pressure sensor

Abstract

A pressure sensor capable of quickly and reliably connecting components, comprising: a pressure connector, which is internally provided with a longitudinally extending pressure channel; a pressure sensitive head, which is inwardly recessed on the side of the longitudinally distal end to form a connecting cylinder with a sensing cavity facing the distal side, and which is correspondingly formed with an elastic diaphragm on the side of the longitudinally proximal end, and the surface of the longitudinally proximal end of the elastic diaphragm is provided with a pressure measurement circuit, the proximal end of the connecting cylinder is sealingly connected to the pressure connector to make the proximal end of the pressure channel communicate to the sensing cavity; an end button and a shell that together with the pressure connector form a mounting cavity, the proximal end and the distal end of the shell are sealingly connected to the end button and the pressure connector, respectively; a support seat and a signal processing assembly arranged in the mounting cavity, the signal processing assembly has a circuit board clamped on the proximal end of the support seat, and the circuit board is electrically connected to the pressure measurement circuit; and a plurality of electrical connectors, which are electrically connected to the circuit board after being threaded through the end button.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sensor technology, and more specifically to a pressure sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Air suspension is a crucial component of a vehicle's damping system, with air springs as its core element. The pressure of the air springs is controlled by a compressor and valves, and monitored by pressure sensors to adapt to different road conditions and driving habits. Compared to the vehicle body, the pressure sensors used in air suspension experience greater vibration amplitude, which can easily lead to loose connections / bondings of sensor components, especially when circuit boards and support elements are pressed / bonded rather than fully fixed for higher manufacturing efficiency. Furthermore, when connecting the pressure sensor housing to the connector, there are potential issues with sealing, and strict requirements are placed on the longitudinal dimensions of the housing and its internal components.

[0003] The statements in this section are merely background information in relation to the invention and may not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a pressure sensor that enables rapid and secure connection of certain components of the pressure sensor.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a pressure sensor, comprising:

[0006] Pressure connector, which has a longitudinally extending pressure channel inside;

[0007] A pressure-sensitive head has a connecting cylinder with a sensing cavity facing the distal end of its longitudinal end recessed inward. A corresponding elastic diaphragm is formed on the proximal end of its longitudinal end. A pressure measuring circuit is provided on the surface of the proximal end of the elastic diaphragm. The proximal end of the connecting cylinder is sealed to a pressure connector so that the proximal end of the pressure channel is connected to the sensing cavity.

[0008] The end button and housing together with the pressure connector form an installation cavity, and the proximal and distal ends of the housing are sealed to the end button and pressure connector respectively.

[0009] A support base and a signal processing component are disposed in the mounting cavity. The signal processing component has a circuit board that is snapped onto the proximal end of the support base. The circuit board is electrically connected to the pressure measurement circuit.

[0010] And multiple electrical connectors, which are electrically connected to the circuit board after passing through the terminal button.

[0011] Preferably, the end button, circuit board and support base are pressed onto the pressure connector in sequence from the proximal end to the distal end of the housing.

[0012] Preferably, the circuit board is connected to the pressure measurement circuit via a flexible plate.

[0013] Preferably, the proximal end of the support base protrudes outward to form multiple sets of locking feet, and the distal end of the end button forms multiple first locking slots, with each set of locking feet correspondingly engaging in the first locking slot.

[0014] Preferably, each set of locking feet includes two locking feet arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction on the support base. The two locking feet in each set abut against the side wall of the corresponding first locking hole in the circumferential direction after being flexibly deformed.

[0015] Preferably, a second electrical connection part is connected to the circuit board, and the outer end of the second electrical connection part is electrically contacted on the metal housing on the far end side; a passage gap is left between the two pins of one set of pins to allow the second electrical connection part to pass through.

[0016] Preferably, the latch includes a longitudinally extending base and a protrusion formed by the proximal end of the base protruding laterally toward the opposite side away from the latches in the same group. The opposite side of the protrusions of the two latches in the same group abuts against the corresponding first latch on the end button, and the opposite side of the base of the two latches in the same group abuts against the corresponding second latch on the circuit board.

[0017] Preferably, the distal end of the protrusion abuts against the proximal end face of the circuit board on the distal side.

[0018] Preferably, the longitudinal proximal end of the pressure connector and the portion near the proximal end extend laterally outward to form a flange and a supporting connecting ring, and the connecting cylinder is fitted onto the flange and supported and welded to the supporting connecting ring; the flange, the supporting connecting ring and the connecting cylinder form an annular cavity. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a front view of a pressure sensor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 The pressure sensor of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is along Figure 1 The sectional view of AA shown in the figure;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a pressure sensor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention (the housing and support base are hidden).

