Force sensor with waterproof structure

Abstract

This invention proposes a force sensor with a waterproof structure, comprising a sensor elastomer. The sensor elastomer is equipped with an isolated electronic compartment and an isolated sealed compartment, which are separated by a non-conductive sealing partition. The sealing partition has at least one pin that penetrates the partition. One end of the pin inside the isolated sealed compartment is electrically connected to a lead wire, and the other end of the pin inside the electronic compartment is electrically connected to a circuit board or strain gauge. This invention solves the problem of internal corrosion damage caused by rainwater intrusion through the gaps in the copper wires in traditional straight-wire force sensors. The lead wire is soldered to the pin connected to the circuit board, and the non-conductive sealing partition completely isolates the electronic compartment from the isolated sealed compartment, blocking the capillary seepage path inside the multi-strand copper wire. Even if external moisture intrudes along the lead wire, it will only remain inside the isolated sealed compartment and cannot contact the internal circuit board or strain gauge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of force sensor technology, and in particular to a force sensor with a waterproof structure. Background Technology

[0002] In existing direct-output force sensor technology, the wires and cables leading to the outside are usually directly connected to the inside of the sensor, meaning the ends of the wires are directly soldered or connected to the core components of the sensor (such as strain gauges and circuit boards). This is the common connection method used in this field.

[0003] However, this connection method has a significant drawback: when water (such as rainwater) gets into the external wires and cables due to damaged plugs or broken cable sheaths, the moisture will seep through the capillary gaps inside the multi-strand copper wires and eventually flow into and reach the core area inside the sensor (the space where the circuit board and strain gauge are located). This will cause the circuit board and strain gauge to corrode, leading to sensor damage and failure. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, one objective of this utility model is to propose a force sensor with a waterproof structure to solve the problems mentioned in the background art and overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a force sensor with a waterproof structure, including a sensor elastomer, a circuit board, and a strain gauge. The sensor elastomer is provided with an electronic compartment and an isolation sealed compartment that are isolated from each other. The electronic compartment and the isolation sealed compartment are separated by a non-conductive sealing partition. The sealing partition is provided with at least one pin array penetrating the sealing partition. One end of the pin array located in the isolation sealed compartment is electrically connected to a lead wire, and the other end of the pin array located in the electronic compartment is electrically connected to the circuit board or the strain gauge.

[0006] Furthermore, the electronic compartment includes a first electronic compartment, a second electronic compartment, and a third electronic compartment. The second electronic compartment and the third electronic compartment are respectively located on opposite sides of the sensor elastomer. The third electronic compartment and the isolation and sealing compartment are separated by the sealing partition to form the same compartment. The first electronic compartment, the second electronic compartment, and the third electronic compartment are connected through wiring holes. The third electronic compartment and the isolation and sealing compartment are isolated from each other.

[0007] Furthermore, the sealing partition is in the shape of an I-beam, and includes a top plate, a bottom plate and a middle partition. The top plate and the bottom plate are arc-shaped plates, and the middle partition is a straight plate. One end of the middle partition is connected to the concave surface of the top plate, and the other end of the middle partition is connected to the concave surface of the bottom plate.

[0008] Furthermore, the sensor elastomer has a wire outlet at one end near the isolation and sealing chamber, a plug is inserted into the wire outlet, and one end of the lead wire extends into the isolation and sealing chamber through the plug and is electrically connected to the end of the pin header located in the isolation and sealing chamber.

[0009] Furthermore, each of the electronic compartments and the isolation and sealing compartments is provided with a hatch cover, which covers the hatch opening of the electronic compartment and the isolation and sealing compartment. A sealing ring is provided between the hatch opening and the hatch cover, and the hatch opening is sealed by welding or sealing glue.

[0010] Furthermore, the intermediate partition plate is provided with a through hole for the pin header to pass through, and the pin header is fixed and sealed to the inner wall of the through hole with sealant.

[0011] Furthermore, the lead wire is a multi-strand copper wire, the number of pins is the same as the number of copper wires, and the copper wires are electrically connected to one end of the pins located inside the isolation and sealing chamber.

[0012] Furthermore, the sealing partition is integrally formed with the elastomer, or it is an independent component and is fixed to the pre-set partition mounting position in the elastomer by means of sealant bonding or interference fit.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0014] This utility model discloses a force sensor with a waterproof structure. By welding the sensor lead wire to a pin header connected to the circuit board and using a non-conductive sealing partition to completely isolate the electronic compartment from the isolation sealed compartment, the capillary seepage path inside the multi-strand copper wire is completely blocked. This ensures that even if external water enters along the lead wire, it will only remain in the isolation sealed compartment and cannot contact the internal circuit board and strain gauge. This fundamentally solves the problem of internal corrosion damage caused by rainwater entering through the gaps in the copper wires in traditional straight-lead force sensors, significantly improving the reliability of the force sensor product and achieving high-performance waterproof protection in harsh environments.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the force sensor with a waterproof structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure inside the force sensor electronic compartment and the isolation and sealing compartment in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor elastomer in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a front view of the sensor elastomer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The AA section view is shown below;

