Sensor and method for removing condensate water on surface of sensor

Abstract

The invention provides a sensor and a method for removing condensate water on the surface of the sensor, and relates to the technical field of sensors. The sensor applied to the internal environment detection of the pipeline comprises a shell assembly, the shell assembly is provided with a containing cavity, the shell assembly comprises a shell section arranged outside the pipeline and a detection section arranged in the pipeline, and the detection section is provided with an airflow channel used for communicating the containing cavity with the pipeline; the circuit board assembly is arranged in the containing cavity, a temperature and humidity sensing chip and a heating unit are arranged on the circuit board assembly, and the heating unit is used for heating condensate water on the temperature and humidity sensing chip. By applying the technical scheme provided by the invention, the problems of poor pollution resistance and condensation resistance of the sensor in the prior art are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of sensor technology, and in particular to a sensor and a method for removing condensed water from a sensor surface. Background Art

[0002] In the field of commercial vehicles, with increasingly stringent environmental regulations, natural gas commercial vehicles have become an ideal choice for urban public transportation, logistics and transportation due to their low emissions and low carbonization characteristics. At the same time, the price of natural gas is relatively stable and the cost is low, which effectively reduces operating costs and improves economic benefits, making it gradually occupy an important position in the commercial vehicle market. For natural gas commercial vehicles, the role of intake environment sensors is indispensable. It can accurately monitor the humidity, temperature and pressure levels in the intake air in real time and feed the data back to the engine control system. Based on this data, the control system can flexibly adjust the air-fuel ratio to optimize combustion efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions. At the same time, by monitoring humidity, the sensor can also effectively prevent condensed water caused by excessive humidity from entering the engine, avoiding corrosion or damage problems caused by it, and extending the service life of the engine. In addition, accurate humidity data is also significantly helpful in improving fuel economy and engine performance, ensuring that the vehicle can maintain a stable and reliable operating state even in complex and changing environments. Due to the complex operating environment of commercial vehicles, the sensing elements in the environmental sensor probes need to be exposed to the test environment for a long time, so they are very likely to be exposed to pollutants such as dust, oil, chemical gases, etc., which will deteriorate the measurement accuracy and stability of the sensors. Condensation water is easily generated under high humidity conditions. The adhesion of condensation water will also interfere with the sensor's humidity perception and even damage the components.

[0003] In the prior art, environmental sensors have poor resistance to pollution and condensation.

[0004] Currently, no effective solution has been proposed for the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the invention

[0005] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a sensor and a method for removing condensed water from the sensor surface, so as to solve the problem that the sensor in the prior art has poor anti-pollution and condensation resistance.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sensor for detecting the internal environment of a pipeline, comprising: a shell assembly, the shell assembly having a accommodating cavity, the shell assembly comprising an outer shell section arranged outside the pipeline, and a detection section arranged in the pipeline, the detection section being provided with an air flow channel for connecting the accommodating cavity and the pipeline; a circuit board assembly, the circuit board assembly being arranged in the accommodating cavity, the circuit board assembly being provided with a temperature and humidity sensor chip and a heating unit, the heating unit being used to heat condensed water on the temperature and humidity sensor chip.

[0007] Further, the circuit board assembly is connected to the inner wall of the housing assembly, and a filler is provided between the circuit board assembly and the housing assembly, and the filler is at least used to fix the circuit board assembly.

[0008] Further, the filler is encapsulating glue.

[0009] Further, the circuit board assembly is further provided with: a control unit, the control unit is connected to the temperature and humidity sensing chip, and the control unit is used to receive the ambient temperature and relative humidity obtained by the temperature and humidity sensing chip, and convert the ambient temperature and relative humidity into electrical signals; a communication unit, the communication unit is connected to the control unit, and the communication unit is used to send the electrical signals to the vehicle electronic control system, and the communication unit is used to exchange data with the vehicle electronic control system.

[0010] Further, the heating unit is arranged close to the temperature and humidity sensing chip, and / or the heating unit is integrally arranged on the temperature and humidity sensing chip, and the heating unit is electrically connected to the control unit and the temperature and humidity sensing chip.

[0011] Further, the circuit board assembly is further provided with: a power management unit, one end of the power management unit is connected to an external engine controller, and the engine controller is used to provide the low-voltage power required for the operation of the sensor, and the other end of the power management unit is connected to at least one of the control unit and the temperature and humidity sensing chip.

