JP2008026200A - Temperature sensor and heating toilet seat device including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a temperature sensor that is fast in heat transfer and thermal responsiveness from a surface to be detected and has excellent electrical insulation, and includes the temperature sensor (even if rapid heating is performed with a large amount of power). An object is to provide a highly safe heating toilet seat device.
SOLUTION: Insulation sheets 7a and 7b covering a temperature sensitive element 2 and lead portions 4a and 4b, and lead wires 5a and 5b having an insulating coating 9 electrically connected to lead terminal portions 31a and 31b of the lead portions 4a and 4b. By providing the insulating resin material 8 covered so as to wrap all the conductive exposed portions including the electrical connection portion, heat is quickly transferred to the temperature sensitive element 2 through the insulating sheet 7a, and the thermal response speed is high, and Since all the conductive parts such as the temperature sensing element 2 and the electrical connection parts of the lead wires 5a and 5b are covered with the insulating resin material 8 so as to be blocked from the outside air, a temperature sensor with excellent electrical insulation can be obtained.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

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

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

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

  However, in the thin temperature sensor S1 having the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, the metal plate portions 93a and 93b excluding a part of the heat sensitive element 97 and the external lead terminals 93a ′ and 93b ′ are formed by insulating sheets 98a and 98b with adhesive. Since it is a bonded structure, the adhesive strength of the adhesive of the insulating sheets 98a and 98b is reduced when used in a hot and humid environment or for a long period of time, and the insulating sheets 98a and 98b may peel off from the metal plate portion. There was not enough in terms of long-term reliability. In addition, when such a temperature sensor is used as an example of a heating device, for example, in a heating toilet seat and used to detect and control the temperature of the toilet seat, the water-insulating insulation defined in the section on the electric toilet seat of the Electrical Appliance and Material Control Law is used. As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 10B, the structure of the conventional temperature sensor uses thin insulating sheets 98a and 98b, and the thermal element 97 and the narrow metal plate portion 93a, Since the structure is bonded to both sides of 93b, a gap (t) is generated in the side walls of the thermal element 97 and the narrow metal plates 93a and 93b, and moisture and moisture enter from the gap due to a change in ambient temperature. As a result, there is a problem that the water-insulating performance is not sufficient in terms of long-term reliability, such as deterioration of the electrical characteristics of the thermal element 97 and peeling of the insulating sheets 98a and 98b. Moreover, in the configuration of the conventional temperature sensor shown in FIG. 10A, the external lead terminals 93a ′ and 93b ′ are in an exposed state. Therefore, lead wires are attached to the external lead terminals 93a ′ and 93b ′ by soldering or spot welding. It must not be connected and the connecting part must be waterproof and insulated.

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

  In order to solve the conventional problems, a temperature sensor of the present invention includes a temperature sensing element whose electrical resistance changes according to temperature, a lead portion electrically connected to the temperature sensing element, and the temperature sensing of the lead portion. An end portion farthest from the portion electrically connected to the element is used as an extraction terminal portion, an insulating sheet that covers the temperature sensitive element and the lead portion excluding the extraction terminal portion, and an insulating coating electrically connected to the extraction terminal portion. And an insulating resin material coated so as to enclose all of the conductive exposed portions including the lead terminal portion and the electrical connection portion of the lead wire.

  With the above configuration, since at least the temperature sensing part of the temperature sensing element is in contact with the insulating sheet, heat is quickly transferred to the temperature sensing element through the thin insulating sheet, the thermal response speed is fast, and the temperature sensing element Since all the conductive parts such as the lead wire connecting part are covered with the insulating resin material so as to be shielded from the outside air, it is possible to realize a temperature sensor with excellent electrical insulation.

