JP5544500B2 - Current sensor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a current sensor that measures a current to be measured flowing through a current line in a non-contact manner.

  In the field of motor drive technology in electric vehicles, hybrid cars, and the like, a relatively large current is handled, and thus a current sensor that can measure these large currents in a non-contact manner is required. As such a current sensor, a sensor that detects a change in a magnetic field caused by a current to be measured by a magnetic sensor has been proposed.

  Since this type of current sensor detects a change in the magnetic field caused by the current to be measured by the magnetic sensing element in the magnetic sensor, the relative positional relationship between the current line through which the current to be measured flows and the magnetic sensing element is shifted. Leads to a large measurement error. Therefore, it is required to hold the current line so that the current line and the magnetic sensor are not misaligned.

  Conventionally, as a method for holding a current line, a clip structure type current inspection apparatus that holds a parallel cord through which a current flows has been proposed (Patent Document 1). In this current inspection apparatus, a V-shaped holding member is provided on a rectangular parallelepiped main body case. A spring is provided between one end side of the holding member and one end side of the main body case, and a parallel cord is sandwiched between the other end side of the holding member and the other end side of the main body case by the biasing force of the spring. . In the main body case, a magnetic detector is provided at a position facing the parallel cord, and configured to detect a magnetic field generated by a current flowing through the parallel cord.

  Moreover, in order to prevent the displacement of the power line through which the current flows, there has been proposed a cable clamp that is assembled after the power line is previously pushed into the slit of the clamp support (Patent Document 2). In this cable clamp, three slits are formed on the left and right side plates of the clamp support, respectively, and a plurality of locations of the power line are pushed into all of the slits and are clamped and fixed. Then, both ends of the clamp support with the power line clamped and fixed are sandwiched between the two iron cores, and the iron core with the clamp support clamped is sandwiched between the spring supports to assemble the cable clamp.

JP-A-9-189723 JP-A-6-148239

  However, since the holding method described in Patent Document 1 merely holds the parallel cord (current line) by the urging force of the spring, when the urging force of the spring decreases, the current line and the magnetic detector ( There has been a problem that the positional deviation from the magnetic sensor) easily occurs. In particular, since the current line is sandwiched only from one side, when the device is attached in the vertical direction with respect to the current line, the device may fall off from the current line.

  On the other hand, in the holding method described in Patent Document 2, since the power line (current line) is clamped and fixed in advance, the assembly structure becomes complicated and the assembly work takes time, and the current line can be easily attached. There is a problem that cannot be done.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and prevents the current line from dropping from the device and the positional deviation between the current line and the magnetic sensor, and allows the current line to be easily configured without performing complicated assembly work. An object of the present invention is to provide a current sensor that can be attached and fixed.

  The current sensor of the present invention includes a first support portion having a first fitting opening, a second support portion provided at a predetermined distance from the first support portion, and having a second fitting opening, And a magnetic sensor unit provided on the support body along the circumferential direction of the current line when the current line is attached to the support body, and the first fitting port And the second fitting port are formed so as to be shifted in the circumferential direction, and when the current line is fitted into the first fitting port and the second fitting port, the current line is supported by the first and second support ports. It is characterized by being supported at different positions in the separating direction of the parts.

  According to this configuration, the first fitting port and the second fitting port are formed so as to be shifted in the circumferential direction, and the current lines fitted in the respective fitting ports are different in the separating direction of the first and second support portions. Since the current line is supported at the position, it is difficult for the current line to come off from the first and second support portions, and the current line can be prevented from dropping and the current line and the magnetic sensor unit from being displaced. As a result, the distance between the current line and the magnetic sensor unit is kept constant, so that high current measurement accuracy can be maintained. In addition, when the current line is attached to the current sensor, it is only necessary to fit the current line into the first and second fitting openings. Therefore, the simple attachment structure allows the current line to be connected without performing complicated assembly work. Easy to install.

  In the current sensor of the present invention, the support has a groove formed along the outer periphery of the current line extending from one end to the other end of the support, and the first fitting port is , Formed between the distal end portion of the first support portion protruding so as to be continuous with one end of the groove surface and the other end of the groove surface, and the second fitting opening is formed on the other surface of the groove surface. Formed between the front end portion of the second support portion protruding so as to be continuous with the end and one end of the groove surface, and the current line is fitted from the first fitting port, The second support unit is supported so as to be sandwiched between the connection surface of the first support part connected to the groove surface, and is inserted from the second insertion port and connected to the groove surface and the groove surface. It is preferable to be supported so as to be sandwiched between the connecting surfaces of the support portions. According to this configuration, the current line is supported so as to be sandwiched between the groove surface and the connecting surface of the first support portion and sandwiched between the groove surface and the connecting surface of the second support portion. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the current line from dropping off and being displaced. In addition, since the outer periphery of the current line is supported by a groove extending from one end of the support body to the other end along the outer periphery of the current line, the current line is held in a state of being positioned in the radial direction. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the displacement of the current line in the radial direction that particularly affects the current measurement accuracy.

  In the current sensor according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the distal end portion of the first support portion and the distal end portion of the second support portion are formed so as to overlap in a plan view. According to this structure, since the front-end | tip part of a 1st support part and the front-end | tip part of a 2nd support part are formed so that it may overlap in planar view, the 1st fitting port and the 2nd fitting port, Are formed at positions that do not overlap in plan view. For this reason, the current line is further less likely to be detached from the first and second support portions, and the current line can be reliably prevented from being dropped and displaced.

  In the current sensor of the present invention, the groove is formed in a semicircular shape in plan view, the connecting surfaces of the first and second support portions are formed in an arc shape, and the groove surface and the first support portion are connected. The first support space having a substantially circular shape in plan view formed by a surface and the second support space having a substantially circular shape in plan view formed by a connecting surface of the groove surface and the second support portion are coaxial. It is preferable to be formed. According to this configuration, since the first and second support spaces having a substantially circular shape in plan view are formed coaxially (concentrically), the current lines can be supported in a straight line. As a result, for example, it is possible to measure a plurality of magnetic sensors constituting the magnetic sensor unit by opposingly arranging them at a certain distance in the radial direction across the current line in plan view.

