A plug-in temperature sensor

Abstract

This utility model discloses a plug-in type temperature sensor, comprising a thermistor, a metal insert, an insert housing, and a sensor housing. The insert housing is injection molded into the middle of the metal insert. The first end of the metal insert is connected to the thermistor to form a temperature sensing unit. The sensor housing is injection molded to enclose the temperature sensing unit and the insert housing. A insertion slot is formed on the sensor housing. The second end of the metal insert is located in the insertion slot and forms an electrical connector. This utility model has a simple overall structure, no wires, simplifies the manufacturing process, and improves production efficiency. The metal insert connected to the thermistor is first fixed by the injection-molded insert housing, ensuring the spacing between the two metal inserts and facilitating the welding of the thermistor, avoiding damage to the thermistor, and improving the assembly efficiency of the thermistor and the metal insert.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of temperature sensor technology, and in particular to a plug-in temperature sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Temperature sensors are devices that convert temperature signals into electrical signals and are widely used in industries such as manufacturing, medical, home appliances, and automobiles. Most temperature sensors used in air conditioners and refrigerators are wire harness structures, where thermistors are connected to other structures via the harness. This requires careful consideration of wiring, involves numerous installation steps, makes maintenance and replacement inconvenient, and the wire connections are easily damaged. Currently, there are also temperature sensors that use plug-in connectors, but their manufacturing process involves first connecting two plugs to the thermistor and then directly injection molding the housing. This has the following problems: the spacing between the two plugs cannot be guaranteed, and when soldering to the leads, the two plugs need to be limited, making the soldering operation inconvenient and affecting product assembly efficiency. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a plug-in type temperature sensor to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a plug-in temperature sensor, comprising a thermistor and a metal insert, as well as an insert housing and a sensor housing. The insert housing is injection molded into the middle of the metal insert. The first end of the metal insert is connected to the thermistor to form a temperature sensing unit. The sensor housing is injection molded to enclose the temperature sensing unit and the insert housing. A plug-in slot is formed on the sensor housing. The second end of the metal insert is located within the plug-in slot and forms an electrical connector.

[0004] Furthermore, the sensor housing includes a first injection-molded outer shell and a second injection-molded outer shell. The first injection-molded outer shell is injection-molded to cover the temperature sensing unit, and the second injection-molded outer shell is injection-molded to cover the first injection-molded outer shell and the insert shell. The insertion slot is formed on the second injection-molded outer shell.

[0005] Furthermore, the first injection-molded outer shell also partially covers the insert shell.

[0006] Furthermore, the second injection-molded outer shell includes a cover section and a plug-in end, the cover section and the plug-in end are integrally injection molded, the cover section covers the first injection-molded outer shell and the insert shell, and the plug-in groove is formed in the plug-in end.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes a protective layer that covers the outside of the thermistor and is located inside the sensor housing.

[0008] Furthermore, the metal insert is connected to the lead of the thermistor, and the protective layer also covers part of the metal insert and the connection node between the metal insert and the lead.

[0009] Furthermore, the opening end of the plug slot is provided with a cover plate, which is closable and covers the plug slot. The slot wall of the plug slot is provided with a wire-passing groove for external devices to pass through.

[0010] Furthermore, one end of the cover plate is hinged to the insertion slot, and the other end is snapped into the insertion slot via a snap fastener.

[0011] Furthermore, the sensor housing has a mounting surface, a back plate is provided on the mounting surface, and an adhesive backing is provided on the back plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the insert housing is provided with an engagement part, and the sensor housing is engaged with the engagement part.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0014] 1) The plug-in temperature sensor provided by this utility model has a simple overall structure, no wireless beam, simplifies the production process, and can improve production efficiency; the metal plug connected to the thermistor is first fixed by the plug shell formed by injection molding, ensuring the spacing between the two metal plugs, and facilitating the welding of the thermistor, avoiding damage to the thermistor, and improving the assembly efficiency of the thermistor and the metal plug.

[0015] 2) The plug-in temperature sensor provided by this utility model has a protective layer covering the outside of the thermistor. The protective layer covers the thermistor, the connection node between the thermistor and the metal plug, and part of the metal plug. This can improve the connection reliability between the thermistor and the metal plug, protect the thermistor and provide waterproofing, and also prevent the thermistor and the connection between the metal plug and the thermistor from being affected during the injection molding process of the sensor housing.

