Tire pressure sensor, tire assembly, and vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a tire pressure sensor, a tire assembly and a vehicle. The tire pressure sensor comprises a housing and a circuit board, the housing has a receiving cavity, the circuit board is arranged in the receiving cavity; an antenna is arranged on the housing, at least part of the antenna is distributed along the shape of the housing, the antenna is electrically connected with the circuit board, and the antenna is used for transmitting data collected by the tire pressure sensor. The tire pressure sensor provided by the application sets the antenna on the housing, and at least part of the antenna is distributed along the shape of the housing, so that the shape of the antenna is effectively matched with the contour of the housing, the occupancy rate of the internal space of the receiving cavity by the antenna is reduced, and the space utilization and the structural compactness of the tire pressure sensor are improved. Meanwhile, the antenna distributed on the housing is electrically connected with the circuit board in the receiving cavity, so that the data collected by the tire pressure sensor can be stably transmitted, and the high integration and the high-quality data transmission function are considered.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is an important vehicle system that ensures driving safety. Tire pressure sensors are usually installed in the closed cavity formed by the tire and rim of the vehicle. They are used to collect the pressure inside the tire in real time and transmit the collected data to the vehicle's receiving terminal via an antenna so that the driver can keep track of the tire's condition.

[0003] However, in limited space and complex electromagnetic environments, tire pressure sensors struggle to balance a compact structure with high-quality wireless communication performance, often creating a trade-off between space utilization of the sensor housing and signal transmission stability. Therefore, optimizing the overall structure and antenna layout of the tire pressure sensor to achieve higher spatial integration while improving wireless communication quality is a pressing technical challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a tire pressure sensor, a tire assembly, and a vehicle, wherein the tire pressure sensor achieves a balance between high integration and high-quality data transmission.

[0005] In a first aspect, a tire pressure sensor is provided, comprising: a housing and a circuit board, the housing having a receiving cavity and the circuit board disposed within the receiving cavity; an antenna disposed on the housing, at least a portion of which is distributed according to the shape of the housing, the antenna being electrically connected to the circuit board, and the antenna being used to transmit data collected by the tire pressure sensor.

[0006] The tire pressure sensor provided in this application mounts an antenna on the housing, with at least a portion of the antenna distributed along the shape of the housing. This effectively matches the antenna's shape to the housing's contour, reducing the antenna's occupancy of the internal space of the housing and improving the space utilization and structural compactness of the tire pressure sensor. Simultaneously, the antenna, distributed within the housing, is electrically connected to the circuit board inside the housing, enabling stable transmission of data collected by the tire pressure sensor, achieving a balance between high integration and high-quality data transmission.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, at least a portion of the antenna is distributed along the contour of the inner or outer surface of the housing. Accordingly, at least a portion of the antenna can be tightly fitted to the inner or outer surface of the housing, such that at least a portion of the antenna is distributed along the shape of the housing.

[0008] In one implementation, at least a portion of the antenna is formed on the inner or outer surface of the housing by electroplating, spraying, or laser direct forming. Accordingly, at least a portion of the antenna can achieve a high-strength, tight connection with the inner or outer surface of the housing, thereby effectively preventing the risk of peeling or detachment due to harsh environments such as vibration or rapid temperature changes during vehicle operation, and helping to improve the structural reliability and service life of the antenna.

[0009] In one implementation, at least a portion of the antenna is attached to the inner or outer surface of the housing via a connecting layer. This simplifies the fabrication process of at least a portion of the antenna. Consequently, the antenna can be attached and fixed to the housing surface (inner or outer surface) via the connecting layer without relying on additional processing equipment. This simplifies the assembly and fabrication process of the antenna and housing, reducing the production and manufacturing costs of the tire pressure sensor.

[0010] In one implementation, the dielectric constant of the connecting layer is in the range of 1.4 to 5. This reduces the disturbance of the electromagnetic field distribution around the antenna and the absorption of electromagnetic energy by the connecting layer, thereby ensuring the efficiency and stability of the antenna signal transmission.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, at least a portion of the antenna is embedded inside the housing. Consequently, the probability of the antenna being scratched by other components inside or outside the housing can be reduced, thereby decreasing the antenna wear rate and contributing to improved structural reliability and service life of the antenna.

