A pressure sensor

Abstract

The application relates to a pressure sensor, comprising: a seat body having an inner cavity surrounding an opening at one end and a pressure introduction channel extending from the other end and communicating with the inner cavity; a pressure measuring assembly arranged in the inner cavity; annular electric contact elements arranged in the inner cavity, the electric contact elements comprising a plurality of independent electric contact parts arranged on the inner wall or the outer wall of the electric contact elements, each of the electric contact parts being electrically connected to the pressure measuring assembly; an end knob screwed into the opening upper end of the inner cavity in a threaded fitting mode; a plurality of terminals fixed on the end knob, the inner side of each of the terminals extending into the inner cavity and being correspondingly electrically contacted with each of the matching electric contact parts at least in the final state during screwing. The application has the advantages of small volume, compact structure and rationality.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the continuous development of semiconductor technology, miniature sensors and miniature sensing chips are becoming increasingly common. Pressure sensors, as one of the most common sensor types, are widely used in automotive electronics, medical electronics, smart electrical systems, and industrial precision equipment. As sensor size continues to shrink, heat dissipation efficiency and stability become crucial.

[0003] In existing technologies, pressure sensors often require terminals to connect to internal pressure-sensitive elements during component assembly. Planar pressure-sensitive elements typically use concentric rings for their electrical contacts to connect multiple terminals to the pressure-sensitive element. However, this approach often results in an excessively large final pressure sensor, thus limiting its application scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention addresses the technical problem that the concentric ring-shaped terminals in existing technologies can prevent the pressure sensor from being further reduced in size. It provides a pressure sensor that has advantages such as small size, compact structure, and reasonable design.

[0005] The present invention provides a pressure sensor, comprising: a base, an inner cavity having an upper opening and a pressure introduction channel extending from the other end and communicating with the inner cavity;

[0006] A pressure measuring component is disposed in the inner cavity and encapsulated at one end of the pressure introduction channel;

[0007] The electrical contact element disposed in the inner cavity includes an annular insulating base and a plurality of electrically isolated electrical contact portions disposed on the inner or outer wall of the base in a strip-like manner in the circumferential direction, wherein the lower end of each electrical contact portion is electrically in contact with the pressure measuring assembly.

[0008] A button with an internal thread at the lower end, facing downwards, is screwed into the upper opening of the inner cavity in a threaded engagement manner.

[0009] Multiple terminals fixed to the end button, each terminal having one inner end extending into the inner cavity to form a first spring, and at least in the final state during the screwing process, the first spring is electrically contacted with each of the electrical contact portions in a corresponding manner.

[0010] Specifically, one of the main concepts of this invention is to attach the electrical contact element to the inner cavity, thereby staggering the multiple electrical contact portions in height. This allows the inner cavity to only consider the accommodating area of ​​the pressure measuring element, without having to consider the accommodating area of ​​the electrical contact element, thus reducing the volume of the pressure sensor.

[0011] Furthermore, each of the electrical contacts is electrically isolated by an insulating portion disposed between them;

[0012] Specifically, another aspect of this invention is to utilize the stacked structure of the electrical contacts as the first layer of electrical shielding for the pressure measuring element, thereby enhancing the electrical shielding performance of the invention. The electrical contacts are relatively wide metal elements, while the insulating layer is preferably a narrower material such as elastic plastic or sponge with insulating properties, to prevent interference between the electrical contacts. This allows each electrical contact to form a spatially integrated metal shielding layer, thus enhancing the shielding performance of the invention.

[0013] Furthermore, the electrical contact extends in the circumferential direction in an arc, ring, or spiral shape.

[0014] Furthermore, the electrical contacts are arranged in parallel and extend in a spiral shape in the circumferential direction.

[0015] Furthermore, the electrical contact portion is arranged in parallel and extends in a spiral shape in the circumferential direction, and its spiral direction is the same as that of the internal thread, and its spiral angle is approximately equal to that of the internal thread.

[0016] In some embodiments, the electrical contact portion extends generally downward along the inner or outer wall surface of the base to form an extension portion, and the lower end of the extension portion extends downward beyond the lower edge of the electrical contact element to form a second spring, the second spring being in electrical contact with the pressure measuring assembly.

[0017] Furthermore, the electrical contact portion is provided with a clearance break to allow space for the extension portions corresponding to other electrical contacts on the upper side.

[0018] Optionally, the end button is provided with an anti-reverse protrusion at the beginning of its thread.

[0019] Optionally, the pressure measurement assembly includes a pressure-sensitive element and a processing circuit connected to the pressure-sensitive element; the pressure-sensitive element is sealed in the pressure inlet channel, and the lower end of each of the electrical contacts is electrically connected to the processing circuit.