[0012] Further, a gasket is provided between the housing assembly and the pipeline, the gasket extends along the circumferential direction of the housing assembly, and the gasket is used to fix the housing assembly and seal the pipeline.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for removing condensed water on the surface of a sensor is provided. The method uses the above-mentioned sensor, and the method includes: obtaining real-time environmental status information, and the real-time environmental status information at least includes real-time relative humidity information; judging whether the real-time relative humidity information reaches a preset humidity value; in the case of determining that the real-time relative humidity information reaches the preset humidity value, obtaining the first duration of the real-time relative humidity information; judging whether the first duration reaches a first preset duration; in the case of determining that the first duration reaches the first preset duration, generating a heating start instruction, and the heating start instruction is used to control the heating unit to start to remove the condensed water on the temperature and humidity sensing chip.

[0014] Optionally, the method further includes: in the case of determining that the heating unit is started, judging whether the real-time relative humidity information is lower than the preset humidity value; in the case of determining that the real-time relative humidity information is lower than the preset humidity value, obtaining the second duration of the real-time relative humidity information; judging whether the second duration reaches a second preset duration; in the case of determining that the second duration reaches the second preset duration, generating a heating stop instruction, and the heating stop instruction is used to control the heating unit to turn off.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, which has a sensor. The environmental sensor is a sensor for the intake pipeline and is used for detecting the internal environment of the pipeline.

[0016] Applying the technical solution of the present invention, a heating unit is provided on the sensor. When the relative humidity in the environmental state is detected by the temperature and humidity sensing chip to reach the preset humidity value, it indicates that there may be water mist condensed on the temperature and humidity sensing chip. Then, the heating unit is controlled to be turned on, and the condensed water located on the temperature and humidity sensing chip can be evaporated, avoiding the obstruction of the condensed water to the temperature and humidity sensing chip from collecting the information of the pipeline environment. It can be used for detecting the relative humidity, temperature, etc. in harsh environments such as the intake and exhaust pipelines of natural gas commercial vehicles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings forming a part of this application are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The schematic embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present invention. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a sensor for detecting the internal environment of a pipeline according to the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a circuit board assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a control strategy of an embodiment of a method for removing condensed water on the surface of a sensor according to the present invention is shown.

[0021] Among them, the above-mentioned accompanying drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0022] 1. Housing assembly;

[0023] 10. Filler;

[0024] 11. Outer shell section;

[0025] 12. Detection section;

[0026] 2. Circuit board assembly;

[0027] 3. Sealing gasket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0028] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in this application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0029] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they specify the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0030] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the description and claims of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that these terms can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order different from those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units does not necessarily have to be limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0031] Now, exemplary embodiments according to the present application will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited only to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present application is thorough and complete, and the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those of ordinary skill in the art. In the drawings, for clarity, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same devices, and thus their description will be omitted.

[0032] Combined with Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, according to a specific embodiment of the present application, a sensor for detecting the internal environment of a pipeline is provided.

[0033] Specifically, the sensor for detecting the internal environment of a pipeline includes a housing assembly 1 and a circuit board assembly 2. The housing assembly 1 has a receiving cavity. The housing assembly 1 includes an outer shell section 11 disposed outside the pipeline and a detection section 12 disposed inside the pipeline. An air flow channel for communicating the receiving cavity with the pipeline is provided on the detection section 12. The circuit board assembly 2 is disposed in the receiving cavity. A temperature and humidity sensing chip and a heating unit are provided on the circuit board assembly 2. The heating unit is used to heat the condensed water on the temperature and humidity sensing chip.

[0034] Applying the technical solution of this embodiment, a heating unit is provided on the sensor. When the relative humidity in the environmental state is detected by the temperature and humidity sensing chip to reach the preset humidity value in real time, it indicates that there may be water mist condensed on the temperature and humidity sensing chip. Then, the heating unit is controlled to be turned on, and the condensed water located on the temperature and humidity sensing chip can be evaporated, avoiding the condensed water from hindering the temperature and humidity sensing chip from collecting information about the pipeline environment. It can be used for detecting relative humidity, temperature, etc. in harsh environments such as the inlet and outlet pipelines of natural gas commercial vehicles.

[0035] It should be noted that the sensor applied to the detection of the internal environment of the pipeline in this embodiment can be used to detect the temperature and relative humidity inside the pipeline in real time, and the pipeline can be the inlet and outlet pipelines of a natural gas commercial vehicle.

