Pressure sensor assembly and corresponding device and insert

Abstract

A pressure sensor assembly (1) for detecting the pressure of a fluid, comprising: a pressure-sensitive member (2) having a substantially cup-shaped sensor body (5), the sensor body (5) comprising a bottom portion (5a) and a peripheral portion (5b) defining an axial cavity (C1, C2), the bottom portion (5a) comprising an elastically deformable membrane portion which closes the axial cavity (C1, C2) at one end of the sensor body (5), and the peripheral portion (5b) having a distal edge opposite to the bottom portion (5a), the distal edge defining an inlet of the axial cavity (C1, C2), the bottom portion (5a) having at least one element associated therewith for detecting deformation of the membrane portion; and a compensation element (3) configured to compensate for possible changes in the volume of the fluid, the compensation element (3) comprising at least one compensation body (8) made of a first elastically deformable or compressible material and a core (9) to which the at least one compensation body (8) is fixed, the core (9) being made of a second material which is harder than the first material. The sensor body (5) and the compensation element (3) are constructed as distinct parts, and at least one first part (8b, 8c) of the compensation element (3) is configured to be coupled to the sensor body (5) by elastic interference in a manner that enables the pressure-sensitive component (2) and the compensation element (3) to be handled as a single unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor device for detecting the pressure of a fluid. The invention has been developed with particular reference to a self-supporting sensor assembly for such an arrangement, comprising at least one pressure-sensitive element and an element for compensating for any possible increase in the volume of the fluid. The invention finds preferred application in the field of self-supporting sensors or sensor assemblies for use in vehicles, in particular in hydraulic systems and systems for vehicles. Background Art

[0002] WO 2008 / 078184 A2, filed in the name of the present applicant, discloses a pressure sensor device comprising a pressure-sensitive component having a substantially cup-shaped sensor body, i.e., a blind cavity, the bottom of which is formed by a membrane portion. The membrane portion is elastically deformable, and a detection element (such as a bridge of a resistive or piezoresistive element) is associated with the membrane portion. The device also comprises a housing including a support body defining a conduit through which a fluid, the pressure of which is to be detected, can reach the cavity of the sensor body and induce a corresponding elastic deformation of the membrane portion.

[0003] In some applications, devices of the type mentioned are designed to operate even under conditions of very low temperatures. For this reason, it may occasionally happen that the fluid present in the device freezes, thereby increasing in volume: considering that the membrane portion of the sensor body is usually relatively thin and delicate, it is important to adopt solutions that will prevent the corresponding detection element from failing and / or from being damaged following the increase in volume of the fluid due to freezing.

[0004] The aforementioned prior art document therefore proposes one or more compressible compensating elements associated with the supporting body of the device, said compensating elements being suitable for compensating any possible increase in the volume of the fluid following its freezing, wherein each of such elements may possibly define a portion of the aforementioned conduit for the fluid. In some versions described, such compensating elements are mounted on the outside of the supporting body, essentially at the cavity of the sensor body, so as to protrude into it. In some embodiments, the compensating element is fixed in place on the supporting body by means of a tubular positioning insert made of relatively hard material, which is partially inserted, for example by screwing, into the outlet of the conduit that delivers the fluid towards the membrane portion (see, for example, the prior art document mentioned above). Figure 15-20 or 24). In other embodiments, the compensating element is positioned on an insert which in turn is held in place by a bottom stop element, the insert and the stop element being engaged with their inlet ends in the aforementioned conduit (see, for example, the aforementioned reference). Figure 21-23 ).

[0005] From a functional point of view, the sensor devices proposed in the aforementioned prior art documents are, on average, highly effective, but they suffer from certain disadvantages in terms of the time and cost of production and installation of the corresponding compensating elements, which would be desirable to reduce. Furthermore, installation of the compensating element presupposes a relatively complex design of the support body in order to define the conduit into which the compensating element insert is designed to fit using specialized procedures.

[0006] From WO 2016 / 103171 A1 filed in the name of the present applicant, a sensor assembly is also known, which comprises a pressure-sensitive component, which also has a substantially cup-shaped sensor body, on which a body made of elastically compressible material is directly overmolded, which body performs the function of a compensation element and possibly also performs the function of a sealing element and / or an elastic support element. In some of the embodiments described (see, for example, the prior art mentioned above), Figures 37-39 ), the aforementioned compressible body being overmolded onto the sensor body in a corresponding blind cavity of the cup-shaped body. The above solutions according to WO 2016 / 103171 A1 prove advantageous in the production phase, as long as they enable a self-supporting or independent sensor assembly to be obtained, i.e. a sensor assembly that can be handled as a single unit despite comprising both a pressure-sensitive element and a compensation element. However, in terms of industrial processes and manufacturing machinery, the production of such an assembly is relatively complex and expensive, given the need to overmold, in a safe and precise manner, the compliant material that is to form the compressible body in the cavity of the sensor body. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In general, the present invention is directed to providing a pressure sensor or pressure sensor assembly, in particular a self-supporting or standalone type, that is simpler and less expensive to produce than those of the prior art. A related object of the present invention is to provide a pressure sensor device and a compensating element that can be advantageously used with the aforementioned sensor assembly.

[0008] One or more of the above objects are achieved according to the invention by a pressure sensor assembly, a pressure sensor device and a compensation element exhibiting the characteristics mentioned in the appended claims, which form an integral part of the teaching provided herein in relation to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] - Figure 1is a perspective view of a pressure sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment with an optional shielding element;

[0011] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of an assembly of wherein the aforementioned shielding element is coupled to the assembly;

[0012] - Figure 3 and Figure 4 yes Figure 1-2 Exploded views from different angles of a sensor assembly of the type illustrated in FIG.

[0013] - Figure 5 and Figure 6 are perspective views of a compensation element of a sensor assembly from different angles according to a possible embodiment;

[0014] - Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a compensation element of a sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment;

[0015] - Figure 9 and Figure 10 are perspective views from different angles of a core or reinforcement of a compensation element of a sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment;

[0016] - Figure 11 and Figure 12 are perspective views from different angles of a shielding element for a sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment;

[0017] - Figure 13 and Figure 14 are perspective views from different angles of a pressure sensor device according to a possible embodiment, the pressure sensor device comprising a sensor assembly and a housing portion of a first type;

[0018] - Figure 15 and Figure 16 are cross-sectional perspective views from different angles of a pressure sensor device according to a possible embodiment, the pressure sensor device including a sensor assembly and a second type of housing portion;

[0019] - Figure 17 and Figure 18 is a partial cross-sectional view according to mutually orthogonal planes of a pressure sensor device according to a possible embodiment, the pressure sensor device comprising a pressure sensor device having a structure similar to Figure 13-14 and Figure 15-16 A sensor assembly and housing portion similar to the sensor assembly and housing portion illustrated in FIG;

[0020] - Figure 19is a perspective view of a sensor assembly according to a further possible embodiment, wherein a corresponding shielding element is coupled to the sensor assembly;

[0021] - Figure 20 yes Figure 19 a cross-sectional perspective view of a sensor assembly;

[0022] - Figure 21 and Figure 22 yes Figure 20 an exploded view of a sensor assembly of the type illustrated in FIG;

[0023] - Figure 23 and Figure 24 is used for Figure 19 A perspective view of a compensation element of a sensor assembly of the type illustrated in FIG, wherein the corresponding shielding element is shown in an exploded view;

[0024] - Figure 25 is just Figure 23-24 A cross-sectional perspective view of a compensation element;

[0025] - Figure 26 and Figure 27 yes Figure 25 Perspective views from different angles of a core or reinforcement of a compensating element of the type illustrated in FIG;

[0026] - Figure 28 and Figure 29 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a pressure sensor device according to a possible embodiment, the pressure sensor device comprising a housing portion and Figure 19-20 A sensor assembly of the type illustrated in FIG;

[0027] - Figure 30 and Figure 31 is a partial cross-sectional view according to mutually orthogonal planes of a pressure sensor device according to a possible embodiment, the pressure sensor device comprising two housing parts and Figure 19-20 A sensor assembly of the type illustrated in FIG;

[0028] - Figure 32 It is about possible variant embodiments and Figure 31 A cross-sectional view of a similar cross-sectional view;

[0029] - Figure 33 and Figure 34 is an exploded view of a sensor assembly according to another possible embodiment;

[0030] - Figure 35 and Figure 36 yes Figures 33-34 a cross-sectional perspective view of a sensor assembly of the type illustrated in FIG;

[0031] - Figure 37 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a pressure sensor device according to a possible embodiment, the pressure sensor device having a housing portion and Figures 35-36 A sensor assembly of the type illustrated in FIG;

[0032] - Figure 38 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a pressure sensor device according to a possible embodiment, the pressure sensor device having two housing parts and Figures 35-36 A sensor assembly of the type illustrated in FIG;

[0033] - Figure 39 yes Figure 38 A partial cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor device of the type illustrated in FIG.

[0034] - Figure 40 and Figure 41 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a sensor assembly according to a possible variant embodiment;

[0035] - Figure 42 and Figure 43 is a partial cross-sectional view according to mutually orthogonal planes of a pressure sensor device according to a possible embodiment mounted on a general functional component, the pressure sensor device comprising a housing portion and Figures 40-41 A sensor assembly of the type illustrated in FIG;

[0036] - Figure 44 and Figure 45 They are Figure 43 Cross-sectional perspective and exploded views of the devices and components;

[0037] - Figure 46 is a perspective view of a compensation element of a sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment;

[0038] - Figure 47 is able to Figure 46 A perspective view of a core or reinforcement used in a compensating element of the type illustrated in FIG.

[0039] - Figure 48 is included Figure 46 a cross-sectional perspective view of a sensor assembly including a compensation element of the type illustrated in FIG.

[0040] - Figure 49 and Figure 50 is a partial cross-sectional view according to mutually orthogonal planes of a pressure sensor device according to a possible embodiment mounted on a general functional component, the pressure sensor device comprising a housing portion and Figure 48 A sensor assembly of the type illustrated in FIG;

[0041] - Figure 51 is a perspective view of a core or reinforcement that can be used in a compensation element according to a possible variant embodiment;

[0042] - Figure 52 is included Figure 51 A perspective view of a compensating element of a core of the type illustrated in FIG;

[0043] - Figure 53 is included Figure 52 a cross-sectional perspective view of a sensor assembly including a compensation element of the type illustrated in FIG.

