Sensor module

By integrating multiple sensors on the same body, the complex wiring and space occupancy of sensors in intelligent cleaning equipment are solved, structural simplification and size reduction are achieved, cost reduction and multiple parameter detection is supported.

CN223064651UActive Publication Date: 2025-07-04TYCO ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422025122.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-20
Publication Date
2025-07-04
Estimated Expiration
2034-08-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing intelligent cleaning equipment, multiple sensors are independently installed, resulting in complex wiring and space occupancy, and the sensor module is complex in structure and large in size.

Method used

Various sensors are integrated on the same body, the pressure sensor is close to the second cavity, and other sensors are located in the first cavity, connected by a circuit board, and the housing covers the circuit board, realizing the integrated design of various sensors.

Benefits of technology

Reduces the structural complexity of sensor modules, reduces product size, reduces cost, and supports modular design and assembly.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides a sensor module, comprising a plurality of sensors including a first sensor and one or more second sensors, the first sensor being a pressure sensor; the main body part comprises a first cavity and a second cavity, one end of the first cavity is configured to allow liquid to flow in, and the other end of the first cavity is configured to be provided with the one or more second sensors; the second cavity is located near the other end of the first cavity and intersects with the first cavity, a hole is formed in the side edge of the second cavity, the hole is configured to contain a part of the pressure sensor, a baffle is arranged in the second cavity, and the baffle is arranged in the extending direction of the second cavity and is close to the hole; the circuit board is configured to be connected with the plurality of sensors; and a housing configured to cover the circuit board.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of sensing, and particularly relates to a sensor module. Background Art

[0002] In intelligent cleaning equipment, a variety of sensors are required to detect parameters such as the liquid level, conductivity, turbidity, and temperature of the liquid. Usually, a liquid level sensor, a conductivity sensor, a turbidity sensor, and a temperature sensor located at different positions can be independently installed at different positions of the intelligent cleaning equipment. A variety of sensors need to be connected to the control system through different wirings. This method has a complex wiring and structure and occupies a large space.

[0003] In some examples, multiple sensors can be integrated, that is, a multi-in-one sensor module is adopted to achieve the detection of multiple parameters. However, in this sensor module, different sensors need to be arranged in cavities at different positions. Therefore, the integrated structure is relatively complex and the size of the product is relatively large. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] An object of the utility model aims to solve at least one of the above problems and defects existing in the prior art.

[0005] In view of the above problems, a first aspect of the utility model discloses a sensor module, including: a plurality of sensors, including a first sensor and one or more second sensors, wherein the first sensor is a pressure sensor; a main body part, including a first cavity and a second cavity, one end of the first cavity is configured to allow liquid to flow in, and the other end of the first cavity is configured to mount the one or more second sensors; the second cavity is located near the other end of the first cavity and intersects with the first cavity, a hole is provided on the side of the second cavity, the hole is configured to accommodate a part of the pressure sensor, a baffle is provided in the second cavity, and the baffle is arranged along the extending direction of the second cavity and is close to the hole; a circuit board, the circuit board is configured to be connected to the plurality of sensors; and a housing, the housing is configured to cover the circuit board.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the utility model, the pressure sensor and the main body part are integrally formed.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the utility model, the main body part further includes a sealing gasket and a sealing cover, and the sealing gasket and the sealing cover are configured to seal the end of the second cavity.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, the one or more second sensors include a turbidity sensor, and the turbidity sensor includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit; and on the other end of the first cavity, there are a pair of protruding parts arranged oppositely, the pair of protruding parts protrude towards the inside of the first cavity, and the one or more protruding parts are configured to accommodate the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, the pair of protruding parts are transparent.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, the one or more second sensors include a conductivity sensor, and the conductivity sensor includes a pair of conductive metal blocks.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, the one or more second sensors include one or more of a temperature sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a microphone.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, the pressure sensor is a MEMS sensor.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, the bottom of the first cavity includes an inclined part, and the inclined part is flat and inclined downward towards the outside of the sensor module.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, it further includes a sealing ring, and the sealing ring is arranged around the outside of one end of the second cavity.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, it further includes a plurality of fixing parts, the plurality of fixing parts are arranged on the outside of the main body part, and the fixing parts are configured to fix the sensor module on an external device.

