JP2019052897A - Lubricant sensor head, sensor device, sensor system, and oil pan with sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a lubricant sensor head with which, of a simple configuration though, it is possible to continuously measure a liquid level and liquid quality of a lubricant.SOLUTION: A lubricant sensor head 2 pertaining to the present disclosure comprises: a first substrate 30 inserted into an oil storage space 11 where a lubricant is stored and having a first surface 301 and a second surface 302 at both ends in a thickness direction; and a second substrate 31 arranged so as to face the first surface 301. The first substrate 30 includes a first electrode 32 on the first surface 301, and includes, on the second surface 302, a pair of second electrodes 33 for measuring impedance. The second substrate 31 includes, in a region facing the first electrode 32, a third electrode 34 for measuring capacitance between the first electrode 32 and itself. Between the first electrode 32 and the third electrode 34 there is a gap 35 which the lubricant can flow into.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present disclosure generally relates to a lubricating oil sensor head, a sensor device, a sensor system, and an oil pan with a sensor. Specifically, a lubricating oil sensor head inserted into an oil storage space in which lubricating oil is stored, a sensor device including the lubricating oil sensor head, a sensor system including the sensor device, and an oil pan with a sensor including the sensor system And about.

  Conventionally, various lubricants are used in machines such as automobiles, construction machines, and aircraft. Lubricating oil is usually stored in an oil pan. In addition, an appropriate liquid level and liquid quality are required for the lubricating oil in the oil pan.

  The oil level can be checked with an oil gauge, and the liquid quality can be checked with a plotter test (spot test), but these tests detect continuous changes in the liquid level and liquid quality. It is not possible. For this reason, in recent years, a sensor for continuously measuring the level and quality of the lubricating oil has been arranged in the oil storage space. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an oil detection device including an oil deterioration detection unit and a remaining amount detection unit. The deterioration detection means of Patent Document 1 is long in a direction parallel to the oil level, and the remaining amount detection means is long in a direction intersecting the oil level.

JP 2004-176666 A

  However, the oil detection device described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the deterioration detection unit and the remaining amount detection unit are provided in a crossing direction, so that a complicated structure is likely to occur.

  An object of the present disclosure is to provide a lubricating oil sensor head, a sensor device, a sensor system, and a sensor-equipped oil pan that can continuously measure the level and quality of lubricating oil with a simple structure.

  A lubricant sensor head according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate is inserted into an oil storage space in which lubricating oil is stored, and has a first surface and a second surface on both sides in the thickness direction. The second substrate is disposed to face the first surface. The first substrate has a first electrode on the first surface and a pair of second electrodes for measuring impedance on the second surface. The second substrate has a third electrode for measuring a capacitance between the second substrate and a portion facing the first electrode. There is a gap through which the lubricating oil can flow between the first electrode and the third electrode.

  A sensor device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the lubricant sensor head and a wiring unit that is electrically connected to the lubricant sensor head.

  A sensor system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the sensor device and a detection unit that is electrically connected to the lubricant sensor head via the wiring unit.

  An oil pan with a sensor according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the sensor system and an oil pan that forms the oil storage space.

  According to the present disclosure, the level and quality of the lubricating oil can be continuously measured while the structure is simple.

FIG. 1A is a schematic front view showing a sensor system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1B is a schematic side view of the sensor system shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C is a schematic rear view of the sensor system shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1D is an enlarged view of a main part of the sensor system shown in FIG. 1C. FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an oil pan with a sensor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a schematic plan view showing the sensor-equipped oil pan shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 3A is a schematic front view showing a lubricating oil sensor head according to a second embodiment. FIG. 3B is a schematic side view showing the lubricating oil sensor head shown in FIG. 3A. 3C is a schematic rear view showing the lubricant sensor head shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing an oil pan with a sensor according to the second embodiment. 4B is a schematic plan view of the sensor-equipped oil pan shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. 5A is a schematic front view showing a sensor system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 5B is a schematic side view of the sensor system shown in FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C is a rear view of the sensor system shown in FIG. 5A.

1. First Embodiment As shown in FIG. 1A, the sensor system 2 includes a sensor device 20 and a detection unit 24. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the sensor device 20 and the detection unit 24 are electrically connected via a wiring unit 22. The detection unit 24 and the wiring unit 22 are electrically connected via a connector 23. The sensor device 20 includes a lubricant oil sensor head 3 and a wiring part 22. Of course, the sensor device 20 may include a configuration other than the lubricating oil sensor head 3 and the wiring portion 22. The lubricating oil sensor head 3 and the wiring part 22 are electrically connected.

  The sensor system 2 continuously measures the liquid level and liquid quality of lubricating oil stored in an oil storage space 11 described later. For this reason, a part of the sensor system 2 is used in a state immersed in the lubricating oil in the oil storage space 11. Specifically, the lubricating oil sensor head 3 is used in a state where a part or all of the lubricating oil sensor head 3 is immersed in the lubricating oil. In the oil storage space 11, the tip of the lubricating oil sensor head 3 is disposed below. For this reason, at least the tip of the lubricating oil sensor head 3 tends to be immersed in the lubricating oil.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the sensor-equipped oil pan 1 includes an oil pan 10 and a sensor system 2. The oil pan 10 forms an oil storage space 11. The oil pan 10 includes an oil pan body 12. The oil pan body 12 is configured to store lubricating oil. The oil pan main body 12 includes a bottom portion 120 and a side wall portion 121 that rises upward from the bottom portion 120. A lid 13 is disposed inside the oil pan body 12. The lid 13 serves as a lid for the oil pan body 12. For this reason, the oil storage space 11 is formed by the oil pan body 12 and the lid 13.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the lid 13 has a first opening 130, a second opening 131, and a third opening 132. The first opening 130 may be provided with an oil pump inlet or the like. With this oil pump, the lubricating oil stored in the oil storage space 11 can be sucked up, and the lubricating oil can be sent out to any place. For example, when the lubricating oil is engine oil, the oil pump can send the lubricating oil stored in the oil storage space 11 into the engine. The lubricating oil after being used in the engine is returned to the upper surface of the lid 13. This lubricating oil can enter the oil storage space 11 through the second opening 131. The upper surface of the lid 13 is preferably inclined toward the second opening 131 so that the lubricating oil can easily enter the oil storage space 11 through the second opening 131. As shown in FIG. 2A, a cylinder 134 that is located in the oil storage space 11 and is connected to the third opening 132 is provided below the third opening 132. The lubricating oil sensor head 3 can be inserted into the oil storage space 11 through the third opening 132 and the cylinder 134.