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

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a temperature-sensitive element whose electrical resistance changes according to temperature, a lead portion electrically connected to the temperature-sensitive element, and an end portion of the lead portion farthest from the portion electrically connected to the temperature-sensitive element. , An insulating sheet that covers the temperature sensitive element and the lead portion except for the lead terminal portion, a lead wire having an insulating coating electrically connected to the lead terminal portion, the lead terminal portion, and the It is a temperature sensor provided with the insulating resin material which coat | covered so that all the conductive exposure parts including the electrical connection part of a lead wire might be wrapped. With this configuration, since at least the temperature sensing part of the temperature sensing element is in contact with the insulating sheet, heat is quickly transferred to the temperature sensing element through the thin insulating sheet, the thermal response speed is high, and the lead including the temperature sensing element is used. Since all the conductive parts such as the wire connection part are covered with the insulating resin material so as to be shielded from the outside air, a temperature sensor with excellent electrical insulation can be realized.

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

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

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

  5th invention is a temperature sensor of any one of Claim 1 to 4 in which an insulating sheet welds the outer periphery. By welding the outer periphery covering the temperature sensitive element and the lead portion in this way, the adhesive strength of the adhesive of the insulating sheets 98a and 98b is reduced in a hot and humid environment like the conventional temperature sensor shown in FIG. In addition, since there is no concern that the insulating sheets 98a and 98b are peeled off, the insulating performance can be stably maintained for a long period of time even when used in a high temperature and high humidity environment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the temperature sensor 1 is electrically connected by solder to a temperature sensing element 2 such as a thermistor whose electrical resistance changes according to temperature, and an electrode portion 3 of the temperature sensing element 2. Lead terminals 4a and 4b, and further, the end parts farthest from the portion of the lead parts 4a and 4b electrically connected to the temperature sensing element 2 are taken as lead terminal parts 31a and 31b, and the temperature sensing is performed except for the lead terminal parts 31a and 31b. Lead wires 5a and 5b covered with two thin film-like insulating sheets 7a and 7b so as to sandwich the element 2 and the lead portions 4a and 4b and electrically connected to the lead terminal portions 31a and 31b, and lead terminal portions 31a, It is covered with an insulating resin material 8 so as to wrap all exposed conductive portions including the electrical connection portions of 31b and lead wires 5a and 5b. That is, the insulating resin material 8 extends from a portion where the insulating coating 9 of the lead wires 5a and 5b is provided to a part of the insulating sheets 7a and 7b with the electrical connection portion between the lead terminal portions 31a and 31b and the lead wires 5a and 5b as the center. It is the structure which has covered to the location.

  The operation of the temperature sensor configured as described above will be described below. The insulating sheets 7a and 7b are thin film-like insulating materials having a thickness of about 0.05 to 0.3 mm, and the heat conduction in the thickness direction of the thin insulating sheets 7a and 7b is extremely fast. Moreover, since the temperature sensing portion 6 of the temperature sensing element 2 is in surface contact with the thin insulating sheets 7a and 7b, heat is quickly transferred to the temperature sensing element 2 via the thin insulating sheets 7a and 7b, and the thermal response speed is high. In addition, since all the conductive portions such as the electrical connection portions of the lead terminal portions 31a and 31b and the lead wires 5a and 5b as well as the temperature sensitive element 2 are covered with the insulating resin material 9, The conductive portion of the temperature sensor 1 including the element 2 can be insulated from surrounding gases, liquids, electricity, etc., and acts as a temperature sensor with excellent electrical insulation. Insulating resin material 8 is a resin that has both electrical insulation and adhesive properties, such as epoxy resin and silicone resin, with a little fluidity in the center and the electrical connection portion between lead terminal portions 31a and 31b and lead wires 5a and 5b. As described above, the coating is applied from the portion where the insulating coating 9 of the lead wires 5a and 5b is provided to the portion of the insulating sheets 7a and 7b, and then solidified in an atmosphere of about 40 ° C. for natural solidification or shortening of the solidification time. Thus, moisture can be prevented from entering the conductive portions of the temperature sensor 1 and the temperature sensor 1.

