Temperature sensor and quick connector

Abstract

The utility model provides a temperature sensor and a quick connector. The quick connector comprises the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor comprises a hollow shell, a sensor unit and a waterproof structure. The sensor unit includes a plug member, an electrical terminal, a printed circuit board, and a thermistor. The plug member is positioned within the housing and together with the housing defines an accommodation space. The electrical terminal is fixed to the plug member and includes a connection section located within the accommodation space. And the printed circuit board and the thermistor are arranged in the accommodating space. The connection section and the thermistor are both fixed to the printed circuit board and electrically connected to each other through the printed circuit board. The waterproof structure at least covers the connecting section of the electric terminal, the printed circuit board and the thermistor. According to the temperature sensor and the quick connector, temperature can be accurately measured, and the temperature sensor and the quick connector are good in electrical appliance safety and low in cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates generally to the field of sensor technology, and more specifically to temperature sensors and quick connectors including temperature sensors. Background Technology

[0002] Quick connectors can be used in many different applications to establish fluid connections between fluid lines or fluid-connecting components. Some quick connectors can be equipped with temperature sensors to measure and detect the temperature of the fluid flowing within the quick connector. Temperature sensors typically include thermistors for measuring, for example, the temperature of the fluid.

[0003] Figure 1 A pin-type thermistor 1 of a conventional quick-connect temperature sensor is shown, wherein the thermistor chip is encapsulated in insulating material 2 and soldered to elongated pins 3. However, temperature sensors using this type of thermistor are relatively expensive.

[0004] Furthermore, for temperature sensors used to measure fluid temperature, it is desirable that the thermistor's performance is not degraded by the fluid being measured, external moisture, or water. Additionally, it is desirable that the thermistor be accurately positioned within the temperature sensor to accurately measure the temperature of the fluid in which the sensor is located. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems existing in the prior art and to propose an improved temperature sensor and a quick connector including the temperature sensor.

[0006] To this end, a first aspect of the present invention provides a temperature sensor comprising a hollow housing, a sensor unit, and a waterproof structure. The sensor unit comprises: a plug member positioned within the housing and defining a receiving space together with the housing; an electrical terminal fixed to the plug member and including a connecting section located within the receiving space; a printed circuit board disposed within the receiving space; and a thermistor disposed within the receiving space, the thermistor and the connecting section both being fixed to the printed circuit board and electrically connected to each other through the printed circuit board. The waterproof structure at least covers the connecting section of the electrical terminal, the printed circuit board, and the thermistor.

[0007] Based on the above-described technical concept, this utility model may further include any one or more of the following optional forms.

[0008] In some alternative forms, the thermistor is a surface-mount thermistor and / or is fixed to the printed circuit board by surface-mount technology.

[0009] In some alternative forms, the connecting segment is flat and / or fixed to the printed circuit board by surface mount technology; or the connecting segment is bent, the printed circuit board includes solder holes, and the connecting segment is inserted into the solder holes and soldered to the printed circuit board.

[0010] In some alternative forms, the electrical terminals are made of metal and are strip-shaped, and the plug member is formed around the electrical terminals by injection molding.

[0011] In some alternative forms, the electrical terminal includes a terminal body and a retaining rib extending perpendicular to the terminal body, wherein the plug member includes a retaining hole, wherein the retaining rib engages with the retaining hole to limit displacement of the electrical terminal relative to the plug member.

[0012] In some alternative forms, the housing is tubular in shape and defines a longitudinal direction, wherein the electrical terminal includes a terminal body extending along the longitudinal direction, the terminal body including the connecting segment and further including a transition segment and an output segment connected to the connecting segment via the transition segment, wherein the connecting segment and the output segment extend parallel to each other, and the transition segment is inclined relative to the connecting segment and the output segment.

[0013] In some alternative forms, the housing is tubular in shape, wherein the plug member includes a snap-fit ​​protrusion or snap-fit ​​recess on its outer surface, and the housing correspondingly includes a snap-fit ​​recess or snap-fit ​​protrusion on its inner surface, wherein the snap-fit ​​protrusion engages with the snap-fit ​​recess to impede movement of the plug member relative to the housing.