1-1. Sensor Head Hereinafter, the lubricant sensor head 3 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 1B, the lubricant sensor head 3 includes a first substrate 30 and a second substrate 31. The first substrate 30 is inserted into the oil storage space 11 in which lubricating oil is stored. The first substrate 30 has a first surface 301 and a second surface 302 on both sides in the thickness direction. The first substrate 30 has a first electrode 32 on the first surface 301. The first substrate 30 has a pair of second electrodes 33 on the second surface 302 (see FIG. 1C). The pair of second electrodes 33 are electrodes for measuring impedance. The second substrate 31 is disposed so as to face the first surface 301 of the first substrate 30 (see FIG. 1B). The second substrate 31 has a third electrode 34 for measuring the capacitance between the second substrate 31 and the first electrode 32 at a portion facing the first electrode 32. There is a gap 35 between the first electrode 32 and the third electrode 34 through which lubricating oil can flow (see FIG. 1B).

  As described above, the third electrode 34 is an electrode for measuring the capacitance between the third electrode 34 and the first electrode 32. By measuring the capacitance between the first electrode 32 and the third electrode 34, the liquid level of the lubricating oil in the oil storage space 11 can be measured. The reason is as follows. The lubricating oil flows between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 34, and the dielectric constant between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 34 changes, whereby the capacitance changes. For this reason, the change in the level of the lubricating oil can be detected by measuring the capacitance between the first electrode 32 and the third electrode 34.

  As described above, the pair of second electrodes 33 are electrodes for measuring impedance. By measuring the impedance with the pair of second electrodes 33, the quality of the lubricating oil in the oil storage space 11 can be measured. The reason is as follows. As the lubricating oil is used, the liquid quality of the lubricating oil changes, such as the oxidation of the lubricating oil and the incorporation of impurities into the lubricating oil. When the liquid quality of the lubricating oil changes, the impedance of the lubricating oil also changes. For this reason, an alternating current signal of a predetermined frequency is applied to the pair of second electrodes 33 in a state where the pair of second electrodes 33 is immersed in the lubricating oil, and the impedance between the pair of second electrodes 33 with respect to the predetermined frequency is measured. Thus, a change in the quality of the lubricating oil can be detected.

  Therefore, the lubricating oil sensor head 3 of the present embodiment uses the pair of second electrode 33, first electrode 32, and third electrode 34 to continuously change the liquid level and liquid quality of the lubricating oil in the oil storage space 11. Can be measured. In the lubricating oil sensor head 3 of the present embodiment, the pair of second electrodes 33 are for measuring the liquid quality of the lubricating oil, and the first electrode 32 and the third electrode 34 are for measuring the liquid level of the lubricating oil.

  The first electrode 32 of the present embodiment is an electrode that is formed in a substantially uniform plane in a certain region of the first surface 301 of the first substrate 30. That is, the first electrode 32 is a so-called solid electrode.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1C, each of the pair of second electrodes 33 includes a plurality of tooth portions 330 arranged at intervals. Between each of the plurality of tooth portions 330 included in one second electrode 33, a plurality of tooth portions 330 included in the other second electrode 33 are disposed. That is, each of the pair of second electrodes 33 is a comb-like electrode. In this case, the pair of second electrodes 33 can be reduced in size and the measurement sensitivity of the impedance of the lubricating oil can be improved. In the oil storage space 11, the tip of the lubricant sensor head 3 is disposed below, and at least the tip of the lubricant sensor head 3 is immersed in the lubricant. For this reason, it is preferable that the pair of second electrodes 33 is provided on the tip side of the first substrate 30 as shown in FIG. 1C. In this case, even if the liquid level of the lubricating oil decreases, the liquid quality of the lubricating oil can be continuously detected.

  In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, the first substrate 30 of the present embodiment is preferably a stacked body in which a first layer 303, a second layer 304, and a third layer 305 are stacked. The first layer 303 is a substrate made of, for example, a fluororesin, and the upper surface thereof constitutes the first surface 301 of the first substrate 30, and the above-described first electrode 32 is disposed on the upper surface. The third layer 305 is a substrate made of, for example, a fluororesin, and the lower surface thereof constitutes the second surface 302 of the first substrate 30, and the second electrode 33 is disposed on the lower surface. The second layer 304 is a resin layer interposed between the first layer 303 and the third layer 305.

  In the lubricating oil sensor head 3 according to the present embodiment, a temperature detection unit 306 for temperature compensation is embedded in the second layer 304. Thereby, the first substrate 30 can incorporate the temperature detection unit 306. As described above, the capacitance is measured by the first electrode 32 and the third electrode 34, and the impedance is measured by the pair of second electrodes 33. However, the capacitance and impedance are affected by the temperature of the lubricating oil. For this reason, an error may occur in the measurement results of the capacitance and impedance depending on the temperature of the lubricating oil. In this respect, since the lubricating oil sensor head 3 of the present embodiment includes the temperature detection unit 306, the temperature of the lubricating oil can be measured. The detection unit 24 corrects the measured values of capacitance and impedance in accordance with the temperature of the lubricating oil, so that the detection unit 24 can measure the liquid level and the quality of the lubricating oil more accurately. The temperature detection unit 306 is not particularly limited as long as the temperature of the lubricating oil can be measured. For example, a thermistor can be used.

  The second substrate 31 of the present embodiment is a metal plate. That is, the second substrate 31 itself constitutes the third electrode 34.

