Gauge pressure sensor

Abstract

A gauge pressure sensor comprises a housing with a mounting cavity formed inside, the housing comprises a lower housing and a cover body buckled on the lower housing, and the lower housing and the cover body are in sealed connection; the lower shell is provided with a medium guide hole for guiding a medium to be detected into the mounting cavity; a ventilation channel communicated with the environment is formed in the cover body, so that the mounting cavity is communicated with the environment; the pressure sensitive element is hermetically plugged in the medium guide hole so as to receive the pressure of the medium to be measured and generate a corresponding electric signal; the inner surface of the cover body integrally extends downwards to form the rib plate, and one end of the inner side of the ventilation channel is communicated to the mounting cavity from at least one mounting surface formed on the surface of the rib plate; the at least one first waterproof breathable film is correspondingly adhered to the mounting surface; the rib plate is arranged, and the first waterproof breathable film is also attached to the mounting surface of the rib plate, so that the structural strength of the cover body is enhanced, and a better waterproof effect is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of sensor technology, specifically a gauge pressure sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Existing gauge pressure sensors have a dust cover and a waterproof and breathable membrane fastened to the cover. When fastening the dust cover, there is a risk that the cover may crack under pressure; in addition, when the breathable membrane introduces ambient pressure and filters ambient moisture, some moisture may pass through the waterproof and breathable membrane in molecular form and then condense inside.

[0003] The information disclosed in the background section of this invention is only intended to enhance the understanding of the general background of this invention and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a gauge pressure sensor to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A gauge pressure sensor, comprising: The housing forms an internal mounting cavity. The housing includes a lower shell and a cover that is fastened to the lower shell. The lower shell and the cover are sealed together. The lower shell has a medium guide hole for introducing the medium to be tested into the mounting cavity. The cover has a ventilated channel that communicates with the environment to connect the mounting cavity with the environment. A pressure-sensitive element is sealed within the medium guide hole to receive the pressure of the medium to be measured and generate a corresponding electrical signal; A rib plate integrally extended downward from the inner surface of the cover, and one end of the ventilation channel communicates with the mounting cavity from at least one mounting surface formed on the surface of the rib plate. and at least one first waterproof and breathable membrane correspondingly adhered to the mounting surface.

[0006] Preferably, the inner surface of the cover extends horizontally.

[0007] Preferably, the mounting surface includes at least one side surface in the thickness direction of the stiffener.

[0008] Preferably, the mounting surface includes both sides of the stiffener in the thickness direction.

[0009] Preferably, the mounting surface includes two side surfaces in the thickness direction of the stiffener and a lower end surface that smoothly connects them.

[0010] Preferably, the length direction of the rib is along the length direction of the cover.

[0011] Preferably, the stiffener is provided with an opening groove extending through both sides of its thickness direction. The bottom surface of the opening groove is provided with a connecting port. One end of the ventilation channel is connected to the installation cavity via the connecting port, the opening groove and the first waterproof and breathable membrane in sequence.

[0012] Preferably, the device further includes an electronic module assembly, which includes a circuit board. The pressure-sensitive element is disposed on the circuit board and electrically connected to the circuit board via a lead wire. The circuit board has a through hole so that the pressure-sensitive element can receive the medium to be measured through the medium guide hole.