[0036] In an embodiment of the present application, a pressure sensing chip is further provided on the circuit board assembly 2. The pressure sensing chip can detect the pressure of the fluid in the pipeline in real time, and combined with the temperature and relative humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensing chip, comprehensively judge the environmental conditions of the pipeline.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a waterproof and breathable membrane is further provided on the surface of the temperature and humidity sensing chip. The waterproof and breathable membrane can improve the anti-pollution ability of the temperature and humidity sensor. The waterproof and breathable membrane is made of polytetrafluoroethylene material, which can withstand high temperature, low temperature and corrosion, and can effectively isolate pollutants such as dust, oil and chemical gases in the engine intake environment, ensuring that the temperature and humidity sensing chip still has high precision and stability in complex and harsh environments.

[0038] Specifically, as Figure 1 shown, the circuit board assembly 2 is connected to the inner wall of the housing assembly 1, and a filler 10 is provided between the circuit board assembly 2 and the housing assembly 1. The filler 10 is at least used to fix the circuit board assembly 2. The filler 10 is arranged between the circuit board assembly 2 and the housing assembly 1 to fill the space in the accommodation cavity, ensuring that the circuit board assembly 2 will not be displaced or damaged when the vehicle is running and subjected to vibration and impact.

[0039] It should be noted that the filler 10 has the characteristics of waterproof, dustproof, anti-corrosion, etc., to ensure that the circuit board assembly 2 is not affected by the internal environment of the pipeline. At the same time, the filler 10 also has the characteristic of good thermal conductivity, which can help the circuit board assembly 2 dissipate heat, and at the same time prevent excessive heat conduction to other sensitive components and affect their working performance.

[0040] In an embodiment of the present application, the filler 10 is encapsulating glue. By pouring the encapsulating glue into the accommodating cavity, the circuit board assembly 2 is firmly fixed in the housing assembly 1 by using the viscosity and stability of the encapsulating glue. At the same time, the encapsulating glue also has certain waterproof and dustproof properties, which can further protect the circuit board assembly from the influence of the external environment, so that the stability, waterproof and dustproof properties of the circuit board assembly 2 during vehicle operation are significantly improved.

[0041] Furthermore, as Figure 2 shown, a control unit and a communication unit are further provided on the circuit board assembly 2. The control unit is connected to the temperature and humidity sensing chip. The control unit is used to receive the ambient temperature and relative humidity obtained by the temperature and humidity sensing chip, and convert the ambient temperature and relative humidity into electrical signals. The communication unit is connected to the control unit. The communication unit is used to send the electrical signals to the vehicle electronic control system, and the communication unit is used to exchange data with the vehicle electronic control system. After receiving the ambient temperature and relative humidity data obtained by the temperature and humidity sensing chip, the control unit processes these data and converts them into electrical signals, and the electrical signals are then used to exchange data with various vehicle systems through the communication unit. Through the sensor, the environmental information can be fed back to the vehicle control system in real time and accurately, and the control system can optimize the combustion efficiency and reduce the exhaust emissions.

[0042] In this embodiment, the control unit uses an MCU (Microcontroller Unit) to be connected to the temperature and humidity sensing chip and the pressure sensing chip to collect parameters such as temperature, pressure, and relative humidity in the pipeline in real time. The communication unit uses the CAN (Controller Area Network) communication protocol, and uses a CAN transceiver to send the electrical signals processed by the control unit to the vehicle's CAN bus to ensure effective communication with the vehicle electronic control system and support the overall operation and control system optimization of the vehicle.

[0043] Furthermore, the heating unit is arranged close to the temperature and humidity sensing chip, and / or the heating unit is integrally arranged on the temperature and humidity sensing chip. The heating unit is electrically connected to the control unit and the temperature and humidity sensing chip. In this way, by arranging the heating unit close to or integrated on the temperature and humidity sensing chip, when the temperature and humidity sensing chip detects a high-humidity environment, the heating unit can quickly heat the surface of the temperature and humidity sensing chip to evaporate the attached condensed water, thereby avoiding the interference of the condensed water on the humidity measurement, improving the stability and measurement accuracy of the temperature and humidity sensing chip, enabling the temperature and humidity sensing chip to still maintain a good working state in a high-humidity environment, and avoiding measurement errors caused by condensed water.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present application, the heating unit is disposed close to the temperature and humidity sensing chip, that is, the heating unit is arranged near the surface of the temperature and humidity sensing chip, so that the heat generated by the heating unit can directly act on the surface of the sensing chip, quickly removing the condensed water formed due to high humidity, thereby avoiding the influence of moisture on the performance of the sensor. The heating unit is electrically connected to the control unit and the temperature and humidity sensing chip, enabling the control unit to determine when to start or stop the heating unit according to environmental conditions.