[0020] Optionally, sealant can be applied to the connection between the end button and the base.

[0021] Furthermore, the pressure measurement component includes a substrate, which is encapsulated at one end of the pressure introduction channel. A pressure-sensitive element and a processing circuit are disposed on the side of the substrate away from the pressure introduction channel. The processing circuit is electrically connected to the pressure-sensitive element and makes electrical contact with the lower end of the electrical contact portion.

[0022] Furthermore, a substrate sealing ring is provided between the base and the seat.

[0023] In summary, the present invention provides a pressure sensor that has at least the following advantages:

[0024] 1. The electrical contact element is attached to the inner cavity, thereby staggering the height of multiple electrical contact parts. This allows the inner cavity to only consider the accommodating area of ​​the pressure measuring element, without having to consider the accommodating area of ​​the electrical contact element, thus reducing the volume of the pressure sensor.

[0025] 2. The stacked structure of the electrical contacts serves as the first layer of electrical shielding for the pressure measuring element, enhancing the electrical shielding performance of the present invention. The electrical contacts are relatively wide metal elements, while the insulating layer is preferably a narrower material such as elastic plastic or sponge with insulating properties, preventing interference between the electrical contacts. This allows each electrical contact to form a spatially integrated metal shielding layer. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that these drawings are drawn only for the purpose of explaining the preferred embodiments and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, unless specifically indicated, the drawings are only schematic representations of the composition or structure of the described objects and may contain exaggerated depictions, and the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0027] Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a pressure sensor provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor from another direction, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram of the electrical contact element provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] 1. Base; 2. Pressure measuring assembly; 3. End button; 11. Inner cavity; 12. Pressure introduction channel; 13. Electrical contact element; 14. Pressure connector; 21. Pressure sensitive element; 22. Processing circuit; 23. Substrate; 24. Lead wire; 25. Frame; 26. Protective gel; 31. First terminal; 32. Second terminal; 33. Third terminal; 34. Thread; 35. Positioning step; 131. First electrical contact; 132. Second electrical contact; 133. Third electrical contact; 134. Insulating base; 135. Clearance break; 14a. Pressure sealing ring; 23a. Substrate sealing ring; 31a-33a. First spring; 34a. Internal thread; 34b. External thread; 35a. Connection; 131a-133a. Second spring; 134a. Insulation part. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 3 The present invention will be described in detail below.

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0033] It is worth noting that the use of ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present invention is for distinguishing multiple objects, and is not used to limit the order, sequence, priority, or importance of the multiple objects. For example, the first spring contacts 31a-33a and the second spring contacts 131a-133a are only for ease of description and do not indicate any difference in the order or importance of the first spring contacts 31a-33a and the second spring contacts 131a-133a. Furthermore, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, a contact connection, or an integral connection; and "connection" can also be a direct connection or an indirect connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] For explanation of the technical solutions provided by this invention, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 The figure shown is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a pressure sensor provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Specifically, the pressure sensor provided by this invention includes a base 1, a pressure measuring element, and a button 3. One end of the base 1 has an inner cavity 11 forming an upper opening (not marked) to accommodate the pressure measuring component 2. The other end of the base 1 has a pressure inlet channel 12, one end of which connects to the inner cavity 11 from the lower end of the base 1, and the other end of which is used to introduce the pressure medium to be measured. The pressure measuring component 2 is sealed to one end (i.e., the upper end in the figure) of the pressure inlet channel 12 to measure the pressure of the pressure medium introduced by the pressure inlet channel 12. The pressure inlet channel 12 may be formed inside a pressure connector 14, which may extend downwards from the lower end of the base 1.

[0036] The lower end of the end button 3 and the upper opening of the base 1 are provided with threads, allowing the end button 3 to be screwed onto the upper opening of the base 1 via a threaded connection. Compared to existing technologies, where end buttons are typically connected to the base by riveting or bonding, this connection method provides downward clamping force and avoids the drawback of riveting, which requires the base to have at least a thin-shell metal cylindrical body. Specifically, the lower end of the end button 3 is provided with an internal thread 34a, and correspondingly, the upper opening of the inner cavity 11 is provided with an external thread 34b.

[0037] The pressure sensor also includes an electrical contact element 13 disposed within the inner cavity 11. The electrical contact element 13 includes an annular insulating base 134 and three mutually isolated (insulated) electrical contact portions fixedly disposed on the inner or outer wall of the insulating base 134, including a first electrical contact portion 131, a second electrical contact portion 132, and a third electrical contact portion 133. Each electrical contact portion 131 to 133 is electrically connected to the pressure measuring assembly 2.