[0014] In some alternative forms, the waterproof structure includes a conformal coating that covers at least the connection portion of the electrical terminals, the printed circuit board, and the thermistor.

[0015] In some alternative forms, the conformal coating is a polyurethane coating, an acrylate coating, a silicone coating, an epoxy coating, or a polyamide coating.

[0016] In some alternative forms, the containment space is filled with a filling medium having a water absorption rate of less than or equal to 1% and / or a thermal conductivity of greater than or equal to 1 W / (m·K).

[0017] In some alternative forms, the filling medium is epoxy resin or thermal grease.

[0018] In some alternative forms, the housing is formed by a single injection molding process.

[0019] In some alternative forms, the waterproof structure includes a filling medium that fills the containment space, the filling medium having a water absorption rate of less than or equal to 1% and at least directly covering the connection section of the electrical terminals, the printed circuit board, and the thermistor.

[0020] In some alternative forms, the housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion, wherein the first housing portion has a tubular shape and includes closed ends and open ends opposite to each other, the first housing portion is injection molded and accommodates the sensor unit to define the accommodating space together with the plug member, and wherein the second housing portion is injection molded around the open end of the first housing portion that accommodates at least the sensor unit and the filling medium.

[0021] In some alternative forms, the second housing portion includes a mounting portion for mounting the temperature sensor to a support structure for supporting the temperature sensor.

[0022] In some alternative forms, the second housing portion encloses the open end of the first housing portion.

[0023] A second aspect of this invention provides a quick connector that includes a temperature sensor according to a first aspect of this invention.

[0024] In some alternative forms, the quick connector includes a connector body, wherein the housing of the temperature sensor is integrally formed with the connector body.

[0025] In some alternative forms, the quick connector includes a connector body and a locking element, wherein the housing of the temperature sensor and the connector body are each separately formed, and the housing of the temperature sensor is connected to the connector body via the locking element.

[0026] According to this invention, the sensor unit of the temperature sensor and quick connector can be stably positioned within the housing of the temperature sensor via a plug member, thereby allowing accurate measurement of the temperature of the fluid in which the temperature sensor is located. Furthermore, the temperature sensor and quick connector include a printed circuit board, allowing for the mounting of, for example, a low-cost surface-mount thermistor on the printed circuit board to reduce manufacturing costs. In addition, the temperature sensor includes a waterproof structure that at least covers the connection section of the electrical terminals, the printed circuit board, and the thermistor, improving the moisture and water resistance of the printed circuit board and its electronic components, thereby preventing short circuits within the temperature sensor. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Other features and advantages of this utility model will be better understood through the following detailed description of optional embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals identify the same or similar parts, wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic plan view of an existing thermistor used for temperature sensors is shown;

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a quick connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the temperature sensor at the quick connector;

[0031] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 Another schematic cross-sectional view of the temperature sensor at the quick connector;

[0032] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 A schematic plan view of the sensor unit of the temperature sensor with a quick connector;

[0033] Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 Another schematic plan view of the sensor unit of the temperature sensor for the quick connector, wherein the conformal cover layer of the sensor unit is omitted;

[0034] Figure 7 It shows Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the plug component of the sensor unit of the quick connector;

[0035] Figure 8A and Figure 8B They are shown respectively Figure 2 Schematic perspective and plan view of the electrical terminals of the sensor unit of the quick connector;

[0036] Figure 9A and Figure 9B They are shown respectively Figure 2 A schematic plan view of the printed circuit board and thermistor of the sensor unit with a quick connector;

[0037] Figure 10 A schematic perspective view of a quick connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 A schematic plan view of the temperature sensor for the quick connector;

[0039] Figure 12 It shows Figure 10 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of the temperature sensor of the quick connector;

[0040] Figure 13 It shows Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of a temperature sensor with a quick connector;

[0041] Figure 14A A schematic plan view of the sensor unit of a temperature sensor according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0042] Figure 14B It shows Figure 14A A schematic plan view of the plug components and electrical terminals of the sensor unit; and

[0043] Figure 14C It shows Figure 14A A plan view of the printed circuit board of the sensor unit in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The implementation and use of the embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways of implementing and using this utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. In the description, the structural positions of the various components, such as upper, lower, top, bottom, etc., are not absolute, but relative. These orientations are appropriate when the various components are arranged as shown in the figures, but these orientations change accordingly when the positions of the various components in the figures change.