[0045] In another embodiment of the present application, the heating unit is directly embedded inside the temperature and humidity sensing chip or on its package. The integrated design can reduce the overall volume and weight of the sensor, improve the integration level, and at the same time ensure more precise heating effect. The integrated heating unit is also electrically connected to the control unit, and the control unit automatically controls the on and off of the heating unit according to preset humidity thresholds and time parameters.

[0046] Furthermore, as Figure 2 shown, the circuit board assembly 2 is also provided with a power management unit. One end of the power management unit is connected to an external engine controller, and the engine controller is used to provide the low-voltage power required for the operation of the environmental sensor. The other end of the power management unit is connected to at least one of the control unit and the temperature and humidity sensing chip. By means of the power management unit, stable power supply for the sensor is ensured, and the circuit is protected at the same time. In addition to voltage conversion and distribution, the power management unit may also integrate an overload protection circuit to prevent any component in the sensor system from being damaged due to excessive current, and avoid circuit damage caused by voltage fluctuations or excessive current, significantly improving the stability and reliability of the sensing chip during vehicle operation.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present application, the temperature and humidity sensing chip and the pressure sensing chip are powered by 5V provided by the vehicle's engine controller. The current first passes through an internal voltage protection circuit for transient suppression, reverse connection protection, and voltage stabilization protection to ensure the stable operation of the circuit board assembly 2 and other components inside.

[0048] Furthermore, as Figure 1As shown, a gasket 3 is provided between the housing assembly 1 and the pipeline. The gasket 3 extends circumferentially along the housing assembly 1. The gasket 3 is used to fix the housing assembly 1 and, moreover, the gasket 3 is used to seal the pipeline. The gasket 3 extends circumferentially along the housing assembly 1, surrounds the periphery of the housing assembly 1, and directly contacts the inner wall of the pipeline. This enables the gasket 3 to firmly fix the housing assembly 1 when the sensor is installed on the pipeline by means of squeezing deformation or the pressure of fasteners (such as screws and buckles). By setting up the connection in the above manner, it is not only simple and effective, but also can adapt to pipelines of different sizes and shapes, ensuring the stability of the detection section 12 of the housing assembly 1 in various pipeline environments. At the same time, the gasket 3 can also prevent the leakage of gases, corrosives, and other pollutants in the pipeline environment.

[0049] In an embodiment of the present application, the gasket 3 is made of a material with high elasticity and chemical resistance, such as silicone rubber, fluororubber, etc. These materials can maintain good elasticity and sealing performance when compressed, and are not prone to aging or failure even after long-term use or under extreme temperatures.

[0050] According to another specific embodiment of the present application, a method for removing condensed water from the surface of a sensor is also provided. The method is carried out using the environmental sensor in the above embodiment. The method includes:

[0051] Step S10: Obtain real-time environmental status information, and the real-time environmental status information includes at least real-time relative humidity information;

[0052] Specifically, the temperature and humidity sensing chip on the circuit board assembly obtains the relative humidity of the fluid in the pipeline by detecting the relative humidity of the air flow in the air flow channel in real time.

[0053] In step S10, in addition to the real-time relative humidity information, the real-time environmental status information may also include real-time temperature information, real-time pressure information, etc. After collecting the real-time relative humidity information through the temperature and humidity sensing chip, the information is transmitted to the control unit, and the control unit can analyze and process the information.

[0054] Step S11: Determine whether the real-time relative humidity information reaches a preset humidity value;

[0055] Specifically, the preset humidity value is a humidity threshold preset according to the properties of the fluid in the pipeline and the specific environmental characteristics in the pipeline. Considering the pipeline environment, when the relative humidity reaches this threshold, the water vapor in the pipeline will condense into condensed water.

[0056] In step S11, the control unit continuously reads the real-time relative humidity data from the temperature and humidity sensing chip, processes and analyzes the relative humidity data to analyze the relative humidity in the pipeline at this time, and compares this humidity value with the preset humidity value to determine whether the current pipeline environment exceeds the preset humidity value.

[0057] Step S12: When it is determined that the real-time relative humidity information reaches the preset humidity value, obtain the first duration of the real-time relative humidity information.