  In the present embodiment, when the insulating resin material 8 is a resin having both adhesiveness and flexibility such as silicone resin and polyurethane resin, the thin insulating sheets 7a and 7b and the lead wires 5a and 5b It is possible to bend so as to be slightly curved up to the insulating coating 9. Therefore, even when the temperature sensor 1 is used by being attached to an inner surface that is somewhat curved, the insulating sheets 7a and 7b and the flexible insulating resin material 8 can be bent along the curved inner surface. Since 7a and 7b can be brought into close contact with the surface to be detected, it is possible to ensure a high heat transfer rate (thermal response) without impairing heat transfer properties. Further, even if repeated expansion and contraction due to temperature change acts on each component of the temperature sensor 1, the flexible insulating resin material 8 acts to relieve stress flexibly and impairs waterproofness and insulation. Thus, a temperature sensor that can be used stably for a long period of time can be realized.

In addition, when the insulating resin material 8 is a thermosetting resin excellent in adhesive strength and heat resistance such as an epoxy resin or an acrylic resin, repeated expansion and contraction due to temperature change acts on each component of the temperature sensor 1. However, it is possible to maintain sufficient adhesion between the thermosetting insulating resin material 8 and the insulating sheets 7a and 7b, the lead terminal portions 31a and 31b, the lead wires 5a and 5b, and the waterproof and insulating properties are impaired. Thus, a temperature sensor that can be used stably for a long period of time can be realized.

  Further, the insulating sheets 7a and 7b should be made of a resin having excellent electrical insulation even when formed thin like an epoxy resin, a phenol resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamideimide resin, a polyurethane resin, a polyester resin, or a polyesterimide resin. Thus, heat can be quickly transferred to the temperature sensing portion 6 of the temperature sensing element 2 via the thin insulating sheet 7a, and a temperature sensor with high response and high insulation performance can be realized.

  The lead wires 5a and 5b are spot-welded to the lead terminal portions 31a and 31b which are portions protruding from the insulating sheets 7a and 7b at the end portions of the lead portions 4a and 4b which are lead terminals provided in the temperature sensing element 2. Alternatively, it is electrically connected by soldering, and adhesive properties from the electrical connection portion to a part covered with the insulating coating 9 of the lead wires 5a and 5b from a part of the ends of the thin insulating sheets 7a and 7b. Since it is covered with a certain insulating resin material 8, waterproofness and insulation are ensured. Although the waterproof and insulating properties can be ensured only by the configuration described above, the outer peripheral portions of the insulating sheets 7a and 7b are welded by applying heat and pressure with a heat roller, a heat press or the like. In the high temperature and high humidity environment, the adhesive strength of the insulating sheets 98a and 98b is reduced in the high temperature and high humidity environment as in the conventional temperature sensor shown in FIG. Even in the case of using in, the insulation performance can be maintained stably for a long time.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since at least the temperature sensing portion 6 of the temperature sensing element 2 is in contact with the insulating sheet 7a, heat is quickly transferred to the temperature sensing element via the thin insulating sheet 7a, Since the response speed is fast and the conductive parts such as the electrical connection parts of the lead wires 5a and 5b including the temperature sensitive element 2 are covered with the insulating resin material 8 so as to be shielded from the outside air, the electrical insulation is excellent. Temperature sensor can be realized. Here, in the case of a general temperature sensing element, the back side surface that is in surface contact with the insulating sheet may also be a temperature sensing part, but in this case, the surface contact may be on either the front or back side. The flat part of the temperature sensing part may be used so that the temperature sensing surface is in close contact with the insulating sheet.