[0012] In one implementation, at least a portion of the antenna is encapsulated within the housing via in-mold injection molding. Consequently, the housing can prevent external moisture, water vapor, and corrosive media from eroding the antenna, thereby further improving the antenna's service life.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the antenna includes a radiator that is distributed according to the shape of the first wall of the housing, the first wall being disposed opposite to the circuit board.

[0014] The first wall is positioned opposite the circuit board, meaning it is one of the larger walls on the housing. Placing the radiator on the first wall increases the antenna's radiating area, thereby improving its performance parameters such as radiation efficiency, transmit gain, and signal coverage.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the radiator includes multiple branches spaced apart.

[0016] By designing the radiator as a stub structure with multiple spaced branches, each branch can provide different effective electrical lengths and resonant paths, thereby enabling the antenna to generate multiple resonant points, achieving multi-band communication (such as accommodating different operating frequency bands) or widening the antenna's operating bandwidth.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the radiator also includes a main body extending along a first direction, and multiple branches extending from the main body along a second direction, the second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0018] The main body serves as the dominant current transmission path, while multiple branches can expand the current flow distribution in different spatial directions. This improves the antenna's radiation directivity and polarization characteristics in space, and increases its effective electrical length. Consequently, it enhances the antenna's radiation efficiency and communication quality.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, at least one of the multiple branches has a width of less than 0.5 mm. This allows for the arrangement of a greater number or higher density of branches within a limited area. Consequently, this helps to introduce more resonant points into the antenna, thereby balancing antenna radiation performance with the miniaturization of the tire pressure sensor design.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the antenna further includes a feed arm, one end of which is connected to a radiator and the other end of which is connected to a circuit board. At least a portion of the feed arm is distributed according to the shape of the second wall of the housing, which is disposed adjacent to the first wall.

[0021] On the one hand, at least a portion of the feed arm is distributed according to the shape of the second wall of the housing, so that the shape of the antenna feed arm fits the contour of the housing effectively, reducing the occupancy rate of the antenna on the internal space of the housing cavity, and further improving the space utilization and structural compactness of the tire pressure sensor.

[0022] On the other hand, by placing at least a portion of the feed arm and the radiator on two adjacent walls of the housing, the space between the first wall, the second wall, and the junction of the first and second walls can be fully utilized. Furthermore, designing the feed arm and radiator across the walls in a spatial dimension enables effective spatial decoupling between the feed transmission path and the main radiation region. This reduces near-field interference and electromagnetic coupling of the feed circuit to the radiation field, decreases energy loss of the radio frequency signal during transmission, and thus improves the stability and radiation efficiency of the antenna transmission signal.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the other end of the feed arm protrudes from the second wall and extends into the interior of the receiving cavity to connect the circuit board.

[0024] During the assembly of the tire pressure sensor, the other end of the feed arm protruding from the second wall can be directly welded or pressed to the circuit board, eliminating the need for additional cross-wall connectors, reducing the process difficulty of connecting and assembling the feed arm and the circuit board, and improving the assembly efficiency of the tire pressure sensor.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the antenna further includes a grounding arm, one end of which is connected to the radiator and the other end of which is connected to the circuit board. At least a portion of the grounding arm is distributed according to the shape of the second or third wall of the housing, with the third wall being disposed adjacent to the first wall.

[0026] At least a portion of the grounding arm is distributed along the shape of the second or third wall of the housing, so that the shape of the antenna's grounding arm effectively matches the contour of the housing, reducing the antenna's occupancy rate of the internal space of the housing cavity, and further improving the space utilization and structural compactness of the tire pressure sensor.

[0027] In addition, on the one hand, placing at least a portion of the grounding arm and the radiator on two adjacent walls of the housing allows for full utilization of the space between the first, second (or third) walls and the connection point between them. Furthermore, designing the grounding arm and radiator across the walls in a spatial dimension creates effective spatial decoupling between the grounding loop and the main radiating area, reducing near-field interference and electromagnetic coupling of the grounding path to the radiated field, and minimizing non-radiative losses of near-field reactive electromagnetic energy. On the other hand, placing at least a portion of the grounding arm and the feed arm on two different walls of the housing (e.g., the grounding arm on the third wall and the feed arm on the second wall) increases the physical distance and spatial isolation between the feed arm and the grounding arm, reducing near-field interference and electromagnetic coupling between the feed path and the grounding path, avoiding power dissipation and phase interference of the RF signal between the feed arm and the grounding arm, and improving the independence and tuning accuracy of the antenna impedance matching. This, in turn, improves the stability and radiation efficiency of the antenna transmission signal.