[0044] - Figure 54 is an exploded view of a pressure sensor device according to another possible embodiment, the pressure sensor device being designed to be mounted on a general functional component;

[0045] - Figure 55 yes Figure 54 partial cross-sectional views of the devices and components;

[0046] - Figure 56 It is about possible variant embodiments and Figure 55 A cross-sectional view of a similar cross-sectional view;

[0047] - Figure 57 and Figure 58 is a perspective view of a shielding element for a sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment;

[0048] - Figure 59 is a partial cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor device including a Figure 58 A sensor assembly having a shielding element of the type illustrated;

[0049] - Figure 60 is a partial cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor device according to a possible embodiment;

[0050] - Figure 61 is a perspective view of a compensation element of a sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment; and

[0051] - Figure 62 is Figure 61 1. Partial cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor arrangement for use in a compensating element of the type illustrated in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Reference to an "embodiment" or "one embodiment" in the framework of this description is intended to indicate that a particular configuration, structure or characteristic described with respect to that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, phrases that may be present in various key points of this description (such as, "in an embodiment," "in an embodiment," etc.) do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but may instead refer to different embodiments. In addition, the particular configuration, structure or characteristic defined in the framework of this description may be combined in any appropriate manner in one or more embodiments, even in a manner different from that represented. Reference numbers and spatial references (such as, "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," etc.) are used herein merely for convenience and therefore do not limit the scope of protection or the scope of the embodiments. In this description and the appended claims, the general term "material" is to be understood as a mixture, a composite or a composition comprising many different materials (e.g., a multilayer structure or a composite material). In the figures, the same reference numbers are used to indicate elements that are similar or technically equivalent to each other.

[0053] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a sensor assembly for a pressure sensor device according to a possible embodiment is schematically shown in FIG. As explained in the introductory part of this description, the assembly, designated as a whole by 1, comprises: a pressure-sensitive component 2, hereinafter referred to as a "pressure sensor" or "sensor," and for the sake of simplicity, also identified as such; and a compensation element 3, which is made at least partially of an elastically compressible or elastically deformable material to enable compensation for possible increases in the volume of the fluid being detected. In the illustrated example, assembly 1 also comprises a shielding element, designated by 4, which, however, constitutes an optional and non-essential component of the sensor assembly according to the invention.

[0054] Also refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In various embodiments, the sensor 2 comprises a sensor body 5, for example made of a ceramic material, including a membrane portion M that is elastically deformable as a function of the pressure of the fluid to be measured. Hereinafter, for simplicity, portion M will also be simply referred to as the "membrane." The membrane M can be integrally formed in the sensor body 5 or constructed in another manner, for example by welding or gluing, as a distinct portion associated at one end of a generally tubular body so as to define therein a blind cavity, i.e., a cavity closed at one end.

[0055] According to known technology, the sensor 2 has associated therewith at least one element designed to detect deformations of the membrane M. Figure 3This detection element, indicated by 6 in the figure, may comprise a plurality of resistive or piezoresistive elements, for example connected in a bridge configuration, preferably obtained on the side of the membrane M that is not exposed to the fluid whose pressure is to be measured. In other embodiments, the detection element 6 may comprise electrodes and / or capacitive elements, such as two facing electrodes, at least one of which is provided on the side of the membrane M that is not exposed to the fluid. In the example, the detection element 6 is electrically connected to terminals, one of which is indicated by 7, for example fixed to a wall of the body 5 that delimits the membrane M in a peripheral position relative to the membrane M. In the example, the terminal 7 is configured as a resilient contact, but this is not an essential characteristic.

[0056] In various embodiments, the sensor body is generally cup-shaped, meaning that the body has a peripheral wall closed at one end by a bottom wall so as to define an axial cavity. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the case illustrated in FIG, the sensor body 5 includes a bottom portion (such as a portion indicated by 5a) and a peripheral portion (such as a portion indicated by 5b), the bottom portion and the peripheral portion defining an axial blind cavity, such as Figure 4 A blind cavity is indicated as a whole by C.

[0057] The sensor body 5 is preferably monolithic, made, for example, of a ceramic material such as alumina: as already stated, this does not constitute an essential characteristic in any case. The bottom portion 5a comprises a membrane M which closes the cavity C at one end of the sensor body 5, while the peripheral portion 5b has a distal or lower edge, opposite the bottom portion 5a, which defines the entrance to the cavity C itself. The cavity C thus has a peripheral surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface belongs to the membrane M (in particular to the inner side of the membrane M).

[0058] In various embodiments (such as the one illustrated), the cavity C includes at least two regions of different diameters, for example, a lower cavity region C1 of larger diameter and an upper cavity region C2 of smaller diameter. In this type of embodiment, the cavity C of the sensor body 5 thus has at least one intermediate restriction (see Figure 60 ) so as to define a wider lower region C1 and a narrower upper region C2. This type of embodiment proves advantageous as long as it allows a reduction in the dimensions of the membrane M, in which case the membrane M forms the bottom of the narrower region C2 and to which a corresponding deformation detection element is associated in any case.

[0059] In various embodiments, sensor body 5 includes at least two portions having different outer diameters, which, by way of example, correspond to portion 5a and portion 5b having a larger and smaller diameter, respectively. This defines a step 5c between portions 5a and 5b. Preferably, an axial recess 5d is defined in the outer circumference of body 5—here, in portion 5a having a larger diameter. The function of axial recess 5d will also be explained below.

[0060] In various embodiments, the compensating element 3 comprises at least one corresponding compensating body (such as a compensating body indicated as a whole by 8), which is at least partially elastically deformable or compressible; and a reinforcement or core (such as a reinforcement or core indicated by 9), to which at least one compensating body is fixed.

[0061] Generally speaking, the compensating body 8 is made of a first elastically deformable or compressible material (e.g., an elastomer, which is also defined as an "elastomer body" or "deformable body" hereinafter), while the core or reinforcement 9 is made of a relatively harder material than the material of the body 8 (e.g., a plastic, such as a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer).

[0062] According to known technology, the main function of the body 8 is to absorb any possible volume expansion of the fluid whose pressure is to be measured, in particular in the event of freezing. However, as explained below, additional functions (for example, the function of elastic support of the component 1) can be assigned to the body 8 or to at least one of its parts.

[0063] On the other hand, the main function of the reinforcement or core 9 is to keep the elastically deformable body 8 in the correct position and to prevent the compliant material of the body 8 from undergoing any excessive deformation or extrusion against the membrane M - for example due to the pressure of the fluid or to an increase in its volume following freezing - thereby corrupting the signal of the sensor.

[0064] To illustrate this problem, it should be considered that known types of compensating elements (such as those described in the aforementioned prior art) are made of a relatively compliant material: the axial and / or radial thrust of a fluid on such an element extending in the cavity of the sensor body can, over time, cause a displacement of at least part of the compliant material toward the detection membrane, i.e., a kind of extrusion of at least part of this material. For example, under certain conditions (such as occasional high pressures of the fluid in the system to which the sensor is connected), the thrust of the fluid under high pressure can exceed the compression limit of the compliant material, and the internal structure of the compliant material can be compressed to the point where it undergoes a displacement following the thrust of the fluid, which in turn transfers the thrust to other internal areas of the sensor structure. In other words, the displacement or extrusion of at least part of the compensating body can cause a deformation of the compliant material, causing the material itself to push directly on the sensor membrane, with the attendant changes in measurement reliability or membrane failure. The use of core 9 is also intended to counteract such phenomena and / or facilitate installation in body 2.

[0065] The materials chosen for the body 8 and the core 9 are preferably materials that can be injection molded using widely available and inexpensive techniques. For example, the body 8 can be molded from a silicone material such as a silicone elastomer or liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or fluorinated liquid silicone rubber (FLSR). The core 9 can be molded from a polymer or copolymer or thermoplastic material such as polyamide PA or polyphthalamide PPA or polypropylene PP.

[0066] The body 8 and core 9 may be molded separately and then assembled together, or alternatively may be co-molded, or alternatively the body 8 may again be over-molded onto the previously molded core 9 .

[0067] In various applications of the sensor assembly 1, at least one elastically deformable or compressible annular element can be operatively associated with the sensor 2, this annular element being designed to exert a sealing action between the outer surface of the sensor body 5 and a housing or a support in which the body itself is at least partially inserted. In the example illustrated, such a sealing element, preferably made of an elastomeric material (in particular in the form of an annular gasket or O-ring), is indicated by 10 and is designed to fit on the portion 5b of smaller diameter of the body 5.

[0068] As already stated, in various embodiments, the portion 5a of greater diameter of the body 5 has an axial depression or groove 5d, such as may be provided, for example, in Figure 4As noted in the drawing, the axial depression or groove 5d has one end situated at a step 5c formed between the portions 5a and 5b of the body 5. In order to ensure optimal sealing of the gasket 10 at said step 5c, despite the presence of the depression 5d on the portion 5b of the body 5, a ring or flat spacer 11 made of metal or plastic material may advantageously be fitted between the step 5c and the gasket 10: in this way, as may be seen for example in Figure 1 and Figure 2 As noted in FIG, the spacer 11 covers the corresponding end of the recess 5d, thus providing a sufficient surface for resting the gasket 10 in the axial direction, also in order to improve the radial sealing.

[0069] In order for the pressure sensor assembly 1 to function adequately during use, it must be positioned within a corresponding final housing or support of the device, which is provided with an inlet port for the fluid to be measured. Preferably, the mounting of the sensor assembly in the aforementioned support should be neither too tight (e.g., because excessive mechanical stresses or residual stresses in the ceramic of the body 5 could cause major detection errors) nor too loose (e.g., to prevent any possible micro-movement of the sensor 2, with the possibility of leakage of the fluid and / or faulty electrical contact and / or erroneous detection).

[0070] For these reasons, in various embodiments, the sensor assembly envisages an elastic bearing system. As will be seen, this system can be obtained by exploiting the elastically deformable body 8 of the compensation element 3 or by exploiting the elastic properties of an additional element.