[0013] Preferably, the lower housing includes an end button, a partition is provided between the end button and the mounting cavity, a terminal is provided inside the end button, the terminal passes through the partition and extends into the mounting cavity, and is electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0014] Preferably, the lower end of the lower shell is integrally connected to a connector tube, and the connector tube is provided with a connector hole communicating with the medium guide hole, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the medium guide hole is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connector hole.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: while improving the structural strength of the cover, it can increase the air permeability area of ​​the first waterproof and breathable membrane, ensuring the accuracy of the reference pressure, thereby improving the measurement accuracy; furthermore, by setting a second waterproof and breathable membrane, the waterproof effect can be improved, and open water in the environment needs to go through a longer and more tortuous intrusion path to penetrate into the sensor. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the gauge pressure sensor structure in this embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in this embodiment where the first waterproof and breathable membrane is not attached to the stiffener plate; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in this embodiment where the first waterproof and breathable membrane is attached to the stiffener plate; In the diagram: 1. Housing; 11. Lower housing; 111. Medium guide hole; 112. End button; 1121. Partition; 1122. Terminal; 113. Connector tube; 1131. Connector hole; 12. Cover; 121. Ventilation channel; 122. Inner surface; 2. Mounting cavity; 3. Pressure sensitive element; 4. Rib; 41. Mounting surface; 41a. Lower end surface; 42. Opening groove; 421. Connecting port; 5. First waterproof and breathable membrane; 6. Electronic module assembly; 61. Circuit board; 611. Connecting hole; 62. Lead wire; 7. Second waterproof and breathable membrane; 8. Mounting base; 9. Dustproof gap; 10. Dustproof cover. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solution of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or equivalent elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0018] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "left," and "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 application is in use, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the equipment or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In addition, the prepositions "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used for the purpose of distinguishing the modified objects, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0019] 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 application based on the specific circumstances.

[0020] It should also be further understood that the term "and / or" as used in this application specification and the corresponding claims refers to any combination of one or more of the listed items and all possible combinations.

[0021] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a gauge pressure sensor, including a housing 1, a pressure-sensitive element 3, a reinforcing rib 4, and a first waterproof and breathable membrane 5.

[0022] The housing 1 forms a closed mounting cavity 2 inside. The housing 1 consists of a lower shell 11 and a cover 12 that covers the lower shell 11. The lower shell 11 and the cover 12 are sealed together by a sealing connection, which can be a sealing ring, sealant, or a sealing structure formed by ultrasonic welding, laser welding, etc., to ensure that the mounting cavity 2 is isolated from the external environment and communicates with the outside only through a specific channel. The bottom or side wall of the lower shell 11 is provided with a medium guide hole 111 for introducing the medium to be tested into the mounting cavity 2. The cover 12 has at least one venting channel 121 that penetrates the cover 12 and connects the mounting cavity 2 inside it with the external atmosphere to achieve pressure balance between the internal air pressure of the mounting cavity 2 and the ambient air pressure.

[0023] The pressure-sensitive element 3 is disposed within the mounting cavity 2 and is sealed within the medium guide hole 111. Exemplarily, the pressure-sensitive element 3 can be a MEMS pressure chip, a ceramic piezoresistive core, or a metal strain gauge sensor, etc. Its sensitive surface faces the medium guide hole 111 to sense the pressure of the medium to be measured introduced through the medium guide hole 111 and convert the pressure signal into a corresponding electrical signal.

[0024] The stiffening rib 4 extends integrally from the inner surface 122 of the cover 12 downwards (i.e., towards the interior of the mounting cavity 2). The stiffening rib 4 and the cover 12 can be integrally formed by injection molding, die casting, or machining. This integrated structure ensures extremely high connection strength and sealing between the stiffening rib 4 and the cover 12, eliminating additional assembly interfaces and leakage risks. The introduction of the stiffening rib 4 structurally acts as a reinforcing rib, significantly enhancing the local stiffness and resistance to deformation and impact of the cover 12, particularly in the area where the ventilation channel 121 is located.

[0025] One end of the venting channel 121 does not open directly onto the inner surface 122 of the cover 12, but rather connects to the mounting cavity 2 from at least one mounting surface 41 formed on the surface of the rib 4. At least one first waterproof and breathable membrane 5 is correspondingly adhered to the mounting surface 41, covering the inner opening of the venting channel 121. The first waterproof and breathable membrane 5 is a thin film material with a microporous structure, allowing gas molecules (including air) to pass freely to achieve pressure balance, while effectively blocking liquid water and most dust and particulate matter. Exemplarily, the first waterproof and breathable membrane 5 can be an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane, a polyethersulfone (PES) microporous membrane, etc., and is adhered and fixed to the mounting surface 41 by a temperature-resistant and aging-resistant pressure-sensitive adhesive or hot melt adhesive.