  In the current line sensor of the present invention, the width dimension of the first fitting port is formed to be narrower than the maximum inner diameter between the first support portion and the groove, and the second fitting port has a width dimension. The width dimension is preferably formed to be narrower than the maximum inner diameter between the second support portion and the groove. According to this configuration, each width dimension of the first and second fitting ports is formed narrower than each maximum inner diameter of the first and second support portions and the groove, so that the first, first and first The current lines fitted from the two fitting openings do not easily come out of the respective fitting openings.

  In the current sensor according to the aspect of the invention, the support body, the first support portion, and the second support portion may have an elastic force that allows bending when the current line is inserted from the first and second insertion ports. It is preferable that the synthetic resin material is integrally formed. According to this configuration, when the current line is fitted (attached), the support body and the first and second support portions are bent and the first and second fitting openings are widened. Can be attached. On the other hand, after the current line is fitted, the support body and the first and second support portions are elastically restored and the first and second fitting ports are narrowed (return to the initial width dimension). The wire can be clamped without coming out to the outside.

  In the current sensor of the present invention, the magnetic sensor unit includes a first magnetic sensor group and a second magnetic sensor group having a plurality of magnetic sensors of the same number, and constitutes the first magnetic sensor group. And the magnetic sensors constituting the second magnetic sensor group are preferably provided on the support so as to face each other across the current line in a plan view at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the current line. . According to this configuration, the plurality of magnetic sensors constituting the first magnetic sensor group and the plurality of magnetic sensors constituting the second magnetic sensor group are substantially equidistant in the circumferential direction of the current line in plan view, and Since the current lines are arranged opposite to each other, the influence of the external magnetic field can be canceled by detecting the differential output between the opposing magnetic sensors, and the current measurement accuracy can be improved.

  In the current sensor according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that each of the magnetic sensors is mounted on each planar portion of an insulating substrate that is bent in a polygonal shape in plan view. According to this configuration, since each magnetic sensor is mounted on each planar portion of the insulating substrate, the distance between the current line and each magnetic sensor can be kept constant with a simple substrate configuration.

  In the current sensor according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the first support portion and the second support portion are separated from each other with an interval slightly longer than the diameter of the current line. According to this configuration, the first and second support portions are spaced apart from each other with a distance slightly longer than the diameter of the current line. Dropout and misalignment are further less likely to occur. In addition, the current sensor can be reduced in size in the direction in which the first and second support portions are separated from each other.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the current line from dropping from the device and to prevent the current line and the magnetic sensor from being displaced, and to easily attach and fix the current line without performing complicated assembly work.

1 is an external perspective view of a current sensor according to a first embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view of the current sensor which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a front view of the support body of the current sensor which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a top view of the support body of the current sensor which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a front view of the magnetic sensor unit of the current sensor according to the first embodiment. It is a top view of the magnetic sensor unit of the current sensor according to the first embodiment. It is the front view and rear view which show the state which attached the magnetic sensor unit to the support body of the current sensor which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the attachment method of the current wire in the current sensor which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view of the support body of the current sensor which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view of the support body of the current sensor which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the attachment method of the current wire in the current sensor which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

  In a current sensor that measures a current flowing through a current line in a non-contact manner, a large measurement error occurs if the relative positional relationship between the current line and the magnetic sensor is slightly shifted. This is because the strength of the magnetic field received by the magnetic sensor is determined using the distance from the current to be measured, which is the source of the magnetic field, as a parameter.

  On the other hand, if an attempt is made to attach and fix the current sensor so as to prevent displacement between the current line and the magnetic sensor, the current line attachment structure becomes complicated and the installation work becomes complicated, and the current line cannot be easily attached. It will be.

  The present inventors pay attention to these points, and provide two support portions each having a fitting port for fitting a current line, and by forming the fitting port of each support portion in the circumferential direction, the current line and It was thought that the position shift with the magnetic sensor can be prevented, and the current wire can be easily attached without a complicated attachment or assembly work by a simple attachment structure. That is, the gist of the present invention includes a first support portion having a first insertion opening, a second support portion provided at a predetermined distance from the first support portion, and having a second insertion opening. The first and second fitting openings are formed by shifting in the circumferential direction, and the current lines fitted in the first and second fitting openings are supported at different positions.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the current sensor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the current sensor according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view of the support member of the current sensor according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a top view of the current sensor support according to the present embodiment. For convenience of explanation, the front, rear, upper, lower, left and right directions follow the directions shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the current sensor 1 has a housing formed of a support body 2 that is open on one side and first and second lid members 3 and 4 that cover the other side of the support 2. The magnetic sensor unit 5 can be disposed inside the housing. In the magnetic sensor unit 5, a first magnetic sensor group 7 and a second magnetic sensor group 8 are mounted on an insulating substrate 6, and an input / output cable 9 is connected to one end of the insulating substrate 6. Then, the insulating substrate 6 is attached from the rear side of the support 2 with the input / output cable 9 drawn out of the housing. The opening formed on one side of the support 2 functions as an introduction path (outflow path) E for the current line C (see FIG. 8). In the current sensor 1, for example, a cylindrical current line C is introduced from the introduction path E on the one side surface, and the current line C is formed by first and second support portions 14 and 15 of the support 2 described later. It is configured to be supported at different positions. In the following description, a cylindrical current line C will be described as an example of the current line C supported by the current sensor 1, but the shape of the current line C is not limited to this.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the support 2 includes a substantially plate-like support base 10, a first side wall 11 and a second side wall extending forward from both left and right ends of the support base 10. The portion 12 is formed in a substantially concave shape in plan view.