[0071] With reference to the latter mentioned case, in various embodiments, at least one annular elastically deformable or compressible supporting element, preferably made of elastomeric material, is associated with the sensor assembly 1, said supporting element being designed to provide a function of elastic support of the assembly itself. In various embodiments, the aforementioned elastic support is generally provided in the axial direction between the surface of the core 9 and the surface of the shielding element (hereinafter indicated by 4) or else between the surface of the core 9 and the surface of the seat (hereinafter indicated by 31a) into which the assembly 1 is at least partially inserted.

[0072] exist Figure 1-2 In the example illustrated in , such an annular supporting element, on which the core 9 is designed to rest, is indicated by 12. The element 12, for example of the O-ring type, does not necessarily perform a sealing function (in any case the element 12 can also perform the function of a gasket).

[0073] An example of compensation element 3 is Figure 5-8 The different views in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show examples of core 9 in FIG. Figure 9-10 Indicated in.

[0074] First reference Figure 9-10In various embodiments, the core 9 has a main portion 9a, which is preferably essentially disc-shaped, having a main face - generally referred to herein as the "upper face" - from which a central tubular portion 9b preferably rises, thereby defining a corresponding axial cavity 9'; in the following, portion 9a will also be defined as a "flange portion" or "disk portion". The upper face of the flange portion 9a may be provided with a peripheral edge in a protrusion 9c. The tubular portion 9b is preferably also open at the opposite face of the portion 9a (generally referred to herein as the "lower face"), on which the annular element 12 is designed to be supported, as will be seen below. In variant embodiments (not shown), the tubular portion 9b may extend from the opposite face of the flange portion 9a, or else the central tubular portion may extend both downwardly and upwardly from portion 9a.

[0075] In various embodiments, in particular in view of the anchoring of the body 8 to the core itself, the core 9 comprises one or more passages for corresponding portions of the material forming the body 8. For example, with reference to the illustrated example, one or more through-openings 9d are defined at the disk portion 9a, in particular in a peripheral position relative to the tubular portion 9b. Possibly, within the tubular portion 9b, there may be provided a transverse wall 9e which may have a peripheral through-opening 9f ( Figure 9-10 ), and preferably has at least one central through hole 9g.

[0076] In various preferred embodiments, the top of the tubular portion 9b is shaped so as to define a kind of serration 9h, i.e. an alternation of projections and depressions along the circumference of the portion 9b itself. As in the illustrated example, the portion 9b preferably has a substantially circular cross section, possibly with stretches of varying diameters.

[0077] Now refer to Figure 5-8 In various embodiments, the elastically deformable body 8 is configured as a body overmolded onto the core 9, preferably so as to leave exposed at least one region of the core itself, preferably but not necessarily the peripheral region of its disk portion 9a. For this purpose, in various preferred embodiments, the maximum lateral encumbrance dimension (or maximum diameter) of the core 9 is greater than the maximum lateral encumbrance dimension (or maximum diameter) of the body 8.

[0078] In the illustrated case, the body 8 is overmolded in a single piece, but so as to present at least two distinct portions each extending at a respective main face of the disc portion 9a of the core 9, such as at Figure 5-8 8a and 8b. In the example shown, the main body portion 8a extends axially from the underside of the portion 9a. In various embodiments, the aforementioned main body portion 8a, which preferably has a substantially cylindrical shape, defines a recessed portion 8a' at its distal end or underside, the function of which will become clear below.

[0079] The main body portion 8b extends axially from above the portion 9a of the core 9, preferably so as to enclose at least a portion of the tubular portion 9b therein.

[0080] In various embodiments (such as the one illustrated), the elastically deformable body 8 defines a single-piece additional body portion 8c that extends over the top of the main body portion 8b and preferably, but not necessarily, wraps around the corresponding top portion of the tubular portion 9b of the core 9. Preferably, the main body portion 8b has a larger lateral obstruction dimension or diameter than the main body portion 8c, and one or both of these main body portions may have an at least slightly frustoconical configuration. The presence of the additional body portion 8c of the compensating body 8 is preferred when the cavity C of the sensor body 5 includes two regions C1 and C2 of different diameters, as in the illustrated case.

[0081] In various preferred embodiments, the maximum lateral obstruction dimension or diameter of the body portion 8b is smaller than the corresponding maximum lateral obstruction dimension or diameter of the flange portion 9a of the core 9 in such a manner that the portion of the core 9 defines a surface for resting the distal end of the sensor body 5. With particular reference to the presently described example, the seat for positioning and resting the lower edge of the portion 5b of the sensor body 5 (at Figure 5 and Figure 8 The support 9a' is defined between the main body portion 8b and the outer diameter of the portion 9a of the core 9 (i.e., the outer peripheral edge of the core 9 in the protrusion 9c). In various embodiments, at least a portion of the core 9 (such as the portion 9a and / or the support 9a') also provides a positioning and / or reference element, particularly relative to the sensor body 5.

[0082] The aforementioned resting of the sensor body 5 on the corresponding surface of the core 9 prevents the risk that, during the assembly phase, the upper parts of the compensation element 3 (here, parts 8b and 8c of the body 8) could be excessively inserted into the cavity C of the sensor body 5: this prevents the risk that, for example, the top of part 8c could come into contact with the inner side of the membrane M and thus cause errors in the pressure subsequently detected by the sensor 2.

[0083] From this perspective, the height of the aforementioned upper part of the compensation element (understood here as the distance between the upper side of the disc part 9a and the top of the main body part 8c) is smaller than the depth of the cavity C (understood as the distance in the vertical direction between the lower surface of the main body part 5a and the inner surface of the membrane M).

[0084] As explained above, the presence of the disc portion 9a of the core 9 or the aforementioned positioning and / or reference elements on which the sensor body 5 rests also has the effect of preventing any excessive deformation or extrusion of the compliant material constituting the body 8 .

[0085] If you can Figure 7 and Figure 8 As can be clearly seen in the figures, the body 8 is preferably overmolded onto the core 9 so that parts of the material constituting the body 8 penetrate through the openings 9d of the core 9 and through the corresponding tubular portion 9b, thus ensuring that the body 8 is fixed to the core 9. It can also be seen from these figures that when the tubular portion 9b is provided internally with a transverse wall 9e, parts of the overmolded material also penetrate through the openings 9f of the wall, thus further improving its fixation. The overmolding device will be conceived - in a manner known per se - in order to prevent the overmolded material from blocking the central hole 9g of the transverse wall 9e, if this is envisaged.

[0086] In various embodiments, the body 8 is overmolded so as to present at least one (preferably central) channel, designated by P, extending between the two axial ends of the body 8 itself. If the core 9 envisages a transverse wall 9e inside the tubular portion 9b, the channel P is substantially coaxial with a corresponding hole 9g of this wall, preferably situated in a central position: in this way, with reference to the example illustrated, as can be seen from Figure 7-8 It is clearly noted that part of the passage P axially traverses the body portion 8a, while the remainder of the passage axially traverses the body portions 8b and 8c.

[0087] It can be noted from the same figures how the entire tubular portion 9b is preferably embedded in the material constituting the body portions 8b and 8c, wherein the top serrations 9h of the tubular portion further assist in the fixation between the overmolded material and the core 9.

[0088] As already mentioned, in various embodiments, at least one of the two portions of the elastically deformable body extending on opposite sides of the core is designed to be at least partially received in the cavity C ( Figure 4 ). In the example, the portion in question is a single portion formed by body portion 8b and body portion 8c. As already stated, portion 8c is to be understood as optional, although it is particularly useful for compensation purposes in the case of a sensor with a cavity C having two regions C1 and C2 of different diameters.

[0089] According to an important aspect, at least part of the portion of the elastically deformable body (eg the portion designed to be at least partially housed within the cavity of the sensor body) is configured such that a fitting within the cavity itself is achieved by elastic interference.

[0090] In various embodiments, for this purpose, the aforementioned part of the elastically deformable body has at least one positioning and / or fixing element, in particular at least one positioning and / or fixing element between the compensation element and the sensor body, for example, a plurality of peripheral ribs or reliefs distributed along or according to the circumferential wall of the part itself, wherein the ribs or reliefs facilitate positioning between the compensation element and the sensor body and also facilitate correct assembly therebetween.

[0091] refer to Figure 6-8 In the case illustrated in FIG, the aforementioned positioning and / or fixing elements comprise axial projections, designated 8d, defined on the peripheral wall of the main portion 8b. Additionally or alternatively, similar elements or projections can be provided in the main portion 8c. Generally speaking, the outer surfaces of the various projections 8d define a wider circumference than the corresponding portions of the cavity C (it is understood that the cavity portion C1 and the main portion 8b may have a frustoconical or at least partially sloped peripheral profile).

[0092] In various embodiments, the protrusion 8d is integrally defined by the compensation element 3, in particular by the main body 8, and is capable of inserting the parts 8b-8c of the main body 8 into the cavity C of the sensor body 5 with slight elastic interference in any case in a manner sufficient to ensure the positioning and connection of the parts 8b-8c of the main body 8 relative to the cavity C of the sensor body 5.

[0093] This characteristic proves to be particularly advantageous during the production phase, as long as it enables pre-assembly between the sensor 2 and the compensation element 3, i.e. the production of a self-supporting or independent sensor component 1, which can easily be handled as a single unit; i.e. the sensor component 1 can be stored or transported or assembled as a single component.

[0094] Thus, the assembly according to the present invention can be easily produced and assembled as a single unit via an automated production line belonging to a first unit (e.g., a manufacturer of pressure sensor devices), without the parts of the assembly being separated from one another during processing, despite the absence of a housing. The assembly can then be easily transported to a second unit (e.g., a manufacturer of vehicle components) for assembly or integration into a different device, without hindering easy handling of the assembly on the automated assembly line belonging to the second unit.

[0095] As already stated, the compensation element 3 may likewise define a surface or seat (9a', 9b) for the positioning and resting of the distal end of the sensor body 5 or portion 5b. Figure 5 and Figure 8), in which the rest ring 11 and the sealing element 10 are fitted on the part 5b, the sealing element 10 preferably being assembled on the part 5b with elastic radial interference: in this way, following the connection between the parts in question, the whole comprising the components 2, 3, 10 and 11 can be easily handled as a single unit.

[0096] The projection 8d enables the aforementioned insertion to be carried out in an easy and precise manner with elastic interference, wherein the body 8 is only deformed slightly locally at the projection itself: in this way, the possibility of excessive and / or undesirable deformation of the body 8 as a whole during the insertion process is prevented. As already stated, the flange portion 9a of the core 9 can advantageously constitute a reference or positioning element or a mechanical end of travel for the aforementioned insertion.