In the present embodiment, the insulating sheets 7a and 7b are described as resin materials. However, the insulating sheets 7a and 7b are not limited to resin materials. For example, an insulating material other than resin such as an ultra-thin ceramic sheet has the same effect. Can be obtained. Of course, a combination of a ceramic sheet and a resin sheet may be used.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  As for the temperature sensor 1, as described in the first embodiment, heat is quickly transferred to the temperature sensitive element 2 through the thin insulating sheet 7a, the thermal response speed is high, and the lead terminal portions 31a, 31b and the lead wires Since it is covered with the insulating resin material 8 from the part where the insulating coating 9 of the lead wires 5a and 5b is located to the part of the insulating sheets 7a and 7b with the electric connecting part 5a and 5b as the center, the electric insulating property In FIG. 7, the insulating sheet 7 a is attached so as to be in close contact with the soaking sheet 23. In the conventional temperature sensor as shown in FIG. 9 described at the beginning, the heat of the insulating coating 87 a absorbed from the detected surface is transferred to the thermal element 86 due to the variation in the thickness of the insulating coating 87 a covering the thermal element 86. The response time varies, and since the insulating coating 87a is thick and the thermal response is slow, detection of temperature changes in the heater 20, the seating surface 19, and the soaking sheet 23 is delayed, and the power control of the heater 20 is also delayed. Therefore, even if an attempt was made to control the temperature of the seating surface 19 by feedback control from this temperature sensor, the overshoot / undershoot of the temperature of the heater 20 and the seating surface 19 exceeded the allowable range, and was not practical. On the other hand, the temperature sensor 1 having a high thermal response speed and excellent electrical insulation described in the first embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. 7, so that the heater 20 for heating the seating surface 19 of the toilet seat casing 16 is increased. Even if the heating is performed in a short time with the capacity power, the temperature sensor 1 can quickly detect the temperature changes of the heater 20, the seating surface 19, and the soaking sheet 23, so that the seating surface 19 is controlled to a comfortable and safe temperature. Can do.

Further, when the conventional temperature sensor 81 shown in FIG. 10 is used, the metal plate portions 93a and 93b excluding a part of the heat sensitive element 97 and the external lead terminals 93a ′ and 93b ′ are attached to a thin insulating sheet 98a with an adhesive, 98b, and the thermal response speed is fast so that the temperature of the seating surface 19 can be controlled. However, thin insulating sheets 98a and 98b are used, and the thermal element 97 and the narrow metal plate portion 93a are used. , 93b, and a gap (t) is generated in the side wall portions of the heat sensitive element 97 and the narrow metal plates 93a, 93b, and moisture and moisture are generated from the gap portions due to changes in ambient temperature. It is not sufficient in terms of long-term reliability, such as deterioration of the electrical characteristics of the thermal element 97 due to intrusion and peeling of the insulating sheets 98a and 98b, and the external lead terminals 93a ′ and 93b ′ are exposed. The cable must be connected and the connection must be waterproof and insulated. Particularly in the heating toilet seat device, it is necessary to satisfy the water-insulating performance defined in the section of the electric toilet seat of the Electrical Appliance and Material Control Law, and the conventional temperature sensor 81 shown in FIG. 10 has not been put into practical use. On the other hand, since the temperature sensor 1 described in the first embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. 7, at least the temperature sensing part 6 of the temperature sensing element 2 is in contact with the insulation sheet 7a, and thus the thin insulation sheet 7a. Insulating resin so that heat is quickly transferred to the temperature sensing element 2 through the wire, the thermal response speed is fast, and all the conductive parts such as the electrical connection parts of the lead wire 5a and 5b including the temperature sensing element 2 are shielded from the outside air. Since it is covered with the material 8, even if the heater 20 for heating the seating surface 19 of the toilet seat casing 16 is heated and heated in a short time with large-capacity power, the temperature sensor 1 does not change the heater 20, the seating surface 19, and the soaking sheet. Thus, the seating surface 19 can be controlled to a comfortable and safe temperature, and a heated toilet seat device with excellent electrical insulation such as long-term water-insulating performance can be realized.