[0045] The terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. In this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0046] Figure 2 Figures 10 to 9 show the quick connector 10 and its components according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Reference Figures 2 to 4A quick connector 10 according to a first embodiment is used to establish fluid communication between fluid lines or fluid communication components. The quick connector 10 may include a temperature sensor 100, a connector body 200, and a locking member 300. The connector body 200 defines a fluid passage and includes a first end 202 and a second end 204. The first end 202 may receive a first fitting (not shown), which may be locked to the first end 202 by the locking member 300. A second fitting (not shown) may be sleeved over the second end 204, the second fitting being, for example, in the form of a flexible hose. The temperature sensor 100 extends at least partially into the connector body 200 to measure and monitor the temperature of the fluid flowing therethrough.

[0048] Temperature sensor 100 includes a hollow housing 102 and a sensor unit 104. Sensor unit 104 includes a plug member 106, electrical terminals 108, a printed circuit board 110, and a thermistor 112. The plug member 106 is positioned within the housing 102 and, together with the housing 102, defines a receiving space 113. Electrical terminals 108 are fixed to the plug member 106 and include a connecting section 114 located within the receiving space 113. The printed circuit board 110 and the thermistor 112 are disposed within the receiving space 113. The connecting section 114 and the thermistor 112 are both fixed to the printed circuit board 110 and are electrically connected to each other via the printed circuit board 110.

[0049] The sensor unit 104 of the temperature sensor 100 can be stably positioned within the housing 102 via the plug member 106, thereby allowing accurate measurement of the temperature of the fluid in which the temperature sensor 100 is located. Furthermore, the temperature sensor 100 includes a printed circuit board 110, which allows for the mounting of, for example, a low-cost surface-mount thermistor on the printed circuit board 110 to reduce the cost of the temperature sensor 100.

[0050] Continue to refer to Figures 2 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 102 of the temperature sensor 100 and the connector body 200 are molded as a single unit. Optionally, the housing 102 of the temperature sensor 100 and the connector body 200 can be molded as a single unit using a single injection molding process. Optionally, the housing 102 of the temperature sensor 100 and the connector body 200 can be made of polyethylene, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide, or other suitable plastic materials.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 102 of the temperature sensor 100 is a hollow tubular shape. The housing 102 defines a longitudinal direction L (i.e., its length direction) and includes a closed end 116 and an open end 118 in the longitudinal direction L. The housing 102 includes a first housing portion 120 and a second housing portion 122 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction L. The first housing portion 120 includes the closed end 116, and the second housing portion 122 includes the open end 118. The first housing portion 120 tapers towards the interior of the connector body 200 along the longitudinal direction L, and the closed end 116 of the first housing portion 120 is inserted into the interior of the connector body 200.

[0052] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, sensor unit 104 is inserted into housing 102. The plug member 106 of sensor unit 104 has a generally blocky shape. The outer peripheral contour of plug member 106 matches the inner peripheral contour of housing 102, such that plug member 106 divides the internal space of housing 102 into two parts: a receiving space 113 and a receiving space 126. In the illustrated embodiment, plug member 106 and a first housing portion 120 define the receiving space 113, and plug member 106 and a second housing portion 122 define the receiving space 126.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the plug member 106 may include a shoulder 128, and the inner surface of the first housing portion 120 may include a limiting portion 130. During the assembly of the temperature sensor 100, when the sensor unit 104 is inserted into the housing 102, the shoulder 128 of the plug member 106 may abut against the limiting portion 130 of the first housing portion 120 to indicate that the sensor unit 104 has been inserted into place. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug member 106 includes a snap-fit ​​protrusion 132 disposed on its outer surface, and the first housing portion 120 of the housing 102 correspondingly includes a snap-fit ​​recess 134 disposed on its inner surface. When the sensor unit 104 is inserted into place within the housing 102, the snap-fit ​​protrusion 132 engages with the snap-fit ​​recess 134 to impede movement of the plug member 106 relative to the housing 102. It is conceivable that in other embodiments not shown, a snap-fit ​​recess may be provided on the plug member, and a snap-fit ​​protrusion may be correspondingly provided on the housing.