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the other end of the grounding arm protrudes from the second or third wall and extends into the interior of the receiving cavity to connect the circuit board.

[0029] During the assembly of the tire pressure sensor, the other end of the grounding arm protruding from the second or third wall can be directly welded or crimped to the circuit board, eliminating the need for additional cross-wall connectors, reducing the process difficulty of connecting and assembling the grounding arm and the circuit board, and improving the assembly efficiency of the tire pressure sensor.

[0030] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the fourth wall of the housing is used to connect the valve stem, and the antenna is disposed on the other walls of the housing besides the fourth wall.

[0031] Since valves typically contain metal, placing the antenna on a wall other than the fourth wall of the housing (such as the first, second, or third wall) increases the physical distance and spatial isolation between the antenna and the valve, reduces the electromagnetic interference of the valve on the antenna's radiation field and transmitted signals, and thus improves the antenna's performance parameters, such as radiation efficiency, transmit gain, and communication quality.

[0032] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the antenna operates in a frequency band covering 2.3 GHz to 2.5 GHz.

[0033] In a second aspect, a tire assembly is provided, including a tire, a rim, and a tire pressure sensor as described in the first aspect and any implementation thereof, wherein the tire is fitted onto the rim and surrounds the rim to form an inner cavity, and the tire pressure sensor is disposed in the inner cavity.

[0034] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the antenna is positioned facing the tire crown.

[0035] Thirdly, a vehicle is provided that includes tires, the tires being equipped with tire pressure sensors as described in the first aspect and any implementation thereof. Alternatively, the vehicle includes a tire assembly as described in the second aspect and any implementation thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a wheel provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a tire pressure sensor provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the tire pressure sensor.

[0040] Figure 5 for Figure 3 The diagram shown illustrates a tire pressure sensor along the AA direction.

[0041] Figure 6 for Figure 3 Another schematic diagram of the tire pressure sensor along the AA direction is shown.

[0042] Figure 7 for Figure 3 Another schematic diagram of the tire pressure sensor along the AA direction is shown.

[0043] Figure 8 and Figure 9These are another schematic diagrams of the tire pressure sensor provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0044] Figure 10 and Figure 11 These are another schematic diagrams of the tire pressure sensor provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0045] Figure 12 This is another schematic diagram of the tire pressure sensor provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 13 for Figure 9 or Figure 11 The simulated S11 curve of the antenna in the tire pressure sensor is shown.

[0047] Figure 14 for Figure 8 or Figure 10 The simulated S11 curve of the antenna in the tire pressure sensor is shown.

[0048] Figure 15 for Figure 9 or Figure 11 The image shows one antenna pattern of the antenna in the tire pressure sensor.

[0049] Figure 16 for Figure 8 or Figure 10 The image shows one antenna pattern of the antenna in the tire pressure sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or", for example, A / B can mean A or B. "At least one" refers to one or more. For example, "at least one of A and B" describes the association relationship of related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, at least one of A and B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone.

[0052] In this application, prefixes such as "first", "second", etc. are used only to distinguish different descriptive objects and do not limit the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the described objects.

[0053] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", "down", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0054] The term "parallel" in this application does not refer to parallelism in the strict sense, but rather to it being within the allowable tolerance range. Similarly, "perpendicular" does not refer to perpendicularity in the strict sense, but rather to it being within the allowable tolerance range.

[0055] In this embodiment, the same reference numeral denotes the same component or part. In this embodiment, for multiple identical parts, the reference numeral may only be used to label one of the parts as an example. The reference numerals also apply to other identical parts or components. Furthermore, the dimensions and sizes of the parts shown in the drawings are merely exemplary.

[0056] This application provides a driving device. Exemplarily, the driving device may include road vehicles, water vehicles, air vehicles, industrial equipment, agricultural equipment, or entertainment equipment, etc. For example, the driving device can be a vehicle, which is a vehicle in a broad sense, including transportation vehicles (such as commercial vehicles, passenger cars, trucks, trains, etc.), industrial vehicles (such as forklifts, trailers, tractors, etc.), engineering vehicles (such as excavators, bulldozers, cranes, etc.), agricultural equipment (such as lawnmowers, large harvesters, etc.). This application does not specifically limit the type of vehicle.