[0016] In the foregoing various exemplary embodiments of the present utility model, compared with the prior art, multiple sensors in the sensor module are integrated in the cavities communicated on the same main body, wherein the pressure sensor is adjacent to the second cavity, and the other multiple sensors are all located in the first cavity. This integrated structure can reduce the structural complexity of the sensor module and can reduce the product size. Description of the Drawings

[0017] Combined with the drawings and referring to the following detailed description, the features, advantages and other aspects of the embodiments of the content of the present utility model will become more obvious. Several embodiments of the present utility model are shown herein in an exemplary rather than restrictive manner. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1Exploded view of the sensor module 10 according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the sensor module 10 according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the sensor module 10 according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 Three-dimensional view of the sensor module 10 according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 Three-dimensional view of the sensor module 10 according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Detailed implementation manners

[0023] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be further specifically described below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present utility model with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of the present utility model and should not be construed as a limitation of the present utility model.

[0024] As used herein, the terms "include", "comprise" and similar terms should be understood as open terms, that is, "include / comprise but not limited to", indicating that other contents may also be included. The term "based on" is "at least partially based on". The term "an embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment", and so on.

[0025] In intelligent cleaning devices, it is usually necessary to use a variety of sensors to measure a variety of parameters to be applicable to different working modes. The intelligent cleaning device can be a washing machine, a dishwasher or a floor washer, etc. Different sensors can be independently installed at different positions. Among them, the liquid level sensor can be fixed near the liquid flow path, and the liquid pressure is transmitted to the air passage of the liquid level sensor through an air pipe to detect the liquid level height. The measuring part of the turbidity sensor can be inserted into the liquid flow path to detect the turbidity condition of the liquid. The temperature sensor can also be fixed in the liquid flow path to detect the liquid temperature.

[0026] In some examples, each sensor can be independently installed at different positions. In other examples, multiple sensors can be integrated into one body. Specifically, different cavities can be provided on the same sensor module to accommodate different sensors. The wiring of these methods is relatively complex and also occupies a relatively large space.

[0027] To solve the above problems, according to a general concept of the present utility model, a sensor module is provided, including: a plurality of sensors, including a first sensor and one or more second sensors, wherein the first sensor is a pressure sensor; a main body portion, including a first cavity and a second cavity, one end of the first cavity is configured to allow liquid to flow in, and the other end of the first cavity is configured to mount the one or more second sensors; the second cavity is located near the other end of the first cavity and intersects with the first cavity, a hole is provided on a side of the second cavity, the hole is configured to accommodate a part of the pressure sensor, and a baffle is provided in the second cavity, the baffle is arranged along the extending direction of the second cavity and is close to the hole; a circuit board, the circuit board is configured to be connected to the plurality of sensors; and a housing, the housing is configured to cover the circuit board.

[0028] The embodiments of the present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows an exploded schematic view of a sensor module 10 according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Figures 2-3 FIGS. 2A and 2B show left and right cross-sectional views of a sensor module 10 according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Figures 4-5 FIG. 3 shows perspective views of a sensor module 10 according to an embodiment of the present utility model from different perspectives.

[0029] The sensor module 10 includes a plurality of sensors 111, 112, a main body portion 12, a circuit board 13, and a housing 14. The plurality of sensors includes a first sensor 111 and one or more second sensors 112. Among them, the first sensor 111 is a pressure sensor and does not need to be in contact with the liquid. The one or more second sensors 112 can be used to detect parameters such as turbidity, conductivity, temperature, pH, and vibration of the liquid.

[0030] According to Figures 1-3 , the main body portion 12 includes a first cavity 121 and a second cavity 122. One end of the first cavity 121 is for allowing liquid to flow in, and the other end of the first cavity 121 is closed, and one or more protrusions 123 are provided thereon. The other end of the first cavity 121 is for contacting the circuit board for coupling the sensors to the circuit board. The one or more protrusions 123 protrude into the interior of the first cavity 121. The one or more protrusions are for accommodating the second sensors 112. In some examples, the first cavity 121 can be cylindrical. The inner diameter of the first cavity 121 is between 20 mm and 30 mm, which is sufficient to accommodate a plurality of sensors. In other examples, the first cavity 121 can be of other shapes, such as cubic.