[0058] Specifically, once the control unit determines that the real-time relative humidity information is equal to or exceeds the preset humidity value, it will start recording the duration of this state, that is, the first duration. The first duration is a preset duration threshold.

[0059] It should be noted that the threshold of the first preset duration is set based on the design requirements of the sensor and the consideration of the operating environment of the vehicle intake pipe, aiming to prevent the protection mechanism from being wrongly activated due to short-term humidity fluctuations, and at the same time ensure that the sensor can take protection measures in a truly harsh high-humidity condition.

[0060] Step S13: Determine whether the first duration reaches the first preset duration.

[0061] Specifically, the control unit continuously compares the first duration with the first preset duration threshold. Once the first duration reaches or exceeds the first preset duration, the control unit will recognize that the environmental humidity where the sensor is located does indeed remain at a high level for a long time. At this time, the environmental conditions may erode the sensor element or affect the measurement accuracy.

[0062] Step S14: When it is determined that the first duration reaches the first preset duration, generate a heating start command, which is used to control the heating unit to start to remove the condensed water on the temperature and humidity sensing chip.

[0063] Specifically, if the duration during which the relative humidity continuously equals or is higher than the preset humidity value exceeds the set first preset duration, the control unit will generate a heating start command. After receiving the command, the heating unit will immediately activate the heating element inside it and start heating to evaporate and remove the condensed water on the temperature and humidity sensing chip through heat.

[0064] Through the above steps, real-time environmental status information is obtained, and the real-time environmental status information includes at least real-time relative humidity information; it is determined whether the real-time relative humidity information reaches a preset humidity value; in the case where it is determined that the real-time relative humidity information reaches the preset humidity value, the first duration of the real-time relative humidity information is obtained; it is determined whether the first duration reaches a first preset duration; in the case where it is determined that the first duration reaches the first preset duration, a heating start instruction is generated, and the heating start instruction is used to control the heating unit to start to remove the condensed water on the temperature and humidity sensing chip. By monitoring the environmental humidity in real time, when the humidity reaches the preset value, the heating function is automatically started to evaporate the condensed water on the chip surface, thereby avoiding errors in humidity measurement. It enables the sensor to maintain accurate humidity measurement in a high-humidity environment, avoids the erosion of the sensor by condensed water, and extends the service life of the sensor. At the same time, by automatically starting the heating function without manual intervention, automatic and intelligent protection against condensed water is achieved.

[0065] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0066] Step S15: In the case where it is determined that the heating unit is started, it is determined whether the real-time relative humidity information is lower than the preset humidity value;

[0067] Specifically, after the heating unit is started, the control unit continues to monitor the relative humidity information in the environment in real time through the temperature and humidity sensing chip, and the relative humidity information obtained by the control unit in real time will be compared with the preset humidity value.

[0068] In step S15, since the heating effect of the heating unit will evaporate the condensed water, during the evaporation process of the condensed water, the relative humidity on the temperature and humidity sensing chip will show a downward trend. If the real-time relative humidity information is lower than the preset humidity value, it indicates that the dehumidification work of the heating unit has returned the relative humidity of the temperature and humidity sensing chip to the normal level.

[0069] Step S16: In the case where it is determined that the real-time relative humidity information is lower than the preset humidity value, the second duration of the real-time relative humidity information is obtained;

[0070] Specifically, once the real-time relative humidity information is lower than the preset humidity value, the control unit will start to record the second duration of this state.

[0071] Step S17: Determine whether the second duration reaches a second preset duration;

[0072] Specifically, the control unit sets a threshold for the second duration. Only when the real-time relative humidity information continuously remains lower than the preset humidity value and reaches or exceeds this threshold, will the control unit consider that the humidity has stably returned to the normal level.

[0073] Step S18: When it is determined that the second duration reaches the second preset duration, generate a heating stop instruction for controlling the heating unit to turn off.

[0074] Specifically, when the second duration reaches the preset threshold and the real-time relative humidity information continuously remains lower than the preset humidity value, the control unit will generate a heating-off instruction and send it to the heating unit through its output port to instruct the heating unit to stop heating, thus avoiding unnecessary energy consumption and overheating damage to components.

[0075] Through steps S15 - S18, by continuously determining whether the real-time relative humidity information is lower than the preset humidity value, the intelligent sensor can intelligently control the start and stop of its heating unit, effectively cope with high-humidity environments, while ensuring the rational utilization of resources and avoiding excessive consumption.