[0054] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8A and Figure 8BThe electrical terminals 108 of the sensor unit 104 can be used to electrically connect the thermistor 112 to a temperature reading system (not shown) external to the temperature sensor 100. The connector of the temperature reading system can be inserted into the second housing portion 122 via the open end 118 of the second housing portion 122 of the housing 102 to electrically connect to the electrical terminals 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor unit 104 may include two electrical terminals 108 having a symmetrical configuration. The following description uses one of the electrical terminals 108 as an example.

[0055] As shown in the figure, the electrical terminal 108 may be in a generally flat strip shape and extend through the plug member 106. The electrical terminal 108 may include a terminal body 136 extending in the longitudinal direction L. The electrical terminal 108 may also include a retaining rib 138 extending perpendicular to the terminal body 136. Accordingly, the plug member 106 includes a retaining hole 140. The retaining rib 138 may engage with the retaining hole 140 to limit displacement of the electrical terminal 108 relative to the plug member 106 in the longitudinal direction L. This prevents displacement of the electrical terminal 108 and poor contact between the electrical terminal 108 and the connector of the temperature reading system when the electrical terminal 108 is plugged in.

[0056] As shown in the figure, the terminal body 136 includes a connecting section 114, a transition section 142, and an output section 144 connected to the connecting section 114 via the transition section 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting section 114, the transition section 142, and the output section 144 are all flat. The connecting section 114 can be soldered and electrically connected to the printed circuit board 110 using surface mount technology. It is understood that in some embodiments not shown, the connecting section 114 may also be generally L-shaped and electrically connected to the printed circuit board 110 via through-hole soldering. The output section 144 of the electrical terminal 108 is plugged into a connector of the temperature reading system.

[0057] The connecting section 114 and the output section 144 extend parallel to each other, and the transition section 142 is inclined relative to the connecting section 114 and the output section 144. The aforementioned bending structure of the terminal body 136 prevents relative movement of the electrical terminal 108 relative to the plug member 106 in the longitudinal direction L, and facilitates the centered placement of the printed circuit board 110 connected to the connecting section 114 and the thermistor 112 disposed on the printed circuit board 110 within the receiving space 113. In the illustrated embodiment, the transition section 142 forms an obtuse angle with the connecting section 114 and the output section 144.

[0058] The electrical terminal 108 may be made of metal. The plug member 106 may be formed around the electrical terminal 108, for example, by insert molding, such that the electrical terminal 108 is secured to the plug member 106. When the plug member 106 is formed by insert molding, the retaining rib 138 of the electrical terminal 108 facilitates the positioning of the electrical terminal 108 and the mass production of the plug member 106. It is understood that in other embodiments, not shown, the electrical terminal may also be secured to the plug member in other ways; for example, the plug member may include a receiving channel in which the electrical terminal may be at least partially generally straight and secured with an interference fit.

[0059] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 9A and Figure 9B The printed circuit board 110 extends longitudinally in the direction L and has opposite first longitudinal ends 146 and second longitudinal ends 148. The printed circuit board 110 tapers towards the closed end 116 of the housing 102, such that the width of the first longitudinal end 146 is smaller than the width of the second longitudinal end 148. The first longitudinal end 146 of the printed circuit board 110 extends into the closed end 116 of the housing 102, and a thermistor 112 is fixed at the first longitudinal end 146, such that the thermistor 112 is located within the space enclosed by the connector body 200, in order to more accurately detect the fluid temperature inside the connector body 200. The second longitudinal end 148 of the printed circuit board 110 is adjacent to one end of the plug member 106, and the connection section 114 of the electrical terminal 108 is fixed at the second longitudinal end 148.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the thermistor 112 is a surface-mount thermistor. The thermistor 112 can be soldered and electrically connected to the printed circuit board 110 using surface-mount technology. The thermistor 112 is generally cuboid in shape and has two electrodes 150 at its two ends, which can be soldered to the printed circuit board 110. With both the thermistor 112 and the connection section 114 of the electrical terminal 108 fixed to the printed circuit board 110 using surface-mount technology, automated mounting equipment can be used to improve production speed and accuracy. The thermistor 112 can be a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor or a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor. Preferably, the thermistor 112 is an NTC thermistor, which has the characteristic that its resistance value changes smoothly with temperature over a wide temperature range, including room temperature, thus facilitating the detection of small temperature differences.