[0031] The second cavity 122 is located near the other end of the first cavity 121 and intersects with the first cavity 121. A hole 124 is provided on the side of the second cavity 122. The hole 124 is used to accommodate a part of the pressure sensor 111, such as the pressure chamber of the pressure sensor. In Figures 2-3 the example, the hole 124 is a cylindrical channel. The pressure sensor 111 can be embedded into the main body 12 through the hole 124, and the end of the body part of the pressure sensor can be flush with the end of the main body 12. When the liquid flows into the first cavity 121, the air in the first cavity 121 will be pressed into the second cavity 122. The pressure sensor 112 obtains the liquid level by detecting the pressure difference.

[0032] In addition, a baffle 125 is provided in the second cavity 122. The baffle 125 is located in the second cavity 122, and the baffle 125 is arranged along the extending direction of the second cavity 122 and close to the hole 124. The baffle 125 is spaced from the hole 124, for example, the distance between the two is several millimeters. The baffle 125 does not contact the probe of the pressure sensor. The setting of the baffle can prevent the liquid flowing into the sensor module from contacting the pressure sensor, thereby ensuring the reliability of the pressure sensor.

[0033] In Figures 2-5 the example, the shape of the second cavity 122 is cubic. It can be understood that in some other examples, the second cavity 122 can also be of other shapes, such as cylindrical.

[0034] The circuit board 13 can be connected to the pins of multiple sensors. For example, the printed circuit board (PCB) is signal-coupled to multiple sensors through the pins. In Figure 1 the example, multiple second sensors 112 are assembled on the circuit board 13. The housing 14 is used to cover the circuit board 13.

[0035] The assembled sensor module can be installed near the water outlet of the intelligent cleaning device. In the assembled state, the first cavity 121 is horizontally arranged, and the second cavity 122 is vertically arranged. After the liquid flows into the first cavity 121, the first sensor 111 and the second sensor 112 can detect various parameters of the liquid. Among them, the first sensor 111 does not contact the liquid, and the second sensor 112 can contact the liquid.

[0036] The sensor module 10 integrates multiple sensors into cavities that communicate with each other on the same main body. Among them, the pressure sensor is adjacent to the second cavity, and the other multiple sensors are all located in the first cavity. This integrated mechanism can reduce the structural complexity of the sensor module, reduce the product size, and thus reduce the cost. In addition, the structure of the sensor module is conducive to modular design and assembly to adapt to various different parameter detections.

[0037] In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 111 and the main body 12 are integrally formed. Specifically, reference may be made to Figures 2-3 , the probe part of the pressure sensor is inserted into the hole 124 of the main body 12. When preparing the main body 12, the pressure sensor 111 can be embedded into the hole 124, and when assembling, the pins of the sensor can be inserted and welded to the circuit board. The integrally formed setting of the pressure sensor 111 and the hole 124 of the main body 12 can ensure the airtightness of the pressure sensor.

[0038] Now refer to Figure 1 , the main body 12 includes a gasket 126 and a sealing cover 127. One end of the second cavity 122 leads to the first cavity, and the other end of the second cavity is sealed by the gasket 126 and the sealing cover 127. The gasket 126 surrounds the other end of the second cavity, and the sealing cover 127 covers the second cavity. In some examples, when the main body 12 and the pressure sensor 111 are integrally formed, due to the different demolding directions on the molds of the first cavity and the second cavity, the setting of the gasket 126 and the sealing cover 127 is beneficial for demolding.

[0039] In some examples, the pressure sensor 111 is a MEMS (MicroElectromechanical System) sensor.