[0097] As mentioned previously, the sensor assembly of the device according to the invention may optionally comprise a shielding element, indicated as a whole by 4, which is Figure 11 and Figure 12 are shown separately in the figure.

[0098] The element 4 has a body preferably formed via moulding of a polymer or plastic material (e.g. a thermoplastic or thermosetting material), comprising a generally cup-shaped portion, preferably with a substantially circular cross-section, comprising a bottom wall with at least one opening, possibly provided at one end with a radially projecting flange portion.

[0099] In the example shown, the generally cup-shaped portion comprises a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall 4a and a bottom wall 4b which define a substantially cylindrical outer ... Figure 12 The bottom wall 4b is provided with one or more through-going openings 4b' and, possibly on its inner side relative to the seat S, with one or more projections 4b". In the example, a series of openings 4b' and a series of projections 4b" are distributed relative to each other according to the circumference, in particular in the central region of the wall 4b. Preferably, in the condition in which the element 4 is assembled on the body 8, the or each opening 4b' is in an axial position staggered relative to the channel P of the compensating element 3, for reasons that will be explained below.

[0100] In various embodiments, the flange 4c projects radially outwards from the peripheral wall 4a of the element 4, preferably just slightly below the end edge 4a' of the wall 4a itself that delimits the mouth of the seat S, wherein preferably the circular flange presents a surface on which the annular element 12 can rest.

[0101] In the example shown, the aforementioned flange 4c has a peripheral edge in a projection 4c' on the same side as the edge 4a'. In this way, a groove or seat 4c" is defined between the two edges 4a' and 4c' for positioning the annular element 12 (in particular, the portion of the annular element 12 opposite the portion resting on the lower face of the core 9 of the compensating element 3).

[0102] In various preferred embodiments, means for positioning and / or coupling relative to the compensation element 3 (in particular relative to the body 8) are defined on the inside of the peripheral wall 4a of the element 4. In various embodiments, these means comprise axial projections or ribs, such as Figure 12 An axial projection or rib is indicated by 4a". Similar positioning and / or coupling components (such as projections and / or ribs) may be possible to be provided on the compensation element, in particular on its body 8 (in particular on the corresponding portion 8a).

[0103] The projection 4a″ identifies a circumference that is slightly smaller than the circumference of the portion 8a of the elastically deformable body 8 of the compensation element 3: in this way, the shielding element 4 can be fitted with a slight interference fit on this portion 8a of the compensation element 3. Therefore, in this case too, the projection 4a″ enables the portion 8a of the body 8 to be inserted into the seat S of the shielding element 4 with a slight elastic interference, in any case in a manner sufficient to ensure the positioning and connection of the portion 8a of the body 8 relative to the seat S of the shielding element 4.

[0104] Furthermore, this property proves to be particularly advantageous if it enables preassembly between sensor 2 , compensation element 3 and shielding element 4 for the purpose of subsequent joint handling (ie handling as a single component), despite the absence of a housing.

[0105] As already stated, the shielding element 4 can define a surface or abutment for the positioning of the corresponding portion of the annular element 12 ( Figure 12 4c”): In this way, following the coupling between the parts, the sensor assembly 1 - comprising the components 2, 3, 4, 10, 11 and 12 - can be easily handled as a single component. The assembled condition of the aforementioned components is Figure 2 , in which it can be noted how the sealing element 10 is set between the rest ring 11 (which in turn fits on the portion 5b of the sensor body 5) and the upper side of the core 9 (substantially at the peripheral edge of the core 9 in the protrusion 9c) and how the annular element 12 is set on the flange 4c of the shielding element 4 (i.e. Figure 12 between the support 4c″) and the lower side of the flange portion 9a of the core 9.

[0106] In various embodiments, the pressure sensor device according to the invention comprises a structure configured for at least partially housing a pressure-sensitive member to be detected, i.e. the sensor 2 of the assembly 1. The structure may even form part of a different device, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic device.

[0107] In various preferred embodiments, the housing structure can be constructed like a shell that actually completely accommodates the assembly and can include at least two connected parts, the connected parts preferably also performing positioning and / or supporting functions. In various embodiments, one of the two parts preferably also performs the function of electrical connection, and the other part preferably also performs the function of hydraulic connection. In other embodiments, the aforementioned structure can alternatively only partially accommodate the sensor assembly and, for this purpose, can even include only one shell part that performs, for example, the function of electrical connection or additional hydraulic connection: in this type of embodiment, the device according to the present invention can be coupled to different functional components (e.g., a fluid pump), its body defining a seat or housing designed to receive corresponding parts of the device (in particular, the sensor assembly 1 of the device).

[0108] Figure 13 and Figure 14 The second case mentioned above is exemplified, in which the housing structure of the device comprises a body 20, also referred to hereinafter as a "closure body", which preferably performs positioning and electrical connection functions. It should be noted that in these figures, the shielding element 4, which is optional in any case, is omitted from representation.

[0109] In the illustrated example, the body 20 defines a central support 21, into which the sensor 2 (i.e., its body 5) is at least partially inserted. The body 20 can be made of an electrically insulating material, for example, molded from a plastic material, and, as in the example, has at least one bracket 22 for fastening to various components, such as the body of a fluid pump or a hydraulic component of another vehicle's SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system or water injection system. In the example, the body 20 has a preferably cylindrical wall in a projection 21a, which defines at least part of the support 21. Preferably, on the inner side of the wall 21a, an axial projection 21b is provided, which is designed to couple to an axial recess 5d of the portion 5a of the sensor body 5 in order to ensure a correct mutual angular positioning.

[0110] The components 2, 3, 10, 11, 12 (and 4, when envisaged) can then be assembled together in the manner described above, and the self-supporting sensor assembly thus obtained can be handled, possibly in an automated manner, so as to Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the sensor body 5 is positioned in the seat 21 of the body 20. Figure 14 Note how the body 20 can define, on its side opposite to the side where the seat 21 is open, a passage 23 for the terminal 7 of the proximity sensor, where the passage 23 is configured as a spring contact. A cavity 24 can also be defined in the body 20 at the seat 21 in which the contact 7 is at least partially received (see Figure 17-18 This cavity 24 , which may possibly have a peripheral contour substantially corresponding to that of the support 21 , is preferably provided with one or more abutment surfaces 24 a for the upper side of the sensor body 5 .

[0111] Figure 15 and Figure 16 An example is given of a case in which the housing structure of the device according to the invention comprises instead a body 30 , also referred to hereinafter as “shell body”, which performs positioning and hydraulic connection functions.

[0112] In the example, the body 30 is substantially cup-shaped and defines a housing or seat 31 into which the sensor assembly 1 is at least partially inserted, wherein the sensor assembly 1 comprises the components 2-4 and the components 10-12. The body 30 may be made of an electrically insulating material, for example molded from a thermoplastic material, and may preferably have an inlet channel for a fluid 32 at its bottom wall, as in the example.

[0113] The seat 31 is preferably shaped and sized according to the shape and size of the components of the assembly 1 to be accommodated. For example, in various embodiments, the seat 31 defines at least one intermediate step 31a which provides a rest for the flange 4c of the shielding element 4 (or otherwise for the annular support element 12). In this way, as can be noted, for example, in Figure 16 3. In the embodiment of the present invention, the step 31a supports the shielding element 4, which in turn elastically supports the compensating element 3 via the supporting element 12, which is accommodated in the seat 4c" of the flange 4c itself and on which the core 9 (i.e. its part 9a) rests with its lower side. Preferably, the shielding element 4 is dimensioned in such a way that, in the illustrated condition, the bottom wall 4b of the shielding element 4 is at least slightly raised relative to the bottom wall of the seat 31, i.e. raised at a distance at which the inlet channel 32 for the fluid is located at the bottom wall of the seat 31, for example to prevent that the wall 4b could block the inlet 32 ​​of the seat 31 and / or to maintain a channel or chamber in the lower region of the seat 31 in any case so as to enable distribution of the liquid from the inlet 32 ​​towards the channel 4b' of the shielding element 4.

[0114] The aforementioned distance is achieved by resting the portion 9a on the step 31a and possibly also by the presence of a projection defined on the outside of the bottom wall 4b of the shielding element, such as at Figure 11In the case of particularly unfavorable dimensional tolerances, these protrusions 4b'" can rest on the bottom of the support 31, thus keeping the shielding element 4 slightly elevated in such a way that, in any case, it is ensured that the fluid will flow from the inlet 32 ​​towards the channel 4b'.

[0115] Once again, you can Figure 16 It is noted how, preferably, in the assembled condition, the opening 4b' and the projection 4b" present on the inner side of the aforementioned bottom wall 4b are located at a recess 8a' defined in the lower end face of the portion 8a of the body 8 of the compensation element. It can be noted in particular how the bottom of the recess 8a' rests on the aforementioned projection 4b", so that between the inlet of the channel P of the body 8 and the opening 4b' of the element 4, there is in any case a free space designed to enable the passage of a fluid.

[0116] Similarly, you can Figure 15 and Figure 16 It is noted how, in the assembled condition, the sealing element 10 fitted on the portion 5b of the sensor body 5, together with the rest ring 11, exerts a radial seal relative to the peripheral surface of the seat 31. It can be clearly noted from the same figure how two regions C1 and C2 of the cavity of the sensor body 5 are occupied by the portions 8b and 8c of the deformable body 8 of the compensation element, the top of the portion 8c being in each case at a distance from the membrane M.

[0117] Figure 17 and Figure 18 The partial cross-sectional view shows the situation of the device according to the present invention, the housing structure of the device includes Figure 13-14 A closed body 20 of the type shown in FIG. Figure 15-16 , the closure body 20 and the shell body 30 are coupled together with the interposition of the sensor assembly.

