pressure sensor

Abstract

This application provides a pressure sensor, including: a housing, a sensing element, a circuit board, and a connector; the circuit board is electrically connected to both the sensing element and the housing; the first end of the housing includes a plurality of fixing portions arranged circumferentially; in a pre-assembled state, the plurality of fixing portions are configured to clamp and fix the sensing element; in an assembled state, the assembly structure consisting of the housing, the sensing element, and the circuit board is configured to be partially inserted into the mounting hole of the connector and fixed to the mounting hole by the housing press-fitting, so that the sensing element does not contact the connector. This configuration significantly reduces the difficulty of installing the assembly structure into the connector, prevents product malfunction, and ensures the accuracy of pressure measurement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of sensor manufacturing technology, and in particular, to a pressure sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there is a pressure sensor that uses a riveting method to fix the housing and connector. This pressure sensor includes a sensor element, a circuit board, a housing, and a connector. The assembly method is as follows: first, the sensor element and housing are electrically connected to the circuit board; then, the assembly structure consisting of the sensor element, circuit board, and housing is installed into the connector; finally, the housing and connector are fixed together using a press. However, because the sensor element and housing are not directly fixed together, but only connected through the circuit board, the assembly structure lacks overall rigidity during installation into the connector, leading to assembly difficulties. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a pressure sensor that at least improves the connection method between the housing and the sensing element and reduces the assembly difficulty.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a pressure sensor, comprising:

[0005] A housing, the first end of which includes a plurality of fixing portions arranged circumferentially;

[0006] Sensor element;

[0007] Circuit board, the circuit board being electrically connected to the sensing element and the housing respectively; and

[0008] The connector has mounting holes;

[0009] In the pre-assembled state, the plurality of fixing parts are configured to clamp and fix the sensing element, so that the housing is physically connected to the sensing element via the plurality of fixing parts.

[0010] In the assembled state, the assembly structure consisting of the housing, the sensing element, and the circuit board is configured to be partially inserted into the mounting hole of the connector and fixed to the mounting hole by the housing via a press-fitting, such that the sensing element does not contact the connector.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first end of the housing is provided with a circuit board receiving cavity for accommodating the circuit board; wherein the sensing element is disposed at the opening of the circuit board receiving cavity; the plurality of fixing parts are located around the opening end face of the circuit board receiving cavity; each of the fixing parts clamps and fixes the sensing element by its own elastic deformation or interference fit.

[0012] In some embodiments, the number of fixing parts is four.

[0013] In some embodiments, the plurality of fixing portions are asymmetrically distributed to limit the mounting position of the sensing element relative to the housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, the side of the sensing element is provided with an axial groove, and the axial groove is used for insertion of a corresponding fixing part; wherein when the axial groove is aligned with a corresponding fixing part, the sensing element is allowed to be inserted into the space formed by the plurality of fixing parts.

[0015] In some embodiments, each of the fixing portions has a protrusion on the side near the sensing element; and / or, each of the fixing portions has a chamfer at its end.

[0016] In some embodiments, the mounting hole is provided with a limiting groove, and the limiting groove is matched with the fixing part in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0017] In some embodiments, a stop structure is provided in the mounting hole, the stop structure limiting the assembly depth of the housing within the joint.

[0018] In some embodiments, the mounting hole is configured as a stepped hole; the stop structure is a stepped surface inside the mounting hole that abuts against the first end of the housing.

[0019] In some embodiments, the housing is made of plastic, and the first end of the housing directly abuts against the stepped surface, or the first end of the housing abuts against the stepped surface via a metal block.

[0020] As described above, this application provides a pressure sensor with multiple fixing parts arranged circumferentially around the first end of its housing. In the pre-assembled state, the multiple fixing parts can clamp and fix the sensing element. In the assembled state, the assembly structure composed of the housing, circuit board and sensing element can be easily and accurately installed into the mounting hole of the connector and fixed to the mounting hole by the housing press riveting. This significantly reduces the difficulty of installing the assembly structure into the connector. Moreover, because the sensing element and the connector are kept in a non-contact state, product malfunction can be prevented, ensuring the effectiveness, reliability and accuracy of pressure measurement. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pressure sensor in the prior art;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pressure sensor according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a bottom view of the housing according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure consisting of the housing, circuit board, and sensing element according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 5 For relative to Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the sub-assembly after rotating at a certain angle;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a front view of the connector according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the connector according to an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Top view of the joint;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment of this application.