[0076] According to another specific embodiment of the present application, a vehicle is further provided. The vehicle is equipped with a sensor, which is the sensor for detecting the internal environment of the pipeline applied to the intake pipeline in the above embodiment. Preferably, the vehicle is a natural gas commercial vehicle. By using the sensor for detecting the internal environment of the pipeline to detect the environment of the intake pipeline of the natural gas commercial vehicle in real time, the influence of the harsh environment of the intake pipeline on the sensor for detecting the internal environment of the pipeline can be avoided, enabling the vehicle to optimize the combustion efficiency, reduce exhaust emissions, and improve the overall performance and economic benefits of the vehicle.

[0077] The present application also provides a preferred embodiment of the sensor for detecting the internal environment of the pipeline, which can be well applicable to the measurement environment of the intake pipeline of natural gas commercial vehicles.

[0078] Specifically, the sensor includes a housing assembly 1, a printed circuit board assembly 2 (PCBA), encapsulating glue, and a gasket 3. The housing assembly 1 is made of PBT + GF30 material, which has excellent mechanical strength, heat resistance, and dimensional stability. It can effectively protect the internal components from the external environment and can also effectively reduce the overall weight of the sensor, meeting the requirements of vehicle lightweight design; the PCBA, as the core electronic component, is responsible for realizing important functions such as temperature, relative humidity, pressure detection, absolute humidity calculation, and CAN communication; the encapsulating glue is used to fix and protect the electronic components on the PCBA, effectively preventing external factors such as dust and moisture from eroding the internal electronic components and preventing loosening or damage caused by vehicle vibration or impact; the gasket 3 is made of fluororubber material and has excellent high-temperature resistance, oil resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance, ensuring the sealing performance and reliability of the sensor in harsh environments.

[0079] The circuit board assembly 2 includes a control unit (MCU), a temperature and humidity sensing chip, a pressure sensing chip, a CAN transceiver, and a voltage protection circuit. The sensor is powered by 5V provided by the vehicle's engine controller. First, it passes through the internal voltage protection circuit for transient suppression, reverse connection protection, and voltage stabilization protection to ensure the stable operation of other internal components. The temperature and humidity sensing chip and the pressure sensing chip are used to monitor the environmental conditions in real time, and convert information such as environmental temperature, relative humidity, and pressure into electrical signals and send them to the MCU. The MCU, as the core processor, is responsible for receiving and processing the data information sent by the sensing unit, calculating the ambient absolute humidity value, and transmitting the environmental information required by the whole vehicle to the vehicle CAN bus through the CAN transceiver to achieve communication and data exchange with other vehicle electronic control systems.

[0080] The surface of the temperature and humidity sensing chip is covered with a waterproof and breathable membrane, which completely covers the opening detection part of the chip. The material is polytetrafluoroethylene film, which has good characteristics such as high temperature resistance, low temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, weather resistance, and non-adhesion. It can effectively isolate pollutants such as dust, oil, and chemical gases in the engine intake environment, ensuring that the humidity-sensitive element still has high precision and stability in a complex environment.

[0081] In the sensor control system, a dew point control protection strategy is added, such as Figure 3 As shown, when it is detected that the ambient relative humidity continuously exceeds the preset humidity value for more than 50 ms, the MCU controls the temperature and humidity sensing chip to turn on the self-heating function to eliminate the condensed water attached to the chip surface. When it is detected that the ambient relative humidity continuously is lower than the preset humidity value for more than 2 s, the MCU controls the temperature and humidity sensing chip to turn off the self-heating function. This function can effectively avoid the interference and erosion caused by the attachment of condensed water in the environment to the humidity perception of the sensor.

[0082] From the above description, it can be seen that this embodiment has the following beneficial effects:

[0083] 1) A dew point control protection strategy is added to the sensor control unit. When the MCU recognizes that the environment to be measured by the sensor is in a high humidity state, it controls the temperature and humidity sensing chip to turn on the self-heating function to remove the condensed water on the chip surface, thereby avoiding the interference caused by the attachment of condensed water to the humidity perception of the sensor and component erosion.

[0084] 2) The temperature and humidity sensing chip with a waterproof and breathable membrane made of polytetrafluoroethylene film is adopted, which has good characteristics such as high temperature resistance, low temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, weather resistance, and non-adhesion. It can effectively isolate pollutants such as dust, oil, and chemical gases in the environment to be measured. Even if the sensor probe is exposed to the engine intake environment for a long time, the humidity-sensitive element can still maintain high precision and high stability.