[0057] In one example, the driving device includes a tire with a tire pressure sensor mounted on it. In another example, the driving device includes a tire assembly. The tire assembly includes a tire, a rim, and a tire pressure sensor, with the tire fitted onto the rim and enclosing the rim to form an inner cavity, and the tire pressure sensor disposed within the inner cavity.

[0058] The tire pressure sensor collects air pressure or temperature data inside the tire and transmits it wirelessly to a receiving terminal. When the collected data is temperature, the receiving terminal can calculate the air pressure data. Therefore, users can view the air pressure data on the receiving terminal and evaluate the driving safety performance of the driving equipment based on the air pressure data.

[0059] The following is combined Figure 1 Taking a vehicle as an example, the structure of the vehicle is described. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 1 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 1 includes four wheels 10 ( Figure 1Two are shown in the image). Based on the position of the wheel 10, the wheel 10 of vehicle 1 can be divided into the left front wheel 10a (…). Figure 1 (not shown in the image), right front wheel 10b, left rear wheel 10c ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image), and right rear wheel 10d. Left front wheel 10a and left rear wheel 10c are on the same side, located on the left side of vehicle 1. Right front wheel 10b and right rear wheel 10d are on the same side, located on the right side of vehicle 1.

[0060] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a wheel 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the wheel 10 includes a tire 110 and a hub 120. The hub 120 includes a rim 121, spokes 122, and a center wheel 123. The spokes 122 connect the rim 121 and the center wheel 123. The center wheel 123 receives driving force and transmits the driving force to the rim 121 through the spokes 122. The tire 110 is fitted onto the outside of the rim 121, and the driving force transmitted to the rim 121 can drive the tire 110 to rotate.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the wheel 10 also includes a tire pressure sensor 200. The tire 110 and the rim 121 enclose an inner cavity 130, and the tire pressure sensor 200 is disposed in the inner cavity 130.

[0062] In some embodiments, wheel 10 may also be referred to as tire assembly.

[0063] The following is combined Figures 3 to 11 The structure of the tire pressure sensor 200 provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0064] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a tire pressure sensor 200 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shows an exploded view of the tire pressure sensor 200. (Combined with...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The tire pressure sensor 200 includes a housing 210 having a receiving cavity Q. Exemplarily, the receiving cavity Q of the housing 210 can be formed by six walls. For example, the housing 210 may include a top wall W1, a bottom wall W2, and four peripheral walls W3-W6 (front wall W3, rear wall W4, left wall W5, and right wall W6), which are connected in a circle, with the top wall W1 and bottom wall W2 connected to the sides of each peripheral wall W3-W6, respectively. The top wall W1 and bottom wall W2 are distributed relative to each other along the z-direction, the front wall W3 and rear wall W4 are distributed relative to each other along the y-direction, and the left wall W5 and right wall W6 are distributed relative to each other along the x-direction. The six walls W1-W6 mutually enclose each other to form the receiving cavity Q of the housing 210.

[0065] The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific structure of the top wall W1, the bottom wall W2, and the four peripheral walls W3~W6. They can be straight walls, curved walls, or a combination of straight and curved walls.

[0066] For illustrative purposes, Figures 3 to 11 In the diagram, the x-direction can be the length direction of the tire pressure sensor 200, the left-right direction of the tire pressure sensor 200, or the length direction of the circuit board 220. The y-direction can be the width direction of the tire pressure sensor 200, the front-back direction of the tire pressure sensor 200, or the width direction of the circuit board 220. The z-direction can be the thickness direction (or height direction) of the tire pressure sensor 200, the vertical direction of the tire pressure sensor 200, or the thickness direction (or height direction) of the circuit board 220.

[0067] It should be noted that the definitions of x, y, and z directions are merely for the convenience of describing the positional relationships between the components in the embodiments of this application, and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application.

[0068] Exemplarily, the receiving cavity Q of the housing 210 can be formed by the mating of two components. For example, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the housing 210 includes a cover 211 and a base plate 212. The cover 211 includes an inner cavity and an opening, and the inner cavity of the cover 211 communicates with the outside of the cover 211 through the opening. Figure 5 As shown, the base plate 212 surrounds the opening of the cover 211 to form the receiving cavity Q of the shell 210. In this example, the walls of the cover 211 include a top wall W1, a front wall W3, a rear wall W4, a left wall W5, and a right wall W6, and the wall of the base plate 212 includes a bottom wall W2. Alternatively, the shell 210 may also include an upper cover and a lower cover, with their openings abutting each other, allowing their inner cavities to communicate and form the receiving cavity Q of the shell 210. In this example, the walls of the upper cover include the top wall W1, a portion of the front wall W3, a portion of the rear wall W4, a portion of the left wall W5, and a portion of the right wall W6. The walls of the lower cover include the bottom wall W2, the remaining portion of the front wall W3, the remaining portion of the rear wall W4, the remaining portion of the left wall W5, and the remaining portion of the right wall W6.