  In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the first substrate 30 and the second substrate 31 are directly bonded. Specifically, the first substrate 30 includes a plurality of through holes 307 as shown in FIG. 1B. That is, in the present embodiment, the first layer 303, the second layer 304, and the third layer 305 are also provided with through holes. The second substrate 31 of the present embodiment is a metal plate that also serves as the third electrode 34 and includes the same number of legs 311 as the plurality of through holes 307. Such a second substrate 31 can be formed by pressing or bending a metal plate. As shown in FIG. 1C, each of the plurality of leg portions 311 is inserted into the plurality of through holes 307. The tip of the leg 311 is deformed so that the leg 311 does not come out of the through hole 307. Thereby, the 1st board | substrate 30 and the 2nd board | substrate 31 can be joined directly. When solder is used to join the first substrate 30 and the second substrate 31, cracks occur in the solder while the lubricating oil sensor head 3 is immersed in the lubricating oil, and the first substrate 30 and the second substrate 31 Connection reliability may be reduced. In this regard, in the present embodiment, since the first substrate 30 and the second substrate 31 are directly joined without using solder, even if the lubricant sensor head 3 is immersed in the lubricant, the first substrate The connection reliability between 30 and the second substrate 31 is unlikely to decrease. In the present embodiment, the tip of the leg 311 is twisted and deformed to prevent the leg 311 from coming out of the through hole 307. However, the bonding method of the first substrate 30 and the second substrate 31 is as follows. It is not limited to this. For example, the leg 311 may be press-fitted into the through hole 307, and the through hole 307 and the leg 311 may be spot welded.

  In the present embodiment, the leg 311 can form a gap 35 between the first electrode 32 and the third electrode 34. The size of the gap 35 between the first electrode 32 and the third electrode 34 is set so that the lubricating oil can easily flow into the gap 35, and the lubricating oil in the gap 35 is liquid level of the lubricating oil in the oil storage space 11. It is preferable to adjust so that it is easy to work with. From these viewpoints, the thickness of the gap 35 along the thickness direction of the lubricating oil sensor head 3, that is, the distance between the first electrode 32 and the third electrode 34 is preferably 1.5 mm or more. In the present embodiment, a part of the gap 35 is blocked by the leg 311. For this reason, when the gap 35 is viewed from the side surface 312 of the second substrate 31, the gap 35 is blocked by a portion (hereinafter also referred to as an opening) that communicates with the external space and the leg 311, and communicates with the external space. A non-opening portion (hereinafter also referred to as a non-opening portion). In the present embodiment, when the gap 35 is viewed from the side surface 312 of the second substrate 31, the ratio of the surface area of the opening to the total surface area of the opening and the non-opening is preferably 30% or more. In this case, the lubricating oil easily flows into the gap 35, and the lubricating oil in the gap 35 is easily interlocked with the level of the lubricating oil in the oil storage space 11.

1-2. Sensor Device Hereinafter, the sensor device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. A sensor device 20 shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C includes a lubricant sensor head 3 and a wiring portion 22. The lubricant sensor head 3 and the wiring part 22 are electrically connected. In the present embodiment, the first electrode 32, the pair of second electrodes 33, the third electrode 34, and the temperature detection unit 306 provided in the lubricating oil sensor head 3 are electrically connected to the wiring unit 22. More specifically, the wiring unit 22 includes a plurality of wirings, and each wiring is connected to the first electrode 32, the pair of second electrodes 33, the third electrode 34, and the temperature detection unit 306. In addition, the wiring which the wiring part 22 has may be a conductive wire, or may be a conductive thin film formed by printing.

  In the sensor device 20 of the present embodiment, the first substrate 30 of the lubricating oil sensor head 3 and the wiring portion 22 are integrated. Specifically, the first substrate 30 and the wiring part 22 are formed from a single substrate. In this case, the number of parts of the sensor device 20 can be reduced. For example, in the sensor device 20 of the present embodiment, both the first substrate 30 and the wiring part 22 can be formed of a fluororesin substrate. Further, the first electrode 32 and the pair of third electrodes 34 included in the first substrate 30 can be extended to the wiring portion 22.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the wiring part 22 is the 3rd board | substrate 220 which has flexibility. In this case, when the sensor device 20 is installed in the oil pan, the wiring part 22 can be arranged along the lid body 13 arranged in the oil pan 10. Thereby, the space in the oil pan 10 occupied by the wiring part 22 can be reduced.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the thickness of the wiring part 22 is thinner than the thickness of the 1st board | substrate 30 with which the below-mentioned lubricating oil sensor head 3 is provided. In this case, when the sensor device 20 is installed in the oil pan 10, the space in the oil pan 10 occupied by the wiring portion 22 can be reduced.

  Furthermore, the sensor device 20 of the present embodiment includes a lid body 13. As shown in FIG. 2A, the lid body 13 is disposed above the oil storage space 11 (see FIG. 2A). As shown in FIG. 2A, the lubricant sensor head 3 included in the sensor device 20 is inserted into the oil storage space 11 through the third opening 132 and the cylinder 134. For this reason, at least a part of the lubricating oil sensor head 3 protrudes from the lower surface of the lid 13 into the oil storage space 11. The lubricating oil sensor head 3 is held by the lid body 13 in this state. Furthermore, the wiring part 22 is disposed along the upper surface of the lid body 13. In this case, the space used by the wiring part 22 in the oil pan 10 can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in the sensor device 20 of the present embodiment, a part of the lubricant sensor head 3 and the wiring portion 22 are directly joined. By directly joining the lubricating oil sensor head 3 and the wiring portion 22 without using solder, it is possible to prevent a decrease in connection reliability due to deterioration of the solder immersed in the lubricating oil. In the present embodiment, the plurality of through holes 307 provided in the first substrate 30 include at least one through hole electrically connected to the wiring part 22. The inside of the through hole is covered with a conductive material. The leg 311 is inserted into the through hole, and the inside of the through hole and the leg 311 are in direct contact, whereby the second substrate 31 and the wiring part 22 are electrically connected. Thus, in the sensor device 20 of the present embodiment, a part of the lubricant sensor head 3 and the wiring part 22 are directly joined. The first electrode 32 is electrically connected to the wiring part 22 through a through-hole formed in the first substrate 30. Further, the pair of second electrodes 33 and the wiring part 22 are electrically connected via through holes formed in the first substrate 30. The temperature detection unit 306 and the wiring unit 22 are electrically connected through a through hole formed in the first substrate 30. The joining method of the lubricating oil sensor head 3 and the wiring part 22 is not limited to these, For example, press injection or spot welding may be sufficient.