[0016] 3) The plug-in temperature sensor provided by this utility model has a cover plate on the plug-in slot of the sensor housing, which can provide a certain degree of waterproof and dustproof effect for the metal plug exposed in the plug-in slot, and also prevent the metal plug from falling off when connected to the external device.

[0017] 4) The plug-in temperature sensor provided by this utility model has a back plate on the mounting surface of the sensor housing, and the back plate has an adhesive backing, which facilitates quick bonding to the temperature measuring surface. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the plug-in temperature sensor provided by this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the plug-in temperature sensor provided by this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 The plug-in temperature sensor provided by this utility model Figure 2 Top view.

[0022] 1-Thermistor; 2-Metal insert; 3-Insert housing; 31-First engagement part; 32-Annular boss; 4-First injection molded outer shell; 41-Second engagement part; 5-Second injection molded outer shell; 51-Insertion slot; 52-Cover plate; 53-Latch tongue; 54-Slot; 55-Back plate; 6-Protective layer. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model. In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of certain parts may be enlarged for clarity.

[0024] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection" and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can be fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can be mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can be internal connections between two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "back", "center", "horizontal", "vertical", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0026] Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely for descriptive distinction and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Additionally, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0027] As per the instruction manual Figure 1-3 As shown, this utility model provides a plug-in temperature sensor, including a thermistor 1 and a metal insert 2, as well as an insert housing 3 and a sensor housing. The insert housing 3 is injection molded in the middle of the metal insert 2. The first end of the metal insert 2 is connected to the thermistor 1 to form a temperature sensing unit. The sensor housing is injection molded to enclose the temperature sensing unit and the insert housing 3. A plug-in slot 51 is formed on the sensor housing. The second end of the metal insert 2 is located in the plug-in slot 51 and forms an electrical connector.

[0028] Specifically, the temperature sensor is implemented as follows: a metal insert 2 is injection-molded with an insert housing 3. Generally, there are two metal inserts 2, which are parallel and spaced apart. Both ends of the metal insert 2 extend outwards from the insert housing 3. The first end of the metal insert 2 is welded to a thermistor 1 to form a temperature-sensing unit for temperature measurement. The second end of the metal insert 2 extends outwards from the insert housing 3, serving as an external device. The sensor housing is injection-molded to enclose the temperature-sensing unit and the insert housing 3, forming an outer shell. A insertion slot 51 is provided at the end of the sensor housing furthest from the temperature-sensing unit. The second end of the metal insert 2 is located within the insertion slot 51 and forms an electrical connector for connecting external devices. The sensor housing is injection-molded to enclose the temperature-sensing unit and the insert housing, ensuring the product's insulation strength and electrical performance. The second end of the metal insert 2 serves as an electrical connector, eliminating the need for wiring harness connections and reducing the use of components such as wiring harnesses, sleeves, and terminals. Meanwhile, the sensor housing can serve as an outer casing, which is integrally injection molded, simplifying the assembly process and improving production efficiency.

[0029] In an optimized implementation, the sensor housing includes a first injection-molded outer shell 4 and a second injection-molded outer shell 5. The first injection-molded outer shell 4 is injection-molded to cover the temperature sensing unit, and the second injection-molded outer shell 5 is injection-molded to cover the first injection-molded outer shell and the insert shell 3. The insertion slot 51 is formed on the second injection-molded outer shell 5. Specifically, the temperature sensing unit is encased in the first injection-molded outer shell 4 using an injection molding machine, wherein the second end of the metal insert 2 protrudes outside the first injection-molded outer shell 4. Then, the second injection-molded outer shell 5 is integrally injection-molded on the first injection-molded outer shell 4 and the insert shell 3. The temperature sensing unit is covered by the first injection-molded outer shell 4 and the second injection-molded outer shell 5, which has good waterproof performance.

[0030] In an optimized implementation, to improve the connection reliability and electrical performance between the temperature sensing unit and the insert housing 3, the first injection-molded outer housing 4 also partially covers the insert housing 3.

[0031] In an optimized implementation, the second injection-molded outer shell 5 includes a cover section and a plug-in end, which are integrally injection molded. The cover section covers the first injection-molded outer shell 4 and the insert shell 3. The plug-in end is located at the end of the cover section away from the thermistor 1. The plug-in slot 51 is formed at the plug-in end. A circumferential groove is provided at the connection between the cover section and the plug-in end to facilitate positioning during injection molding.

