Pressure sensor

Abstract

The utility model relates to a pressure sensor comprising a first flexible electrode, a piezoresistive sensing layer and a second flexible electrode which are arranged in sequence. The first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode are both conductive cloth and conductive fabric, and the piezoresistive sensing layer is a piezoresistive ink layer. According to the pressure sensor provided by the embodiment of the utility model, when a user uses the pressure sensor, softness, breathability and comfort can be effectively ensured while pressure sensing is realized, and the user experience is good.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of pressure sensors, and more specifically, to a pressure sensor. Background Art

[0002] Pressure sensors are used to detect and measure pressure changes in various environments. However, traditional pressure sensors cannot be applied to flexible products such as smart wearable devices, smart cushions, and smart mattresses. To solve this problem, Chinese patent document CN206740283U discloses a piezoresistive pressure sensor, which includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and at least one layer of pressure-sensitive layer. This piezoresistive pressure sensor is flexible, but while achieving pressure sensing, it cannot ensure softness, breathability, and comfort, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a pressure sensor to solve the problem that while the pressure sensor achieves pressure sensing, it cannot ensure softness, breathability, and comfort, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0004] To achieve the above purpose, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] A pressure sensor includes a first flexible electrode, a piezoresistive sensing layer, and a second flexible electrode arranged in sequence;

[0006] Both the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode are made of conductive cloth and conductive fabric, and the piezoresistive sensing layer is a piezoresistive ink layer.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first flexible electrode is a strip-shaped electrode, and the number of the first flexible electrodes is multiple. The multiple first flexible electrodes are arranged at intervals, and the multiple first flexible electrodes are connected to one side of the piezoresistive sensing layer;

[0008] The second flexible electrode is a strip-shaped electrode, and the number of the second flexible electrodes is multiple. The multiple second flexible electrodes are arranged at intervals, and the multiple second flexible electrodes are connected to the side of the piezoresistive sensing layer away from the first flexible electrode.

[0009] In one embodiment, the piezoresistive sensing layer includes a first sensing layer and a second sensing layer. The first sensing layer is connected to the first flexible electrode, and the second sensing layer is connected to the second flexible electrode.

[0010] In one embodiment, the shape of the first sensing layer is adapted to the shape of the first flexible electrode, and the shape of the second sensing layer is adapted to the shape of the second flexible electrode.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first sensing layer includes a substrate and a plurality of conductive particles. The plurality of conductive particles are distributed on the substrate. When the substrate is extruded, the plurality of conductive particles move relative to the substrate, and the distance between the plurality of conductive particles decreases.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first sensing layer is connected to the first flexible electrode through a coating process; the second sensing layer is connected to the second flexible electrode through a coating process.

[0013] In one embodiment, the pressure sensor further includes a first support layer and a second support layer. The first support layer is connected to a side of the first flexible electrode away from the piezoresistive sensing layer, and the second support layer is connected to a side of the second flexible electrode away from the piezoresistive sensing layer.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first flexible electrode is bonded to the first support layer, and the second flexible electrode is bonded to the second support layer.

[0015] In one embodiment, both the first support layer and the second support layer are made of cloth material.

[0016] In one embodiment, the pressure sensor further includes a circuit board. The first flexible electrode is electrically connected to the circuit board, and the second flexible electrode is electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0017] From the above technical solutions, it can be seen that the present utility model has at least the following advantages and positive effects compared with the prior art: The pressure sensor of the embodiment of the present utility model includes a first flexible electrode, a piezoresistive sensing layer, and a second flexible electrode. Both the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode are conductive cloth and conductive fabric, and the piezoresistive sensing layer is a piezoresistive ink layer. When the user uses the pressure sensor, while realizing pressure sensing, it can effectively ensure softness, breathability and comfort, and the user experience is good. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally denoted by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a pressure sensor in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of the shown pressure sensor.