  Furthermore, the sensor device 20 of the present embodiment may further include a pair of reference electrodes 25. The pair of reference electrodes 25 can be provided separately from the first electrode 32 and the third electrode 34 provided in the lubricant sensor head 3. The pair of reference electrodes 25 are electrodes for measuring the capacitance between them. When the liquid level of the lubricating oil is measured only by the measurement result of the capacitance between the first electrode 32 and the third electrode 34, the measurement result may vary depending on the composition of the lubricating oil. For this reason, it is difficult for only the first electrode 32 and the third electrode 34 to perform the liquid levels of the lubricating oils having different compositions with high accuracy. On the other hand, in this embodiment, a pair of reference electrodes 25 capable of measuring capacitance are provided separately from the first electrode 32 and the third electrode 34. For this reason, by measuring the electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode 32 and the third electrode 34 on the basis of the measurement results of the pair of reference electrodes 25, the liquid of the lubricating oil can be used regardless of the composition of the lubricating oil. The position can be measured with high accuracy. For example, in the present embodiment, the capacitance measured by the pair of reference electrodes 25 is set to have an arbitrary ratio with respect to the capacitance measured by the first electrode 32 and the third electrode 34. It is preferable. In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the pair of second electrodes 33 also serve as the pair of reference electrodes 25. In this case, the sensor device 20 may not include the pair of reference electrodes 25 that are separate from the first electrode 32, the third electrode 34, and the pair of second electrodes 33, thereby reducing the number of components of the sensor device 20. be able to.

1-3. Sensor System Hereinafter, the sensor system 2 will be described. As described above, the sensor system 2 includes the sensor device 20 and the detection unit 24. The sensor device 20 and the detection unit 24 are electrically connected via the wiring unit 22. As shown in FIG. 1A, the wiring unit 22 and the detection unit 24 are connected by a connector 23. The detection unit 24 is attached to the outside of the oil pan body 12 as shown in FIG. 2A. The sensor device 20 is disposed inside the oil pan body 12. The connector 23 is held in a state of being inserted into a sensor mounting hole 122 formed in the side wall 121 of the oil pan body 12. For this reason, the detection part 24 connected with the connector 23 is being fixed to the side wall part 121 of the oil pan main body 12 in this state. When the lubricating oil is engine oil, since the oil pan is usually attached to the lower part of the engine, a stepping stone or an obstacle may come into contact with the oil pan. When the sensor device 20 is inserted into the oil storage space 11 from the bottom 120 of the oil pan 10 and the detection unit 24 is held on the bottom 120, the sensor system 2 may be damaged by contact with a stepping stone or an obstacle. There is. In this respect, in the sensor system 2 of the present embodiment, since the detection unit 24 is fixed to the side wall 121 of the oil pan body 12, the sensor system 2 is not easily damaged by contact with a stepping stone or an obstacle.

  The detection unit 24 includes a detection circuit and a control unit. The sensor device 20 and the detection unit 24 can detect the level and quality of the lubricating oil stored in the oil storage space 11. The result of measuring the liquid level and the liquid quality may be transmitted from the detection unit 24 to the outside through wired communication or may be transmitted to the outside through wireless communication. For example, when the oil pan with sensor 1 is applied to an automobile, the measurement result of the liquid level and the liquid quality may be sent from the detection unit 24 to a computer included in the automobile by wired communication or wireless communication. When the measurement result of the liquid level and the liquid quality is transmitted by wireless communication, the detection unit 24 includes a wireless communication device.

1-4. Oil Pan with Sensor The oil pan with sensor 1 according to the present embodiment includes an oil pan 10 and a sensor system 2 as shown in FIG. 2A. The oil pan 10 forms an oil storage space 11. The sensor-equipped oil pan 1 can continuously measure the level and quality of the lubricating oil stored in the oil storage space 11 by the sensor system 2.

2. Second Embodiment Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described, but the same configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

2-1. Sensor Head The lubricant sensor head 4 according to the second embodiment includes a first substrate 40 and a second substrate 41 as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C.

  The first substrate 40 has a first surface 401 and a second surface 402 on both sides in the thickness direction, has a first electrode 42 on the first surface 401, and a pair of second electrodes 43 on the second surface 402. Have The first substrate 40 has a third electrode 44 at a portion facing the first electrode 42. The first substrate 40 is a laminate in which a first layer 405, a second layer 406, and a third layer 407 are stacked. The upper surface of the first layer 405 constitutes the first surface 401, and the first electrode 42 is disposed on the upper surface. The lower surface of the third layer 407 constitutes the second surface 402, and the second electrode 43 is disposed on the lower surface. A second layer 406 is interposed between the first layer 405 and the third layer 407. A temperature detecting unit 408 for temperature compensation is embedded in the second layer 406. The temperature detection unit 408 is, for example, a thermistor, similarly to the temperature detection unit 306 according to the first embodiment.