[0022] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a pressure measurement component and a signal processing component according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a support base according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Pressure connector; 100. Pressure channel; 101. Connecting pipe; 102. Small diameter section; 103. Large diameter section; 105. Support connecting ring; 106. Flange; 107. Annular cavity; 108. Positioning notch; 109. Stress isolation groove; 110. Support step; 111a. Second positioning ring; 111b. First positioning ring; 112. First longitudinal positioning groove; 113. Straight edge; 114. Pressure measuring circuit; 2. Pressure sensing head; 201. Metal base; 202. Connecting cylinder; 203. Sensing cavity; 204. Elastic diaphragm; 3. End button; 301. Second longitudinal positioning groove; 302. Positioning recess; 304. Pressing part; 305. Holding cavity; 306. Pressure area; 506a / 506b. 4. Support base; 400. Mounting cavity; 401. Pressure cylinder; 402a. First locking foot; 402b. Second locking foot; 403. Through gap; 405. Relief groove; 406. Second relief opening; 407. Receiving cavity; 308. Concave cavity; 409. First relief opening; 410. Through opening; 411. Longitudinal positioning ridge; 412. Horizontal plate; 413. Base; 414. Protrusion; 5. Signal processing component; 500. Circuit board; 501. Flexible board; 502. Third electrical connection part; 503. First electrical connection part; 504. Conditioning element; 505. Second electrical connection part; 307. First locking; 6. Electrical connector; 601. Transition section; 7. Housing; 701. Cylinder shell; 702. Pressing edge; 8. Sealing ring; Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or equivalent elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "left," "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are only used to facilitate the description of this invention and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] It should also be further understood that the term "and / or" as used in this specification and the corresponding claims refers to any combination of one or more of the listed items and all possible combinations.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown in the figure. The pressure sensor of this embodiment uses a pressure measuring assembly including a pressure connector 1 and a pressure sensing head 2. The pressure connector 1 has a longitudinally (vertically in the figure) extending pressure channel 100. The distal longitudinal end (lower part in the figure) of the pressure sensing head 2 is recessed inward to form a connecting cylinder 202 with a sensing cavity 203 facing the distal end. A corresponding elastic diaphragm 204 is formed on the proximal longitudinal end of the pressure sensing head 2. A pressure measuring circuit 114 is provided on the surface of the proximal longitudinal end of the elastic diaphragm 204. The proximal end of the connecting cylinder 202 is sealed to the pressure connector 1 so that the proximal end of the pressure channel 100 communicates with the sensing cavity 203. The distal end of the pressure connector 1 has a connecting tube 101 for connecting to a container or pipe to be measured. The side of the pressure connector 1 may be provided with a positioning structure for connecting to a container or pipe containing the fluid to be measured, such as a positioning notch 108 or a straight edge 113, to facilitate circumferential positioning when connecting to the pipe or container to be measured.

[0030] Preferably, the pressure measurement circuit 114 includes an insulating layer covering the near-end surface of the elastic diaphragm 204 and a Wheatstone bridge composed of measuring elements (e.g., thick-film piezoresistive or strain gauges) disposed on the surface of the insulating layer.

[0031] The proximal end of the connecting cylinder 202 is welded to the pressure connector 1 (e.g., by laser welding). In this embodiment, the pressure measuring assembly achieves partial isolation of the assembly stress of the pressure connector during installation by setting the pressure connector 1 and the pressure sensing head 2 as separate structures and welding them together.

[0032] In other embodiments, preferably, the longitudinal proximal end of the pressure connector 1 extends laterally outward to form a flange 106, and the portion of the pressure connector 1 near its proximal end extends laterally outward to form a supporting connecting ring 105. A connecting cylinder 202 is fitted onto the flange 106 and supported and welded to the supporting connecting ring 105. The flange 106, the supporting connecting ring 105, and the connecting cylinder 202 form an annular cavity 107. This allows the annular cavity to collect and contain weld slag during welding, thereby preventing weld slag from clogging the pressure channel.

[0033] In some other embodiments, preferably, to facilitate the flow of liquid out of the sensing chamber when measuring the pressure of the liquid, the inner diameter of the pressure channel 100 near the proximal end can be gradually enlarged to form a flared opening (not shown).

[0034] In the above embodiments, the pressure channel 100 can be a stepped hole with the diameter increasing from near to far. For example, it can be formed by connecting a small diameter section 102 on the near side and a large diameter section 103 on the far side, which facilitates the entry of pressure fluid into the sensing cavity 203.