  A groove 13 extends from the upper end (one end) to the lower end (the other end) along the outer peripheral portion of the current line C in the center of the front surface of the support base 10 (FIG. 3). The groove 13 is formed by cutting out in a shape complementary to the outer peripheral portion of the current line C. In the present embodiment, the groove 13 is formed in a semicircular shape in plan view so as to be complementary to the outer peripheral portion of the current line C formed in a cylindrical shape (FIG. 4). Although details will be described later, when the current line C is attached to the support 2, the rear surface side of the outer peripheral portion of the current line C is accommodated and supported in the groove 13 and positioned in the radial direction.

  Further, on the front surface of the support base 10, the current line C between the groove 13 and the first support 14 that supports the current line C so as to be sandwiched between the groove 13 and the desired first position. And a second support portion 15 that supports the second support portion 15 so as to be sandwiched at a second position different from the first position. The first support portion 14 and the second support portion 15 are provided so as to face each other with the groove 13 interposed therebetween, and are provided at a predetermined distance in the extending direction of the current line C (groove 13). . In the present embodiment, the first support portion 14 is provided on the right side of the upper end portion of the support base 10, and the second support portion 15 is provided on the left side of the lower end portion. The current line C can be supported at different positions in the direction of separation from the support portion 15. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the first position supported by the first support portion 14 is the upper end (one end) side of the current line C, and the second position supported by the second support portion 15 is the current line C. The lower end (other end) side will be described.

  The rear surface side of the support base portion 10 is opened so that the outer peripheral portion (outer peripheral surface) of the groove 13 is exposed, and between the second lid member 4 that covers the rear surface side of the support base portion 10, the magnetic sensor An accommodation space S1 for accommodating the unit 5 is formed (see FIG. 7B). A plurality of attachment pins 16 for attaching the insulating substrate 6 are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the exposed groove 13 and in the vicinity thereof. The through-hole 17 formed in the insulating substrate 6 is attached to the attachment pin 16 on the rear surface portion of the support base 10, and the first and second lid members 4 and 5 are attached to the support base 10 in this state, thereby supporting The magnetic sensor unit 5 is disposed in the housing space S1 of the body 2.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first support portion 14 protrudes forward from the vicinity of the corner on the right side of the upper end portion of the support base 10 so as to be connected to one end (right end) portion of the groove surface 13 a of the groove 13. At the same time, it is bent toward the center of the support base 10. The distal end portion of the first support portion 14 extends to the second side wall portion 12 side beyond the intermediate position in the width direction of the support base portion 10. A connecting surface (a surface facing the groove surface 13a) 14a of the first support portion 14 connected to the right end portion of the groove surface 13a is curved in an arc shape, and is formed in a gap between the groove surface 13a and the connecting surface 14a. A first support space S2 having a substantially circular shape in plan view is formed. In order to fit (insert) the upper end side of the current line C into the first support space S2 between the front end portion of the first support portion 14 and the other end (left end) portion of the groove surface 13a. The first fitting opening 18 is formed. The first fitting opening 18 communicates with the introduction path E described above. The upper end side of the current line C is introduced from the introduction path E, is pushed into the first support space S2 from the first fitting opening 18, and is supported so as to be sandwiched between the groove surface 13a and the connecting surface 14a. Is done.

  Here, the width L1 of the first fitting port 18 is narrower than the maximum inner diameter L2 between the connecting surface 14a of the first support portion 14 and the groove surface 13a (that is, the first support space S2). Is formed. As a result, one end of the current line C fitted into the first support space S2 from the first fitting port 18 is easily pulled out from the inside of the first support space S2 to the outside of the first fitting port 18. There is nothing. Note that the width dimension L1 of the first fitting port 18 is the maximum inner diameter dimension L2 of the first support space S2, the diameter dimension of the current line C to be supported and its constituent material, the constituent material of the support body 2, and the like. It is preferable to set based on

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inside of the first support portion 14 is opened at the right side portion and the front portion of the first support portion 14 so that the outer peripheral portion of the groove 13 is exposed. The first magnetic sensor group 7 is accommodated between the internal space of the first support portion 14 having the right side portion and the front portion opened and the first lid member 3 covering the entire right portion and the front portion. An accommodation space S3 is formed. The accommodation space S3 is formed to have a size capable of accommodating the first magnetic sensor group 7, and communicates with the accommodation space S1 formed behind the support base 10 on the rear side. A mounting pin 19 for mounting the insulating substrate 6 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the groove 13 exposed in the accommodation space S3. By attaching the through hole 20 formed in the insulating substrate 6 to the mounting pin 19 on the outer peripheral portion of the groove 13 and attaching the first and second lid members 3 and 4 to the support base 10 in this state, the support 2 The first magnetic sensor group 7 is disposed in the housing space S2 (FIG. 7A).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the second support portion 15 is located on the front side so as to be connected to the other end (left end) portion of the groove surface 13 a of the groove 13 from the vicinity of the left corner of the lower end portion of the support base 10. And is bent toward the center of the support base 10. That is, the second support portion 15 protrudes from the front surface of the support base portion 10 and is bent to the side facing the first support portion 14. The distal end portion of the second support portion 15 extends to the first side wall portion 11 side beyond the intermediate position in the width direction of the support base portion 10. The connecting surface 15a (the surface facing the groove surface 13a) 15a of the second support portion 15 connected to the left end of the groove surface 13a is curved in an arc shape, and is formed in the gap between the groove surface 13a and the connecting surface 15a. A second support space S4 having a substantially circular shape in plan view is formed. And between the front-end | tip part of the 2nd support part 15, and the one end (right end) part of the groove surface 13a, the 2nd fitting for fitting the lower end side of the electric current line C in 2nd support space S4. A mouth 21 is formed. The second fitting port 21 communicates with the introduction path E described above, similarly to the first fitting port 18. The lower end side of the current line C is introduced from the introduction path E, is pushed into the second support space S4 from the second fitting port 21, and is supported so as to be sandwiched between the groove surface 13a and the connecting surface 15a. Is done.