  In the lubricating oil sensor head 3 according to the first embodiment, the leg 311 provided in the second substrate 31 is inserted into the through hole 307 provided in the first substrate 30, and the tip is twisted to deform. Thus, the leg portion 311 is prevented from being removed from the through hole 307. Thereby, in the lubricant sensor head 3, the first substrate 30 and the second substrate 31 are directly bonded. On the other hand, in the lubricating oil sensor head 4 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 41 are joined by a fastener 46. Specifically, the first substrate 40 is provided with a plurality of through holes 403. That is, in the present embodiment, through holes are provided in each of the first layer 405, the second layer 406, and the third layer 407. The second substrate 41 includes the same number of leg portions 411 as the through holes 403. A leg 45 provides a gap 45 between the first electrode 42 and the third electrode 4. The leg portion 411 is disposed on the first surface 401 of the first substrate 40. As shown in FIG. 3B, the leg portion 411 is provided with a through hole 412, and the through hole 412 is disposed so as to overlap the through hole 403 of the first substrate 40. In the lubricant sensor head 4 according to the present embodiment, the fastener 46 is inserted into the through hole 403 and the through hole 412. The fastener 46 of this embodiment is an eyelet. This eyelet may be, for example, a single-sided eyelet or a chrysanthemum eyelet. In this case, a plurality of cuts are provided at the distal ends of the fasteners 46, and the cuts are opened while the fasteners 46 are inserted into the through holes 412 and the through holes 403, so that the through holes 412 and the through holes 403 are removed. The fastener 46 can be made difficult to come off. Thereby, the leg 411 is fixed on the first surface 401. Thus, the 1st board | substrate 40 and the 2nd board | substrate 41 can be firmly joined by joining the 1st board | substrate 40 and the 2nd board | substrate 41 with the fastener 46. FIG. The fastener 46 is not limited to a chrysanthemum crack eyelet, and may be an electric eyelet, a double-sided eyelet, an eyelet, a grommet, or the like. The fastener 46 may be a bolt and a nut. In this case, the legs 411 can be fixed on the first surface 401 by fixing the bolts inserted into the through holes 412 and the through holes 403 with nuts. Of course, only the eyelet may be used for fixing the leg portion 411 on the first surface 401, only the bolt and the nut may be used, and the eyelet and the bolt and the nut may be used in combination.

  The first substrate 40 of the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of through holes 404 other than the through holes 403 (see FIG. 3B). As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the fasteners 46 are also inserted into these through holes 404. In the present embodiment, each of the fasteners 46 inserted into the plurality of through holes 404 is electrically connected to the first electrode 42, the pair of second electrodes 43, the third electrode 44, and the temperature detection unit 406. . For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the fastener 46 inserted into the through hole 403 of the leg portion 411 of the second substrate 41 and the fastener 46 inserted into one through hole 404 are electrically connected. Yes. The fastener 46 is electrically connected to the fastener 46 inserted into one through hole 404. Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the first electrode 42 and the fastener 46 inserted into one through hole 404 are electrically connected. As shown in FIG. 3C, one of the pair of second electrodes 43 is electrically connected to the fastener 46 inserted into one through hole 404. As shown in FIG. 3C, the other of the pair of second electrodes 43 is electrically connected to a fastener 46 connected to one through hole 403, and the fastener 46 is connected to one through hole 404. It is electrically connected to the inserted fastener 46. Further, the temperature detection unit 406 embedded in the second layer 406 is electrically connected to the fastener 46 inserted into one through hole 404.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, a lid fixing portion 51 is attached to the rear end of the lubricating oil sensor head 4 of the present embodiment.

2-2. Sensor Device, Sensor System, and Oil Pan with Sensor As shown in FIG. 4A, the oil pan with sensor 9 includes an oil pan 10 and a sensor system 6. A lid body 14 according to the second embodiment is disposed inside an oil pan body 12 included in the oil pan 10. As shown in FIG. 4B, the lid body 14 includes a first opening 140 for installing an oil pump suction port and the like, and a second opening for returning the lubricating oil returned to the upper surface of the lid body 14 into the oil storage space 11. 141 and a third opening 142 are provided. A lower part of the third opening 142 is provided in the oil storage space 11 and a cylinder 143 connected to the third opening 142 is provided.

  In the oil pan with sensor 9 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, at least a part of the lubricating oil sensor head 4 protrudes from the lower surface of the lid body 14 into the oil storage space 11. The lubricant sensor head 4 is held by the lid body 14 in this state. Specifically, the lubricating oil sensor head 4 inserted into the third opening 142 is fixed to the lid body 14 by the lid body fixing portion 51.

  The sensor system 6 according to the present embodiment includes a sensor device 5 and a detection unit 24. The sensor device 5 according to the present embodiment includes the lubricant sensor head 4 and the wiring unit 50.

  The wiring portion 50 of the present embodiment may be a lead wire without covering, but is preferably covered with a synthetic resin. In particular, the wiring portion 50 is preferably a conductive wire covered with a synthetic resin having excellent oil resistance. In this case, it can suppress that the wiring part 50 deteriorates with lubricating oil.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the wiring part 50 is embedded inside the lid body 14. In other words, the lid body 14 and the wiring part 50 are integrated. Such a lid 14 can be manufactured by insert molding. In this case, the space used by the wiring part 50 in the oil pan 10 can be reduced. The method of integrating the lid 14 and the wiring part 50 is not limited to insert molding. For example, a groove (concave portion) may be provided in the lid body 14 and the wiring portion 50 may be disposed in the groove. Further, for example, the wiring part 50 may be attached to the lid 14 with an adhesive, a double-sided tape, or the like. Further, for example, the lid body 14 and the wiring portion 50 may be engaged with each other by a snap fit, a fastener, or the like. As a method for fixing the lid 14 and the wiring portion 50, a general method capable of fixing the synthetic resin coating of the wiring portion 50 and the resin or metal lid 14 can be employed.

  The wiring part 50 is electrically connected to a fastener 46 inserted in a through hole 404 provided in the first substrate 40 of the lubricant sensor head 4. For this reason, the first substrate 40 which is a part of the lubricating oil sensor head 4 and the wiring portion 50 are joined by the fastener 46. That is, a part of the lubricating oil sensor head 4 and the wiring portion 50 are joined by the fastener 46. By joining the lubricating oil sensor head 4 and the wiring portion 22 with a fastener without using solder, it is possible to prevent a decrease in connection reliability due to deterioration of solder immersed in the lubricating oil.