[0035] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 , Figures 3-4 In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pressure sensor, in addition to the pressure measuring components described above, also includes a housing 7, an end button 3, a support base 4, and a signal processing component 5. The housing 7 includes a longitudinally extending cylindrical shell 701 that is sealed at its distal end to the pressure connector 1, and a retaining edge 702 formed by the longitudinal proximal end of the cylindrical shell 701 vertically converging inwards. The retaining edge 702 presses against the pressure-receiving area 306 (e.g., a stepped surface) formed around the periphery of the end button 3, thereby sequentially pressing the end button 3, the circuit board 500, and the support base 4 onto the pressure connector 1. Preferably, a sealing ring 8 is provided at the pressure-receiving area 306, meaning that the retaining edge 702 sequentially presses the sealing ring 8, the end button 3, the circuit board 500, and the support base 4 onto the pressure connector 1. This enhances the sealing performance between the proximal end of the housing 7 and the end button 3, and simultaneously reduces the tolerance requirements for the fit between the housing 7 and the end button 3, making assembly more convenient.

[0036] The distal end of the shell 701 abuts against and is welded to the pressure connector 1. The end button 3, the shell 7, and the pressure connector 1 together form a mounting cavity 400. The support base 4 and the signal processing component 5 are both disposed within the mounting cavity 400. The signal processing component 5 is disposed on the support base 4 and electrically connected to the pressure measuring circuit 114. The signal from the signal processing component 5 is output outward through multiple electrical connectors 6. One end of each electrical connector 6 passes through the end button 3 on the distal end side and is electrically connected to the signal processing component 5.

[0037] The signal processing component 5 includes a circuit board 500 laterally disposed on one side of the support base 4 near the end, and electronic components such as a conditioning element 504 disposed on the far side of the circuit board 500. The circuit board 500 is connected to the pressure measurement circuit 114 via a third electrical connection 502 disposed on a flexible plate 501 (for example, by soldering). A plurality of first electrical connections 503 are disposed on the near side of the conditioning element 504.

[0038] The pressure sensor in this embodiment also includes multiple (four shown in the figures, arranged in a rectangular pattern) electrical connectors 6 for outputting the signal obtained after processing by the signal processing component 5 to an external device. The electrical connectors 6 can be elastic elements, such as conductive springs, whose distal ends can pass through the end button 3 and press against and make electrical contact with the first electrical connection portion 503. Preferably, the electrical connector 6 is a conductive spring with two sections of different coiled outer diameters, forming a tapered transition section 601 between the two sections. A corresponding retaining cavity 305 for accommodating the conductive spring 6 is formed on the end button 3. The retaining cavity 305 has a corresponding tapered pressing portion 304, which presses the transition section 601 against the first electrical connection portion 503 towards its distal end.

[0039] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 The support base 4 includes a pressure cylinder 401, which is sealed and welded to a support step 110 formed on the pressure connector 1 on its distal side. A horizontal plate 412 is provided at the proximal end of the inner cavity of the pressure cylinder 401 to enhance the structural strength of the support base 4; at the same time, the horizontal plate 412 and the proximal end of the pressure cylinder 401 form a receiving cavity 407 for accommodating electronic components on the circuit board 500. The horizontal plate 412 is provided with a first clearance opening 409 for the passage of the flexible plate 501, and the pressure cylinder 401 has a corresponding second clearance opening 406 for the passage of the flexible plate 501. The proximal inner wall of the support base 4 can be recessed inward to form a clearance groove 405 for avoiding the third electrical connection part 502. A through-hole 410 is provided on each of the two circumferentially opposite side walls of the pressure cylinder 401, thereby reducing the material usage of the support base 4 while meeting the strength requirements. The through-holes 410 can be offset from the second clearance opening 406 in the circumferential direction.

[0040] In some other embodiments, preferably, the two circumferentially opposite positions of the button 3 each contract inward and form a cavity 308 between the circuit boards 500, so that electronic components on the near side surface of the circuit board 500 can be arranged in the cavity 308, and the near middle part of the button 3 presses against the near end face of the circuit board 500. This can satisfy the arrangement requirements of the electrical connector 6 while leaving space for the arrangement of electronic components.

[0041] To facilitate positioning and reliable connection between the end button 3, circuit board 500, and support base 4, the proximal end of the support base 4 protrudes outward (i.e., one proximal side) to form a set of two first latches 402a and another set of two first latches 402b. The distal end of the end button 3 forms two circumferentially opposite first latches 307. The two first latches 402a are correspondingly latched into the first latches 307, and the two first latches 402b are correspondingly latched into the other first latch 307. The two first latches 402a, after flexible deformation, circumferentially approach the sidewall of the corresponding first latch on the corresponding circumferential side.

[0042] In some other embodiments, preferably, a second electrical connection portion 505 is connected to the circuit board 500. The outer end of the second electrical connection portion 505 is electrically connected to the metal housing 7 on its distal side, thereby facilitating grounding through the housing 7. A passage gap 403 is provided between the two second latches 402b to allow the second electrical connection portion 505 to pass through.