[0021] The description of the reference numerals in the drawings is as follows:

[0022] 10. Pressure sensor; 100. First flexible electrode; 200. Piezoresistive sensing layer; 210. First sensing layer; 211. Substrate; 212. Conductive particles; 220. Second sensing layer; 300. Second flexible electrode; 400. Circuit board; 500. First support layer; 600. Second support layer. Detailed implementation manners

[0023] In order to more clearly explain the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. The exemplary implementation manners can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein; on the contrary, providing these implementation manners makes the present invention more comprehensive and complete, and conveys the concept of the exemplary implementation manners to those skilled in the art in an all-round way.

[0024] In addition, the described features, structures or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, many specific details are provided to give a full understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will realize that the technical solutions of the present invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, devices, steps, etc. can be adopted. In other cases, well-known methods, devices, implementations or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of the present invention.

[0025] The block diagrams shown in the drawings are only functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically independent entities. That is, these functional entities can be implemented in software form, or implemented in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or implemented in different networks and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0026] The flowcharts shown in the drawings are only illustrative descriptions and do not necessarily include all the contents and operations / steps, nor do they necessarily need to be executed in the described order. For example, some operations / steps can be decomposed, and some operations / steps can be combined or partially combined. Therefore, the actual execution order may change according to the actual situation.

[0027] The present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments:

[0028] First, refer to Figure 1, the present utility model provides a pressure sensor 10, which is used to detect and measure pressure changes in various environments. It can not only ensure high sensitivity and fast response speed under a certain deformation, but also has good comfort and flexibility.

[0029] The pressure sensor 10 includes a first flexible electrode 100, a piezoresistive sensing layer 200, and a second flexible electrode 300 arranged in sequence. The first flexible electrode 100 and the second flexible electrode 300 are used for data reading, control, and connection to the power supply circuit. When the piezoresistive sensing layer 200 deforms, the resistance of the piezoresistive sensing layer 200 changes, and the data read by the first flexible electrode 100 and the second flexible electrode 300 changes relative to when no deformation occurs.

[0030] The pressure sensor 10 further includes a circuit board 400. The first flexible electrode 100 is electrically connected to the circuit board 400, and the second flexible electrode 300 is electrically connected to the circuit board 400.

[0031] It should be noted that both the first flexible electrode 100 and the second flexible electrode 300 are conductive cloth and conductive fabric, and the piezoresistive sensing layer 200 is a piezoresistive ink layer. The conductive cloth and conductive fabric are soft, breathable, and comfortable. The piezoresistive ink layer has high sensitivity and fast response speed, reducing the dependence of the pressure sensor 10 on precious metal materials to reduce resistance. Moreover, the production and processing process of the conductive circuit does not require high-energy-consuming and highly polluting processes such as smelting, grinding into slurry, screen printing, and baking, reducing environmental pollution.

[0032] In summary, in this application, the pressure sensor 10 includes a first flexible electrode 100, a piezoresistive sensing layer 200, and a second flexible electrode 300. Both the first flexible electrode 100 and the second flexible electrode 300 are conductive cloth and conductive fabric, and the piezoresistive sensing layer 200 is a piezoresistive ink layer. When the user uses the pressure sensor 10, while achieving pressure sensing, it can also effectively ensure softness, breathability, and comfort, and the user experience is good.

[0033] It should be noted that the first flexible electrode 100 is a strip-shaped electrode, and the number of the first flexible electrodes 100 is multiple. The multiple first flexible electrodes 100 are arranged at intervals, and the multiple first flexible electrodes 100 are connected to one side of the piezoresistive sensing layer 200. By setting the first flexible electrode 100 as a strip-shaped electrode, while ensuring that the pressure sensor 10 can be powered on, the area of the first flexible electrode 100 is minimized, saving costs. It can be understood that the first flexible electrode 100 can also be set as a sheet, as long as the first flexible electrode 100 can conduct electricity, the solution should be protected.

[0034] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the number of the first flexible electrodes 100 is set to two. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the number of the first flexible electrodes 100 can be set to four, six, etc. The present invention does not specifically limit the number of the first flexible electrodes 100.