[0030] Appendix Figure 2-8 Explanation of markings: 11-Housing, 111-Terminal, 112-Circuit board housing, 12-Sensor, 121-Pin, 122-Axial groove, 13-Circuit board, 14-Connector, 141-Mounting hole, 142-Limiting groove, 143-Step surface, 15-Sealing ring, 16-Fixing part, 17-Protrusion, 18-Metal block. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. This application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this application. It should be noted that the illustrations provided in this embodiment are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this application. Therefore, the drawings only show components related to this application and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape, and size of components in the implementation. In actual implementation, the type, quantity, and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the component layout may also be more complex.

[0032] Furthermore, while each embodiment described below possesses one or more technical features, this does not imply that users of this application must simultaneously implement all technical features in any embodiment, or can only separately implement some or all technical features in different embodiments. In other words, where implementation is possible, those skilled in the art can selectively implement some or all of the technical features in any embodiment, or selectively implement a combination of some or all of the technical features in multiple embodiments, based on the disclosure of this application and depending on design specifications or implementation requirements, thereby increasing the flexibility in implementing this application.

[0033] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural objects, and the plural form “multiple” includes two or more objects, unless otherwise expressly indicated. As used herein, the term “or” is generally used to include the meaning of “and / or,” unless otherwise expressly indicated, and the terms “installed,” “connected,” and “linked” should be interpreted broadly, for example, as a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Connections can be mechanical or electrical. Connections can be direct or indirect through an intermediate medium, and can be internal communication between two elements or an interaction between two elements. Relational terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations, nor do they indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of indicated technical features. It should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] In existing technologies, such as Figure 1As shown, a pressure sensor is disclosed, comprising: a housing 1, a sensing element 2, a circuit board 3, and a connector 4. The assembly method of this pressure sensor is as follows: first, the sensing element 2 and the housing 1 are electrically connected to the circuit board 3 respectively; then, the assembly consisting of the sensing element 2, the circuit board 3, and the housing 1 is inserted into the connector 4, which has a sealing ring 5; finally, the assembly is pressed down using a press to rivet the housing 1 and the connector 4. The difficulty in assembling this pressure sensor stems from the fact that the sensing element 2 and the housing 1 are not directly fixed together.

[0035] Therefore, this application provides a pressure sensor that at least improves the connection method between the housing and the sensing element, reducing assembly difficulty. The following description is in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pressure sensor according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the pressure sensor provided in this embodiment includes: a housing 11, a sensing element 12, a circuit board 13, a connector 14, and a sealing ring 15. Although this embodiment describes the sealing ring 15, using the sealing ring 15 is only one way to achieve the purpose of this invention, and is by no means the only way. As long as the sealing purpose can be achieved, it is within the protection scope of this invention. The circuit board 13 is electrically connected to both the sensing element 12 and the housing 11. Specifically, the terminals 111 on the housing 11 and the pins 121 on the sensing element 12 are respectively inserted into the corresponding through holes on the circuit board 13 and soldered to fix them, realizing the electrical interconnection of the three components.

[0037] The housing 11 is usually made of plastic and can be injection molded.

[0038] The sensor element 12 can be any pressure-sensing device / chip in the art, and this application is not limited thereto. The sensor element 12 includes, but is not limited to, ceramic sensors.

[0039] The circuit board 13 is located between the sensor element 12 and the housing 11, facilitating electrical connection between the two sides of the circuit board 13 and the pins 121 of the sensor element 12 and the terminals 111 of the housing 11, respectively. The circuit board 13 may be, but is not limited to, a flexible circuit board.

[0040] Connector 14 is typically a mechanical interface that allows the pressure sensor to be directly connected to an external system (such as a pipe or container).