  Here, the width L3 of the second fitting port 21 is narrower than the maximum inner diameter L4 between the connecting surface 15a of the second support portion 15 and the groove surface 13a (that is, the second support space S4). Is formed. Thereby, one end, the other end side of the current line C fitted into the second support space S4 from the second fitting port 21 can be easily moved from the inside of the second support space S4 to the outside of the second fitting port 21. There is no escape. As with the first fitting port 18, the width L3 of the second fitting port 21 is the maximum inner diameter L4 of the second support space S4, the diameter of the current line C to be supported, and its configuration. It is preferable to set based on the material, the constituent material of the support 2, and the like.

  Further, the first support space S2 having a substantially circular shape in plan view formed by the groove surface 13a and the connecting surface 14a of the first support portion 14 and the connecting surface 15a of the groove surface 13a and the second support portion 15 are formed. The second support space S4 having a substantially circular shape in plan view is formed coaxially (concentrically) (FIG. 4). In the present embodiment, the first support space S2 and the second support space S4 are formed coaxially and in the same shape. Thereby, the current line C can be stably supported in a linear state.

  On the other hand, the left side portion and the front surface portion of the second support portion 15 are opened inside the second support portion 15 so that the outer peripheral portion of the groove 13 is exposed. The second magnetic sensor group 8 is accommodated between the inner space of the second support portion 15 having the left side portion and the front portion opened and the second lid member 4 covering the entire left portion and the front portion. An accommodation space S5 is formed (FIG. 3). The accommodation space S5 is formed to have a size capable of accommodating the second magnetic sensor group 8, and communicates with the accommodation space S1 formed behind the support base 10 on the rear side. A mounting pin 22 for mounting the insulating substrate 6 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the groove 13 exposed in the accommodation space S5. By attaching the through hole 23 formed in the insulating substrate 6 to the mounting pin 22 on the outer peripheral portion of the groove 13 and attaching the first and second lid members 3 and 4 to the support base 10 in this state, the support 2 The second magnetic sensor group 8 is disposed in the housing space S5 (FIG. 7A).

  In the support body 2 configured as described above, the current line C is fitted from the first fitting port 18 and the second fitting port 21, and between the groove surface 13 a and the connecting surface 14 a of the first support portion 14. Thus, the upper end side of the current line C is sandwiched, and the lower end side of the current line C is sandwiched between the groove surface 13 a and the connecting surface 15 a of the second support portion 15. At this time, since the first fitting port 18 and the second fitting port 21 are formed so as to be shifted in the circumferential direction (FIG. 4), the current line C is drawn from the inside of the first and second support portions 14 and 15. It becomes difficult to come out to the outside, and it is possible to prevent the current line C from falling off and the current line C and the magnetic sensor (group) from being displaced. As a result, since the distance between the current line C and the magnetic sensor (group) is kept constant, high current measurement accuracy can be maintained.

  Moreover, since the outer peripheral part of the current line C is supported by the groove 13 extending from the upper end to the lower end of the support base 10 along the outer peripheral part of the current line C, the current line C is positioned in the radial direction. In this state, the upper end side and the lower end side of the current line C are clamped. Thereby, it is possible to effectively prevent the displacement of the current line C in the radial direction, which particularly affects the current measurement accuracy.

  Further, the distal end portion of the first support portion 14 extends beyond the intermediate position in the width direction of the support base portion 10 to the second side wall portion 12 side, and the distal end portion of the second support portion 15 is supported by the support body. The base 10 extends beyond the intermediate position in the width direction toward the first side wall 11. That is, the distal end portion of the first support portion 14 and the distal end portion of the second support portion 15 are formed so as to overlap in plan view (FIG. 4). Thereby, since the 1st fitting port 18 and the 2nd fitting port 21 are formed in the position which does not overlap in planar view, the electric current line C is the front (outward) from the 1st and 2nd support parts 14 and 15. ) Side, and it is possible to reliably prevent the current line C from falling off and being displaced.

  Here, the support base 10, the side wall portions 11 and 12, and the first and second support portions 14 and 15 are bent when the current line C is fitted from the first and second fitting ports 18 and 21. Synthetic resin material (for example, ABS resin, polyamide resin, polyacetal resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, liquid crystal polymer resin, polyphenylenesulfur) Fido resin or the like). Thereby, when the current line C is fitted (attached), the support base 10 and the first and second support parts 14 and 15 are bent, and the first and second fitting ports 18 and 21 are widened. The current line C can be easily attached. On the other hand, after the current line C is fitted, the support base 10 and the first and second support parts 14 and 15 are elastically restored to narrow the first and second fitting ports 18 and 21 (initial state). Therefore, the current line C can be clamped without coming out of the first and second fitting spaces 18 and 21 from the inside of the first and second support spaces S2 and S4. Further, since the support base 10, the side wall portions 11 and 12, and the first and second support portions 14 and 15 are rigid enough to support the magnetic sensor unit 5, the first and first The distance between the current line C supported by the two support portions 14 and 15 and the magnetic sensor groups 7 and 8 described later can be kept constant.

  On the other hand, when attaching the current line C to the support 2, the current line C is introduced from the introduction path E, one end side of the current line C is fitted into the first fitting port 18, and the other end side is fitted into the second fitting line. It is only necessary to fit into the mouth 21. Accordingly, the current line C can be easily attached without performing complicated assembly work or the like with a simple attachment structure.