[0035] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the second flexible electrode 300 is a strip-shaped electrode, and the number of the second flexible electrodes 300 is set to be multiple. The multiple second flexible electrodes 300 are arranged at intervals, and the multiple second flexible electrodes 300 are connected to the side of the piezoresistive sensing layer 200 away from the first flexible electrode 100. Similarly, by setting the second flexible electrode 300 to be strip-shaped, while ensuring that the second flexible electrode 300 can be energized, the area of the second flexible electrode 300 is reduced, saving costs. It can be understood that the second flexible electrode 300 may not be set to be strip-shaped. For example, the second flexible electrode 300 is set to be sheet-shaped. As long as the second flexible electrode 300 can conduct electricity, the solution should be protected.

[0036] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the number of the second flexible electrodes 300 is set to two. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the number of the second flexible electrodes 300 can be set to four, six. The present invention does not specifically limit the number of the second flexible electrodes 300.

[0037] It should be noted that the piezoresistive sensing layer 200 includes a first sensing layer 210 and a second sensing layer 220. The first sensing layer 210 is connected to the first flexible electrode 100, and the second sensing layer 220 is connected to the second flexible electrode 300. Specifically, the first sensing layer 210 is connected to the first flexible electrode 100 through a coating process, and the second sensing layer 220 is connected to the second flexible electrode 300 through a coating process. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the first sensing layer 210 can also be connected to the first flexible electrode 100 by other means, and the second sensing layer 220 can also be connected to the second flexible electrode 300 by other means. The present invention does not specifically limit the connection manner between the first sensing layer 210 and the first flexible electrode 100 and the connection manner between the second sensing layer 220 and the second flexible electrode 300.

[0038] It should be noted that the shape of the first sensing layer 210 is adapted to the shape of the first flexible electrode 100. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first flexible electrode 100 is set as a strip-shaped electrode. Correspondingly, the first sensing layer 210 is also set as strip-shaped, and the first sensing layer 210 covers the surface of the first flexible electrode 100. By setting the first flexible electrode 100 as a strip-shaped electrode and the first sensing layer 210 as strip-shaped, while ensuring that the first flexible electrode 100 can conduct electricity, the consumption of conductive materials and piezoresistive materials can be reduced. There is no need to attach a whole piece of piezoresistive material to the conductive material, and the piezoresistive material does not need to be attached to the non-sensing area, which will not cause waste of piezoresistive material and save costs.

[0039] It should be noted that the specific set shape of the second sensing layer 220 is the same as the specific set shape of the first sensing layer 210, and the present utility model will not elaborate too much on the specific set shape of the second sensing layer 220.

[0040] The first sensing layer 210 includes a substrate 211 and a plurality of conductive particles 212. The plurality of conductive particles 212 are distributed on the substrate 211. When the pressure sensor 10 is subjected to pressure, the first sensing layer 210 is squeezed and deformed. Microscopically, the plurality of conductive particles 212 move relative to the substrate 211, and the distance between the plurality of conductive particles 212 becomes smaller. Macroscopically, the resistance of the circuit of the pressure sensor 10 becomes smaller. It should be noted that the greater the pressure, the greater the amount of squeezing deformation, the smaller the distance between the conductive particles 212, and the smaller the resistance.

[0041] It should be noted that the above-mentioned substrate 211 is a conductive cloth substrate.

[0042] It should be noted that the conductive particles 212 include but are not limited to monomers or mixtures of conductive carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and conductive metal particles. The present utility model does not specifically limit the specific set form of the conductive particles 212.

[0043] It should be noted that the substrate 211 and the conductive particles 212 are mixed in a certain proportion and are distributed on the surface of the first flexible electrode 100 through a coating process.

[0044] It should be noted that the specific set form of the second sensing layer 220 is the same as the specific set form of the first sensing layer 210, and the present utility model will not elaborate too much on the specific set form of the second sensing layer 220.

[0045] The pressure sensor 10 further includes a first support layer 500 and a second support layer 600. The first support layer 500 is connected to the side of the first flexible electrode 100 away from the first sensing layer 210, and the second support layer 600 is connected to the side of the second flexible electrode 300 away from the second sensing layer 220. The first support layer 500 is used to support the first flexible electrode 100 and the first sensing layer 210, and the second support layer 600 is used to support the second flexible electrode 300 and the second sensing layer 220. It can be understood that, without considering the support for the first flexible electrode 100 and the first sensing layer 210, and the support for the second flexible electrode 300 and the second sensing layer 220, the first support layer 500 and the second support layer 600 may not be provided either.