[0061] Compared to the plug-in thermistors with insulating encapsulation in the prior art, the thermistor 112 and the connection section 114 of the associated printed circuit board 110 and electrical terminals 108 require additional protection to enhance the moisture-proof, waterproof and dust-proof capabilities of the conductive lines and electronic components on the printed circuit board 110, especially the thermistor 112, thereby preventing corrosion of the soldering positions and conductive lines and preventing short circuits.

[0062] Reference Figures 2 to 6 The sensor unit 104 may be covered / encased with a conformal coating 152. The conformal coating 152 at least covers the connection portion 114 of the electrical terminals 108, the printed circuit board 110, and the thermistor 112 to prevent damage to the printed circuit board and electronic components of the sensor unit 104 from moisture, water, dust, and chemicals. The conformal coating 152 may be, for example, a polyurethane coating, an acrylic coating, a silicone coating, an epoxy coating, a polyamide coating, or other suitable conformal coatings with good waterproof properties. The acrylic coating may be applied, for example, by spraying; the epoxy coating may be applied, for example, by impregnation; and the polyamide coating may be applied, for example, by low-pressure injection molding.

[0063] The temperature sensor 100 may also be filled with a filling medium within its accommodating space 113 to further cover or encapsulate all or part of the conformal coating layer 152. Preferably, the filling medium may have good thermal conductivity and / or water resistance to improve the internal thermal conductivity of the temperature sensor 100, thereby improving the temperature measurement sensitivity and accuracy of the temperature sensor 100, and / or to improve the moisture and water resistance of the printed circuit board 110 and its electronic components, thereby preventing short circuits inside the temperature sensor 100.

[0064] The filling medium within the accommodating space 113 can be, for example, but not limited to, thermally conductive silicone grease, silicone rubber, or epoxy resin. The material of the filling medium can be selected according to actual needs. If high thermal conductivity is required, a filling medium with excellent thermal conductivity can be selected, with a thermal conductivity coefficient greater than or equal to 1 W / (m·K). Correspondingly, thermally conductive silicone grease can be a suitable filling medium. If high waterproofing is required, a filling medium with excellent waterproofing performance can be selected, with a water absorption rate less than or equal to 1%. Correspondingly, epoxy resin can be a suitable filling medium.

[0065] The following is combined Figure 2The manufacturing process of the quick connector 10 according to the first embodiment will be briefly described in section 9. First, the connector body 200 and the housing 102 of the temperature sensor 100, which are integral with each other, are formed by injection molding, and the plug member 106 is injection molded around the electrical terminal 108. Then, the electrical terminal 108 and the thermistor 112 are soldered to the printed circuit board 110 to form a sensor unit 104 including the plug member 106, the electrical terminal 108, the printed circuit board 110 and the thermistor 112, and a conformal coating layer 152 is covered on the sensor unit 104. Finally, an appropriate amount of filling medium is filled into the first housing portion 120 of the housing 102 of the temperature sensor 100, and the sensor unit 104 is inserted and fixed in the housing 102 such that the thermistor 112 is located in the closed end 116 of the housing 102 to form the quick connector 10.

[0066] Figures 10 to 13 A quick connector and its components according to a second embodiment of the present invention are shown. The quick connector according to the second embodiment is similar to the quick connector according to the first embodiment, the main difference being that the connector body 200 defining the fluid channel and the housing 102 of the temperature sensor 100 in the quick connector 10 according to the second embodiment are each formed separately.

[0067] Reference Figures 10 to 13 According to the second embodiment, the plug member 106, electrical terminal 108, printed circuit board 110 and thermistor of the temperature sensor 100 of the quick connector 10 can have the same structure as the corresponding components in the first embodiment.