[0118] It can also be clearly noted from these figures the relative positioning between the step 31 a of the seat 31 and the flange 4 c of the shielding element 4, so as to keep the sensor assembly - and in particular the bottom wall 4 b of the shielding element 4 - at a distance from the bottom surface of the seat 31 of the body 30, and wherein the lower portion 8 a of the compressible body 8 preferably rests on the inside of the bottom wall 4 b and on the corresponding protrusion 4 b ″: in this way, as explained, fluid communication between the inlet channel 32 of the fluid and the axial channel P of the compensation element 3 is ensured in any case. It can once again be seen from Figure 17-18Note how the annular supporting element 12 is positioned in the corresponding seat 4c" of the flange 4c and how the flange portion 9a of the core 9 rests on the element 12: as already stated, in this way, the compensation element and therefore the sensor body 5 are supported in an elastic manner relative to the body 30. The presence of the annular element 12 may prove advantageous in those embodiments in which the sensor body 5 and the compensation element associated with the sensor body 5 are continuously urged into the seat 31 of the shell body 30, for example via the action of the elastic contact element 7 or the action of the adjacent or opposite surface 24a of the body 20. The presence of the element 12 thus makes it possible to obtain a "elastic assembly", i.e. an assembly that provides for possible slight variations or compensation of the axial positioning of the sensor body 5 and the compensation element, for example in order to compensate for possible dimensional variations of various elements or parts of the device, or otherwise in order to prevent excessive stresses during the assembly step and / or during operation.

[0119] It is possible to note from the same figures the position of the radial seal between the gasket 10, possibly resting on the corresponding ring 11, and the peripheral surface of the seat 31 of the body 30, and likewise how the lower end of the portion 5b of the sensor body 5 rests instead on the upper face of the flange portion 9a of the core 9 within the seat 9a'.

[0120] It should be noted that in Figure 17-18 In the situation illustrated in , the sealing element 10 is located at a certain distance from the upper surface of the peripheral edge in the projection 9 c of the flange 9 , but this does not constitute an essential characteristic, as long as the component can be sized in such a way that the element 10 rests on the edge 9 c.

[0121] The shielding element 4 can be used, for example, in applications in which the volume of the compensating element 3 alone (i.e., its elastically deformable body 8) is considered insufficient to compensate for the increase in volume of the liquid undergoing freezing: in these cases, the freezing fluid can exert significant stresses on the membrane M of the sensor 2. From this point of view, the element 4 also performs the function of a labyrinth, as it makes it possible to pass the openings 4b' of the element 4 in a staggered position relative to the central channel P of the compensating element: this geometry in fact creates a labyrinthine path for the fluid between the inlet 32 ​​and the channel P, thus limiting the risk of high axial forces exerted directly by the freezing fluid on the membrane M of the sensor 2 through the same channel P.

[0122] exist Figure 19-31 Possible alternative embodiments of one or more components of the sensor assembly 1 according to the invention are illustrated in FIG.

[0123] In the illustrated case, the assembly 1 comprises a shielding element 4 which, according to a possible embodiment, has a body without the flange previously indicated by 4 c; ie, as can be seen from Figure 20It is clearly noted that the shielding element 4 comprises only a peripheral wall 4a and a bottom wall 4b provided with an opening 4b' and an internal protrusion 4b", and possibly an external protrusion 4b'".

[0124] Moreover, in this case, if Figure 24 It is noted that on the inside of the peripheral wall 4 a , positioning and / or fixing means may be provided, such as axial projections 4 a ″, so as to enable a slight interference mounting relative to the deformable body 8 of the compensation element 3 .

[0125] In various embodiments (such as Figure 19-31 In one embodiment illustrated in FIG, the core 9 of the compensating element 3 (in particular its portion 9 a ) is configured such that a seat for the annular element 12 is defined at its underside.

[0126] References such as Figure 20 、 23 and 25-27, core 9 has with Figure 9-10 A substantially similar structure is shown in FIG, in which the corresponding disk portion 9a is provided on its upper side with a peripheral edge in a projection 9c, however, the projection 9c is optional. In this case, portion 9a also has a similar peripheral edge in a projection on its lower side, which is designated by 9i, and a cylindrical wall in a projection 9j is also provided on the bottom side, which has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the edge 9i and delimits the area in which the end of the cavity 9' through the opening 9d and / or the tubular portion 9b may be located. In this way, as can be done, for example, in Figure 20 As can be seen in FIG, a seat designated by 9k for positioning the annular support element 12 is defined between the edge 9i and the edge 9j.

[0127] Moreover, in Figure 19-31 In the case illustrated in FIG, according to what has been described previously, the elastically deformable body 8 of the compensation element 3 is overmolded on the core 9. There may be a portion of the body 8 extending from the underside of the core 9, as in the example illustrated, two portions of different diameters, and in particular with reference to e.g. Figure 20 、 23 and 25, a larger diameter portion 8a1 of the disk portion 9a closer to the core 9 and a smaller diameter portion 8a2 extending from the portion 8a1, wherein the diameter of the portion 8a2 is such as to enable a slightly elastic interference fit of the shielding element 4 on the core 9, as can be seen, for example, from Figure 20 As noted. Figure 20 Note how, preferably, the peripheral wall 4 a of the element 4 rests on a step defined between the portion 8 a 1 and the portion 8 a 2 of the elastically deformable body 8 .

[0128] Figure 28 and Figure 29 The sensor assembly is shown mounted in a housing body 30 that is substantially similar to the housing body 30 previously described. Figure 15-16 , a housing body 30 is shown, defining a corresponding seat 31 provided with an inlet channel 32 for the fluid. As can be noted, in this type of embodiment, the compensating element 3 (i.e., its core 9) is arranged to rest on a step 31a of the seat 31 via the annular element 12, wherein the compensating element itself and the sensor body 5 associated therewith are then elastically supported relative to the housing body 30, thus enabling the aforementioned elastic assembly. The operating position of the shielding element 4 is similar to the one already described, i.e., in which its bottom wall 4b is at a certain distance from the bottom wall of the seat 31.

[0129] Figure 30 and Figure 31 Through and Figure 17-18 The apparatus according to the invention is illustrated in similar views to those of the drawings, which essentially comprise an apparatus according to Figure 19-27 , a sensor assembly assembled in a structure comprising a closure body and a housing body of the same type as those already indicated above by 20 and 30, respectively. As can be noted, the device illustrated is similar to the one already described above, with the differences being represented by the type of construction and mounting of the shielding element 4 (and therefore by the different portions 8a1 and 8a2 of the compressible body 8) and by the modified shape of the main disc portion 9c of the core 9 of the compensating element, with the seat 9k corresponding to the annular element 12, which rests on the step 31a of the housing 31.

[0130] As already stated, the shielding element 4 constitutes an optional element of the sensor assembly 1 or of the device according to the invention. Figure 32 With Figure 31 A similar cross-sectional view schematically illustrates a variant in which the use of the aforementioned element 4 is not envisaged. In various embodiments of this type, the deformable body 8 of the compensating element 3 has a portion 8a sized so as to rest directly on the bottom surface of the seat 31 of the body 30. In these embodiments, the portion 8a of the compensating element 3 may also perform the function of elastic support.

[0131] In this way, even in the absence of the annular element 12, the sensor body 5 and the compensation element associated therewith will in any case be resiliently mounted in the seat 31, in a manner similar to that previously described. Preferably, the portion 8a of the deformable body 8 in any case has, at its distal end, a recess 8a', the bottom of which can rest on one or more protrusions 33 defined on the bottom surface of the housing 31, so as to also ensure, in this case, the presence of a chamber or channel between the seat 31 and the deformable body 8, i.e., to ensure fluid communication between the inlet channel 32, preferably set in a staggered or lateral position, and the central channel P of the compensation element 3.

[0132] The elastically compressible or deformable body of the compensation element provided according to the invention does not necessarily have to be overmolded onto the corresponding core. Figures 33-39 Possible embodiments are shown in which at least one such compressible or deformable body is elastically coupled to a corresponding core.

[0133] First reference Figures 33-34 In the illustrated case, compensating element 3 comprises a core 9 elastically coupled to two elastically compressible or deformable bodies, designated 81 and 82, respectively. Furthermore, in this embodiment, core 9 comprises a substantially disc-shaped or flange-shaped main portion 9a, from which rises a shaped tubular portion, preferably comprising a plurality of stretches of varying diameters, such as those designated 9b1 and 9b2, wherein tubular stretch 9b1 has a maximum diameter greater than that of tubular stretch 9b2, which extends from the top of tubular stretch 9b1. Preferably, a further stretch or head, designated 9b3, is provided at the top of stretch 9b2, having a maximum diameter greater than that of intermediate stretch 9b2. Preferably, at least stretches 9b1 and 9b2 have an at least partially flared or frustoconical outer peripheral profile, although this is not an essential characteristic. The tubular portion formed by the aforementioned stretches 9b1, 9b2 and 9b3 comprises an axial cavity 9' peripherally delimited by the tubular stretch 9b1, while the intermediate tubular stretch 9b2 and the head 9b3 are traversed by through-holes 9g' (see also Figure 39 ).

[0134] Preferably, the compressible body 81 has a generally disk-shaped or cap-shaped main portion, which is functionally similar to the main portion 8a of the previously described embodiment, from which the upper protrusion 8a3 rises. The main body 81 also has a central through-hole designated by P'. Figures 33-34 Aware, and as can be Figure 39As noted in Figure 1 , the upper projection 8a3 of the body 81 is designed to engage, preferably by elastic interference, within the cavity 9' peripherally defined by the tubular extension 9b1. Thus, in other words, the projection 8a3 is resiliently retained within the aforementioned cavity. More generally, in various embodiments, the body 81 of the compensating element 3 (particularly the upper projection 8a3) can be provided with means for positioning and / or coupling relative to the core 9.

[0135] On the other hand, if you can Figures 33-34 As clearly noted in FIG, the deformable body 82 essentially defines two body portions, similar in function to the portions previously indicated by 8b and 8c, portion 8b being preferably provided with corresponding axial projections 8d. Figure 34 and from Figure 39 Note how the body 82 is axially traversed by a corresponding cavity designated H, which cavity is defined by a shaped surface having a profile substantially corresponding to the external profile of the stretches 9b1, 9b2 and 9b3 of the core 9, possibly with slightly smaller peripheral dimensions. In this way, as can be seen from Figure 39 As will be appreciated, the cavity H of the body 82 is capable of being elastically fitted onto the tubular extensions 9b1, 9b2 and 9b3, wherein the terminal extension 9b3 ensures the relative positioning between the two coupled parts. For this purpose, preferably, the terminal portion of the cavity H (which is only Figure 33 The housing tubular terminal extension or head 9b3 of the core 9 is shaped and sized to accommodate the core 9.