[0069] The receiving cavity Q is used to house the components of the tire pressure sensor 200. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the tire pressure sensor 200 also includes a circuit board 220, which is disposed within the receiving cavity Q. Exemplarily, the circuit board 220 is disposed opposite to the top wall W1 and the bottom wall W2, for example, the circuit board 220 is disposed parallel to the top wall W1 and the bottom wall W2, and perpendicular to the front wall W3, the rear wall W4, the left wall W5, and the right wall W6.

[0070] For example, the circuit board 220 carries the electronic components of the tire pressure sensor 200. For instance, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the tire pressure sensor 200 also includes a pressure chip 240, which is disposed on the circuit board 220. The pressure chip 240 is used to collect the air pressure data inside the tire 110. The pressure chip 240 can directly collect the air pressure data inside the tire 110, and it can also collect the temperature data inside the tire 110, from which the air pressure data inside the tire 110 can be obtained.

[0071] Figure 5 for Figure 3 The diagram shows a tire pressure sensor 200 along the AA direction. Figure 5 As shown, the tire pressure sensor 200 also includes an antenna 230, which is used to transmit data collected by the tire pressure sensor 200 (such as pressure data or temperature data as described above). For example, the tire pressure sensor 200 transmits the collected data to a receiving terminal via the antenna 230. Exemplarily, the receiving terminal can be a controller in the vehicle's infotainment system, a controller in the vehicle's TPMS, or an electronic device bound to the vehicle. The electronic device bound to the vehicle can be, for example, a mobile phone logged into the same account (such as a system account) as the vehicle.

[0072] Antenna 230 is disposed on housing 210, and at least a portion of antenna 230 is distributed according to the shape of housing 210. That is, at least a portion of antenna 230 is three-dimensionally conformal to housing 210, or at least a portion of antenna 230 can be referred to as a three-dimensional conformal antenna. Antenna 230 is not limited by the internal space of the receiving cavity Q of housing 210, and its layout has a high degree of freedom. Exemplarily, the operating frequency band of antenna 230 involved in the embodiments of this application covers 2.3GHz~2.5GHz.

[0073] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the antenna 230 follows the contour of the inner or outer surface of the housing 210. For example, as Figure 5 As shown, at least a portion of the antenna 230 follows the contour of the inner surface of the housing 210. Figure 6 for Figure 3 Another schematic diagram of the tire pressure sensor 200 along the AA direction is shown. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, at least a portion of the antenna 230 follows the contour of the outer surface of the housing 210.

[0074] In one example, at least a portion of the antenna 230 may be formed on the inner or outer surface of the housing 210 by electroplating, spraying, or laser direct forming. That is, the housing 210 is first processed, and then at least a portion of the antenna 230 is formed on the inner or outer surface of the housing 210 by electroplating, spraying, or laser direct forming.

[0075] In one example, at least a portion of the antenna 230 may also be attached to the inner or outer surface of the housing 210 via a bonding layer. Exemplarily, the bonding layer may be an adhesive backing layer, an adhesive layer, double-sided tape, or a hot melt adhesive layer, etc.

[0076] For example, at least a portion of the antenna 230 may be a component made of a metallic material, such as a metal sheet or a flexible printed circuit board (FPC), which is fixedly connected to the inner or outer surface of the housing 210 via a connecting layer. If the metal sheet is fixedly connected to the inner or outer surface of the housing 210 via a connecting layer, the metal sheet forms at least a portion of the antenna 230. If the FPC is fixedly connected to the inner or outer surface of the housing 210 via a connecting layer, the metal layer on the FPC forms at least a portion of the antenna 230.

[0077] In some embodiments, in order to reduce the disturbance of the electromagnetic field distribution around the antenna 230 and the absorption of electromagnetic energy by the connecting layer, the dielectric constant of the connecting layer can be set to the range of 1.4 to 5.

