Liquid level sensor and automobile electronic control system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a liquid level sensor and an automobile electronic control system. The liquid level sensor comprises a connector, a first resistor, a second resistor and a magnetic switch. The connector comprises a first terminal and a second terminal, and the first terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal through a circuit. The first resistor and the second resistor are connected in series on a circuit. The magnetic switch comprises a first part and a second part which can be connected or disconnected, the first part is electrically connected to the circuit to form a first contact, the second part is electrically connected to the circuit to form a second contact, the first contact is located between the first terminal and the first resistor, and the second contact is located between the first resistor and the second resistor. When the first part is connected with the second part, the first resistor can be short-circuited. The control system judges the liquid level according to the change of the resistance value, and can judge whether the connection between the first wiring end and the first butt joint end and the connection between the second wiring end and the second butt joint end are invalid or not according to whether the circuit forms a path or not.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of sensors, in particular to a liquid level sensor and an automobile electronic control system. Background Art

[0002] With the improvement of intelligence and the high integration of ECU control systems, the control of the liquid level in the brake system is particularly important. The traditional liquid level sensor has a simple structure. The liquid level sensor includes a reed switch and a magnet. The magnet is suspended on the liquid surface. When the liquid level drops, the magnet sinks and triggers the reed switch to conduct the circuit and sound an alarm. When the liquid level rises, the magnet floats up, and the reed switch disconnects the circuit and stops the alarm. This type of liquid level sensor has only one on-off result judgment. In the event that the connector of the liquid level sensor falls off or fails, it cannot be effectively identified and cannot meet the judgment function of the ECU. In addition, there is the problem that the reed switch is easily broken down by current. Utility Model Content

[0003] The utility model aims to provide a liquid level sensor which has the functions of identifying the situations of connector falling off, failure and the like and protecting the reed switch.

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions.

[0005] The utility model provides a liquid level sensor, which comprises: a connector, a first resistor, a second resistor and a magnetic switch;

[0006] The connector includes a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal being electrically connected to the second terminal through a circuit;

[0007] The first resistor and the second resistor are connected in series to the circuit;

[0008] The magnetic switch comprises a first part and a second part which can be turned on or off, the first part is electrically connected to the circuit to form a first contact, the second part is electrically connected to the circuit to form a second contact, and the first contact is located between the first terminal and the first resistor, and the second contact is located between the first resistor and the second resistor;

[0009] Wherein, when the first part is connected to the second part, the first resistor can be short-circuited.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present application, the liquid level sensor further includes a bracket and a circuit board disposed on one side of the bracket;

[0011] The circuit board comprises a board body and the circuit printed on the board body;

[0012] The first resistor, the second resistor and the magnetic switch are all arranged on a side of the circuit board facing away from the bracket;

[0013] The first wiring terminal and the second wiring terminal are both arranged on a side of the bracket facing away from the circuit board.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present application, the bracket is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole;

[0015] The plate body is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole;

[0016] The inner end of the first terminal is provided with a first bending section;

[0017] The inner end of the second terminal is provided with a second bending section;

[0018] The first bending section is disposed through the first through hole and the first through hole, and is electrically connected to the circuit;

[0019] The second bending section is penetrated through the second through hole and the second through hole, and is electrically connected to the circuit.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present application, a first positioning structure for positioning the first wiring terminal on the bracket is provided between the bracket and the first wiring terminal;

[0021] A second positioning structure for positioning the second wiring terminal on the bracket is provided between the bracket and the second wiring terminal.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present application, the first positioning structure includes a first positioning column provided on the bracket and a first positioning hole provided on the first terminal, and the first positioning column is inserted into the first positioning hole;

[0023] The second positioning structure includes a second positioning column arranged on the bracket and a second positioning hole arranged on the second terminal, and the second positioning column passes through the second positioning hole.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present application, the liquid level sensor further includes a housing and a sealing gasket;

[0025] A receiving groove is provided in the shell, and one end of the receiving groove is open;

[0026] The sealing gasket seals the connector, the first resistor, the second resistor, the magnetic switch and the circuit board in the receiving groove;

[0027] The sealing gasket is provided with a first clearance hole and a second clearance hole;

[0028] The first wiring terminal is inserted into the first clearance hole, and the outer end of the first wiring terminal is close to the opening;

[0029] The second wiring terminal is inserted into the second clearance hole, and the outer end of the second wiring terminal is close to the opening.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present application, the liquid level sensor further includes a fixing seat;

[0031] The bracket is provided with a supporting portion at one end close to the sealing gasket;

[0032] The fixing seat is arranged in the containing groove and clamps the sealing pad on the supporting portion.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present application, the magnetic switch is a reed switch.