[0136] Therefore, in various embodiments, the main body 82 of the compensation element 3 (in particular, at least a portion corresponding to the cavity H) can be provided with components for positioning and / or connecting relative to the core 9; similarly, preferably, at least a portion of the core 9 (such as the terminal extension 9b3) can be provided with positioning and / or connecting components relative to the main body 82.

[0137] from Figure 39 It can be noted how, in the assembled condition of the compensation element, the through-hole P′ of the body 81 is axially aligned with the through-hole 9 g ′ of the core 9 .

[0138] exist Figure 35 and Figure 36, wherein the sensor 2 is coupled to the compensating element 3: as in the previous embodiment, the compensating element 3 can be coupled in a particularly elastic manner to the cavity of the sensor body 5 by at least utilizing the presence of the axial projection 8d of the portion 8b of the deformable body 82. It can be noted from the above figures how, in this case as well, the distal end of the portion 5b of the sensor body 5 can be configured to rest on the upper face of the disk portion 9a of the core 9. In the embodiment illustrated, the upper face of the portion 9a is not provided with an edge in the projection; however, in other embodiments, an edge in the projection (not illustrated) can be provided.

[0139] Figure 37 Example Figures 35-36 The sensor assembly 1 is mounted in a seat 31 of a housing body which is substantially similar to the housing body previously indicated by 30, but Figure 38 and Figure 39 , the same assembly 1 is shown assembled between a housing body 30 and a closure body substantially similar to those previously designated 20. It can be noted from these figures how this assembly is substantially similar to some of the other embodiments previously described. However, it should be noted that in this type of embodiment, the presence of an elastic support element of the same type as that previously designated 12 is not essential. In this case, portion 8a of the deformable body 81 of the compensating element is dimensioned so as to rest directly on the bottom surface of the seat 31 of the body 30. Furthermore, in this case, portion 8a preferably has a recess 8a' at its distal end, the bottom of which is capable of resting on a projection 33 defined on the bottom surface of the housing 31, so as to ensure fluid communication between the inlet channel 32 of the body 30 and the central channel P' of the deformable body 81, which is axially aligned with the channel 9g' of the core 9.

[0140] Furthermore, in an embodiment of this type, the seat 31 of the housing body 30 may comprise at least one intermediate step 31a, in which case the intermediate step 31a is in a position substantially corresponding to the position of the sealing element 10. It should be noted that in Figures 38-39 In the illustrated condition, the sealing element 10 is at a certain distance from the aforementioned step 31a, but this does not constitute an essential characteristic, as long as the components can be sized in such a way that the aforementioned element 10 is set to rest on the step 31a. In the condition where the sealing element 10 rests on the step 31a and on the ring 11, it is also possible for the sealing element 10 to operate as an elastic supporting element.

[0141] Of course, the solution of providing at least one compensating body fixed to the corresponding core, preferably in an elastic manner, similar to the concept of the body 81 and / or the body 82 can also be applied to the other embodiments described herein. Figures 33-39 In the case illustrated in FIG, the sensor assembly 1 does not have the annular element 12 and the shielding element 4, but it is obviously possible to provide at least one of these elements if so desired.

[0142] Figures 40-45 Graphics and Figures 33-39 A variant embodiment of is essentially similar to the variant embodiment of , wherein, however, the compressible body of the compensation element is overmolded onto a corresponding core.

[0143] As can be noted, apart from a slightly modified peripheral contour of the portion 8a of the compressible body, the overall outer shape of the compensating element 3 and therefore of the assembly 1 is substantially similar to that of Figures 35-36 In this embodiment, as already stated, the body 8 is overmolded onto the core and for this purpose, as can be seen in particular in Figure 42 and Figure 43 As seen in the figure, the core 9 may comprise a corresponding central tubular portion 9b, possibly provided with a serration 9h at the top and with corresponding peripheral openings 9f and a central hole 9g on the inside of the transverse wall 9e; similarly, the flange portion 9a of the core 9 may also envisage corresponding through-openings 9d.

[0144] Figure 42 and Figure 43 Designed to illustrate how, in a possible variant embodiment, the closed body 20 of the sensor device according to the invention can comprise electrical terminals designed to make electrical contact with the elastic contacts 7 associated with the sensor body 5. In the example, each electrical terminal (one of which is indicated by 25) comprises a portion 25a extending on the exterior of the body 20 and a portion 25b having a surface facing the interior of the cavity 24, on which the end of the corresponding elastic contact 7 of the pressure sensor rests elastically; as an alternative, the elastic contacts 7 can be replaced by wires soldered between specially provided pads of the sensor body 5 and the electrical terminals 25.

[0145] As mentioned previously, the sensor assembly according to the present invention can be mounted in corresponding seats defined by different functional components (for example, a pump for a fluid, or a hydraulic device including a hydraulic pump, or any other device or hydraulic or pneumatic equipment, in particular for a vehicle, which additionally requires the presence of a pressure sensor).

[0146] Figure 42 and Figure 43The same is designed to illustrate such a situation, wherein the aforementioned different functional components are indicated by 30'. Figures 44-45 In the aforementioned member 30 ′, represented schematically, a seat of the type previously indicated by 31 is defined, the inlet 32 ​​of which is connected to a conduit for passing (e.g., delivering) a fluid 34. In the example, the sensor assembly 1 is assembled in the seat 31 and is held in place by a closing body of the type previously indicated by 20, which is fixed to the member 30 ′, for example, by screws 35 engaging in corresponding threaded holes 36 of the member itself.

[0147] Of course, what has been described with reference to the construction of the body 20 provided with the terminals 25 and its assembly relative to the different functional components of the type indicated by 30' also applies to all other embodiments described herein. Figures 40-45 In the embodiment shown, the sensor assembly 1 does not have the annular element 12 and the shielding element 4, but it is obvious that at least one of these elements can be provided if required.

[0148] In various embodiments, as in the previously described embodiments, the compensation element 3 may be elastically coupled to the sensor body 5 by utilizing the shape of the core 9 instead of the elastically deformable body 8. Examples of this type are Figures 46-50 Middle picture.

[0149] As in the various previous embodiments, the element 3 comprises a core 9 to which a body 8 is fixed (for example, overmolded). Of course, it is also possible to envisage an elastic assembly of at least one deformable body 8 (for example, a body of a similar concept to the previously described bodies 81 and 82) on the core 9.

[0150] In the illustrated case, and as can be seen in particular in Figure 47 As can be seen in the figure, the core 9 further defines a plurality of positioning and / or fixing elements, for example constituted by at least partially elastically flexible axial appendages, referenced 9x, which rise from a flange portion 9a of the core itself. In the example illustrated, the appendages 9x rise from above the portion 9a and are arranged substantially according to a circumference, in particular a circumference substantially concentric with respect to the tubular portion 9b, i.e., in peripheral positions relative to the tubular portion 9b, interspersed with, for example but not necessarily, openings 9d.

[0151] The elastically deformable body 8 is overmolded on the core 9 in a similar configuration to that already described previously, but such that at least the outer side of the appendage 9x (relative to the tubular portion 9b) is at least partially exposed at the peripheral contour of the body 8 (in particular at least the portion 8b). Figure 468 , where it can in fact be noted how the appendages 9x are arranged substantially according to the circumference of the portion 8b of the body 8 and how a portion of each appendage 9x projects in radial direction relative to the outer peripheral surface of the portion 8b.

[0152] In such an embodiment, it is not necessary that the peripheral profile of the main portion 8b is provided with the axial projections previously indicated by 8d, as long as their function is substantially performed by the exposed portion of the appendage 9x.

[0153] The concept is Figure 48 and Figure 50 , where it can be noted how, in the assembled state between sensor 2 and compensation element 3, the outer side of attachment 9x interferes with the inner surface of the cavity of the sensor body (in particular, the surface that peripherally delimits cavity portion C1). Furthermore, in this case, the interference between these parts is essentially elastic, owing to the flexible nature of attachment 9x and the fact that the material of body 8 (i.e., portion 8b thereof) located behind the inner side of attachment 9x itself is elastically compressible or deformable. Furthermore, in this case, the deformable nature of attachment 9x and body 8 enables the insertion of portions 8b-8c of body 8 into cavity C of sensor body 5 with minimal interference, which is sufficient to ensure the positioning and connection of portions 8b-8c of body 8 relative to cavity C of sensor body 5, with the advantages already explained being associated with the possibility of providing a self-supporting or independent sensor assembly 1 that can be easily handled as a single unit.

[0154] refer to Figures 46-50 The types of embodiments described can of course also be applied to other embodiments. Figures 46-50 In the case illustrated in FIG, the sensor assembly 1 does not have the annular element 12 and the shielding element 4, but at least one of these elements can be provided if required.

[0155] Figure 51 A variant embodiment of the core 9 of the compensation element is shown, according to which axial projections or ribs are provided on the inner side of the peripheral edge 9c, some of which are indicated by 9c', which are capable of cooperating with the outer surface of the tubular wall of the sensor body (in particular its portion 5b).

[0156] Figure 52 The figure shows a compensating element 3 comprising such a core 9 in the case of an overmolded compressible body 8, wherein it can be noted how the axial projection 8d of the main part 8b is distributed essentially along the inner circumference of the support 9a', while the axial projection 9c' is distributed along the outer circumference of the same support 9a'.

[0157] Next Figure 53The assembly between sensor body 5 and compensation element 3 is shown, with the lower end region of body portion 5b inserted into seat 9a'. Protrusion 8d of body portion 8b resiliently engages the inner surface of portion 5b, while its outer side engages relatively rigidly with protrusion 9c'. This type of embodiment can prove advantageous for improving the further connection between sensor 2 and compensation element 3 for the purpose of handling the self-supporting assembly 1. Protrusion 9c' can be provided in all those embodiments in which core 9 includes a protruding edge of the type indicated by 9c.

[0158] In various embodiments, a device incorporating a sensor assembly of the type described herein may include an annular element of the type previously indicated by 12 that fits within a seat 31 of a body 30 or member 30' rather than directly on the sensor assembly (as in, for example, Figure 1-18 or as in the embodiments shown in 19-32).

[0159] Figures 54-55 Such a case is schematically shown in relation to a general functional member 30 ′ (however, it is understood that the same concept can also be applied to the case of the case main body 30 ).