[0078] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the antenna 230 is embedded inside the housing 210. In other words, at least a portion of the antenna 230 is enclosed within the housing 210. Figure 7 for Figure 3 Another schematic diagram of the tire pressure sensor 200 along the AA direction is shown. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, at least a portion of the antenna 230 is enclosed within the housing 210. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the antenna 230 may be a component made of metallic material as described above. The description of components made of metallic material is given above and will not be repeated here.

[0079] In one example, at least a portion of the antenna 230 is encapsulated inside the housing 210 by in-mold injection molding. For example, at least a portion of the antenna 230 is embedded in a mold of the housing 210, and then molten plastic is injected into the mold of the housing 210, so that it is directly fused with at least a portion of the antenna 230 into a single structure within the mold of the housing 210.

[0080] In one example, at least a portion of the antenna 230 may also be incorporated into the interior of the housing 210 through an assembly process. For instance, the inner or outer surface of the housing 210 may include a slot into which at least a portion of the antenna 230 is pushed, thus incorporating at least a portion of the antenna 230 into the interior of the housing 210. As another example, the inner or outer surface of the housing 210 may include a mounting hole into which at least a portion of the antenna 230 is inserted, thus incorporating at least a portion of the antenna 230 into the interior of the housing 210.

[0081] The specific structure of at least a portion of antenna 230 can be configured according to communication requirements. The following is an example... Figure 8 and Figure 9 For example, two specific structures of at least a portion of the antenna 230 will be described in detail.

[0082] Figure 8 and Figure 9 These are another schematic diagrams of the tire pressure sensor 200 provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the antenna 230 includes a radiator 231, which is distributed according to the shape of the top wall W1 (an example of the first wall) of the housing 210.

[0083] In one example, the radiator 231 includes a plurality of spaced-apart branches 2311. The embodiments of this application do not limit the direction in which the plurality of branches 2311 are spaced. For example, as... Figure 8 As shown, multiple branches 2311 can be distributed at intervals along the x-direction. For example, multiple branches 2311 can also be distributed at intervals along the y-direction.

[0084] In one example, the radiator 231 includes a main body 2312 and a plurality of branches 2311 spaced apart. The main body 2312 extends along a first direction, and the plurality of branches 2311 extend from the main body 2312 along a second direction, which intersects with the first direction.

[0085] The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific directions of the second direction and the first direction. For example, as Figure 9 As shown, the first direction can be the x-direction, and the second direction can be the y-direction. Therefore, the main body 2312 extends along the x-direction, and multiple branches 2311 extend from the main body 2312 along the y-direction, with the multiple branches 2311 distributed at intervals along the x-direction. For example, the first direction can be the y-direction, and the second direction can be the x-direction. Therefore, the main body 2312 extends along the y-direction, and multiple branches 2311 extend from the main body 2312 along the x-direction, with the multiple branches 2311 distributed at intervals along the y-direction.

[0086] Compared to the stamping process of the inverted-F antenna (IFA), at least part of the processing technology of the antenna 230 can make the width of the radiator 231 of the antenna 230 narrower. For example, the width of the radiator 231 of the antenna 230 can be made smaller than the width of the IFA, such as 0.5 mm.

[0087] This application embodiment does not limit the specific value of the width of the radiator 231 of the antenna 230, and it is set according to communication requirements. For example, at least one of the multiple branches 2311 of the radiator 231 has a width less than 0.5 mm. That is, at least one branch 2311 of the radiator 231 can be set to have a width less than 0.5 mm. In this way, a larger number or higher density of branches 2311 can be arranged within a limited area.

[0088] The width direction can be understood as the direction in which multiple branches are distributed at intervals, for example, such as Figure 8 or Figure 9 As shown, the width direction is the x-direction.

[0089] like Figure 2 As shown, the tire 110 also includes a tread 111 and a sidewall 112, with the sidewall 112 connecting the tread 111 and the rim 121 of the hub 120. The tread 111 can be understood as the outer peripheral portion of the tire 110, and the sidewall 112 can be understood as the side portion of the tire 110. In some embodiments, the antenna 230 is disposed facing the tread 111 of the tire 110. For example, the top wall W1 of the housing 210 on which the radiators 231 of the antenna 230 are distributed is disposed facing the tread 111 of the tire 110.