[0034] The utility model also provides an automotive electronic control system, the automotive electronic control system comprising a control module and a liquid level sensor according to any one of the above claims;

[0035] The control module includes a first docking end and a second docking end that are conductively connected. When the first terminal is connected to the first docking end and the second terminal is connected to the second docking end, the control module determines the height of the liquid level based on the change in the resistance value on the circuit. The control module can also determine whether the connection between the first terminal and the first docking end and the connection between the second terminal and the second docking end are failed based on whether the circuit forms a path.

[0036] One of the first connection terminal and the first docking terminal is a pin, and the other is a socket;

[0037] In some embodiments of the present application, one of the second wiring terminal and the second docking terminal is a pin, and the other is a socket.

[0038] It can be seen from the above technical solutions that the embodiments of the utility model have at least the following advantages and positive effects:

[0039] In the liquid level sensor of the embodiment of the utility model, the first terminal and the second terminal can be connected to the first butt terminal and the second butt terminal of the control module respectively. Since the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected through the circuit, the first butt terminal and the second butt terminal are also conductively connected, so a conductive loop is always formed regardless of the state of the magnetic switch. When the connection between the first terminal and the first butt terminal fails, or when the connection between the second terminal and the second butt terminal fails, the loop is disconnected, and the control module of the automotive electronic control system can identify the situation that the connector has fallen off or failed.

[0040] On the other hand, when the magnetic switch is disconnected between the first part and the second part, the resistance value of the circuit includes the first resistor and the second resistor, and the resistance value is relatively large. When the magnetic switch is connected between the first part and the second part, the first resistor is short-circuited and the resistance value is relatively small. Therefore, the control module can judge the height of the liquid level according to the change in resistance value. Moreover, when the first part and the second part are connected, the first resistor can protect the magnetic switch, avoid the problem of the magnetic switch being broken down by the current, and improve the service life and product safety of the liquid level sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The various objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by considering the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are only exemplary illustrations of the present invention and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals always represent the same or similar parts. Among them:

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid level sensor according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure from another angle.

[0044] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure after removing the shell.

[0045] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure after removing the fixing seat.

[0046] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure from another angle.

[0047] Figure 6 This is a brief circuit diagram of the liquid level sensor.

[0048] The accompanying drawings are marked as follows: 1. Connector; 11. First terminal; 111. First bending section; 112. First positioning hole; 12. Second terminal; 121. Second bending section; 122. Second positioning hole; 2. First resistor; 3. Second resistor; 4. Magnetic switch; 41. First part; 42. Second part; 5. Circuit board; 51. Board body; 52. Circuit; 521. First contact; 522. Second contact; 6. Bracket; 61. First positioning column; 62. Second positioning column; 63. Supporting portion; 7. Shell; 8. Sealing gasket; 81. First clearance hole; 82. Second clearance hole; 9. Fixed seat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Although the present invention can be easily embodied as embodiments of different forms, only some of the specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and described in detail in this specification. It should be understood that this description should be regarded as an exemplary description of the principles of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention to that described herein.

[0050] Thus, a feature indicated in this specification will be used to illustrate one of the features of an embodiment of the utility model, rather than implying that each embodiment of the utility model must have the described feature. In addition, it should be noted that this specification describes many features. Although some features can be combined together to illustrate possible system designs, these features can also be used in other combinations that are not explicitly described. Thus, unless otherwise stated, the described combinations are not intended to be limiting.

[0051] In the embodiments shown in the drawings, the indications of directions (such as up, down, left, right, front and back) used to explain the structure and movement of various elements of the utility model are not absolute but relative. These descriptions are appropriate when these elements are in the positions shown in the drawings. If the descriptions of the positions of these elements change, the indications of these directions also change accordingly.