  Here, each front end portion of the first and second support portions 14 and 15 extends toward the center portion side of the support base 10, and the first support portion 14 and the second support portion 15. Are formed at a predetermined distance in the extending direction of the current line C (FIG. 3). Therefore, the introduction path (lead-out path) E formed by the first and second support portions 14 and 15 and the side wall portions 11 and 12 is formed in a substantially crank shape when viewed from the front with the upper side, the lower side, and the front side opened. Has been. The corners of the first and second support portions 14 and 15 and the side wall portions 11 and 12 constituting the introduction path E are chamfered to facilitate introduction of the current line C and damage the current line C. It is configured to be preventable.

  Further, the distance L5 between the front end surface of the first support portion 14 and the second side wall portion 12, the distance L6 between the lower surface of the first support portion 14 and the upper surface of the second support portion 15, and the second support portion. The distance L7 between the 15 front end surfaces and the first side wall portion 11 is preferably set to have a distance that allows the current line C to be introduced substantially obliquely with respect to the crank-shaped introduction path E. That is, the width dimension of the opening width L5 of the upper side opening of the introduction path E, the opening width L6 of the middle part, and the opening width L7 of the lower side is related to the allowable amount of bending of the support 2 in the introduction path E. On the other hand, it is preferable to set the dimensions so that the current line C can be introduced substantially obliquely. In this case, the distance L5 between the lower surface of the first support portion 14 and the upper surface of the second support portion 15 is spaced apart by a distance slightly longer than the diameter of the current line C in the extending direction of the current line C. If it is set so that each support position of the current line C is close, the current line C is less likely to drop off and be displaced, and the current sensor 1 in the extending direction of the current line C (groove 13) is small. Can be realized.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first lid member 3 is integrally formed from a side plate 24 that covers the right side surface portion of the support 2 and an extending piece 25 that covers the front surface portion of the first support portion 14. . The side plate 24 is formed in a size that can be fitted into the right side surface portion of the support 2. The extension piece 25 extends from the upper end on the front side of the side plate 24 in the thickness direction of the side plate 24 and has a size that can be fitted into the front side of the first support portion 14. While the side plate 24 is fitted into the side surface portion of the support 2 and the extension piece 25 is fitted into the front surface portion of the first support portion 14, the first lid member 3 is attached to the support 2. Thereby, the accommodation space S <b> 2 is formed inside the first support portion 14 and the first lid member 3.

  On the other hand, the second lid member 4 includes a side plate 26 that covers the left side surface of the support 2, a rear plate 27 that covers the rear surface of the support 2, and an extended piece 28 that covers the front surface of the second support 15. And are integrally formed. The side plate 26 is formed with a dimension that can be fitted into the left side surface portion of the support 2. The rear surface plate 27 extends from the rear surface side of the side plate 26 in the thickness direction of the side plate 26 and is formed in a size that can be fitted into the rear surface portion of the support 2. An end of the rear plate 27 on the first lid member 3 side is cut out, and the input / output cable 9 can be pulled out from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing through the cutout portion 27a. The extending piece 28 extends from the lower end portion on the front surface side of the side plate 26 in the thickness direction of the side plate 26 and is formed in a size that can be fitted into the front surface portion of the second support portion 15. The side plate 26 is fitted into the left side surface portion of the support body 2, the rear surface plate 27 is fitted into the rear surface portion of the support body 2, and the extension piece 28 is fitted into the front surface portion of the second support portion 15. A second lid member 4 is attached to 2. Thereby, accommodation spaces S1 and S5 are formed inside the second support portion 15 and the second lid member 4.

  Next, the magnetic sensor unit 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a front view of the magnetic sensor unit 5 of the current sensor 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a top view of the magnetic sensor unit 5 of the current sensor 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the magnetic sensor unit 5 has a first magnetic sensor group 7 and a second magnetic sensor group 8 mounted on the main surface of the insulating substrate 6. A plurality of input / output cables 9 are connected to one end. The plurality of input / output cables 9 are used to supply a power supply potential or a ground potential to the first and second magnetic sensor groups 7 and 8 and to output sensor outputs of the magnetic sensor groups 7 and 8. Is.

  The insulating substrate 6 includes a first substrate 30, a second substrate 31 extending forward from the right side of the upper end portion of the first substrate 30, and a second substrate extending forward from the left side of the lower end portion of the first substrate 30. 3 substrate 32 and a fourth substrate 33 extending outward from the right side of the intermediate portion of the first substrate 30.

  The first substrate 30 has a size that can be accommodated in an accommodation space S1 formed behind the support base 10, and is formed in a generally rectangular shape in front view (FIG. 5). The first substrate 30 is bent at a predetermined angle forward at an intermediate position in the short side direction (FIG. 6). The magnetic sensor 36 constituting the first magnetic sensor group 7 is mounted on the right plane portion of the first substrate 30 bent at the predetermined angle, and the second magnetic sensor group is mounted on the left plane portion. 8 is mounted. A plurality of through holes 17 are formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of mounting pins 16 provided on the rear surface portion of the support base 10 on the upper end side and the lower end side of the bent portion of the first substrate 30 ( FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 (b)).

  The second substrate 31 is formed to have a size that can be accommodated in the accommodation space S3, and multiple times clockwise at the same angle as the bending angle of the first substrate 30 along the outer peripheral portion of the groove 13. It is formed by bending (FIG. 6). A magnetic sensor 36 constituting the first magnetic sensor group 7 is mounted on each plane portion of the second substrate 31 bent at the predetermined angle. On the free end side of the second substrate 31, a through hole 20 is formed at a position corresponding to the mounting pin 19 provided on the outer peripheral portion of the groove 13 (FIGS. 5 and 7A).

  The third substrate 32 is formed in a size that can be accommodated in the accommodation space S5, and a plurality of counterclockwise rotations are made at the same angle as the bending angle of the first substrate 30 along the outer peripheral portion of the groove 13. It is formed by bending (FIG. 6). A magnetic sensor 37 constituting the first magnetic sensor group 8 is mounted on each plane portion of the third substrate 32 bent at the predetermined angle. On the free end side of the third substrate 32, a through hole 23 is formed at a position corresponding to the mounting pin 22 provided on the outer peripheral portion of the groove 13 (FIGS. 5 and 7A).