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 4 The BB section view shown;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sealing partition in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hatch cover and sealing ring in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Sensor elastomer; 2. First electronic compartment; 3. Second electronic compartment; 4. Third electronic compartment; 5. Isolation and sealing compartment; 6. Sealing partition; 7. Pin header; 8. Lead wire; 9. Circuit board; 10. Wiring hole; 11. Top plate; 12. Bottom plate; 13. Middle partition; 14. Outlet hole; 15. Plug; 16. Cover; 17. Sealing ring; 18. Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0027] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "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 mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] like Figures 1-8As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a force sensor with a waterproof structure, including a sensor elastomer 1, a circuit board 9, and a strain gauge. The sensor elastomer 1 is provided with an electronic compartment and an isolation sealed compartment 5 that are isolated from each other. The electronic compartment and the isolation sealed compartment 5 are separated by a non-conductive / insulating sealing partition 6. The sealing partition 6 is provided with at least one pin 7 that penetrates the sealing partition 6. One end of the pin 7 located in the isolation sealed compartment 5 is electrically connected to a lead wire 8, and the other end of the pin 7 located in the electronic compartment is electrically connected to the circuit board 9 or the strain gauge.

[0029] Furthermore, both the circuit board 9 and the strain gauge are located inside the electronic compartment.

[0030] This utility model discloses a force sensor with a waterproof structure. By welding the sensor lead wire 8 to the pin header 7 connected to the circuit board 9, and using a non-conductive sealing partition 6 to completely isolate the electronic compartment from the isolation sealing compartment 5, the capillary seepage path inside the multi-strand copper wire is completely blocked. This ensures that even if external water enters along the lead wire 8, it will only remain inside the isolation sealing compartment 5 and cannot contact the internal circuit board 9 and strain gauge. This fundamentally solves the problem of internal corrosion damage caused by rainwater entering through the gaps in the copper wires in traditional straight-outline force sensors, significantly improves the reliability of the force sensor product, and achieves high-performance waterproof protection in harsh environments.

[0031] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the electronic compartment includes a first electronic compartment 2, a second electronic compartment 3, and a third electronic compartment 4. The second electronic compartment 3 and the third electronic compartment 4 are respectively located on opposite sides of the sensor elastic body 1. The third electronic compartment and the isolation and sealing compartment 5 are separated from each other by the sealing partition 6. The first electronic compartment 2, the second electronic compartment 3, and the third electronic compartment 4 are connected through wiring holes 10. The third electronic compartment 4 and the isolation and sealing compartment 5 are isolated from each other.

[0032] Furthermore, the circuit board 9 is disposed in the second electronic compartment 3, and the strain gauge can be disposed in any one or more of the first electronic compartment 2, the second electronic compartment 3, and the third electronic compartment 4 as needed.

[0033] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 As shown, the sealing partition 6 is in the shape of an I-beam. The sealing partition 6 includes a top plate 11, a bottom plate 12 and a middle partition 13. The top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 are arc-shaped plates, and the middle partition 13 is a straight plate. One end of the middle partition 13 is connected to the concave surface of the top plate 11, and the other end of the middle partition 13 is connected to the concave surface of the bottom plate 12.

[0034] The top plate 11 and bottom plate 12 of this utility model are curved plates while the middle partition 13 is a straight plate. This shape not only enhances the mechanical support strength of the partition, but also improves the sealing reliability by fitting the curved surface with the inner surface of the cabin. The straight plate design of the middle partition 13 facilitates the processing of the pin 7 through holes 18 and ensures the uniformity of the sealant, thereby strengthening the waterproof performance at the structural level.

[0035] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the sensor elastomer 1 has a wire outlet hole 14 at one end near the isolation and sealing chamber 5. A plug 15 is inserted into the wire outlet hole 14. One end of the lead wire 8 extends into the isolation and sealing chamber 5 through the plug 15 and is electrically connected to the end of the pin header 7 located in the isolation and sealing chamber 5.

[0036] This utility model uses a plug 15 to fix the lead wire 8 and guide it into the isolation and sealing chamber 5 to connect with the pin header 7. This structure not only standardizes the wiring harness routing and avoids internal interference, but also forms the first waterproof barrier through the tight fit between the plug 15 and the wire outlet hole 14, effectively reducing the possibility of external moisture directly seeping into the cable surface and improving the redundancy of the overall waterproof performance.

[0037] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, each of the electronic compartments and the isolation and sealing compartments 5 is provided with a cover 16. The cover 16 covers the hatch of the electronic compartment and the isolation and sealing compartment 5. A sealing ring 17 is provided between the hatch and the cover 16, and the hatch is sealed by welding or sealing glue.

[0038] This utility model covers the hatch with a hatch cover 16 and a sealing ring 17, and seals the hatch by welding or using sealant. This design adds a radial seal on the basis of the bulkhead isolation, preventing moisture from entering the electronic compartment through the hatch and ensuring the absolute dryness of the core components.

[0039] Understandably, when the hatch cover 16 is placed over the hatch, the inner side of the hatch cover 16 fits tightly against the side of the sealing bulkhead 6.