[0041] Figure 3 This is a bottom view of the housing 11 according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure consisting of the housing 11, circuit board 13 and sensor element 12 in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 For relative to Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the central assembly after it has been rotated at a certain angle.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the first end of the housing 11 includes a plurality of fixing parts 16 arranged circumferentially. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in the pre-assembled state, multiple fixing parts 16 are configured to clamp and fix the sensing element 12, so that the housing 11 is physically connected to the sensing element 12 via the multiple fixing parts 16. It can be understood that the multiple fixing parts 16 are arranged in a ring, and the space they enclose can accommodate the sensing element 12. Thus, while realizing the electrical connection between the housing 11, the sensing element 12, and the circuit board 13, the direct mechanical fixation between the housing 11 and the sensing element 12 is also achieved simultaneously.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a front view of the connector 14 in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of connector 14 according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 for Figure 7 Top view of connector 14. Figures 6-8 As shown, connector 14 has a mounting hole 141. Herein, after the housing 11 is rigidly connected to the sensor element 12, in the assembled state, the assembly structure consisting of the housing 11, sensor element 12, and circuit board 13 is configured to be partially inserted into the mounting hole 141 of connector 14 and fixed to the mounting hole 141 by the housing 11, so that the sensor element 12 does not contact the connector 14. The fact that the sensor element 12 does not contact the connector 14 means that there is a gap between the sensor element 12 and the wall of the mounting hole 141. Alternatively, the sensor element 12 can be mounted on the sealing ring 15, without contacting the wall of the mounting hole 141.

[0044] This configuration allows the assembly structure to be easily and accurately installed into the mounting hole 141 of the connector 14 in the assembled state, significantly reducing the difficulty of installing the assembly structure into the connector 14. Furthermore, if the sensor 12 is in direct contact with the connector 14, it may be damaged or deformed, affecting its measurement function and leading to inaccurate measurement results. Therefore, by keeping the sensor 12 and the connector 14 in a non-contact state, product malfunction is prevented, ensuring the effectiveness, reliability, and accuracy of pressure measurement.

[0045] Compared to a single ring shape, multiple fixing parts 16 can form discrete contact points, transforming large-area contact into localized point or line contact. This significantly reduces assembly resistance, facilitates the assembly of the sensor element 12, and reduces the risk of scratching the sensor element 12. Furthermore, each fixing part 16 possesses a degree of independence and elasticity. When there are minute dimensional or geometric tolerances in the housing 11 or the sensor element 12, the fixing part 16 can independently deform to adapt, ensuring effective contact and clamping at each point. This prevents assembly failure due to error at a single point, thus offering higher fault tolerance.

[0046] Continue to refer to Figures 3-5 and combined Figure 2 In some embodiments, the first end of the housing 11 is provided with a circuit board receiving cavity 112 for accommodating the circuit board 13. In this case, the sensing element 12 is directly disposed at the opening of the circuit board receiving cavity 112, covering the circuit board 13. This design helps to reduce the size of the housing 11. At the same time, a plurality of fixing parts 16 are located around the opening end face of the circuit board receiving cavity 112. Thus, the sensing element 12 covers the opening of the circuit board receiving cavity 112 and is clamped and fixed from the side or periphery by the fixing parts 16.

[0047] In some embodiments, each fixing part 16 can clamp and fix the sensing element 12 through its own elastic deformation or interference fit. That is, the fixing part 16 itself is an elastic structure, and the elastic deformation clamping and fixing of the sensing element 12 is achieved directly by utilizing the elastic restoring force of the fixing part 16 material itself. Alternatively, the normal pressure and friction force generated by the dimensional interference between the fixing part 16 and the sensing element 12 can be used to clamp and fix the sensing element 12.

[0048] The number of fixing parts 16 can be two, three, four or more. In this embodiment, the number of fixing parts 16 is four, which is the optimal solution. Multiple fixing parts 16 can fix the sensing element 12, making it easy to install the sensing element 12 into the housing 11 and then into the connector 14.

[0049] The multiple fixing parts 16 can be symmetrically or asymmetrically distributed. In this embodiment, the multiple fixing parts 16 are asymmetrically distributed to limit the installation position of the sensor element 12 relative to the housing 11, that is, to prevent the sensor element 12 from being installed incorrectly. This application ensures that the sensor element 12 has only one correct installation direction through the asymmetrical design of the multiple fixing parts 16, which eliminates the need for additional structural design and simplifies the structure.

[0050] Although this embodiment describes four fixing parts 16, one of them has a different radial position, while the other three have the same radial position. "Radial position" refers to the distance from the fixing part 16 to the central axis of the housing 11.

[0051] However, the implementation scheme for preventing incorrect installation is not limited to this. For example, in other embodiments, the spacing between one fixing part 16 is not equal to the spacing between the other fixing parts 16, or additional positioning pins and corresponding positioning holes are provided on the sensing element 12 and the housing 11, or a corner of the sensing element 12 is specially treated (such as a chamfer at a specific angle), and a perfectly matching contour is designed on the corresponding position on the housing 11, etc.