  The fourth substrate 33 is formed in a substantially square shape in front view, and a plurality of through holes 35 are formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of mounting pins 34 provided on the rear surface portion of the support base 10. (FIGS. 5 and 7B).

  The insulating substrate 6 configured as described above is bent in a plurality of directions toward the side where the second and third substrates 31 and 32 extending from both sides of the first substrate 30 face each other, and is polygonal in plan view. It is formed to become. A magnetic sensor 36 that constitutes the first magnetic sensor group 7 and a magnetic sensor 37 that constitutes the second magnetic sensor group 8 are mounted on each planar portion of each substrate 31, 32, 33. That is, the plurality of first and second magnetic sensors 36 and 37 are arranged in an annular shape in plan view. Then, from the rear side of the support 2, the second substrate 31 is inserted into the accommodation space S 3 to attach the mounting pin 19 to the through hole 20, and the third substrate 32 is inserted into the accommodation space S 3 to insert the through hole 23. The insulating substrate 6 is attached to the support body 2 by attaching the attachment pins 22 to the through holes 17 and 35 of the first and fourth substrates 30 and 33 to the attachment pins 16 and 34 (FIG. 7). Since the magnetic sensors 36 and 37 are mounted on the flat portions of the bent insulating substrate 6, the magnetic sensors 36 and 37 are arranged along the outer peripheral portion of the groove 13. As a result, the magnetic sensors 36 and 37 are mounted on the planar portions of the insulating substrate 6, respectively, so that the distance between the current line C and the magnetic sensors 36 and 37 can be kept constant with a simple substrate configuration. In the present embodiment, the insulating substrate 6 is formed so as to have a substantially octagonal shape in plan view. However, when the current line C is attached, the magnetic sensor mounted on each plane portion with respect to the current line C. If 36 and 37 are arrange | positioned at the substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and the sensors which oppose in planar view are arrange | positioned at the substantially equal distance from the axis | shaft of the current line C, it will not be limited to this structure. Absent.

  The first magnetic sensor group 7 and the second magnetic sensor group 8 are composed of the same number of magnetic sensors 36 and 37. In the present embodiment, the first magnetic sensor group 7 and the second magnetic sensor group 8 are each composed of four magnetic sensors 36 and 37. The plurality of magnetic sensors 36 constituting the first magnetic sensor group 7 and the plurality of magnetic sensors 37 constituting the second magnetic sensor group 8 are provided at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the current line C and are planar. They are provided so as to face each other across the axis A of the current line C in view. Here, as described above, the current line C is configured such that the upper end side and the lower end side are sandwiched between the first and second support spaces S2 and S4 so that the current line C is not displaced in the radial direction. Yes. Therefore, the distance between the magnetic sensors 36 and 37 facing each other across the current line C is maintained at a substantially constant distance. Specifically, the magnetic sensors 36 a, 36 b, 36 c, 36 d constituting the first magnetic sensor group 7 are arranged on the right plane portion of the first substrate 30 and the second side along the circumferential direction of the current line C. Are mounted on the three planar portions of the substrate 31 at substantially equal intervals. On the other hand, the magnetic sensors 37 a, 37 b, 37 c, and 37 d constituting the second magnetic sensor group 8 include the left plane portion of the first substrate 30 and the third substrate 32 along the circumferential direction of the current line C. Are mounted at substantially equal intervals on the three plane portions. The magnetic sensor 36a and the magnetic sensor 37d are disposed to face each other at an approximately equal distance across the axis A (see FIG. 6) of the current line C, and the magnetic sensor 37a and the magnetic sensor 36d sandwich the axis A of the current line C. Are arranged opposite each other at substantially equal distance. In addition, the magnetic sensor 36b and the magnetic sensor 37c are disposed to face each other at an approximately equal distance across the axis A of the current line C, and the magnetic sensor 36c and the magnetic sensor 37b are disposed at an approximately equal distance across the axis A of the current line C. Opposed.

  Here, an example of the configuration of the first and second magnetic sensor groups 7 and 8 will be described. Each of the magnetic sensors 36 and 37 has a magnetic sensing element whose sensitivity axes are opposite to each other. Examples of the magnetic sensing element include a magnetoresistive effect element and a Hall element, but it is particularly preferable to use a magnetoresistive effect element such as a GMR element. When using a magnetoresistive effect element as a magnetic sensing element, it is preferable that each magnetoresistive effect element is provided on the same board | substrate, and is comprised by one chip. By providing two magnetoresistive elements on the same substrate, it is possible to suppress variations in sensitivity between the magnetoresistive elements and improve current measurement accuracy.

  The sensitivity axis direction of one magnetic sensing element faces the counterclockwise direction along the circumferential direction, and the sensitivity axis direction of the other magnetic sensing element faces the clockwise direction along the circumferential direction. As described above, in order to efficiently detect the current to be measured flowing through the current line C, the direction of each sensitivity axis of the magnetic sensing element should be parallel to the induced magnetic field generated by the current to be measured. desirable. That is, it is preferable that each sensitivity axis of the magnetic sensing element faces the tangential direction of the circumference formed by the first and second magnetic sensor groups 7 and 8. The present invention is not limited to this configuration, and it is possible to detect the current to be measured unless each sensitivity axis of the magnetic sensing element is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the induced magnetic field due to the current to be measured. is there.

  For example, in the first magnetic sensor group 7, a potential source that applies a power supply potential Vdd is connected to one magnetic sensing element of the magnetic sensor 36a, and a ground potential GND is applied to the other magnetic sensing element of the magnetic sensor 36a. A potential source to be applied is connected. In the second magnetic sensor group 8, the two magnetic detection elements of the magnetic sensor 37d are electrically connected to extract the sensor output Out.

