.