[0038] The end button 3 is fixed with multiple terminals, such as a first terminal 31, a second terminal 32, and a third terminal 33. The inner ends (i.e., the lower ends in the figure) of the terminals 31-33 extend into the inner cavity 11, and the inner ends of the terminals 31-33 can respectively form first spring contacts 31a-33a. When the end button 3 is screwed into its final state, each first spring contact 31a-33a makes electrical contact with the first electrical contact 131, the second electrical contact 132, and the third electrical contact 133 in a corresponding manner. In other embodiments, the number of terminals and electrical contacts can be set to four or other quantities according to the needs of signal processing. The final state (or the final angle / height position of the end button 3 relative to the base 1) can be defined by a positioning step 35 formed by the outward protrusion of the proximal end of the lower end of the end button 3 and the upper end of the base 1, or by the end point of the threaded engagement.

[0039] The lower ends of the electrical contacts 131 to 133 are electrically connected to the pressure measuring assembly 2.

[0040] The advantage of this invention is that it allows for convenient connection of the end button to the main housing via a threaded connection, while simultaneously enabling electrical connection to the pressure measuring assembly via an annular electrical contact element. The connection 35a between the end button 3 and the seat 1 can be provided with sealant, or an elastic sealing gasket can be provided between the positioning step 35 and the corresponding end face of the seat 1, thereby enhancing the sealing performance.

[0041] For example only, the pressure measuring assembly 2 may include a substrate 23. The substrate 23 is sealed to one end of the pressure inlet channel 12. For instance, the periphery of the pressure inlet channel 12 facing the pressure measuring assembly 2 can form a pressure seal with the substrate 23 via a substrate sealing ring 23a. The clamping force of the pressure seal can be provided by the threaded connection, i.e., the lower end of the end button 3 can press downward against the upper end of the insulating base 134, and the lower end of the insulating base 134 presses the substrate 23 against the substrate sealing ring 23a. In other embodiments, the lower end of the substrate 23 can also be directly glued and sealed to the periphery of the pressure inlet channel 12 facing the pressure measuring assembly 2.

[0042] A pressure-sensitive element 21 and a processing circuit 22 may be disposed on the upper side of the substrate 23. The pressure-sensitive element 21 can be electrically connected to the processing circuit 22 via a lead 24. The processing circuit 22 may include a plurality of electrical contact pads (not shown), and the lower ends of the aforementioned electrical contact portions 131 to 133 can correspondingly make electrical contact with the aforementioned electrical contact pads.

[0043] Preferably, the plurality of electrical contacts 131-133 extend in a strip-like shape along the circumferential direction of the inner or outer wall of the insulating base 134. Specifically, the plurality of electrical contacts 131-133 may extend into a complete ring on the inner or outer wall of the insulating base 134, or may be only a part of a ring, such as an arc. In this embodiment, preferably, the electrical contacts 131-133 may extend in a spiral shape on the inner or outer wall of the insulating base 134 (e.g., Figures 1-2 As shown, this allows the first spring pieces 31a to 33a to maintain electrical contact at more angular positions when the end button 3 is screwed into the upper opening of the seat body 1. For example, when the end button 3 is screwed into the upper opening of the seat body 1 three turns via a threaded connection, the electrical contact parts 131 to 133 extend spirally at the corresponding positions from the starting point at least three turns. This ensures that the first spring pieces 31 to 33 can form electrical contact with the corresponding electrical contact parts 131 to 133 throughout the entire screw-in state. It is easy to understand that the spirally extending electrical contact parts 131 to 133 should have the same direction of rotation as the internal thread 34a, and their helical inclination angle should be approximately equal to the thread inclination angle of the internal thread 34a.

[0044] As attached Figures 1-2As shown, electrical contacts 131-133 can extend side by side and may overlap in height. In other embodiments, electrical contacts 131-133 may be at completely different heights, that is, electrical contacts 131-133 do not overlap in height at all. In this case, it is only necessary to increase the lower end spacing of the first springs 31a-33a of terminals 31-33 accordingly.

[0045] Preferably, the pressure measuring component 2 is also disposed on the upper side of the substrate 23 and a frame 25 is provided inside which the pressure sensitive element 21 is enclosed. The frame 25 may be filled with a protective gel 26 covering the pressure sensitive element 21 and the lead wire 24.

[0046] An insulating portion 134a is provided between each electrical contact portion, and the ratio of the axial width of the insulating portion 134a to the axial width of the electrical contact portion can be set to 1:1.5 to 3. Each electrical contact portion is a conductor and is arranged around the pressure measuring component 2, thus also providing a certain degree of electromagnetic shielding protection for the pressure measuring component 2.