[0032] The optimized implementation also includes a protective layer 6, which covers the outside of the thermistor 1 and is enclosed within the first injection-molded housing 4. The first end of the metal insert 2 is connected to the thermistor 1. To further protect the thermistor 1 and the product's waterproof performance, the thermistor 1 is enclosed within the protective layer 6 before injection molding, improving waterproof performance while reducing the impact on the thermistor 1 during the injection molding process.

[0033] Specifically, the protective layer 6 is an epoxy resin protective layer. Epoxy resin has good thermal conductivity, sealing and moisture resistance. After curing, epoxy resin has high hardness, which can protect the brittle thermistor from mechanical stress damage. Epoxy resin has good insulation properties, which can improve the insulation performance of the temperature sensing unit, avoid short circuits or leakage between electrodes, and ensure measurement accuracy.

[0034] In one specific embodiment, there are two metal inserts 2, spaced apart on the insert housing 3. The two pins of the thermistor 1 are connected to two leads, with a gap between them. Each lead is connected to a metal insert 2, and the metal inserts 2 are soldered to the leads, achieving an electrical connection between the metal inserts 2 and the thermistor 1 to form a temperature sensing unit for temperature monitoring. All connection points between the leads and the thermistor 1 are enclosed within the protective layer 6, and some of the metal inserts 2 are also enclosed within the protective layer 6. This protects the connection points from detachment due to external forces during subsequent processing, preventing damage to the temperature sensor yield.

[0035] In this application, to improve the connection efficiency between the metal insert 2 and the thermistor 1, the two metal inserts 2 are first fixed by the insert housing 3 to ensure the spacing between the two metal inserts, which facilitates the welding of the thermistor, avoids damage to the thermistor 1, and facilitates the encapsulation of the protective layer 6. At the same time, the thermistor 1 is covered with the protective layer 6, which can improve the connection reliability between the thermistor 1 and the metal insert 2, prevent the thermistor 1 from being displaced by pressure impact during re-injection molding, and reduce the impact on the thermistor 1 during re-injection molding.

[0036] In an optimized implementation, the insert housing 3 is provided with an engagement portion, and the sensor housing engages with the engagement portion. Specifically, the engagement portion on the insert housing 3 is designated as the first engagement portion 31, and the first injection-molded outer housing 4 engages with the first engagement portion 31. In this embodiment, the first engagement portion 31 is a groove. On the one hand, it can be used for re-injection molding and positioning; on the other hand, the first injection-molded outer housing 4 is partially embedded in the groove and engages with the insert housing 3, which can improve the connection strength and reliability between the first injection-molded outer housing 4 and the insert housing 3.

[0037] In an optimized implementation, the insert housing 3 is further provided with an annular boss 32. The annular boss 32 is spaced apart from the first engaging portion 31 and located on the side of the first engaging portion 31 away from the thermistor 1. The annular boss 32 on the insert housing 3 can provide a support point, and the groove can form a fitting space. After being filled with injection molding material, a tenon-and-mortise joint structure is formed, which greatly improves the pull-out resistance and shear resistance of the mating surface. When the first injection molded housing 4 is injection molded, the annular boss 32 can serve as a guide structure, and the groove can serve as a limiting structure, making the mold alignment more accurate during injection molding and reducing the risk of misalignment. The first injection molded housing 4 is located on the side of the annular boss 32 closer to the thermistor 1, and the end of the first injection molded housing 4 abuts against the annular boss 32.

[0038] In an optimized implementation, the first injection-molded outer shell 4 is provided with a second engaging portion 41, and the second injection-molded outer shell 5 is engaged with the second engaging portion 41. In this embodiment, the second engaging portion 41 includes multiple protrusions extending from the first injection-molded outer shell 4. These protrusions are evenly distributed on the first injection-molded outer shell 4, ensuring a tight fit between the second injection-molded outer shell 5 and the first injection-molded outer shell 4, preventing air bubbles from forming. Simultaneously, the engagement connection between the second injection-molded outer shell 5 and the first injection-molded outer shell 4 improves the connection strength and reliability, preventing misalignment between the second injection-molded outer shell 5 and the first injection-molded outer shell 4 in the axial and circumferential directions.