[0052] In this embodiment, alignment is forced through a unique fixing part 16 and an axial groove 122. Specifically, as follows... Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the side of the sensor element 12 is provided with an axial groove 122, and the axial groove 122 is used for a corresponding fixing part 16 to be inserted; wherein when the axial groove 122 is aligned with a corresponding fixing part 16, the sensor element 12 is allowed to be inserted into the space formed by the multiple fixing parts 16, preventing the sensor element 12 from being installed incorrectly.

[0053] Furthermore, the shape and size of the fixing part 16 are configured to reduce assembly resistance and facilitate the assembly of the sensor element 12. For example, in an interference fit or elastic clamping, the assembly resistance is reduced by decreasing the contact area between the fixing part 16 and the sensor element 12, thereby reducing the insertion force of the sensor element 12.

[0054] In this embodiment, a protrusion 17 is provided on the side of the fixing part 16 near the sensing element 12. The size of the protrusion 17 is smaller than that of the fixing part 16. Thus, the large-area fit is transformed into a point fit through the protrusion 17, which reduces the manufacturing precision requirements of the entire mating surface. Even if there are minor dimensional and positional tolerances in the housing 11 or the sensing element 12, assembly can proceed smoothly. The protrusion 17 can be hemispherical, cylindrical, rib-shaped, or other shapes. In this embodiment, the protrusion 17 is hemispherical.

[0055] In some embodiments, the end of the fixing part 16 may also be chamfered, which can quickly install the sensing element 12 into the housing 11 and further reduce assembly resistance.

[0056] Further research revealed that if the housing 11 and the connector 14 are not positioned, the housing 11 can rotate relative to the connector 14. This makes it difficult to determine the assembly position of the housing 11, which not only increases the assembly difficulty but also affects the use of subsequent products.

[0057] Therefore, in some embodiments, the housing 11 and the connector 14 may be restricted in their relative positions by appropriate structures.

[0058] like Figures 6-8 As shown, in this embodiment, the mounting hole 141 of the connector 14 is provided with a limiting groove 142 that mates with the fixing part 16; the limiting groove 142 and the fixing part 16 are matched one-to-one, thereby restricting the rotation of the housing 11 relative to the connector 12. Therefore, the fixing part 16 can also fix the relative position of the housing 11 and the connector 14, ensuring the consistency of the product installation angle.

[0059] The number of limiting grooves 142 is the same as the number of fixing parts 16, and their position, size and shape are also the same as those of fixing parts 16. Thus, the multiple limiting grooves 142 can be symmetrically or asymmetrically distributed.

[0060] In this embodiment, multiple limiting grooves 142 are asymmetrically distributed to restrict the installation position of the housing 11 relative to the connector 14, that is, to prevent the housing 11 from being installed incorrectly. This application ensures that the housing 11 has only one correct installation orientation through the asymmetrical design of the limiting grooves 142.

[0061] In addition, in some embodiments, the asymmetrical design of multiple limiting grooves 142 facilitates the identification and positioning of the connector 14 by the loading camera, ensuring that the connector 14 is correctly placed in the equipment tooling, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0062] In addition, the study found that the current method mainly controls the assembly depth of the assembly structure within the joint 14 by press displacement, but it cannot overcome the errors caused by manufacturing tolerances and press precision. Ultimately, under the huge pressure of riveting, the sensor may come into contact with the joint (metal), causing the product to fail.

[0063] Therefore, in some embodiments, a stop structure is provided in the mounting hole 141 of the connector 14, which directly limits the assembly depth of the housing 11 in the connector 14 in order to eliminate the risk of the sensor 12 coming into contact with the connector 14 during the riveting process.

[0064] The stop structure can be implemented in various ways. As an example, the mounting hole 141 of the connector 14 is a stepped hole, and the stop structure is a stepped surface 143 inside the mounting hole 141 that abuts against the first end of the housing 11.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first channel near the opening of the stepped hole accommodates the housing 11, and the bottom of the first channel forms a stepped surface 143. The second channel adjacent to the first channel accommodates the sensing element 12 and remains in a non-contact state with the sensing element 12. This design can effectively ensure the gap distance between the sensing element 12 and the connector 14 (generally about 0.2mm), reducing the risk of the sensing element 12 contacting the metal connector 14. Of course, the actual form is not limited to the stepped surface 143; for example, it can be the fit between a positioning pin and a positioning hole, or the fit between a protrusion and a groove, etc.