[0090] Antenna 230 is electrically connected to circuit board 220. For example... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the antenna 230 also includes a feed arm 232, one end of which is connected to the radiator 231, and the other end of which is connected to the circuit board 220. At least a portion of the feed arm 232 is distributed along the shape of the peripheral wall of the housing 210. At least a portion of the feed arm 232 may be distributed on at least one wall of the peripheral wall of the housing 210. For example, as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, at least a portion of the feed arm 232 is distributed according to the shape of the front wall W3 (an example of the second wall) in the peripheral wall of the housing 210.

[0091] In some embodiments, the other end of the feed arm 232 protrudes beyond at least a portion of the wall on which the feed arm 232 is distributed and extends into the interior of the receiving cavity Q to connect to the circuit board 220. For example, as Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the other end of the power supply arm 232 protrudes from the front wall W3 and extends into the cavity Q. During the assembly of the tire pressure sensor 200, the other end of the power supply arm 232 can be directly soldered or crimped to the circuit board 220.

[0092] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the antenna 230 also includes a grounding arm 233, one end of which is connected to the radiator 231, and the other end of which is connected to the circuit board 220. At least a portion of the grounding arm 233 is distributed along the shape of the peripheral wall of the housing 210. At least a portion of the grounding arm 233 may be distributed on at least one wall of the peripheral wall of the housing 210. For example, as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, at least a portion of the grounding arm 233 is distributed according to the shape of the front wall W3 (an example of the second wall) in the peripheral wall of the housing 210. Figure 10 and Figure 11 These are another schematic diagrams of the tire pressure sensor 200 provided in the embodiments of this application. For example, as... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, at least a portion of the feed arm 232 is distributed according to the shape of the rear wall W4 (an example of the third wall) in the peripheral wall of the housing 210.

[0093] In some embodiments, the other end of the grounding arm 233 protrudes beyond at least a portion of the wall on which the grounding arm 233 is distributed and extends into the interior of the receiving cavity to connect to the circuit board 220. For example, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the other end of the grounding arm 233 protrudes from the front wall W3 and extends into the cavity Q. For example, as... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the other end of the grounding arm 233 protrudes from the rear wall W4 and extends into the cavity Q. During the assembly of the tire pressure sensor 200, the other end of the grounding arm 233 can be directly soldered or crimped to the circuit board 220.

[0094] In some embodiments, the valve 300 may be disposed on a wall of the housing 210 other than the wall on which the antenna 230 is disposed. Figure 12 Another schematic diagram of the tire pressure sensor 200 provided in an embodiment of this application. For example, as Figure 12 As shown, the bottom wall W2 (an example of the fourth wall) of the housing 210 is used to connect the valve stem 300, and the antenna 230 is disposed on the other walls of the housing 210 other than the bottom wall W2.

[0095] This application does not limit the connection method between the valve stem 300 and the housing 210. For example, a mounting hole can be provided on the bottom wall W2 of the housing 210, and the valve stem 300 can be installed in the mounting hole. The valve stem 300 can also be fixed to the mounting hole by screws.

[0096] The following is combined Figures 13 to 16 The performance of the antenna 230 in the tire pressure sensor 200 provided in the embodiments of this application is analyzed.

[0097] Figure 13 for Figure 9 or Figure 11 The simulated S11 curve of the antenna 230 in the tire pressure sensor 200 is shown. Figure 14 for Figure 8 or Figure 10 The diagram shows the simulated S11 curve of the antenna 230 in the tire pressure sensor 200. S11 represents the input reflection coefficient, reflecting the impedance matching degree of the input port of the antenna 230. The smaller the S11 value (i.e., the larger the absolute value of the negative value), the less reflected energy and the better the matching performance. Generally, S11 < -6dB (i.e., reflection coefficient less than 0.5) is considered an acceptable matching condition.

[0098] Figure 13 and Figure 14 In the graph, the horizontal axis represents frequency (GHz) and the vertical axis represents S11 amplitude (dB). The curve shows that the S11 value of antenna 230 is below -6dB in the 2.4GHz to 2.5GHz frequency band, indicating that antenna 230 has good impedance matching characteristics in this frequency band.

[0099] Figure 15 for Figure 9 or Figure 11 An antenna pattern of the antenna 230 in the tire pressure sensor 200 shown. Figure 16 for Figure 8 or Figure 10 An antenna pattern of the antenna 230 in the tire pressure sensor 200 shown. Figure 15 and Figure 16 In this context, the Phi direction is the horizontal plane, and the Theta direction is the vertical plane. Furthermore, as... Figure 15 As shown, antenna 230 operates at 2.45 GHz, has a maximum gain of -2.292 dBi, a radiation efficiency of -2.810 dB, and a total efficiency of -5.655 dB. Figure 16 As shown, the antenna 230 operates at a frequency of 2.45 GHz, has a maximum gain of 2.87 dBi, a radiation efficiency of -0.5 dB, and a total efficiency of -0.8 dB.