[0026] Furthermore, the inner surface 122 of the cover 12 can be configured as a horizontally extending plane. The bottom of the stiffening plate 4 can maintain a certain gap with other components in the mounting cavity 2 to avoid interference.

[0027] Regarding the specific form of the mounting surface 41, the present invention provides a variety of optional embodiments to adapt to different internal layouts and performance priorities: For example, the mounting surface 41 may include at least one side surface of the stiffener 4 in the thickness direction. For instance, it may be one side of the stiffener 4 facing the mounting cavity 2. The inner end of the venting channel 121 opens into this side surface, to which the first waterproof and breathable membrane 5 is adhered.

[0028] For example, the mounting surface 41 may also include the two side surfaces of the stiffener 4 in the thickness direction.

[0029] For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the mounting surface 41 may include the two side surfaces of the stiffener 4 in the thickness direction and the lower end surface 41a that smoothly connects them. This design forms a continuous, U-shaped mounting area. The first waterproof and breathable membrane 5 can be continuously adhered to cover this composite surface. This further increases the area and adhesion strength of the first waterproof and breathable membrane 5 and provides a more defined guiding channel for gas passing through the membrane (along the U-shaped space), which is beneficial for gas flow and uniform diffusion and mixing of moisture.

[0030] For example, the length direction of the stiffening rib 4 can be arranged along the length direction of the cover 12. This means that the stiffening rib 4 is elongated and can be arranged in the middle or near one side of the cover 12. The elongated stiffening rib 4 can provide a longer reinforcement effect, while also providing ample space for setting a longer first waterproof and breathable membrane 5 or arranging it on both sides.

[0031] In a more preferred embodiment, the stiffening plate 4 may be provided with an opening groove 42 extending through both sides along its thickness direction. The bottom surface of the opening groove 42 (i.e., the bottom of the groove) has a connecting opening 421. In this case, one end of the venting channel 121 first connects to the connecting opening 421, and then the gas enters the internal space of the opening groove 42 through the connecting opening 421, then passes through the first waterproof and breathable membrane 5 adhered to both sides of the stiffening plate 4 (covering the opening of the opening groove 42), and finally enters the mounting cavity 2. The opening groove 42 forms a gas collection cavity, making the airflow distribution more uniform, and allowing the moisture to have a longer residence and mixing time within the groove, resulting in a better anti-condensation effect.

[0032] In this embodiment, the upper part of the ventilation channel 121 can be a round hole to balance the atmospheric pressure inside and outside the mounting cavity 2, and the lower part of the ventilation channel 121 can be a flat hole to facilitate the connection between the inner end of the ventilation channel 121 and the connecting port 421.

[0033] A preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes an electronic module assembly 6. The electronic module assembly 6 includes a circuit board 61. The pressure-sensitive element 3 can be disposed on the circuit board 61 and electrically connected to the conductive lines on the circuit board 61 via leads 62 (such as gold wire bonding, solder wire, etc.). A through hole 611 is provided on the circuit board 61, the position of which is aligned with the medium guide hole 111 of the lower shell 11, so that the pressure of the medium to be measured can be transmitted to the sensitive surface of the pressure-sensitive element 3 without obstruction.

[0034] Furthermore, the lower housing 11 may include a terminal button 112. A partition 1121 separates the terminal button 112 from the main body of the mounting cavity 2 that houses the electronic module assembly 6. The terminal button 112 contains terminals 1122 (such as pins or terminals) for connecting to external cables. The terminals 1122 extend through the partition 1121 into the mounting cavity 2 and are electrically connected to the circuit board 61 by welding, crimping, or other methods, thereby achieving electrical connection between the internal circuitry of the sensor and external power and signal lines. The design of the terminal button 112 facilitates cable access and sealing.