[0052] See also Figures 1 to 6 The utility model provides a liquid level sensor, which includes a connector 1, a first resistor 2, a second resistor 3 and a magnetic switch 4.

[0053] The connector 1 includes a first terminal 11 and a second terminal 12, and the first terminal 11 is electrically connected to the second terminal 12 through a circuit 52. The first resistor 2 and the second resistor 3 are connected in series to the circuit 52. The magnetic switch 4 includes a first part 41 and a second part 42 that can be turned on or off, the first part 41 is electrically connected to the circuit 52 to form a first contact 521, and the second part 42 is electrically connected to the circuit 52 to form a second contact 522, and the first contact 521 is located between the first terminal 11 and the first resistor 2, and the second contact 522 is located between the first resistor 2 and the second resistor 3. When the first part 41 is connected to the second part 42, the first resistor 2 can be short-circuited.

[0054] The first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 can be connected to the first butt terminal and the second butt terminal of the control module respectively. Since the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 are electrically connected through the circuit 52, the first butt terminal and the second butt terminal are also conductively connected, so a conductive loop is always formed regardless of the state of the magnetic switch 4. When the connection between the first terminal 11 and the first butt terminal fails, or when the connection between the second terminal 12 and the second butt terminal fails, the loop is disconnected, and the control module of the automotive electronic control system can identify that the connector 1 has fallen off or failed.

[0055] It should be noted that, in the related art, the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 can form a conductive circuit only when the first part 41 and the second part 42 are connected. That is to say, when the liquid level is high, since no conductive circuit is formed, even if the connection between the first terminal 11 and the first docking terminal fails, or the connection between the second terminal 12 and the second docking terminal fails, the state of the liquid level sensor will not change, and the control module will not be able to perform detection.

[0056] On the other hand, when the magnetic switch 4 is disconnected between the first part 41 and the second part 42, the resistance value of the circuit includes the first resistor 2 and the second resistor 3, and the resistance value is relatively large. When the magnetic switch 4 is connected between the first part 41 and the second part 42, the first resistor 2 is short-circuited and the resistance value is relatively small. Therefore, the control module can judge the height of the liquid level according to the change in resistance value. Moreover, when the first part 41 and the second part 42 are connected, the first resistor 2 can protect the magnetic switch 4, avoid the problem of the magnetic switch 4 being broken down by the current, and improve the service life and product safety of the liquid level sensor.

[0057] As mentioned in the background technology, the switching between the on or off state of the first part 41 and the second part 42 depends on the height of the magnet suspended above the liquid surface. When the liquid level decreases, the magnet sinks, and the magnetic switch 4 senses the magnetic field of the magnet. The first part 41 and the second part 42 are connected, and the first resistor 2 is short-circuited. At this time, the resistance value is small and the liquid level is low, which can remind the user to add liquid. When the liquid level rises, the magnet floats, the first part 41 and the second part 42 are disconnected, and the first resistor 2 is connected to the circuit. At this time, the resistance value is large and the liquid level is high. In this embodiment, the magnetic switch 4 is a reed switch. In other embodiments, the magnetic switch 4 can also be a Hall sensor, etc.

[0058] The liquid level sensor further includes a bracket 6 and a circuit board 5 disposed on one side of the bracket 6. The circuit board 5 includes a board body 51 and a circuit 52 printed on the board body 51. The first resistor 2, the second resistor 3 and the magnetic switch 4 are all disposed on the side of the circuit board 5 facing away from the bracket 6. The first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 are both disposed on the side of the bracket 6 facing away from the circuit board 5.

[0059] The circuit board 5 provides a mounting position for the first resistor 2, the second resistor 3 and the magnetic switch 4, and the bracket 6 provides a mounting position for the circuit board 5 and the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12, and after installation, an integral structure is formed to improve stability. Of course, in other embodiments, the first terminal 11, the second terminal 12, the first resistor 2, the second resistor 3 and the magnetic switch 4 can also be electrically connected by wire connection.

[0060] The bracket 6 is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole. The plate body 51 is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole. The inner end of the first terminal 11 is provided with a first bent section 111. The inner end of the second terminal 12 is provided with a second bent section 121. The first bent section 111 is provided through the first through hole and the first through hole, and is electrically connected to the circuit 52. The second bent section 121 is provided through the second through hole and the second through hole, and is electrically connected to the circuit 52.