[0040] In some examples, the second sensor 112 includes a turbidity sensor, and the turbidity sensor includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. Correspondingly, reference may be made to Figures 2-3 , the main body 12 includes a pair of protruding parts 123 arranged at intervals, which are relatively arranged on both sides of the second cavity. The pair of protruding parts 123 are respectively used to accommodate the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the turbidity sensor. When the main body 12 and the circuit board 13 are assembled, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit can be inserted into the pair of protruding parts 123. In some examples, the pair of protruding parts are transparent. In some examples, the main body 12 is made of a transparent material, such as PVC, PE, PET or PMMA.

[0041] In some examples, the second sensor 112 includes a conductivity sensor, and the conductivity sensor includes a pair of conductive metal blocks 112a, which can be coupled to the circuit board through one side of the main body 12. When the liquid flows into the first cavity and submerges the conductive metal blocks 112a, it can sense the conductivity information of the liquid.

[0042] Figures 1-3 The sensor 112 in Figure 1In the example, the sensors 112a and 112b can be connected to the circuit board 13 through pins, and the probe parts thereof can extend into the main body 12. In some other examples, the second sensor is a semiconductor sensor and is directly attached to the surface of the circuit board 13.

[0043] In some embodiments, the bottom of the second cavity may include an inclined portion. For example, reference can be made to Figures 2-3 and Figure 5 , the inclined portion 128 is flat and slopes downward in the outer direction of the sensor module. When the flowing liquid is relatively dirty, the setting of the inclined slope can reduce the accumulation of sediment in the sensor module.

[0044] In some embodiments, the sensor module 10 may further include a sealing ring 15, and the sealing ring 15 is disposed around the outside of one end of the second cavity 121 of the main body 12. When the sensor module 10 is installed on an external device, the sealing ring 15 can increase the sealing performance. The sensor module 10 may further include a plurality of fixing members. For example, in Figures 4-5 , three fixing members 16 are evenly spaced on the outer periphery of the main body 12, and the fixing members 16 can fix the sensor module 10 to the external device. The fixing method can be various, such as screw connection or riveting, etc.

[0045] The above are only optional embodiments of the embodiments of the present invention and are not used to limit the embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the embodiments of the present invention can have various changes and modifications. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the embodiments of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to several specific embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. The embodiments of the present invention are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the appended claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A sensor module, characterized in that, Comprising: A plurality of sensors, including a first sensor and one or more second sensors, wherein the first sensor is a pressure sensor; A main body portion, including a first cavity and a second cavity, one end of the first cavity being configured to allow liquid to flow in, and the other end of the first cavity being configured to mount the one or more second sensors; the second cavity is located near the other end of the first cavity and intersects with the first cavity, a hole is provided on the side of the second cavity, and the hole is configured to accommodate a part of the pressure sensor, and a baffle is provided in the second cavity, and the baffle is arranged along the extending direction of the second cavity and is close to the hole; A circuit board, the circuit board being configured to be connected to the plurality of sensors; And A housing, the housing being configured to cover the circuit board.

2. The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein The pressure sensor and the main body portion are integrally formed.

3. The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein The main body portion further includes a gasket and a sealing cover, and the gasket and the sealing cover are configured to seal the end of the second cavity.

4. The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein The one or more second sensors include a turbidity sensor, and the turbidity sensor includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit; and a pair of protruding portions are provided on the other end of the first cavity and are arranged oppositely, the pair of protruding portions protrude into the interior of the first cavity, and the one or more protruding portions are configured to accommodate the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit.

5. The sensor module according to claim 4, wherein, The pair of protruding portions are transparent.

6. The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein The one or more second sensors include a conductivity sensor, and the conductivity sensor includes a pair of conductive metal blocks.

7. The sensor module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The one or more second sensors include one or more of a temperature sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a microphone.

8. The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein The pressure sensor is a MEMS sensor.

9. The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein The bottom of the first cavity includes an inclined portion, and the inclined portion is flat and slopes downward in the outward direction of the sensor module.

10. The sensor module according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a sealing ring, and the sealing ring is disposed around the outside of one end of the second cavity.

11. The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein It further includes a plurality of fixing members, and the plurality of fixing members are provided on the outside of the main body portion, and the fixing members are configured to fix the sensor module to an external device.