3. Third Embodiment The same configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the sensor system 8 according to the third embodiment includes a sensor device 80 and a detection unit 24, and the sensor device 80 according to the third embodiment includes the lubricant sensor head 7. And a wiring part 22. The lubricant sensor head 7 according to the third embodiment includes a first substrate 70 and a second substrate 71. The first substrate 70 has a first surface 701 and a second surface 702 on both sides in the thickness direction, a first electrode 72 on the first surface 701, and a pair of second electrodes 73 on the second surface 702. Have The second substrate 71 has a third electrode 74 at a portion facing the first electrode 72.

  In the lubricant sensor head 7 of this embodiment, a spacer layer 75 is provided between the first substrate 70 and the second substrate 71. The spacer layer 75 is partially provided between the first substrate 70 and the second substrate 71. For this reason, the gap 76 can be formed between the first substrate 70 and the second substrate 71 by the spacer layer 75. In the lubricating oil sensor head 3 according to the first embodiment and the lubricating oil sensor head 4 according to the second embodiment, the gaps 35 and 45 are formed by the leg portions 311 and 411 included in the second substrates 31 and 41 made of a metal plate. Was. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the gap 76 can be formed by the spacer layer 75 that is a separate member from the second substrate 71. For this reason, the 2nd board | substrate 71 does not need to be a metal plate. For example, it may be a resin substrate provided with a third electrode 74 made of a solid electrode at a portion facing the first electrode 72, and may be a fluororesin substrate, for example.

  In the sensor device 80 of the present embodiment, the wiring part 22 and the first substrate 70 are integrated. The wiring part 22 is a flexible third substrate 220. For this reason, in this embodiment, the 1st board | substrate 70 and the 3rd board | substrate 220 can be formed integrally. For example, the sensor device 80 of the present embodiment can be formed as follows. First, the first substrate 70 provided with the first electrode 72 on the first surface 701 and the pair of second electrodes 73 on the second surface 702, and the wiring part 22 are configured and integrated with the first substrate 70. The third substrate 220 is formed. The first substrate 70 and the third substrate 220 are flexible fluororesin substrates. Next, the spacer layer 75 is overlaid on the first surface 701. For example, the spacer layer 75 can be formed from a fluororesin substrate in which a portion corresponding to the first electrode 72 is hollowed out. Next, the second substrate 71 including the third electrode 74 is placed on the spacer layer 75 so as to face the first electrode 72. For example, the second substrate 71 is a fluororesin substrate. In the lubricant sensor head 7 of the present embodiment, the first substrate 70, the second substrate 71, the spacer layer 75, and the third substrate 220 can all be formed from a fluororesin substrate. Further, in order to give flexibility to the third substrate 220 constituting the wiring part 22, the first substrate 70 is also formed of a flexible fluororesin substrate. However, since the spacer layer 75 and the second substrate 71 are provided on the first substrate 70, sufficient hardness can be imparted to the lubricant sensor head 7.

4). Modifications The configurations of the lubricating oil sensor head, the sensor device, the sensor system, and the sensor-equipped oil pan according to the present disclosure are not limited to the configurations of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment described above.

  For example, in the lubricating oil sensor head 3 according to the first embodiment, the first substrate 30 and the second substrate 31 are directly bonded, but are bonded with a fastener as in the sensor head 4 according to the second embodiment. May be. Moreover, in the sensor apparatus 20 which concerns on 1st embodiment, although the 1st board | substrate 30 and the wiring part 22 are integrated, the 1st board | substrate 30 and the wiring part 22 do not need to be integrated. Moreover, in the sensor apparatus 20 which concerns on 1st embodiment, although the 1st board | substrate 30 and the wiring part 22 are joined directly, the 1st board | substrate 30 and the wiring part 22 may be joined with the fastener. In the sensor device 20 according to the first embodiment, the pair of second electrodes 33 also serves as the pair of reference electrodes 25, but may include a pair of reference electrodes 25 separately from the pair of second electrodes 33. .

  For example, the lubricant sensor head 7 according to the third embodiment does not include the temperature detection unit 306 for temperature compensation, but may include the temperature detection unit 306.

  For example, the sensor device 20 according to the second embodiment and the sensor device 80 according to the third embodiment are a pair for measuring capacitance, which is different from the first electrodes 42 and 72 and the third electrodes 44 and 74. The reference electrode 25 is not provided, but a pair of reference electrodes 25 may be provided. Of course, the pair of second electrodes 43 provided in the sensor device 20 may also serve as the pair of reference electrodes 25. The pair of second electrodes 73 provided in the sensor device 80 may also serve as the pair of reference electrodes 25.

  For example, in the sensor system 6 according to the second embodiment, the wiring unit 50 and the lubricant oil sensor head 4 are electrically connected via a fastener 46 inserted into the through hole 404 of the first substrate 40. However, they may be connected by other methods. For example, the connector attached to the wiring part 50 and the connector attached to the lubricant sensor head 4 may be connected by fitting. Further, for example, the lubricant sensor head 4 and the wiring portion 50 may be connected by welding with solder or the like or welding. The terminals attached to the lubricant sensor head 4 and the terminals attached to the wiring portion 50 may be connected by being crimped.

5. Aspects According to the Present Disclosure As is clear from the embodiment described above, the lubricating oil sensor head (3, 4, 7) according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes the first substrate (30, 40, 70), A second substrate (31, 41, 71). The first substrate (30, 40, 70) is inserted into the oil storage space (11) in which lubricating oil is stored, and the first surface (301, 401, 701) and the second surface (302, 402, 702). The second substrate (31, 41, 71) is arranged to face the first surface (301, 401, 701). The first substrate (30, 40, 70) has the first electrode (32, 42, 72) on the first surface (301, 401, 701). The first substrate (30, 40, 70) has a pair of second electrodes (33, 43, 73) for measuring impedance on the second surface (302, 402, 702). The second substrate (31, 41, 71) is for measuring the capacitance between the first electrode (32, 42, 72) and the first electrode (32, 42, 72) at a portion facing the first electrode (32, 42, 72). It has a third electrode (34, 44, 74). Between the first electrode (32, 42, 72) and the third electrode (34, 44, 74), there are gaps (35, 45, 76) through which lubricating oil can flow.