[0066] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first end of the housing 11 directly abuts against the stepped surface 143 inside the connector 14, that is, the plastic and the metal directly abut against each other.

[0067] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment of this application. Figure 9As shown, in some embodiments, the first end of the housing 11 abuts against the stepped surface 143 within the connector 14 via a metal block 18. This reduces deformation of the housing 11, allows for more precise control of the assembly depth of the housing 11, and better prevents the sensor 12 from contacting the connector 14. The metal block 18 can be integrally formed with or separate from the housing 11. In this embodiment, the metal block 18 is integrally injection molded with the housing 11 for ease of manufacturing. The material of the metal block 18 is not limited; for example, it can be steel or other metal materials, or the same material as the connector 14.

[0068] As an example, the assembly steps of the pressure sensor in this application are as follows:

[0069] (1) First connect the sensor 12 and the housing 11 through the circuit board 13, and then fix them by soldering;

[0070] (2) Then, flip the sensor 12 over and manually snap it into the housing 11;

[0071] (3) Then, the assembly structure of the sensor 12, housing 11 and circuit board 13 is assembled into the connector 14 with sealing ring 15, and the four fixing parts 16 of housing 11 are inserted into the four limiting grooves 142 of connector 14.

[0072] (4) Finally, the housing 11 and the connector 14 are fixed by pressing and riveting with a press.

[0073] In summary, this application provides a pressure sensor with a plurality of circumferentially arranged fixing parts 16 at the first end of its housing 11. In the pre-assembly state, the multiple fixing parts 16 can clamp and fix the sensing element 12. In the assembly state, the assembly structure composed of housing 11, circuit board 13 and sensing element 12 can be easily and accurately installed into the mounting hole 141 of connector 14 and fixed to the mounting hole 141 by housing 11. This significantly reduces the difficulty of installing the assembly structure into connector 14. Moreover, because the sensing element 12 and connector 14 are kept in a non-contact state, product malfunction can be prevented and the accuracy of pressure measurement can be guaranteed.

[0074] The above description is only a description of the preferred embodiments of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application in any way. Any changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the above disclosure shall fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A pressure sensor, characterized by include: A housing, the first end of which includes a plurality of fixing portions arranged circumferentially; Sensor element; Circuit board, the circuit board being electrically connected to the sensing element and the housing respectively; and The connector has mounting holes; In the pre-assembled state, the plurality of fixing parts are configured to clamp and fix the sensing element, so that the housing is physically connected to the sensing element via the plurality of fixing parts. In the assembled state, the assembly structure consisting of the housing, the sensing element, and the circuit board is configured to be partially inserted into the mounting hole of the connector and fixed to the mounting hole by the housing via a press-fitting, such that the sensing element does not contact the connector.

2. The pressure sensor of claim 1, wherein, The first end of the housing is provided with a circuit board receiving cavity for accommodating the circuit board, wherein the sensing element is disposed at the opening of the circuit board receiving cavity; the plurality of fixing parts are located around the opening end face of the circuit board receiving cavity; each fixing part clamps and fixes the sensing element by its own elastic deformation or interference fit.

3. The pressure sensor of claim 2, wherein, The number of fixing parts is four.

4. The pressure sensor of claim 2 or 3, wherein, The plurality of fixing parts are asymmetrically distributed to limit the mounting position of the sensing element relative to the housing.

5. The pressure sensor of claim 4, wherein, The side of the sensor element is provided with an axial groove, and the axial groove is used for the insertion of a corresponding fixing part; wherein when the axial groove is aligned with a corresponding fixing part, the sensor element is allowed to be inserted into the space formed by the plurality of fixing parts.

6. The pressure sensor of claim 4, wherein, Each of the fixing parts has a protrusion on the side near the sensing element; and / or, each of the fixing parts has a chamfer at its end.

7. The pressure sensor of claim 4, wherein, The mounting hole is provided with a limiting groove, and the limiting groove is matched with the fixing part in a one-to-one correspondence.

8. The pressure sensor as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The mounting hole is provided with a stop structure, which limits the assembly depth of the housing within the joint.

9. The pressure sensor as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The mounting hole is configured as a stepped hole; the stop structure is a stepped surface inside the mounting hole that abuts against the first end of the housing.

10. The pressure sensor as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The housing is made of plastic. The first end of the housing directly abuts against the stepped surface, or the first end of the housing abuts against the stepped surface through a metal block.

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