  All the magnetic detection elements whose sensitivity axis direction is the counterclockwise direction are connected in series, and all the magnetic detection elements whose sensitivity axis direction is the clockwise direction are connected in series. That is, the two magnetic detection elements of the first magnetic sensor group 7 are electrically connected via another magnetic sensor to form a closed circuit (half-bridge circuit). Since this closed circuit outputs a potential reflecting the voltage drop of each magnetic sensing element as a sensor output Out, it is possible to obtain a sensor output Out reflecting the characteristic variation of each magnetic sensing element due to an induced magnetic field. It is possible to calculate the current value of the current to be measured from Out. In addition, the magnetic sensors 36 constituting the first magnetic sensor group 7 and the magnetic sensors 37 constituting the second magnetic sensor group 8 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the current line C in a plan view. Since they are arranged opposite to each other with C interposed therebetween, the influence of the external magnetic field caused by the positional deviation can be canceled appropriately by detecting the differential output between the opposing magnetic sensors 36 and 37, further improving the current measurement accuracy. Can be made.

  Next, an example of a method for attaching the current line C to the support 2 of the current sensor 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a method of attaching the current line C to the support 2 of the current sensor 1 according to the present embodiment. Here, the case where the current sensor 1 is attached to the existing current line C will be described as an example.

  First, the support body 2 is positioned so that the crank-shaped introduction path E is substantially oblique with respect to the current line C extending in a straight line, and in this state, the current line C is pushed into the introduction path E (see FIG. 8 (a)). At this time, the first side wall part 11 and the second side wall part 12 and the lower part of the first support part 14 and the vicinity of the upper part of the second support part 15 are in pressure contact with the current line C, but the support 2 is Since the bending is allowed for the fitting of the line C, the current line C is pushed into the introduction path E. Then, the support 2 is tilted with respect to the current line C in the direction in which the current line C is fitted into the first and second fitting ports 18, 21, and the current flows through the first and second fitting ports 18, 21. When the line C is pressed, the opening ends of the first and second fitting ports 18 and 21 that have received the pressing force of the current line C spread outward, respectively, and the first and second support spaces S2 , S4 is pushed into the current line C. When the current line C is pushed into the first and second support spaces S2, S4, the first and second fitting ports 18, 21 are elastically restored, and the first and second fitting ports 18, 21 are moved. It returns to the initial state (FIG. 8B). Thus, one end side of the current line C is sandwiched in the first support space S2 in contact with the groove surface 13a and the continuous surface 14a, and the other end side is groove surface in the second support space S4. 13a is held in contact with the connecting surface 15a. At this time, since the first and second fitting ports 18 and 21 are displaced in the circumferential direction, the current line C is unlikely to be detached from the first and second support spaces S2 and S4, and the current line C is dropped and removed. The displacement of the current line C is prevented.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first fitting port 18 and the second fitting port 21 are formed to be shifted in the circumferential direction, and the current line C fitted to each fitting port 18, 21 is Since the first and second support portions 14 and 15 are supported at different positions in the separation direction, the current line C is less likely to be detached from the first and second support portions 14 and 15, and the current line C is dropped and positioned. Deviation can be prevented. As a result, since the distance between the current line C and the magnetic sensor (group) is kept constant, high current measurement accuracy can be maintained.

  Further, when attaching the current line C, it is only necessary to introduce the current line C into the crank-shaped introduction path E and fit the current line C into the first and second fitting ports 18 and 21. Accordingly, the current line C can be easily attached without performing complicated assembly work or the like with a simple attachment structure. In particular, when the current sensor 1 is attached to the existing current line C, if the introduction path E is obliquely positioned with respect to the current line C and pushed in, the first side wall part 11 and the second side wall part 12, and The lower part of the first support part 14 and the upper part of the second support part 15 allow bending, and the current line C is pushed into the introduction path E. In this state, if the support 2 is tilted with respect to the current line C and the current line C is fitted into the first and second fitting ports 18 and 21, the first and second fitting ports 18 and 21 are formed. The current line C is clamped at different positions after elastic recovery. As a result, the current line C can be easily attached even when the length of the current line (current cable) and the installation space are limited.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The current sensor according to the second embodiment differs from the current sensor 1 according to the first embodiment described above only in the configuration of the support 2. Accordingly, only the differences will be described in particular, the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted.

  FIG. 9 is an external perspective view of a current sensor according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a top view of the current sensor support according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in the support body 41 of the current sensor 40 according to the second embodiment, both side walls 11 of the support body 2 of the current sensor 1 according to the first embodiment described above, 12 has been removed. And in the support base part 10, the protrusion parts 42 and 43 are each formed so that the edge part of the groove surface 13a on the opposite side to the side in which the 1st and 2nd support parts 14 and 15 are formed may be continued. Specifically, a protrusion 42 is formed above the support base 10 so as to continue to the left end of the groove surface 13 a, and a first portion is formed between the protrusion 42 and the tip of the first support 14. A fitting opening 44 is formed. On the other hand, a protrusion 43 is formed below the support base 10 so as to be continuous with the right end of the groove surface 13 a, and a second fitting port is formed between the protrusion 43 and the tip of the second support 15. 45 is formed. By providing these protrusions 42 and 43, the width dimensions L8 and L9 of the first and second fitting ports 44 and 45 are larger than the maximum inner diameters L2 and L4 of the first and second support spaces S2 and S4. It becomes narrower. As a result, one end side and the other end side of the current line C fitted into the first and second support spaces S2 and S4 from the first end and the first and second insertion ports 44 and 45 are connected to the first and second ends. The current lines C can be prevented from dropping off and misaligned without easily coming out of the fitting holes 44 and 45.

  Next, an example of a method for attaching the current line C to the support 41 in the current sensor 40 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method of attaching the current line C to the support 41 of the current sensor 40 according to the present embodiment.