  According to this configuration, the lubricating oil sensor head (3, 4, 7) can measure a continuous change in the liquid level and the liquid quality of the lubricating oil while having a simple structure.

  The lubricating oil sensor head (3, 4, 7) according to the second aspect is the first aspect, wherein the first electrode (32, 42, 72) and the third electrode (34, 44, 74) are lubricating oil. For measuring the liquid level. The pair of second electrodes (33, 43, 73) is for measuring the liquid quality of the lubricating oil.

  According to this structure, the continuous change of the liquid level of lubricating oil can be measured by the first electrode (32, 42, 72) and the third electrode (34, 44, 74). In addition, a continuous change in the quality of the lubricating oil can be measured by the pair of second electrodes (33, 43, 73).

  In the first or second aspect, the lubricant sensor head (3, 4, 7) according to the third aspect includes a part of the second substrate (31, 41, 71) and the first substrate (30, 40). , 70).

  According to this configuration, the first substrate (30, 40, 70) and the second substrate (31, 41, 71) can be joined without using solder. For this reason, the reliability of connection between the first substrate (30, 40, 70) and the second substrate (31, 41, 71) decreases due to solder cracks that may occur while the solder is immersed in the lubricating oil. Can be suppressed.

  The lubricating oil sensor head (3, 4, 7) according to the fourth aspect includes, in any one of the first to third aspects, the second substrate (31, 41, 71) and the first substrate (30, 40, 70) and the fastener (46).

  According to this configuration, the first substrate (30, 40, 70) and the second substrate (31, 41, 71) can be joined without using solder. For this reason, the reliability of connection between the first substrate (30, 40, 70) and the second substrate (31, 41, 71) decreases due to solder cracks that may occur while the solder is immersed in the lubricating oil. Can be suppressed.

  In the lubricating oil sensor head (3, 4, 7) according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, each of the pair of second electrodes (33, 43, 73) is spaced apart. It has a plurality of teeth (330) arranged side by side. Between each of the plurality of teeth (330) included in one second electrode (33, 43, 73), the plurality of teeth (330) included in the other second electrode (33, 43, 73) is disposed. Has been.

  According to this configuration, the pair of second electrodes (33, 43, 73) can be reduced in size, and the impedance measurement sensitivity of the lubricating oil can be improved.

  The sensor device (5, 20, 80) according to the sixth aspect includes the lubricating oil sensor head (3, 4, 7) according to any one of the first to fifth aspects and the lubricating oil sensor head (3, 4). , 7) and wiring portions (22, 50) electrically connected to each other.

  According to this configuration, the sensor device (5, 20, 80) can measure a continuous change in the level and quality of the lubricating oil while having a simple structure.

  In the sensor device (5, 20, 80) according to the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the wiring part (22) and the first substrate (30, 40, 70) are integrated.

  According to this configuration, the number of parts of the sensor device (5, 20, 80) can be reduced.

  In the sensor device (5, 20, 80) according to the eighth aspect, in the sixth or seventh aspect, the wiring part (22, 50) is a flexible third substrate (220).

  According to this configuration, when the sensor device (5, 20, 80) is installed in the oil pan (10), the wiring portions (22, 50) are arranged in the lid (10) in the oil pan (10). 13, 14). For this reason, the space in the oil pan (10) occupied by the wiring parts (22, 50) can be reduced.

  In the sensor device (5, 20, 80) according to the ninth aspect, in any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, the wiring portion (22, 50) has a thickness of the first substrate (30, 40, 70). ) Thinner than

  According to this structure, the space in the oil pan (10) occupied by the wiring parts (22, 50) can be reduced.

  The sensor device (20, 80) according to the tenth aspect further includes a lid (13) disposed above the oil storage space (11) in any one of the sixth to ninth aspects. With at least a part of the lubricating oil sensor head (3, 7) protruding from the lower surface of the lid (13) into the oil storage space (11), the lubricating oil sensor head (3, 7) is attached to the lid (13). Is retained. A wiring part (22) is arranged along the upper surface of the lid (13).

  According to this configuration, the oil pan (10) is stepped into the oil pan (10) than when the lubricating oil sensor head (3, 7) is inserted into the oil storage space (11) from the bottom (120) of the oil pan (10). It is possible to prevent the sensor device (20, 80) from being damaged by contact with an obstacle or the like. Moreover, the space in the oil pan (10) occupied by the wiring part (22) can be reduced.

  The sensor device (20, 80) according to the eleventh aspect further includes a lid (14) arranged above the oil storage space (11) in any one of the sixth to tenth aspects. The lubricating oil sensor head (4) is held by the lid (14) with at least a part of the lubricating oil sensor head (4) protruding from the lower surface of the lid (14) into the oil storage space (11). . The lid (14) has a wiring portion (50) embedded therein.

  According to this configuration, the oil pan (10) is stepped into the oil pan (10) than when the lubricating oil sensor head (3, 7) is inserted into the oil storage space (11) from the bottom (120) of the oil pan (10). It is possible to prevent the sensor device (20, 80) from being damaged by contact with an obstacle or the like. Moreover, the space in the oil pan (10) occupied by the wiring part (50) can be reduced. Furthermore, the wiring part (50) and the lid (14) can be insert-molded.

  In the sensor device (5, 20, 80) according to the twelfth aspect, in any one of the sixth to eleventh aspects, a part of the lubricating oil sensor head (3,4, 7) and a wiring portion (22, 50) are directly joined.

  According to this configuration, the lubricant sensor head (3, 4, 7) and the wiring portion (22, 50) can be joined without using solder. For this reason, it is suppressed that the reliability of connection between the lubricating oil sensor head (3, 4, 7) and the wiring (22, 50) is lowered due to solder cracks that may occur while the solder is immersed in the lubricating oil. can do.

  In the sensor device (5, 20, 80) according to the thirteenth aspect, in any one of the sixth to twelfth aspects, a part of the lubricating oil sensor head (3,4, 7) and a wiring portion (22, 50) are joined by a fastener (46).