[0068] The housing 102 of the quick connector 10 may be in a hollow tubular shape. The housing 102 defines a longitudinal direction L (i.e., its length direction) and includes a closed end 116 and an open end 118 in the longitudinal direction L. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 102 may be injection molded. Alternatively, the housing 102 may be made of polyphenylene sulfide or other suitable plastic material. The housing 102 may include a first housing portion 120 and a second housing portion 122.

[0069] The first housing portion 120 has a tubular shape and includes a closed end 116 and an open end 117 opposite to each other. The first housing portion 120 may be first injection molded. The sensor unit 104 may be inserted into and secured to the first housing portion 120 via the open end 117.

[0070] The plug member 106 of the sensor unit 104, together with the first housing portion 120, defines a receiving space 113 filled with a filling medium. This filling medium can be cured to further hold the sensor unit 104 in place and provide protection for it. The filling medium can at least directly cover / wrap the connection section 114 of the electrical terminals 108, the printed circuit board 110, and the thermistor 112 to provide protection, particularly waterproof and moisture-proof protection. The water absorption rate of the filling medium can be less than or equal to 1% to provide good waterproof performance, thereby preventing short circuits in the sensor unit 104. The filling medium can also have good thermal conductivity to improve the internal thermal conductivity of the temperature sensor 100, thereby improving the temperature sensor 100's temperature measurement sensitivity and accuracy. The thermal conductivity of the filling medium can be greater than or equal to 1 W / (m·K). The filling medium can be, for example, but not limited to, epoxy resin and silicone rubber. The filling medium can be a two-component filling medium and can be cured under suitable conditions, such as heating conditions. The filling medium can be, for example, a two-component epoxy resin or a two-component silicone rubber.

[0071] The second housing portion 122 is formed, for example, by insert molding or embedding molding, around the open end 117 of the first housing portion 120, which houses the sensor unit 104 and the filling medium, such that the first housing portion 120 and the second housing portion 122 are formed as a single piece. During the forming process of the second housing portion 122, the solidified filling medium can prevent the sensor unit 104 within the first housing portion 120 from shifting or falling off under the pressure of the injection molding process.

[0072] The second housing portion 122 can enclose the open end 117 of the first housing portion 120 to prevent external dust, moisture, water, etc. from entering through the open end 117 of the first housing portion 120, while also facilitating the retention of the sensor unit 104 within the first housing portion 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the second housing portion 122 is tubular in shape and includes a partition 123 located inside it, which encloses the open end 117 of the first housing portion 120 and allows the output section 144 of the electrical terminal 108 to pass through for connection with a connector of an external temperature reading system.

[0073] The second housing portion 122 may include a mounting portion 154, which may engage with a locking element 400, for example, in the form of a spring, to mount the temperature sensor 100 to the connector body 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portion 154 is in the form of a recess. It is conceivable that in other embodiments, not shown, the mounting portion may be in the form of a flange to engage with the locking element.

[0074] It is conceivable that in other embodiments (not shown) where the temperature sensor is applied to other devices or structures requiring temperature measurement functions besides quick connectors, the mounting portion can be used to mount the temperature sensor to other support structures for supporting the temperature sensor; it is also conceivable that in other embodiments (not shown), the mounting portion can be in the form of a flange and include fastening holes to allow the temperature sensor to be mounted to the support structure for supporting the temperature sensor by fasteners such as bolts or screws.

[0075] The following is combined Figures 10 to 13 The manufacturing process of the quick connector 10 according to the second embodiment will be briefly described. First, the connector body 200 and the first housing portion 120 of the housing 102 of the temperature sensor 100 are formed by injection molding. Next, the plug member 106 is injection molded around the electrical terminal 108, and the electrical terminal 108 and the thermistor 112 are soldered to the printed circuit board 110, thereby forming a sensor unit 104 including the plug member 106, the electrical terminal 108, the printed circuit board 110, and the thermistor 112. Then, an appropriate amount of filling medium is filled into the first housing portion 120 of the housing 102, and the sensor unit 104 is inserted and fixed to the first housing portion 120, such that the filling medium directly covers / encapsulates the connection segment 114 of the electrical terminal 108, the printed circuit board 110, and the thermistor 112, and heat treatment is performed to solidify the filling medium, thereby forming an assembly of the sensor unit 104 and the first housing portion 120. Next, the second housing portion 122 is formed by injection molding around the open end 117 of the first housing portion 120, which houses the sensor unit 104 and the cured filling medium, to obtain the temperature sensor 100. Finally, the temperature sensor 100 can be secured to the connector body 200 by the locking element 400 to obtain the quick connector 10.