[0100] Gain refers to the ratio of the power density of the signal produced by an actual antenna and an ideal radiating element (since ideal radiating elements do not exist, dipole antennas are used in practical applications) at the same point in space, under the condition of equal input power. It quantitatively describes the degree to which an antenna concentrates the radiated input power.

[0101] based on Figures 13 to 16 Based on the analysis, the design of the tire pressure sensor 200 provided in this application, in which the antenna 230 is disposed on the housing 210 and at least a portion of the antenna 230 is distributed according to the shape of the housing 210, results in better radiation performance of the antenna 230.

[0102] Furthermore, the shape of the antenna 230 in the tire pressure sensor 200 provided in this application effectively matches the contour of the housing 210, reducing the occupancy rate of the antenna 230 within the housing cavity and improving the space utilization and structural compactness of the tire pressure sensor 200. Simultaneously, the antenna 230, distributed within the housing 210, is electrically connected to the circuit board 220 within the housing cavity, enabling stable transmission of data collected by the tire pressure sensor 200, achieving a balance between high integration and high-quality data transmission.

[0103] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A tire pressure sensor, characterized in that, The tire pressure sensor includes: A housing and a circuit board, the housing having a receiving cavity, the circuit board being disposed within the receiving cavity; An antenna is disposed on the housing, and at least a portion of the antenna is distributed according to the shape of the housing. The antenna is electrically connected to the circuit board and is used to transmit data collected by the tire pressure sensor.

2. The tire pressure sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the antenna follows the contour of the inner or outer surface of the housing; or, At least a portion of the antenna is embedded inside the housing.

3. The tire pressure sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least a portion of the antenna is formed on the inner or outer surface of the housing by electroplating, spraying, or direct laser forming; or, At least a portion of the antenna is attached to the inner or outer surface of the housing via a connecting layer.

4. The tire pressure sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least a portion of the antenna is encapsulated within the housing by in-mold injection molding.

5. The tire pressure sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The antenna includes a radiator that is distributed according to the shape of the first wall of the housing, which is disposed opposite to the circuit board.

6. The tire pressure sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that, The radiator comprises multiple branches spaced apart.

7. The tire pressure sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that, The radiator further includes a main body extending along a first direction, and the plurality of branches extending from the main body along a second direction intersecting the first direction.

8. The tire pressure sensor according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, At least one of the plurality of branches has a width of less than 0.5 mm.

9. The tire pressure sensor according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, The antenna also includes a feed arm, one end of which is connected to the radiator and the other end of which is connected to the circuit board. At least a portion of the feed arm is distributed according to the shape of the second wall of the housing, which is adjacent to the first wall.

10. The tire pressure sensor according to claim 9, characterized in that, The other end of the power supply arm protrudes from the second wall and extends into the interior of the receiving cavity to connect to the circuit board.

11. The tire pressure sensor according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that, The antenna also includes a grounding arm, one end of which is connected to the radiator and the other end of which is connected to the circuit board. At least a portion of the grounding arm is distributed according to the shape of the second or third wall of the housing, and the third wall is disposed adjacent to the first wall.

12. The tire pressure sensor according to claim 11, characterized in that, The other end of the grounding arm protrudes from the second wall or the third wall and extends into the interior of the receiving cavity to connect the circuit board.

13. The tire pressure sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The fourth wall of the housing is used to connect the valve stem, and the antenna is disposed on the other walls of the housing other than the fourth wall.

14. The tire pressure sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The antenna operates in a frequency band covering 2.3 GHz to 2.5 GHz.

15. A tire assembly, characterized in that, The device includes a tire, a rim, and a tire pressure sensor as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the tire is fitted onto the rim and surrounds the rim to form an inner cavity, and the tire pressure sensor is disposed in the inner cavity.

16. The tire assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that, The antenna is positioned toward the tire crown.

17. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes tires, the tires being equipped with tire pressure sensors as described in any one of claims 1 to 14; or, the vehicle includes a tire assembly as described in claim 15 or 16.

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