[0061] Solder may be used to electrically connect the first bending section 111 and the circuit 52 on the circuit board 5 , and the second bending section 121 and the circuit 52 on the circuit board 5 .

[0062] A first positioning structure for positioning the first terminal 11 on the bracket 6 is provided between the bracket 6 and the first terminal 11. A second positioning structure for positioning the second terminal 12 on the bracket 6 is provided between the bracket 6 and the second terminal 12. The positioning effect of the first positioning structure on the first terminal 11 can prevent the first terminal 11 from shifting or loosening during the plugging and unplugging process. The positioning effect of the second positioning structure on the second terminal 12 can prevent the second terminal 12 from shifting or loosening during the plugging and unplugging process.

[0063] The first positioning structure includes a first positioning column 61 provided on the bracket 6 and a first positioning hole 112 provided on the first wiring terminal 11, and the first positioning column 61 is passed through the first positioning hole 112. In other embodiments, the bracket 6 may be provided with the first positioning hole 112, and the first wiring terminal 11 may be provided with the first positioning column 61.

[0064] The second positioning structure includes a second positioning column 62 provided on the bracket 6 and a second positioning hole 122 provided on the second wiring terminal 12, and the second positioning column 62 is inserted into the second positioning hole 122. In other embodiments, the bracket 6 may be provided with a second positioning hole 122, and the second wiring terminal 12 may be provided with a second positioning column 62. The positioning column and the positioning hole can form a stable positioning match.

[0065] The liquid level sensor also includes a housing 7 and a sealing gasket 8. A receiving groove is provided in the housing 7, and one end of the receiving groove is open. The connector 1, the first resistor 2, the second resistor 3, the magnetic switch 4, the bracket 6, the circuit board 5 and the sealing gasket 8 are all arranged in the housing 7, and the sealing gasket 8 seals the connector 1, the first resistor 2, the second resistor 3, the magnetic switch 4 and the circuit board 5 in the receiving groove. The sealing gasket 8 is provided with a first clearance hole 81 and a second clearance hole 82. The first terminal 11 is inserted into the first clearance hole 81, and the outer end of the first terminal 11 is close to the opening. The second terminal 12 is inserted into the second clearance hole 82, and the outer end of the second terminal 12 is close to the opening.

[0066] The sealing gasket 8 prevents liquid from entering the internal components to damage them, and has a waterproof and sealing effect. The sealing gasket 8 can be made of rubber material.

[0067] The liquid level sensor also includes a fixing seat 9. A supporting portion 63 is provided at one end of the bracket 6 close to the sealing gasket 8. The fixing seat 9 is arranged in the receiving groove and clamps the sealing gasket 8 on the supporting portion 63. The sealing effect is improved by clamping the sealing gasket 8 by the fixing seat 9 and the supporting portion 63, and the fixing seat 9 is fixed at a position close to the opening of the receiving groove to prevent the components in the receiving groove from falling out.

[0068] The utility model also provides an automobile electronic control system, which comprises a control module and the liquid level sensor in any one of the above embodiments.

[0069] The control module includes a first docking terminal and a second docking terminal that are conductively connected. When the first terminal 11 is connected to the first docking terminal and the second terminal 12 is connected to the second docking terminal, the control module determines the liquid level based on the change in the resistance value on the circuit 52. The control module can also determine whether the connection between the first terminal 11 and the first docking terminal and the connection between the second terminal 12 and the second docking terminal are failed based on whether a path is formed by the circuit 52.

[0070] Referring to the above embodiment of the liquid level sensor, the first part 41 and the second part 42 are connected, and the first resistor 2 is short-circuited. At this time, the resistance value is small, and the liquid level is low, which can remind the user to add liquid. The first part 41 and the second part 42 are disconnected, and the first resistor 2 is connected to the loop. At this time, the resistance value is large, and the liquid level is high.

[0071] Since the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 are electrically connected through the circuit 52, and the first butt terminal and the second butt terminal are also conductively connected, a conductive loop is always formed regardless of the state of the magnetic switch 4. When the connection between the first terminal 11 and the first butt terminal fails, or when the connection between the second terminal 12 and the second butt terminal fails, the loop is disconnected, and the control module of the automotive electronic control system can identify that the connector 1 has fallen off or failed.