[0076] exist Figures 10 to 13 In the illustrated embodiment, the surface of the sensor unit is not covered with a conformal coating. It is conceivable that in... Figures 10 to 13 In some variations of the illustrated embodiments, the surface of the sensor unit can be covered with the conformal coating layer described above, and the accommodating space can be filled with the aforementioned curable filling medium (e.g., epoxy resin or silicone rubber) to enhance the protection of the sensor unit in terms of waterproofing, moisture-proofing, dustproofing, and deformation prevention. In such variations, the first housing part can be injection molded first, and then an appropriate amount of filling medium can be filled into the first housing part and the sensor unit covered with the conformal coating layer can be inserted and fixed to the first housing part. After the filling medium has cured, the second housing part can be formed by injection molding around the open end of the first housing part containing the sensor unit, the conformal coating layer, and the filling medium, so that the first housing part and the second housing part are formed as a single piece to form a temperature sensor.

[0077] exist Figures 10 to 13 In the illustrated embodiment, the housing of the temperature sensor is formed by a two-step injection molding process. It is conceivable that, in... Figures 10 to 13 In some variations of the illustrated embodiments, the conformal coating layer described above can also be applied to the surface of the sensor unit, and then the housing of the temperature sensor can be directly formed around the sensor unit by a single injection molding process; in such variations, there is no filling medium inside the housing.

[0078] Reference Figures 14A to 14C The sensor unit of the temperature sensor according to the third embodiment is similar to that of the temperature sensor according to the first embodiment. The main difference is that the connection portion 114 of the electrical terminal 108 of the sensor unit 104 of the temperature sensor according to the third embodiment is bent, and correspondingly, the printed circuit board 110 of the sensor unit 104 has solder holes 111. The connection portion 114 of the electrical terminal 108 can be inserted into the solder holes 111 and soldered to the printed circuit board 110 for electrical connection with the printed circuit board 110.

[0079] Although the temperature sensor 100 according to the present invention has been described above in conjunction with the quick connector 10, it is understood that the application of the temperature sensor according to the present invention is not limited thereto, but can be applied to various application scenarios that require temperature measurement and monitoring.

[0080] It should also be understood that the various components and features described herein may be made of a variety of materials, including but not limited to polymers, rubber, metals, and other suitable materials or combinations thereof known to those skilled in the art. Figures 2 to 14C The embodiments shown only illustrate the shape, quantity, size, and arrangement of the various optional components of the temperature sensor and quick connector according to the present invention. However, they are only illustrative and not limiting. Other shapes, sizes, and arrangements may be adopted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0081] The technical content and features of this utility model have been disclosed above. However, it is understood that, under the inventive concept of this utility model, those skilled in the art can easily make modifications, variations, and equivalents of these embodiments based on the disclosed content. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. This disclosure is intended to cover these modifications, variations, and equivalents. The description of the above embodiments is exemplary and not restrictive, and the scope of protection of this utility model is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A temperature sensor, characterized in that, The temperature sensor (100) includes: Hollow shell (102); Sensor unit (104), the sensor unit (104) comprising: A plug member (106) is positioned within the housing (102) and together with the housing (102) defines a receiving space (113); Electrical terminal (108), said electrical terminal (108) is fixed to said plug member (106) and includes a connecting section (114) located within said receiving space (113); A printed circuit board (110) disposed within the receiving space (113); and A thermistor (112) is disposed within the receiving space (113). The thermistor (112) and the connecting segment (114) are both fixed to the printed circuit board (110) and electrically connected to each other via the printed circuit board (110). A waterproof structure that at least covers the connection section (114) of the electrical terminal (108), the printed circuit board (110), and the thermistor (112).