[0160] Figure 54 The device is schematically shown in an exploded view, wherein the parts 2, 3, 10, 12 and 20 are essentially of the type already described previously. Moreover, the member 30' can have a structure similar to that already illustrated previously, wherein, however, the peripheral contour of the support 31 is modified. In particular, with reference to Figure 55 , it can be noted how a seat 31b is essentially defined at step 31a for positioning annular support element 12, on which the lower side of core 9 rests, in order to ensure a resilient assembly of the sensor body and the associated compensation element. As already stated, the presence of element 12 can prove advantageous in those embodiments in which, as in the case illustrated in this figure, the sensor body and the compensation element are constantly urged into seat 31, for example, via the action of resilient contact element 7. In the illustrated example, as already mentioned, portion 8a of compressible body 8 also rests on the bottom of seat 31, but this does not constitute an essential feature.

[0161] Figure 56 A similar situation is shown, but with reference to the shell body 30, and wherein the shielding element 4 is also associated, preferably in an elastic manner, with the main portion 8a of the deformable body 8. The main portion 8a and the shielding element 4 may, for example, belong to the same housing as the shell body 30. Figure 19-31 The main body and shielding elements are of similar type as described.

[0162] As already mentioned, in various embodiments, the bottom wall of a shielding element of the type previously described may envisage on its outside one or more projections or protrusions designed to rest on the bottom surface of a seat intended to receive the sensor assembly.

[0163] For this purpose, Figure 57 and Figure 58 The diagrams are respectively Figure 1-18 and Figure 19-31 The bottom wall 4b of the two shielding elements 4 of the type shown in FIG has on the outside a series of protrusions 4b''', here essentially in the form of embossing, which are arranged, for example according to a circle, so as to rest on the bottom of the support 31. As can be seen from Figure 59 As will be appreciated, the presence of the projection 4''' prevents the bottom wall 4b from coming into complete contact with the bottom surface of the seat 31, thus limiting the passage of the fluid through the inlet 32. In other words, the presence of the projection 4b''' therefore guarantees in any case the presence of a free space through which the fluid penetrating into the seat 31 through the inlet 32 ​​can reach the through-opening 4b' present in the aforementioned wall 4b.

[0164] Of course, in all the embodiments described herein, a protrusion 4b''' can be envisaged, in particular to prevent the risk of excessive thrust exerted on the sensor assembly, for example by the elastic contact piece 7, exceeding the elastic resistance of the annular element 12 and / or the portion 8a of the deformable body 8, and thus preventing direct contact between the entire outer surface of the wall 4b and the bottom surface of the support 31.

[0165] Figure 60 Further possible embodiments of the invention are shown, in particular with regard to the resting of the sensor body 5 on the core 9 of the compensation element and with regard to the elastic mounting of the sensor body 5 and the associated compensation element in corresponding seats 31 .

[0166] In the previously described embodiments, the body 8 or the bodies 81 and 82 of the compensating element, on the one hand, and the core 9 of the compensating element, on the other hand, are substantially structured in such a way that the lateral dimensions or the maximum diameter of the core exceed the lateral dimensions or the maximum diameter of the elastically compressible body 8. In this way, the peripheral portion of the disk-shaped wall 9a of the core 9 can be exposed in order to provide a rest surface for the lower end of the portion 5b of the sensor body; as already seen, the peripheral portion can be provided with an edge in the projection 9c (see, for example Figure 5-9 and Figure 17-18 ) and / or provided with an edge in the projection 9i (see e.g. Figure 27-31 ).

[0167] However, in various embodiments (e.g., Figure 60In an embodiment of the type illustrated in FIG, the core 9 may have a lateral dimension or maximum diameter that is smaller than the lateral dimension or maximum diameter of the elastically compressible body 8 (and in particular the body portion 8a thereof), wherein the disc portion 9a of the core is largely embedded in the corresponding elastically deformable material. Figure 60 It is noted that, in this type of embodiment, a small area of ​​the upper side of the disk portion 9a can in any case be exposed, and at least a corresponding area of ​​the lower end of the portion 5b of the sensor body 5 can be supported thereon. Moreover, this solution thus prevents the risk of the compensation element (in particular the portions 8b and 8c of its elastically deformable body 8) being excessively inserted into the cavity C of the sensor body 5 and possibly coming into contact with the membrane M.

[0168] In the previously described embodiment, the compensating element is elastically mounted in the seat 31 by virtue of the presence of the annular element 12 or the further body portion 8a, which is dimensioned so as to rest directly on the bottom of the seat itself. In an alternative embodiment, however, the aforementioned elastic mounting can be achieved even in the presence of the shielding element 4 and in the absence of the annular element 12. In particular, in this type of embodiment, the shielding element 4 can be mounted so as to rest directly in the seat (i.e. without the insertion of some elastic element) and, for the purpose of at least partially elastic mounting, utilize the same elastically deformable body 8. Figure 60 It is designed to also illustrate such an embodiment, in which it can be noted how the flange 4 c of the shielding element 4 rests directly (i.e. in a substantially rigid manner) on the step 31 a of the support 31, and the lower part of the body 8 (in particular its part 8 a) rests on the wall 4 b of the shielding element 4, thereby ensuring a resilient assembly of the sensor body 8 and the associated compensation elements 8-9.

[0169] In another possible variant embodiment, the portion of the body 8 designed to be held on the outside of the cavity C of the sensor body 5 may be provided so as to have at least a portion that projects upward further than the upper surface of the disk portion 9a of the core 9, and in such a manner that at least the region of the lower end of the portion 5b of the sensor body 5 can rest on the projecting portion. Such a portion of the body portion 8a that projects in height may correspond, for example, to Figure 60 The portion 8a" is designated by 8a" and may have an annular profile. This portion 8a" preferably extends radially outwards of the maximum diameter of the disk portion 9a of the core 9. It should be noted that Figure 60In the embodiment shown, the top of the aforementioned portion 8a" appears at the same height as the upper surface of the disc portion 9a, but for the purpose of understanding this variant, it can be assumed that, in the illustrated condition, the portion 8a" of the body 8 has been elastically compressed (at the position indicated) due to a thrust exerted downwards on the sensor body 5 (e.g. by virtue of the abutment surface 24a present on the closure body 20 and / or the stress exerted by the elastic contact piece 7). Figure 60 In the embodiment of the present invention, when the elastic assembly is ensured by placing the body 8 on the shielding element 4, the portion 8a" can in any case be pre-arranged in such a way that its top is flush with the upper surface of the disc portion 9a of the core).

[0170] In the example, then, if the protruding portion 8a″ is envisaged, its compression can be considered to be maximum, wherein the lower end of the portion 5b of the sensor body 5 is then partially resting on the disk portion 9a of the core 9. However, the degree of compression can be less than that illustrated, wherein the upper surface of the portion 8a″ extends further upwards than the upper surface of the exposed area of ​​the disk portion 9a, i.e. there is a partial compression of the portion 8a″.

[0171] It will be appreciated that, in addition and / or as an alternative, elastic assembly can also be obtained by making use of the portion 8b of the elastically deformable body 8 on whose upper zone it would be possible to rest a transition surface between two portions of different diameters of the cavity C of the sensor body: this transition surface is only Figure 60 for such a case, the height of the main body 8b and / or the portion 5b of the sensor body 5 may be sized so as to enable the aforementioned elastic assembly manner.

[0172] In any case, the risk of over-insertion of the compensating element into the cavity C of the sensor body 5 is prevented by the abutment or stop surface provided by the exposed upper zone of the disk portion 9 a of the core 9 .

[0173] In the various embodiments described previously, the compensation element 3 is configured for coupling with the sensor body 5 by means of an elastic coupling of the compensation element within the axial cavity C. In other embodiments, however, additionally or alternatively, an elastic coupling may be provided at the outer contour of the sensor body 5 , preferably the outer contour of its portion 5 b .

[0174] References such as Figure 61 For example, the compensation element 3 is shown, whose elastically deformable body 8 - here, configured as a body overmolded on a core 9 - is formed to Figure 60, but is formed so as to include a peripheral portion 8e, in particular having a generally cylindrical shape, which rises upward from the main body portion 8a. However, the peripheral portion 8e can even have a shape different from a cylindrical wall, such as a shape that is at least partially complementary to a portion of the sensor body 5 (in particular, the corresponding lower portion 5b). Preferably, in particular for the purpose of mutual fixing, the inner diameter or size of the peripheral portion 8e is smaller than at least a portion of the outer diameter or size of the sensor body 5 (i.e., the corresponding lower portion 5b).

[0175] In this way, in Figure 61 A seat, designated 8', is defined between the body portion 8b and the inner surface of the wall forming the body portion 8e, so as to position and rest the lower edge of the portion 5b of the sensor body 5.

[0176] As in Figure 60 As in the case of a diaphragm 8, the core 9 then has a smaller lateral dimension or maximum diameter than the lateral dimension or maximum diameter of the elastically compressible body 8 (and in particular its main portion 8e), wherein the disk portion 9a of the core is largely embedded in the corresponding elastically deformable material. Moreover, in this type of embodiment, it is preferred in any case to leave at least the upper region of the disk portion 9a exposed so that at least the corresponding region of the lower end of the portion 5b of the sensor body 5 can rest thereon, in order to prevent the compensating element 3 from being excessively fitted to the sensor body 5, for example, in order to prevent the portion 8c of the elastically deformable body 8 from being excessively inserted into the cavity C of the sensor body 5 until the portion 8c comes into contact with the membrane M.

[0177] It should however be noted that, in this type of compensating element, it is not strictly necessary for parts of it to project inside the cavity C of the sensor body 5 , it being sufficient for the compensating element to be located in the vicinity of said cavity.

[0178] This is particularly true, for example, when the sensor body 5 as a whole is very thin (in the height direction) and the corresponding cavity C is therefore also shallow; that is, the sensor body 5 has a volume that can be filled with fluid that is so small that the presence of a compensating element protruding inside the cavity itself is not required. In this type of application, the compensating insert can then extend completely or generally outside the aforementioned cavity, which insert, in addition to ensuring the elastic assembly of the assembly as already described above, has the following main functions: reducing the free volume that may be occupied by the fluid in the seat in which the assembly itself is mounted; and compensating for a possible increase in the volume of the fluid subsequent to freezing.

[0179] exist Figure 62 Visible include Figure 61 The compensation element 3 is a device on which the sensor component is mounted.