[0040] Furthermore, the intermediate partition 13 is provided with a through hole 18 for the pin 7 to pass through, and the pin 7 is fixed and sealed to the inner wall of the through hole 18 by sealant.

[0041] The pin header 7 and the inner wall of the through hole 18 are fixed and sealed with sealant, which eliminates the possible micro gaps between the metal pin body and the partition and completely blocks the potential path for moisture to migrate to the electronic compartment along the surface of the pin header 7.

[0042] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the lead wire 8 is a multi-strand copper wire, the number of pins 7 is the same as the number of copper wires, and the copper wires are electrically connected to one end of the pins 7 located inside the isolation and sealing chamber 5.

[0043] Furthermore, the sealing partition 6 is integrally formed with the elastomer, or it is an independent component and is fixed to the pre-set partition mounting position in the elastomer by means of sealant bonding or interference fit.

[0044] This utility model provides two integration schemes for the sealing partition 6 and the elastomer. The one-piece molding can ensure that there is no assembly gap between the partition and the cabin and the structural strength is optimal. The independent components are bonded with sealant or interference fit, which reduces the manufacturing difficulty and facilitates maintenance and replacement. Both methods can achieve reliable physical isolation, providing flexible and efficient waterproof technology for different production conditions.

[0045] As one implementation method, after the wire welding is completed, the remaining space / surrounding gaps of the through holes 18 of the through pins 7 of the electronic compartment, the isolation and sealing compartment, and the non-conductive partition are all sealed with glue.

[0046] The lead wire 8 of the sensor of this utility model is not directly connected to the circuit board 9 or the strain gauge, but is electrically connected / soldered to the pin header 7 connected to the circuit board 9. Since the pin header 7 is a single metal conductor, unlike multi-strand copper wire (there are gaps between the copper wires of multi-strand copper wire, and water will flow along the gaps to the places where the copper wire goes), there is no risk of water ingress from multi-strand copper wire.

[0047] The pin header 7 of the force sensor connecting circuit board 9 of this utility model enters the isolation and sealed space after passing through the partition. The pin header 7 is soldered to the lead wire 8 / copper wire in this space. In this way, even if external moisture is introduced into the copper wire, the moisture can only enter the isolation and sealed chamber 5 at most, and will not enter the electronic chamber and come into contact with the circuit board 9 and strain gauge. This avoids the problem of water affecting the circuit board 9 and strain gauge along the multi-strand copper wire.

[0048] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0049] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that this utility model includes any combination of the utility model content and specific embodiments described in the foregoing specification, as well as the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings. Due to space limitations and for the sake of brevity, not all of these combinations have been described in detail. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0050] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and alterations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A force sensor with a waterproof structure, comprising a sensor elastomer, a circuit board, and a strain gauge, characterized in that, The sensor elastomer is provided with an electronic compartment and an isolation sealed compartment that are isolated from each other. The electronic compartment and the isolation sealed compartment are separated by a non-conductive sealing partition. The sealing partition is provided with at least one pin array that penetrates the sealing partition. One end of the pin array located in the isolation sealed compartment is electrically connected to a lead wire, and the other end of the pin array located in the electronic compartment is electrically connected to the circuit board or strain gauge.

2. The force sensor with a waterproof structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic compartment includes a first electronic compartment, a second electronic compartment, and a third electronic compartment. The second electronic compartment and the third electronic compartment are respectively located on opposite sides of the sensor elastomer. The third electronic compartment and the isolation and sealing compartment are separated by a sealing partition. The first electronic compartment, the second electronic compartment, and the third electronic compartment are connected through wiring holes. The third electronic compartment and the isolation and sealing compartment are isolated from each other.

3. The force sensor with a waterproof structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing partition is I-shaped and includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and a middle partition. The top plate and the bottom plate are arc-shaped plates, and the middle partition is a straight plate. One end of the middle partition is connected to the concave surface of the top plate, and the other end of the middle partition is connected to the concave surface of the bottom plate.

4. The force sensor with a waterproof structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor elastomer has a wire outlet at one end near the isolation and sealing chamber. A plug is inserted into the wire outlet, and one end of the lead wire extends into the isolation and sealing chamber through the plug and is electrically connected to the end of the pin header located in the isolation and sealing chamber.

5. The force sensor with a waterproof structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned electronic compartments and isolation sealed compartments is equipped with a hatch cover, which covers the hatch openings of the electronic compartments and isolation sealed compartments. A sealing ring is provided between the hatch opening and the hatch cover, and the hatch opening is sealed by welding or sealing adhesive.

6. The force sensor with a waterproof structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The intermediate partition plate is provided with a through hole for the pin header to pass through, and the pin header is fixed and sealed to the inner wall of the through hole with sealant.

7. The force sensor with a waterproof structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lead wire is a multi-strand copper wire, and the number of pins is the same as the number of copper wires. The copper wires are electrically connected to the end of the pins located inside the isolation and sealing chamber.

8. The force sensor with a waterproof structure as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The sealing partition is integrally formed with the elastomer, or it is an independent component and is fixed to the pre-set partition mounting position in the elastomer by means of sealant bonding or interference fit.

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