  According to this configuration, the lubricant sensor head (3, 4, 7) and the wiring portion (22, 50) can be joined without using solder. For this reason, it is suppressed that the reliability of connection between the lubricating oil sensor head (3, 4, 7) and the wiring (22, 50) is lowered due to solder cracks that may occur while the solder is immersed in the lubricating oil. can do.

  In the sensor device (5, 20, 80) according to the fourteenth aspect, in any one of the sixth to thirteenth aspects, the first electrode (32, 42, 72) and the third electrode (34, 44) are provided. 74), and further includes a pair of reference electrodes (25) for measuring capacitance.

  According to this configuration, the electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode (32, 42, 72) and the third electrode (34, 44, 74) on the basis of the measurement result of the electrostatic capacitance by the pair of reference electrodes (25). Capacitance can be measured. Thereby, the liquid level of lubricating oil can be measured with high accuracy.

  The sensor device (5, 20, 80) according to the fifteenth aspect is the fourteenth aspect, wherein the pair of second electrodes (33, 43, 73) also serves as the pair of reference electrodes (25). .

  According to this configuration, the sensor device (5, 20, 80) includes the pair of reference electrodes (25) separately from the first electrodes (32, 42, 71) and (third electrodes 33, 44, 74). Therefore, the number of parts of the sensor device (5, 20, 80) can be reduced.

  In the sensor device (5, 20, 80) according to the sixteenth aspect, in any one of the sixth to fifteenth aspects, the lubricating oil sensor head (3,4, 7) has a temperature compensation temperature. A detection unit (306) is further included.

  According to this configuration, the measured values of capacitance and impedance can be corrected according to the temperature of the lubricating oil. Thereby, the liquid level and liquid quality of lubricating oil can be measured more correctly.

  The sensor system (2, 6, 8) according to the seventeenth aspect includes any one of the sixth to sixteenth sensor devices (5, 20, 80) and the wiring portion (22, 50). And a detection unit (24) electrically connected to the lubricating oil sensor head (3, 4, 7).

  According to this configuration, the sensor system (2, 6, 8) can measure a continuous change in the level and quality of the lubricating oil.

  The oil pan (1, 9) with a sensor according to the eighteenth aspect includes a sensor system (2, 6, 8) according to the seventeenth aspect, and an oil pan (10) forming an oil storage space (11). .

  According to this structure, the oil pan (1, 9) with a sensor can measure a continuous change in the level and quality of the lubricating oil.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,9 Oil pan with a sensor 10 Oil pan 2,6,8 Sensor system 3,4,7 Lubricating oil sensor head 5,20,80 Sensor apparatus 11 Oil storage space 13,14, Cover body 35,45,76 Crevice 22, 50 Wiring section 24 Detection section 25 Reference electrodes 30, 40, 70 First substrates 31, 41, 71 Second substrates 32, 42, 72 First electrodes 33, 43, 73 Second electrodes 34, 44, 74 Third electrodes 220 Third substrate 46 Fasteners 301, 401, 701 First surface 302, 402, 702 Second surface 306 Temperature detector 330 Teeth

Claims (18)

A first substrate inserted in an oil storage space in which lubricating oil is stored and having a first surface and a second surface on both sides in the thickness direction;
A second substrate arranged to face the first surface;
With
The first substrate has a first electrode on the first surface and a pair of second electrodes for measuring impedance on the second surface;
The second substrate has a third electrode for measuring a capacitance between the first electrode and a portion facing the first electrode,
Between the first electrode and the third electrode, there is a gap through which the lubricating oil can flow,
Lubricating oil sensor head. The first electrode and the third electrode are for liquid level measurement of the lubricating oil,
The pair of second electrodes is for measuring the liquid quality of the lubricating oil;
The lubricating oil sensor head according to claim 1. A part of the second substrate and the first substrate are directly bonded,
The lubricating oil sensor head according to claim 1 or 2. The second substrate and the first substrate are joined with a fastener,
The lubricating oil sensor head according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Each of the pair of second electrodes has a plurality of teeth arranged at intervals,
Between each of the plurality of tooth portions of one of the second electrodes, the plurality of tooth portions of the other second electrode are disposed,
The lubricating oil sensor head according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The lubricating oil sensor head according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A wiring portion electrically connected to the lubricant sensor head;
Comprising
Sensor device. The wiring portion and the first substrate are integrated.
The sensor device according to claim 6. The wiring part is a flexible third substrate,
The sensor device according to claim 6 or 7. The thickness of the wiring part is thinner than the thickness of the first substrate,
The sensor device according to any one of claims 6 to 8. Further comprising a lid disposed above the oil storage space,
In a state where at least a part of the lubricating oil sensor head protrudes from the lower surface of the lid into the oil storage space, the lubricating oil sensor head is held by the lid.
The wiring part is disposed along the upper surface of the lid,
The sensor device according to any one of claims 6 to 9. Further comprising a lid disposed above the oil storage space,
In a state where at least a part of the lubricating oil sensor head protrudes from the lower surface of the lid into the oil storage space, the lubricating oil sensor head is held by the lid.
The wiring part is embedded in the lid,
The sensor device according to any one of claims 6 to 9. A part of the lubricant sensor head and the wiring part are directly joined,
The sensor device according to any one of claims 6 to 11. A part of the lubricant sensor head and the wiring part are joined with a fastener,
The sensor device according to any one of claims 6 to 12. Provided separately from the first electrode and the third electrode, further comprising a pair of reference electrodes for measuring capacitance;
The sensor device according to any one of claims 6 to 13. The pair of second electrodes also serves as the pair of reference electrodes;
The sensor device according to claim 14. The lubricant sensor head further includes a temperature detection unit for temperature compensation.
The sensor device according to any one of claims 6 to 15. A sensor device according to any one of claims 6 to 16,
Including a detection unit electrically connected to the lubricant sensor head via the wiring unit,
Sensor system. A sensor system according to claim 17,
An oil pan with a sensor, comprising an oil pan that forms the oil storage space.

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