[0180] As can be noted, the body portion 8c fits in a resilient manner on the outer surface of the body portion 5b, wherein the lower end of the body portion 5b rests on the exposed surface of the disc portion 9a of the core 9 serving as the end of travel with respect to insertion.

[0181] The elastic coupling between the body 5 and the body 8 is improved in a manner similar to that already described above by the presence of the body portion 8e: as already stated, however, in other embodiments the compensation element may not have a portion protruding into the cavity of the sensor body.

[0182] About Figures 61-62 What has been explained about the possibility of elastically coupling the compensation element also or exclusively at the outer contour of the sensor body, i.e. on the outside of the corresponding cavity, can of course also be applied to all other embodiments described in this document or to sensors with different shapes.

[0183] The characteristics and advantages of the present invention are clearly apparent from the foregoing description and are primarily represented by the ease of producing the described self-supporting or independent sensor assembly, which is fast, cheap and precise. The sensor body 5 can be obtained using classical techniques employed in the field of the manufacture of pressure sensors. In a similar manner, the compensation element is obtained using widely used and reliable molding techniques and the use of materials. The fact that the compensation element can be elastically coupled to the pressure sensor in a clearly defined and precise position makes it possible, as explained, to conveniently handle the components of the assembly as a single unit, in particular during movement on an automated assembly line, and / or during transport and / or warehousing. The fact that the hydraulic seal is provided via an annular element fitted on the outer periphery of the sensor body makes it possible to also pre-assemble the components on the sensor assembly, with further advantages in terms of handling, transport and warehousing.

[0184] It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that many variations of the sensor assembly and the sensor device described by way of example are possible without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention. As mentioned, one or more of the characteristics previously described with reference to different embodiments may also be combined in any suitable manner for the purpose of producing such further variations.

[0185] According to the known techniques in the art, the passage P or P' of the compensating body 8 or 81 does not necessarily have to be configured as a conduit axially crossing the element itself, as long as the passage for the fluid can be defined at least partially between the outer surface contours of the body 8 itself and / or of the corresponding core 9 on the one hand and the surface contours of the shell or support 31 on the other hand. For example, the compressible body 8 and / or the core 9 may have at least one surface groove that, together with a corresponding surface of the support 31, defines at least part of the passage for the fluid, or conversely, the surface of the support 31 may have at least one surface groove that, together with a corresponding outer surface of the body 8 and / or of the core 9, defines a corresponding passage for the fluid, or still further, both the compensating element 3 and the support 31 may have corresponding grooves facing or coupled to each other to form at least part of the passage for the fluid.

[0186] A passage for the fluid can be defined at least partially between a surface contour of the elastically deformable body and a surface contour of the corresponding core.

[0187] The core of the compensation element can be provided in a number of parts which may be driven into one another or joined or welded together, between which parts it may be possible to arrange at least parts of the corresponding elastically deformable body.

[0188] For example, as described in WO 2017 / 182962 filed in the name of the present applicant, the elastically deformable body and the corresponding core can be configured to define a number of channels or to define channels having portions that are staggered relative to each other.

Claims

1. A pressure sensor assembly for detecting the pressure of a fluid, the pressure sensor assembly comprising: a pressure-sensitive member having a substantially cup-shaped sensor body comprising a bottom portion defining an axial cavity and a peripheral portion, the bottom portion comprising an elastically deformable membrane portion closing the axial cavity at one end of the sensor body, the peripheral portion having a distal edge opposite the bottom portion, the distal edge delimiting an inlet to the axial cavity, the bottom portion having associated therewith at least one detection element for detecting deformation of the elastically deformable membrane portion; a compensating element configured to compensate for possible variations in the volume of said fluid, said compensating element comprising at least one compensating body made of a first elastically deformable or compressible material, said at least one compensating body having a maximum lateral obstruction dimension or a maximum diameter, wherein the sensor body and the compensating element are constructed as distinct parts, and at least a portion of the compensating element extends in a position corresponding to or proximate to the axial cavity of the sensor body, The pressure sensor assembly is characterized in that said compensating element comprising a core to which said at least one compensating body is fixed, said core being made of a second material harder than said first elastically deformable or compressible material and having a maximum lateral obstruction dimension or a maximum diameter greater than said maximum lateral obstruction dimension or a maximum diameter of said at least one compensating body, The at least one first portion of the compensation element is configured for coupling with the sensor body in a manner such that the pressure sensitive member and the compensation element are manipulable as a single, self-standing unit despite the absence of a housing.

2. The pressure sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one first portion of the compensation element is configured for interference coupling or elastic coupling of the compensation element on the sensor body, within the axial cavity and / or at an outer contour of the peripheral portion of the sensor body.

3. The pressure sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The core of the compensation element has a respective portion defining a reference surface for fitting the compensation element onto the sensor body, the reference surface being an abutment surface or stop surface for the distal edge of the peripheral portion of the sensor body.

4. The pressure sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one first portion of the compensation element comprises an engagement portion of the compensation body having respective first positioning and / or fixing means adapted to interfere with an outer peripheral surface of the sensor body.

5. The pressure sensor assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The first positioning and / or fixing member includes a plurality of axial projections distributed along the peripheral wall of the engaging portion and adapted to elastically interfere with the peripheral surface of the axial cavity of the sensor body.

6. The pressure sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one first portion of the compensation element comprises an engagement portion of the core having respective second positioning and / or fixing means adapted to interfere with an outer peripheral surface of the sensor body.

7. The pressure sensor assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The second positioning and / or fixing means comprises a plurality of flexible axial appendages of the core distributed according to the peripheral wall of the compensating body and suitable for elastically interfering with the peripheral surface of the axial cavity of the sensor body.

8. The pressure sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor body comprises at least two corresponding portions of different outer diameters, at least one of the annular sealing element and the at least one first portion of the compensation element being fitted onto the portion having the smaller diameter.

9. The pressure sensor assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The sensor body has a plurality of axial recesses at the outer peripheral surface of its portion with a larger diameter, and wherein a ring is arranged at a step between the portion with the larger diameter and the portion with the smaller diameter for resting the annular sealing element thereon.

10. The pressure sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein The compensating element comprises a second portion designed to extend outside the axial cavity of the sensor body in a position substantially opposite to the first portion, the second portion comprising a corresponding portion of the compensating body and at least one corresponding portion of the core.

11. The pressure sensor assembly according to claim 10 further includes a shielding element, which includes an outer peripheral wall and a bottom wall defining a corresponding cavity, and the corresponding part of the compensation body is at least partially inserted into the cavity with interference, and the bottom wall of the shielding element includes one or more through openings for the fluid.

12. The pressure sensor assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The shield element includes a generally flange-like portion defining one of a seat and a resting surface for an annular resilient support element of the pressure sensor assembly.

13. The pressure sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The core of the compensating element has a portion that defines a resting surface for an annular resilient support element of the pressure sensor assembly.

14. The pressure sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising at least one elastic support element, the at least one elastic support element being configured to elastically fit the pressure sensor assembly within a corresponding seat, the at least one elastic support element comprising at least one of the following: - an annular element designed to rest on a corresponding surface of the core of the compensating element substantially opposite the first portion, - a portion of the compensating body designed to extend outside the axial cavity of the sensor body in a position substantially opposite to the first portion.

15. The pressure sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The compensating body includes at least one of a body molded onto the core and a body elastically coupled to the core.

16. The pressure sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The compensating element comprises at least one axial channel for the fluid.

17. A pressure sensor device for detecting pressure of a fluid, comprising a pressure sensor assembly, the pressure sensor assembly comprising: a pressure-sensitive member having a substantially cup-shaped sensor body comprising a bottom portion defining an axial cavity and a peripheral portion, the bottom portion comprising an elastically deformable membrane portion closing the axial cavity at one end of the sensor body, the peripheral portion having a distal edge opposite the bottom portion, the distal edge delimiting an entrance to the axial cavity, the bottom portion having associated therewith at least one detection element for detecting deformation of the elastically deformable membrane portion; a compensating element configured to compensate for possible variations in the volume of the fluid, the compensating element comprising at least one compensating body made of a first elastically deformable or compressible material and a core to which the at least one compensating body is fixed, the core being made of a second material harder than the elastically deformable or compressible first material, at least a portion of the compensating element extending in a position corresponding to or close to the axial cavity of the sensor body; wherein the at least one compensating body has a maximum lateral obstruction dimension or a maximum diameter, and the core has a maximum lateral obstruction dimension or a maximum diameter that is greater than the maximum lateral obstruction dimension or the maximum diameter of the at least one compensating body, wherein the at least one first portion of the compensation element is configured for coupling with the sensor body in a manner such that the pressure sensitive member and the compensation element are manipulable as a single, self-standing unit, The pressure sensor device further comprises: a housing structure comprising at least a first structural portion and a second structural portion, said first structural portion defining a seat having an inlet for a fluid whose pressure is to be detected, said seat being configured to receive at least part of said pressure-sensitive member and said compensation element, wherein at least one of the support and the compensating element defines at least a portion of a passage for the fluid, the passage being in fluid communication with the inlet of the support and with the axial cavity of the sensor body in a manner such that the elastically deformable membrane of the sensor body is partially exposed to the fluid, wherein the sensor body, the compensation element and the housing structure are constructed as distinct parts free from mutual constraints, And wherein the sensor body rests on the core of the compensating element and the compensating element is resiliently supported within the seat.

18. A compensating element for use in a pressure sensor device according to claim 17, the compensating element being configured to be coupled to a sensor body of the pressure sensor device, the compensating element comprising at least one compensating body made of a first elastically deformable or compressible material and a core to which the at least one compensating body is fixed, the core being made of a second material harder than the first elastically deformable or compressible material, the compensating element being configured as a distinct portion relative to the sensor body and relative to a housing, in, the at least one compensating body having a maximum lateral obstruction dimension or a maximum diameter, and the core having a maximum lateral obstruction dimension or a maximum diameter that is greater than the maximum lateral obstruction dimension or the maximum diameter of the at least one compensating body, and among them: The at least one first portion of the compensation element is configured for coupling within an axial cavity of the sensor body and / or at an outer contour of the sensor body in such a manner that the sensor body and the compensation element can be handled as a single self-standing unit.

19. A hydraulic device comprising the pressure sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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