[0046] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the first flexible electrode 100 is bonded to the first support layer 500, and the second flexible electrode 300 is bonded to the second support layer 600. It can be understood that, in other embodiments, the first flexible electrode 100 can also be sewn or woven on the first support layer 500, and the first flexible electrode 100 can also be connected to the first support layer 500 by hot pressing; the second flexible electrode 300 can also be sewn or woven on the second support layer 600, and the second flexible electrode 300 can also be connected to the second support layer 600 by hot pressing. The present invention does not specifically limit the connection manner between the first flexible electrode 100 and the first support layer 500, and the connection manner between the second flexible electrode 300 and the second support layer 600.

[0047] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the materials of the first support layer 500 and the second support layer 600 are fabrics. It can be understood that, in other embodiments, the materials of the first support layer 500 and the second support layer 600 can also be plastic sheets or metal sheets, such as PC, PET, PP; stainless steel sheets, copper sheets, aluminum sheets, etc. Users or manufacturers can select pressure sensors 10 with first support layers 500 and second support layers 600 made of different materials according to actual needs or the products to be produced. The present invention does not specifically limit the materials of the first support layer 500 and the second support layer 600.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will readily conceive of other embodiments of the present utility model after considering the specification and practicing the utility model disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present utility model, which follow the general principles of the present utility model and include known common general knowledge or conventional technical means in the technical field not disclosed by the present utility model. The specification and examples are only regarded as exemplary, and the true scope and spirit of the present utility model are pointed out by the claims. It should be understood that the present utility model is not limited to the exact structures described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present utility model is only limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pressure sensor, characterized in that, It includes a first flexible electrode, a piezoresistive sensing layer, and a second flexible electrode which are sequentially arranged; Both the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode are conductive cloth and conductive fabric, and the piezoresistive sensing layer is a piezoresistive ink layer.

2. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flexible electrode is a strip-shaped electrode, and the number of the first flexible electrodes is multiple. The multiple first flexible electrodes are arranged at intervals, and the multiple first flexible electrodes are connected to one side of the piezoresistive sensing layer; The second flexible electrode is a strip-shaped electrode, and the number of the second flexible electrodes is multiple. The multiple second flexible electrodes are arranged at intervals, and the multiple second flexible electrodes are connected to the side of the piezoresistive sensing layer away from the first flexible electrode.

3. The pressure sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that The piezoresistive sensing layer includes a first sensing layer and a second sensing layer. The first sensing layer is connected to the first flexible electrode, and the second sensing layer is connected to the second flexible electrode.

4. The pressure sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The shape of the first sensing layer is adapted to the shape of the first flexible electrode, and the shape of the second sensing layer is adapted to the shape of the second flexible electrode.

5. The pressure sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first sensing layer includes a substrate and a plurality of conductive particles. The plurality of conductive particles are distributed on the substrate. When the substrate is extruded, the plurality of conductive particles move relative to the substrate, and the distance between the plurality of conductive particles decreases.

6. The pressure sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first sensing layer is connected to the first flexible electrode through a coating process; the second sensing layer is connected to the second flexible electrode through a coating process.

7. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, wherein The pressure sensor further includes a first support layer and a second support layer. The first support layer is connected to the side of the first flexible electrode away from the piezoresistive sensing layer, and the second support layer is connected to the side of the second flexible electrode away from the piezoresistive sensing layer.

8. The pressure sensor according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first flexible electrode is bonded to the first support layer, and the second flexible electrode is bonded to the second support layer.

9. The pressure sensor according to claim 7, characterized in that, Both the first support layer and the second support layer are made of cloth material.

10. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure sensor further includes a circuit board. The first flexible electrode is electrically connected to the circuit board, and the second flexible electrode is electrically connected to the circuit board.

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