[0035] Furthermore, the lower end of the lower shell 11 can be integrally connected to a connector tube 113. The connector tube 113 is used to connect to the pipeline for measuring the pressure. The connector tube 113 has a connector hole 1131, which communicates with the medium guide hole 111, together forming a pressure guiding path from the outside to the pressure sensitive element 3. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the medium guide hole 111 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connector hole 1131. This design allows eddies or pressure fluctuations that may be generated at the connector tube 113 due to fluid characteristics to be buffered and stabilized when entering the larger medium guide hole 111 space, which helps to reduce dynamic measurement errors and improve the stability and accuracy of pressure measurement. Exemplarily, the medium guide hole 111 can be a cylindrical chamber.

[0036] In this embodiment, a dust cover 10 and a second waterproof and breathable membrane 7 can also be fastened to the outside of the cover 12. Specifically, a second waterproof and breathable membrane 7 is also provided at the outer end of the waterproof and breathable channel 121. The dust cover 10 is provided over the second waterproof and breathable membrane 7. A dust gap 9 is left between the dust cover 10 and the outer wall of the cover 12 to allow environmental pressure to reach the second waterproof and breathable membrane 7. The edge at the top of the waterproof and breathable channel 121 can protrude to form a mounting seat 8 for installing the dust cover 10 and the second waterproof and breathable membrane 7. The waterproof and breathable channel 121 passes through the mounting seat 8 and connects to the upper surface of the mounting seat 8. The second waterproof and breathable membrane 7 can be directly pasted onto the upper surface of the mounting seat 8 to cover the top end of the waterproof and breathable channel 121. By setting the mounting seat 8, the channel length of the waterproof and breathable channel 121 is increased, which is conducive to the condensation of water molecules that have passed through the second waterproof and breathable membrane 7 in the waterproof and breathable channel 121. The first waterproof and breathable membrane 5 can intercept the water condensed in the waterproof and breathable channel 121, thereby improving the waterproof effect.

[0037] It should be noted that although the present invention has been disclosed above with specific embodiments, the above embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A gauge pressure sensor, characterized in that, include: The housing forms an internal mounting cavity. The housing includes a lower shell and a cover that is fastened to the lower shell. The lower shell and the cover are sealed together. The lower shell has a medium guide hole for introducing the medium to be tested into the mounting cavity. The cover has a ventilated channel that communicates with the environment to connect the mounting cavity with the environment. A pressure-sensitive element is sealed within the medium guide hole to receive the pressure of the medium to be measured and generate a corresponding electrical signal; A rib plate integrally extended downward from the inner surface of the cover, and one end of the ventilation channel communicates with the mounting cavity from at least one mounting surface formed on the surface of the rib plate. and at least one first waterproof and breathable membrane correspondingly adhered to the mounting surface.

2. A gauge pressure sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner surface of the cover extends horizontally.

3. A gauge pressure sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting surface includes at least one side surface of the stiffener in the thickness direction.

4. A gauge pressure sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting surface includes both sides of the stiffener in the thickness direction.

5. A gauge pressure sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting surface includes the two side surfaces of the stiffener in the thickness direction and the lower end surface that smoothly connects them.

6. A gauge pressure sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ribs are arranged along the length of the cover.

7. A gauge pressure sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The stiffener plate is provided with an opening groove that extends through both sides of its thickness direction. The bottom surface of the opening groove is provided with a connecting port. One end of the ventilation channel is connected to the installation cavity through the connecting port, the opening groove and the first waterproof and breathable membrane in sequence.

8. A gauge pressure sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an electronic module assembly, which includes a circuit board. The pressure-sensitive element is disposed on the circuit board and electrically connected to the circuit board via a lead wire. The circuit board has a through hole so that the pressure-sensitive element can receive the medium to be measured through the medium guide hole.

9. A gauge pressure sensor as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The lower housing includes an end button, a partition is provided between the end button and the mounting cavity, a terminal is provided inside the end button, the terminal passes through the partition and extends into the mounting cavity, and is electrically connected to the circuit board.

10. A gauge pressure sensor as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, A second waterproof and breathable membrane is also provided at the outer end of the waterproof and breathable channel. The second waterproof and breathable membrane is covered with a dust cover. A dust-proof gap is left between the dust cover and the outer wall of the cover body to allow environmental pressure to reach the second waterproof and breathable membrane.

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