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

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

  In addition, by forming the upper frame 16a serving as a seating surface of the toilet seat casing 16 from a metal having good thermal conductivity such as an aluminum alloy, heat transfer is accelerated even when the heating power of the heating device is the same as the conventional one. The rise time of the temperature can be shortened and the temperature distribution is easily made uniform. Further, the heat of the heater 20 that heats the seating surface 19 of the toilet seat casing 16 is transmitted to the seating surface 19 made of a metal having good thermal conductivity at high speed, so that the temperature distribution of the seating surface 16 is also made uniform. At the same time, the insulating sheet 7a of the temperature sensor 1 is attached in close contact with the inside of the seating surface 19, so that the temperature of the seating surface 19 is quickly transmitted to the temperature sensing part 2 of the temperature sensor 1 through the insulating sheet 7a. Act on. As described above, the insulating sheet 7a of the temperature sensor 1 is tightly fixed to the inner side of the metal seating surface 19, so that the temperature of the toilet seat can be overheated due to a control delay even when the temperature is rapidly increased with high power when used by a person. Thus, a safe heated toilet seat device 11 that does not have such problems can be realized, and a safe heated toilet seat device excellent in energy saving can be realized by saving ordinary heat retaining power.

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

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

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

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

In the present embodiment, the insulating sheet 7 on the smooth surface side of the temperature sensor 1 in the first embodiment.
Is attached to the soaking sheet 23 via a heat sink, but it can be applied to a very smooth surface such as a seating surface 19 made of metal, or to a substantially curved surface around the periphery of the seating portion in another embodiment. Even if it is a structure to be affixed, if there is a flat part on the side to be affixed that is substantially equal to or slightly wider than the temperature-sensitive part, the insulation sheet 7 of the temperature sensor 1, particularly the temperature-sensitive part, is opposed to that part. The adhesiveness of the surface to be bonded is good and the thermal response is very good. By using such a bonding structure, the characteristics of the temperature sensor 1 can be very utilized.

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

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

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

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

Explanation of symbols

1 Temperature sensor
2 Temperature Sensing Element 4a Lead Part 4b Lead Part 5a Lead Wire 5b Lead Wire 6 Temperature Sensitive Part 7a Insulating Sheet 7b Insulating Sheet 8 Insulating Resin Material 9 Insulating Coating 16 Toilet Seat Casing 19 Seating Surface 20 Heater 22 Soaking Sheet 23 Soaking Sheet 30 Control part 31a Lead terminal part 31b Lead terminal part

Claims (9)

A temperature-sensitive element whose electrical resistance changes according to temperature, a lead part electrically connected to the temperature-sensitive element, and an end part farthest from the part electrically connected to the temperature-sensitive element of the lead part as an extraction terminal part, An insulating sheet that covers the temperature sensing element and the lead portion excluding the lead terminal portion, a lead wire having an insulation coating electrically connected to the lead terminal portion, and an electrical connection portion between the lead terminal portion and the lead wire A temperature sensor comprising an insulating resin material coated so as to wrap around all conductive exposed portions including. The temperature sensor according to claim 1, wherein the insulating resin material is made of a resin having adhesiveness and flexibility. The temperature sensor according to claim 1, wherein the insulating resin material is a thermosetting resin having adhesiveness. The temperature sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the insulating sheet is made of a resin having an excellent electrical insulating property even if it is formed thin. The temperature sensor according to claim 1, wherein the insulating sheet is formed by welding the outer periphery. The temperature sensor according to claim 1, a toilet seat casing having a seating surface, a heater for heating the seating surface, and the temperature sensor built in the toilet seat casing, the seating surface according to a signal of the temperature sensor. A heating toilet seat device comprising a control unit for controlling the heating temperature of the toilet. The heating toilet seat device according to claim 6, wherein a seating surface of the toilet seat casing is formed of a metal having good thermal conductivity, and an insulating sheet side of the temperature sensor is closely fixed to the inside of the seating surface. The heating toilet seat device according to claim 7, wherein the seating surface is an aluminum alloy plate. The heating toilet seat according to any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein the heater is attached to the back side of the seating surface of the toilet seat casing via a soaking sheet, and an insulating sheet of a temperature sensor is closely fixed to the soaking sheet. apparatus.