[0072] One of the first connection terminal 11 and the first butt end is a pin, and the other is a socket. One of the second connection terminal 12 and the second butt end is a pin, and the other is a socket. The pin is inserted into the socket to form an electrical connection. In this embodiment, the connection terminal is a pin, and the butt end is a socket.

[0073] Although the utility model has been described with reference to several typical embodiments, it should be understood that the terms used are illustrative and exemplary, rather than restrictive. Since the utility model can be implemented in a variety of forms without departing from the spirit or essence of the utility model, it should be understood that the above-mentioned embodiments are not limited to any of the aforementioned details, but should be widely interpreted within the spirit and scope defined by the attached claims, so all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the claims or their equivalents should be covered by the attached claims.

Claims

1. A liquid level sensor, characterized in that: It includes a connector, a first resistor, a second resistor and a magnetic switch; The connector includes a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal being electrically connected to the second terminal through a circuit; The first resistor and the second resistor are connected in series to the circuit; The magnetic switch comprises a first part and a second part which can be turned on or off, the first part is electrically connected to the circuit to form a first contact, the second part is electrically connected to the circuit to form a second contact, and the first contact is located between the first terminal and the first resistor, and the second contact is located between the first resistor and the second resistor; Wherein, when the first part is connected to the second part, the first resistor can be short-circuited.

2. The liquid level sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid level sensor also includes a bracket and a circuit board arranged on one side of the bracket; The circuit board comprises a board body and the circuit printed on the board body; The first resistor, the second resistor and the magnetic switch are all arranged on a side of the circuit board facing away from the bracket; The first wiring terminal and the second wiring terminal are both arranged on a side of the bracket facing away from the circuit board.

3. The liquid level sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bracket is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole; The plate body is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole; The inner end of the first terminal is provided with a first bending section; The inner end of the second terminal is provided with a second bending section; The first bending section is disposed through the first through hole and the first through hole, and is electrically connected to the circuit; The second bending section is penetrated through the second through hole and the second through hole, and is electrically connected to the circuit.

4. The liquid level sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that: A first positioning structure for positioning the first wiring terminal on the bracket is provided between the bracket and the first wiring terminal; A second positioning structure for positioning the second wiring terminal on the bracket is provided between the bracket and the second wiring terminal.

5. The liquid level sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first positioning structure includes a first positioning column provided on the bracket and a first positioning hole provided on the first terminal, and the first positioning column is inserted into the first positioning hole; The second positioning structure includes a second positioning column arranged on the bracket and a second positioning hole arranged on the second terminal, and the second positioning column passes through the second positioning hole.

6. The liquid level sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid level sensor also includes a housing and a sealing gasket; A receiving groove is provided in the shell, and one end of the receiving groove is open; The sealing gasket seals the connector, the first resistor, the second resistor, the magnetic switch and the circuit board in the receiving groove; The sealing gasket is provided with a first clearance hole and a second clearance hole; The first wiring terminal is inserted into the first clearance hole, and the outer end of the first wiring terminal is close to the opening; The second wiring terminal is inserted into the second clearance hole, and the outer end of the second wiring terminal is close to the opening.

7. The liquid level sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that: The liquid level sensor also includes a fixing seat; The bracket is provided with a supporting portion at one end close to the sealing gasket; The fixing seat is arranged in the containing groove and clamps the sealing pad on the supporting portion.

8. The liquid level sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The magnetic switch is a reed switch.

9. An automotive electronic control system, characterized in that: The automotive electronic control system comprises a control module and a liquid level sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 8; The control module includes a first docking end and a second docking end that are conductively connected. When the first terminal is connected to the first docking end and the second terminal is connected to the second docking end, the control module determines the height of the liquid level based on the change in the resistance value on the circuit. The control module can also determine whether the connection between the first terminal and the first docking end and the connection between the second terminal and the second docking end are failed based on whether the circuit forms a path.

10. The automotive electronic control system according to claim 9, characterized in that: One of the first connection terminal and the first docking terminal is a pin, and the other is a socket; One of the second connection terminal and the second docking terminal is a pin, and the other is a socket.

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