[0039] In an optimized implementation, a connector slot 51 is formed at the end of the second injection-molded housing 5 furthest from the thermistor 1. A cover plate 52 is provided on the open end of the connector slot 51, covering the connector slot 51. The cover plate 52 on the connector slot 51 provides a certain degree of waterproofing and dustproofing. During use, after connecting the second end of the metal connector 2 to an external device, covering it with the cover plate 52 also prevents it from detaching, improving the reliability of the connection between the temperature sensor and the external device. Of course, the wall of the connector slot 51 also has a wire-passing groove for the connector cable of the external device to pass through.

[0040] As one specific embodiment, the cover plate 52 is hinged to the insertion slot 51, and the insertion slot 51 can be opened and closed by flipping the cover plate 52. The outer wall of the insertion slot 51 is provided with a latch 53, and the cover plate 52 is provided with a slot 54. The slot 54 engages with the latch 53 to lock the cover plate 52 onto the insertion slot 51.

[0041] In some embodiments, the cover plate 52 is integrally injection molded with the second injection-molded outer shell 5, and the end of the cover plate 52 that connects with the insertion slot 51 is provided with a bendable movable part, so that the cover plate 52 can be flipped over and fastened to the insertion slot 51.

[0042] In an optimized implementation, the second injection-molded outer shell 5 has a mounting surface, and a back plate 55 is provided on the mounting surface. The back plate 55 has adhesive backing, and the mounting surface is located on one side of the shell section. In use, the temperature sensor can be bonded to the temperature measuring surface via the adhesive backing, eliminating the need for additional clips for connection, improving ease of use, and removing limitations on the application area. The back plate 55 is integrally injection-molded with the second injection-molded outer shell 5.

[0043] Preferably, the injection molding materials of the insert housing 3, the first injection molded housing 4, and the second injection molded housing 5 are at least one of PP and TPEE, which have high insulation, high pressure resistance, and meet temperature resistance requirements. The temperature range of the temperature resistance requirement is -40℃ to 80℃, and it has a wide range of applications.

[0044] Furthermore, any content not described in detail in this specification is existing technology known to those skilled in the art.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will understand that this invention can be implemented in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Although embodiments of this invention have been described, it should be understood that this invention is not limited to these embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A plug-in temperature sensor, comprising a thermistor and a metal insert, characterized in that, It also includes a insert housing and a sensor housing. The insert housing is injection molded in the middle of the metal insert. The first end of the metal insert is connected to the thermistor to form a temperature sensing unit. The sensor housing is injection molded to enclose the temperature sensing unit and the insert housing. A plug-in slot is formed on the sensor housing. The second end of the metal insert is located in the plug-in slot and forms an electrical connector.

2. The plug-in temperature sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor housing includes a first injection-molded outer shell and a second injection-molded outer shell. The first injection-molded outer shell covers the temperature sensing unit, and the second injection-molded outer shell covers the first injection-molded outer shell and the insert housing. The insertion slot is formed on the second injection-molded outer shell.

3. The plug-in temperature sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first injection-molded outer shell also injection-molded over part of the insert shell.

4. The plug-in temperature sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second injection-molded outer shell includes a cover section and a plug-in end, the cover section and the plug-in end are integrally injection molded, the cover section covers the first injection-molded outer shell and the insert shell, and the plug-in groove is formed in the plug-in end.

5. The plug-in temperature sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a protective layer that covers the outside of the thermistor and is located inside the sensor housing.

6. The plug-in temperature sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that, The metal insert is connected to the lead wire of the thermistor, and the protective layer also covers part of the metal insert and the connection node between the metal insert and the lead wire.

7. The plug-in temperature sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening end of the plug slot is provided with a cover plate, which can be opened and closed to cover the plug slot. The slot wall of the plug slot is provided with a wire-passing groove for external devices to pass through.

8. The plug-in temperature sensor according to claim 7, characterized in that, One end of the cover plate is hinged to the insertion slot, and the other end is snapped into the insertion slot by a buckle.

9. The plug-in temperature sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor housing has a mounting surface, a back plate is provided on the mounting surface, and an adhesive backing is provided on the back plate.

10. The plug-in temperature sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insert housing is provided with an engagement part, and the sensor housing is engaged with the engagement part.

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