  First, the current line C is bent, and the current line C is introduced from the front side into the gap (introduction path E) between the first support part 14 and the second support part 15 (FIG. 11A). Then, when the support 2 is tilted with respect to the current line C in the direction in which the current line C is fitted into the first fitting port 44, and the current line C is pressed against the first fitting port 44, With the pressing force, the projecting portion 42 and the first support portion 14 are bent and the first fitting port 44 is pushed outward, and one end side of the current line C is pushed into the first support space S2. When one end side of the current line C is pushed into the first support space S2, the protruding portion 42 and the first support portion 14 are elastically restored, and the first fitting port 44 returns to the initial state. On the other hand, when the support 2 is tilted with respect to the current line C in the direction in which the current line C is fitted into the second fitting port 45, and the current line C is pressed against the second fitting port 45, With the pressing force, the protrusion 43 and the second support portion 15 bend and the second fitting port 45 is pushed wide, and the other end side of the current line C is pushed into the second support space S4. When the other end of the current line C is pushed into the second support space S4, the projecting portion 43 and the second support portion 15 are elastically restored, and the second fitting port 45 returns to the initial state (FIG. 11). (B)). Thus, one end side of the current line C fitted from the first fitting port 44 is sandwiched by the projecting portion 42, the groove surface 13 a and the connecting surface 14 a of the first support portion 14, and the second fitting port 45. The other end side fitted from above is sandwiched between the projecting portion 43, the groove surface 13 a and the connecting surface 15 a of the second support portion 15. At this time, since the first fitting port 44 and the second fitting port 45 are displaced in the circumferential direction (FIG. 10), the current line C is unlikely to come off from the first and second support spaces S2, S4. It is possible to prevent the current line C from dropping and being displaced.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the structure of the said embodiment. In the above embodiment, the first support portion 14 is provided on the right side of the upper end portion of the support base portion 10 and the second support portion 15 is provided on the left side of the lower end portion of the support base portion 10. For example, the first support portion 14 is provided on the left side of the upper end portion of the support base portion 10 and the second support portion 15 is provided on the right side of the lower end portion of the support base portion 10. May be provided. Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it was set as the structure which supports the current line C by the two support parts 14 and 15, if each fitting opening of each support part has shifted in the circumferential direction similarly to the above, three or more The structure which supports with the support part may be sufficient. In the above embodiment, the first and second magnetic sensor groups 7 and 8 are connected to the outer peripheral portion of the groove 13 and the first and second support portions 14 and 15 in the accommodation spaces S1, S3, and S5. Although it arrange | positioned along the outer peripheral part, what is necessary is just to be arrange | positioned in the circumferential direction of the current line C at substantially equal intervals.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can change and implement variously. In the above-described embodiment, the size, shape, and the like illustrated in the accompanying drawings are not limited thereto, and can be appropriately changed within the scope of the effects of the present invention. In addition, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the object of the present invention.

  The present invention has an effect that the current line can be easily attached by a simple attachment structure while preventing the current line from dropping and misalignment, and in particular, an existing current line having a limited installation space or the like can be used. Useful for current sensors to be attached.

  This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-008242 filed on January 18, 2011. All this content is included here.

Claims (9)

A support body having a first support portion having a first insertion opening, and a second support portion provided at a predetermined distance from the first support portion and having a second insertion opening;
When a current line is attached to the support, a magnetic sensor unit provided on the support so as to follow the circumferential direction of the current line, and
When the first fitting port and the second fitting port are formed so as to be shifted in the circumferential direction, and the current line is fitted into the first fitting port and the second fitting port, the current line is A current sensor, wherein the current sensor is supported at different positions in the separation direction of the first and second support portions. The support is formed such that a groove formed along the outer periphery of the current line extends from one end of the support toward the other end.
The first fitting opening is formed between a tip end portion of the first support portion that is formed so as to be continuous with one end of the groove surface and the other end of the groove surface,
The second fitting opening is formed between a tip end portion of the second support portion formed so as to be continuous with the other end of the groove surface and one end of the groove surface,
The current line is supported by the first insertion port so as to be sandwiched between the groove surface and the connection surface of the first support portion connected to the groove surface, and the second 2. The current sensor according to claim 1, wherein the current sensor is supported by being inserted from an insertion port so as to be sandwiched between the groove surface and a connecting surface of the second support portion connected to the groove surface.   3. The current sensor according to claim 1, wherein a tip end portion of the first support portion and a tip end portion of the second support portion are formed so as to overlap in a plan view. The groove is formed in a semicircular shape in plan view, and the connecting surfaces of the first and second support portions are formed in an arc shape,
A first support space having a substantially circular shape in plan view formed by the groove surface and the connecting surface of the first support portion, and a substantially circular shape in plan view formed by the connecting surface of the groove surface and the second support portion. The current sensor according to claim 2, wherein the second support space having a shape is formed coaxially. A width dimension of the first fitting opening is formed to be narrower than a maximum inner diameter between the first support portion and the groove,
The width dimension of the second fitting opening is formed to be narrower than the maximum inner diameter between the second support portion and the groove. The current sensor according to Crab.   The support body, the first support portion, and the second support portion are integrally formed of a synthetic resin material having an elastic force enough to allow bending when the current line is inserted from the first and second insertion ports. The current sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the current sensor is provided. The magnetic sensor unit comprises a first magnetic sensor group and a second magnetic sensor group having the same number of magnetic sensors,
The magnetic sensors constituting the first magnetic sensor group and the magnetic sensors constituting the second magnetic sensor group are opposed to each other across the current line at a substantially equal interval in the circumferential direction of the current line and in plan view. The current sensor according to claim 1, wherein the current sensor is provided on the support body.   8. The current sensor according to claim 1, wherein each of the magnetic sensors is mounted on each planar portion of an insulating substrate that is bent in a polygonal shape in plan view.   The first support portion and the second support portion are spaced apart from each other with a slightly longer interval than the diameter of the current line. The current sensor described in 1.

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