2. The temperature sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermistor (112) is a surface mount thermistor and / or is fixed to the printed circuit board (110) by surface mount technology.

3. The temperature sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting section (114) is flat and / or fixed to the printed circuit board (110) by surface mount technology; or The connecting section (114) is bent, and the printed circuit board (110) includes a solder hole (111). The connecting section (114) is inserted into the solder hole (111) and soldered to the printed circuit board (110).

4. The temperature sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical terminal (108) is made of metal and is strip-shaped, and the plug member (106) is formed around the electrical terminal (108) by injection molding.

5. The temperature sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The electrical terminal (108) includes a terminal body (136) and a retaining rib (138) extending perpendicularly to the terminal body (136), wherein the plug member (106) includes a retaining hole (140), wherein the retaining rib (138) engages with the retaining hole (140) to limit the displacement of the electrical terminal (108) relative to the plug member (106).

6. The temperature sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The housing (102) is tubular in shape and defines a longitudinal direction (L), wherein the electrical terminal (108) includes a terminal body (136) extending along the longitudinal direction (L), the terminal body (136) including the connecting section (114) and also including a transition section (142) and an output section (144) connected to the connecting section (114) via the transition section (142), wherein the connecting section (114) and the output section (144) extend parallel to each other, and the transition section (142) is inclined relative to the connecting section (114) and the output section (144).

7. The temperature sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (102) is tubular in shape, wherein the plug member (106) includes a snap-fit ​​protrusion (132) or snap-fit ​​recess disposed on its outer surface, and the housing (102) correspondingly includes a snap-fit ​​recess (134) or snap-fit ​​protrusion disposed on its inner surface, wherein the snap-fit ​​protrusion (132) engages with the snap-fit ​​recess (134) to impede movement of the plug member (106) relative to the housing (102).

8. The temperature sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waterproof structure includes a conformal covering layer (152), which covers at least the connection section (114) of the electrical terminal (108), the printed circuit board (110), and the thermistor (112).

9. The temperature sensor according to claim 8, characterized in that, The conformal coating is a polyurethane coating, an acrylate coating, a silicone coating, an epoxy resin coating, or a polyamide coating.

10. The temperature sensor according to claim 8, characterized in that, The accommodating space (113) is filled with a filling medium, the water absorption rate of which is less than or equal to 1% and / or the thermal conductivity of which is greater than or equal to 1 W / (m·K).

11. The temperature sensor according to claim 10, characterized in that, The filling medium is epoxy resin or thermally conductive silicone grease.

12. The temperature sensor according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, The housing (102) is formed by a single injection molding process.

13. The temperature sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waterproof structure includes a filling medium filled in the accommodating space (113), the filling medium having a water absorption rate of less than or equal to 1% and at least directly covering the connection segment (114) of the electrical terminal (108), the printed circuit board (110), and the thermistor (112).

14. The temperature sensor according to claim 10 or 13, characterized in that, The housing (102) includes a first housing portion (120) and a second housing portion (122), wherein the first housing portion (120) has a tubular shape and includes a closed end (116) and an open end (117) opposite to each other, the first housing portion (120) is injection molded and accommodates the sensor unit (104) to define the accommodating space (113) together with the plug member (106), and wherein the second housing portion (122) is injection molded around the open end (117) of the first housing portion (120) which accommodates at least the sensor unit (104) and the filling medium.

15. The temperature sensor according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second housing portion (122) includes a mounting portion (154) for mounting the temperature sensor (100) to a support structure for supporting the temperature sensor (100).

16. The temperature sensor according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second housing portion (122) encloses the open end (117) of the first housing portion (120).

17. A quick connector, characterized in that, The quick connector (10) includes a temperature sensor (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. The quick connector according to claim 17, characterized in that, The quick connector (10) includes a connector body (200), wherein the housing (102) of the temperature sensor (100) is integrally formed with the connector body (200).

19. The quick connector according to claim 17, characterized in that, The quick connector (10) includes a connector body (200) and a locking element (400), wherein the housing (102) of the temperature sensor (100) and the connector body (200) are each formed separately, and the housing (102) of the temperature sensor (100) is connected to the connector body (200) via the locking element (400).

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