[0085] For ease of description, spatial relative terms, such as "above", "over", "on the upper surface", "upper", etc., may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of one device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "over" other devices or structures will then be positioned "below" or "beneath" the other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both the orientations of "above" and "below". The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the corresponding interpretations of the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be made accordingly.

[0086] In addition to the above, it should also be noted that the "one embodiment", "another embodiment", "embodiment", etc. mentioned in this specification refer to the specific features, structures or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment being included in at least one embodiment generally described in this application. The same expression appearing in multiple places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when describing a specific feature, structure or characteristic in connection with any one embodiment, it is intended that the implementation of such feature, structure or characteristic in combination with other embodiments also falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0087] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of the respective embodiments have their own emphases. For parts not detailed in a certain embodiment, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0088] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various modifications and changes. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sensor applied to the detection of the internal environment of a pipeline, characterized in that, Comprising: A housing assembly (1), the housing assembly (1) having a receiving cavity, the housing assembly (1) including an outer housing section (11) disposed outside the pipeline, and a detection section (12) disposed inside the pipeline, an air flow channel for communicating the receiving cavity with the pipeline being provided on the detection section (12); A circuit board assembly (2), the circuit board assembly (2) being disposed inside the receiving cavity, a temperature and humidity sensing chip and a heating unit being provided on the circuit board assembly (2), the heating unit being used to heat the condensed water on the temperature and humidity sensing chip.

2. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein The circuit board assembly (2) is connected to the inner wall of the housing assembly (1), and a filler (10) is provided between the circuit board assembly (2) and the housing assembly (1), the filler (10) being at least used to fix the circuit board assembly (2).

3. The sensor according to claim 2, wherein, The filler (10) is an encapsulating adhesive.

4. The sensor according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that The following are further provided on the circuit board assembly (2): A control unit, the control unit being connected to the temperature and humidity sensing chip, the control unit being used to receive the ambient temperature and relative humidity obtained by the temperature and humidity sensing chip, and convert the ambient temperature and the relative humidity into electrical signals; A communication unit, the communication unit being connected to the control unit, the communication unit being used to send the electrical signals to a vehicle electronic control system, and the communication unit being used to perform data exchange with the vehicle electronic control system.

5. The sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heating unit is disposed close to the temperature and humidity sensing chip, and / or the heating unit is integrally disposed on the temperature and humidity sensing chip, the heating unit being electrically connected to the control unit and the temperature and humidity sensing chip.

6. The sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The following are further provided on the circuit board assembly (2): A power management unit, one end of the power management unit being connected to an external engine controller, the engine controller being used to provide the low-voltage power required for the operation of the sensor, the other end of the power management unit being connected to at least one of the control unit and the temperature and humidity sensing chip.

7. The sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that, A gasket (3) is provided between the housing assembly (1) and the pipeline, the gasket (3) extending circumferentially along the housing assembly (1), the gasket (3) being used to fix the housing assembly (1), and the gasket (3) being used to seal the pipeline.

8. A method for removing condensed water from the surface of a sensor, characterized in that, The method is carried out using the sensor according to any one of the above claims 1-7, and the method includes: Obtaining real-time ambient state information, the real-time ambient state information at least including real-time relative humidity information; Judging whether the real-time relative humidity information reaches a preset humidity value; In the case where it is determined that the real-time relative humidity information reaches the preset humidity value, obtaining a first duration of the real-time relative humidity information; Judging whether the first duration reaches a first preset duration; In the case where it is determined that the first duration reaches the first preset duration, generating a heating start instruction, the heating start instruction being used to control the heating unit to start to remove the condensed water on the temperature and humidity sensing chip.

9. The method for removing condensed water from the sensor surface according to claim 8, wherein The method further includes: When it is determined that the heating unit is turned on, determine whether the real-time relative humidity information is lower than the preset humidity value; When it is determined that the real-time relative humidity information is lower than the preset humidity value, obtain the second continuous duration of the real-time relative humidity information; Determine whether the second continuous duration reaches a second preset duration; When it is determined that the second continuous duration reaches the second preset duration, generate a heating stop instruction for controlling the heating unit to turn off.

10. A vehicle, the vehicle having a sensor, characterized in that, The sensor is the sensor applied to the detection of the internal environment of the pipeline as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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