[0047] Optionally, each terminal 31 to 33 has a bent first spring piece 31a to 33a at its end (see [link]). Figure 2 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor provided in another embodiment of the present invention. The ends of the first spring pieces 31a to 33a are provided with widened contact blocks according to the first electrical contact 131, the second electrical contact 132, and the third electrical contact 133. After the end button 3 is fully screwed in, each contact block is respectively connected to the first electrical contact 131, the second electrical contact 132, and the third electrical contact 133.

[0048] Optionally, the end of the button 3 is provided with 2-3 turns of thread. Considering the contact reliability between the contact block and each annular contact part, the number of turns of the thread 34 of the button 3 should be designed to be small enough to avoid prolonged contact between each terminal and other parts of the inner wall during rotation, which would compromise the contact reliability of the terminals.

[0049] Preferably, the first electrical contact 131, the second electrical contact 132, and the third electrical contact 133 are electrically connected to the pressure measuring assembly 2 via second springs 131a to 133a. Since each electrical contact is positioned above the pressure measuring assembly 2 via a height space, in order to solve the problem of electrical contact between each electrical contact and the pressure measuring assembly 2, each electrical contact 131 to 133 extends approximately downward along the inner or outer wall surface of the insulating base 134 to form an extension (not marked). The lower end of the extension extends downward beyond the lower edge of the electrical contact element to form the aforementioned second spring 131a to 133a. Through the connection of the second springs 131a to 133a, each electrical contact 131 to 133 is connected to the pressure measuring assembly 2. For example, the lower third electrical contact 133 is provided with two clearance breaks 135 to make way for the extensions of the upper first electrical contact 131 and second electrical contact 132. The second electrical contact 132 is provided with one clearance break 135 to make way for the extension of the upper first electrical contact 131. These clearance breaks 135 are staggered from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0050] The present invention has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the invention. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the invention and its core ideas. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to the invention without departing from its principles, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pressure sensor, characterized in that, include: The seat (1) has an inner cavity (11) with an opening at the upper end and a pressure introduction channel (12) extending from the other end into the inner cavity (11). A pressure measuring component (2) is disposed in the inner cavity (11) and sealed to one end of the pressure introduction channel (12). The electrical contact element (13) disposed in the inner cavity (11) includes an annular insulating base (134) and a plurality of electrically isolated electrical contact portions (131-133) that are disposed on the inner or outer wall of the base in a strip-like manner in the circumferential direction. The lower end of each of the electrical contact portions (131-133) is electrically in contact with the pressure measuring assembly (2). A button (3) with an internal thread (34a) at the lower end and screwed downward into the upper opening of the inner cavity (11) in a threaded manner. Multiple terminals (31~33) are fixed on the end button (3), with one inner end of each terminal (31~33) extending into the inner cavity (11) and forming a first spring (31a~33a). At least in the final state during the screwing process, the first spring (31a~33a) makes electrical contact with each of the electrical contact portions in a one-to-one correspondence.

2. The pressure sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the electrical contacts (131-133) is electrically isolated by an insulating part (134a) disposed between them.

3. The pressure sensor as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The electrical contact portion (131~133) extends in the circumferential direction in an arc shape, a ring shape, or a spiral shape.

4. A pressure sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical contact portion (131~133) extends approximately downward along the inner or outer wall surface of the base to form an extension portion. The lower end of the extension portion extends downward past the lower edge of the electrical contact element (13) to form a second spring piece (131a~133a). The second spring piece (131a~133a) makes electrical contact with the pressure measuring assembly (2).

5. A pressure sensor as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The electrical contact portion (131~133) is provided with a clearance break (135) to make way for the extension portion corresponding to other electrical contact portions on the upper side.

6. A pressure sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The end button (3) has an anti-reverse protrusion at the beginning of its thread.

7. A pressure sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure measurement assembly (2) includes a pressure-sensitive element (21) and a processing circuit (22) connected to the pressure-sensitive element (21); the pressure-sensitive element (21) is blocked in the pressure introduction channel (12), and the lower end of each of the electrical contacts (131~133) is electrically connected to the processing circuit (22).

8. A pressure sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connection between the end button (3) and the seat (1) can be sealed with sealant.

9. A pressure sensor as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The pressure measuring assembly (2) includes a substrate (23), which is sealed to one end of the pressure inlet channel (12). A pressure-sensitive element (21) and a processing circuit (22) are provided on the side of the substrate (23) away from the pressure inlet channel (12). The processing circuit (22) is electrically connected to the pressure-sensitive element (21) and electrically contacts the lower end of the electrical contact portion (131~133).

10. A pressure sensor as described in claim 9, characterized in that, A substrate sealing ring (23a) is provided between the substrate (23) and the base (1).

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