[0043] In other embodiments, preferably, the first locking feet 402b and 402a may each include a longitudinally extending base and a protrusion 414 formed by the proximal end of the base 413 protruding laterally toward the opposite side away from the locking feet of the same group. The opposite side of the protrusions 414 of the two locking feet of the same group abuts against the corresponding first latch of the end button 3. The opposite side of the bases 413 of the two locking feet of the same group abuts against the corresponding second latches 506a and 506b on the circuit board 500. In this way, the locking feet can clamp the circuit board 500 through the base and clamp the end button 3 through the protrusions 414, thereby making the connection more secure. Preferably, the distal end of the protrusion 414 abuts against the proximal end face of the circuit board 500, thereby also preventing the distal end of the circuit board 500 from detaching from the proximal end face of the support base 4.

[0044] In other embodiments, preferably, the lower periphery of the support connecting ring 105 can protrude outward to form a second positioning ring 111a and a first positioning ring 111b spaced apart vertically. The second positioning ring 111a and the first positioning ring 111b are fitted together and sleeved on the bottom and lower part of the inner cavity of the pressure cylinder 401. A stress isolation groove 109 is formed between the first positioning ring 111b and the second positioning ring 111a. This allows the pressure cylinder 401 to be positioned at the bottom and lower part respectively.

[0045] In some other embodiments, preferably, a gap is left between the periphery of the metal base 201 and the pressure cylinder 401. This prevents the support 4 from contacting the metal base 201 and causing measurement deviations.

[0046] In other embodiments, preferably, to facilitate positioning between the pressure connector 1 and the support base 4, a first longitudinal positioning groove 112 may be provided on the periphery of the second positioning ring 111a, and a corresponding longitudinal positioning rib 411 may be provided on the inner wall of the pressure cylinder 401 of the support base 4, the longitudinal positioning rib 411 being fitted into the first longitudinal positioning groove 112. To facilitate connection and positioning between the end button 3 and externally installed components, a positioning recess 302 may be provided near the center of the end button 3, and multiple second longitudinal positioning grooves 301 may be provided on the outer wall. The second longitudinal positioning grooves 301 are located between two circumferentially adjacent electrical connectors 6.

[0047] The scope of this disclosure is not limited by the detailed description, but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents are to be included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A pressure sensor, characterized in that, include: Pressure connector (1), which has a longitudinally extending pressure channel (100) inside; The pressure sensing head (2) has a connecting tube (202) with a sensing cavity (203) facing the distal end of its longitudinal end recessed inward. A corresponding elastic diaphragm (204) is formed on the proximal end of its longitudinal end. A pressure measuring circuit (114) is provided on the surface of the proximal end of the elastic diaphragm (204). The proximal end of the connecting tube (202) is sealed to the pressure connector (1) so that the proximal end of the pressure channel (100) is connected to the sensing cavity (203). The end button (3) and the housing (7) together with the pressure connector (1) form the mounting cavity (400), and the proximal end and the distal end of the housing (7) are sealed to the end button (3) and the pressure connector (1) respectively. The support base (4) and signal processing component (5) are disposed in the mounting cavity (400). The signal processing component (5) has a circuit board (500) snapped onto the proximal end of the support base (4). The circuit board (500) is electrically connected to the pressure measurement circuit (114). and multiple electrical connectors (6), which are electrically connected to the circuit board (500) after passing through the end button (3); Among them, the proximal end of the support base (4) protrudes outward to form multiple sets of locking feet, and the distal end of the end button (3) forms multiple first slots. Each set of locking feet is correspondingly locked into the first slot. Each set of locking feet includes two locking feet arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the support base (4). The two locking feet of each set are respectively flexibly deformed and abut against the side wall of the corresponding side of the circumferential direction of the first slot. The locking feet include a longitudinally extending base and a protrusion (414) formed by the proximal end of the base (413) protruding laterally away from the opposite side of the same set of locking feet. The opposite side of the protrusion (414) of the two locking feet in the same set abuts against the corresponding first slot of the end button (3), and the opposite side of the base (413) of the two locking feet in the same set abuts against the corresponding second slot on the circuit board (500). The distal end of the protrusion (414) abuts against the proximal end face of the circuit board (500).

2. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end button (3), circuit board (500) and support base (4) of the housing (7) are pressed onto the pressure connector (1) in sequence from the near end to the far end.

3. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit board (500) is connected to the pressure measurement circuit (114) via a flexible board (501).

4. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second electrical connection part (505) is connected to the circuit board (500). The outer end of the second electrical connection part (505) is electrically contacted on the far end side to make the metal housing (7) grounded. A passage gap (403) is left between the two pins of one set of pins for the second electrical connection part (505) to pass through.

5. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The longitudinal proximal end of the pressure connector (1) and the portion near the proximal end extend laterally outward to form a flange (106) and a supporting connecting ring (105). The connecting cylinder (202) is fitted onto the flange (106) and supported and welded to the supporting connecting ring (105). The flange (106), the supporting connecting ring (105) and the connecting cylinder (202) form an annular cavity (107).

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