Pressure sensor assembly and corresponding device and insert

Abstract

A pressure sensor assembly (1) for detecting fluid pressure includes a pressure-sensitive component (2) having a generally cup-shaped sensor body (5) and a compensation element (3) configured to compensate for changes in the volume of the fluid. The sensor body (5) includes a bottom portion (5a) and a peripheral portion (5b) defining an axial cavity (C1, C2). The bottom portion (5a) includes an elastically deformable membrane portion (M) that closes the axial cavity (C1, C2) at an end of the sensor body (5). The peripheral portion (5b) defines an entrance to the axial cavity (C1, C2) and has an end opposite the bottom portion (5a). At least one detection element is associated with the bottom portion (5a) for detecting deformation of the membrane portion (M). The compensating element (3) comprises at least one compensating body (8) made of a first elastically deformable or compressible material and a core (9) made of a second material harder than the first material and fixed on the at least one compensating body (8). The sensor body (5) and the compensating element (3) are configured as separate components. At least one first portion (8b, 8c) of the compensating element (3) is configured to couple with the sensor body (5) by elastic interference so that the pressure-sensitive component (2) and the compensating element (3) can be operated as a single unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor device for detecting the pressure of a fluid. The invention has been developed with particular reference to a self-contained sensor assembly for such a device, the self-contained sensor assembly having at least one pressure-sensitive element and at least one element for compensating for a possible volume increase of the fluid. The invention finds preferred application in the field of self-contained sensors or sensor assemblies used in vehicles, in particular in hydraulic devices and systems for vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] From WO 2008 / 078184 filed in the name of the applicant, a pressure sensor device is known which comprises a pressure-sensitive component having a substantially cup-shaped sensor body, i.e. a blind cavity whose bottom is formed by a membrane. The membrane is elastically deformable and has associated therewith a sensing element, such as a bridge of resistors or piezoresistive elements. The device also comprises a casing including a support body defining a duct through which the fluid whose pressure is to be sensed reaches the cavity of the sensor body, causing a corresponding elastic deformation of the membrane.

[0003] In some applications, devices of the type mentioned are designed to operate even in conditions of extremely low temperatures, for this reason it may happen that the fluid present inside the device freezes and increases in volume, and considering that the membrane part of the sensor body is usually thin and delicate, it is important to adopt a solution that prevents malfunction and / or damage to the corresponding sensing element following the increase in volume of the fluid due to freezing.

[0004] The aforementioned prior art documents therefore propose associating one or more compressible compensation bodies, suitable for compensating for the possible increase in volume of the fluid as it freezes, with the support body of the device, each of which may define a portion of the aforementioned duct for the fluid. In some of the described versions, such compensation elements are mounted substantially within the cavity of the sensor body, protruding into the cavity on the outside of the support body. In some embodiments, the compensation element is made of a relatively hard material and is fixed in place in the support body using a cylindrical positioning insert, for example, partially inserted via a screw, at the outlet of the duct conveying the fluid toward the membrane (see, for example, Figures 15-20 or 24 of the aforementioned prior art documents). In other embodiments, the compensation element is disposed in an insert held in place by a bottom restraining element, with the insert and restraining element engaging in the aforementioned duct through the inlet end (see, for example, Figures 21-23 of the aforementioned prior art documents).

[0005] The sensor devices proposed in the above-mentioned prior documents are efficient on average in terms of function, but they have some drawbacks that would be desirable to reduce, such as the time and costs involved in manufacturing and installing the corresponding compensation elements, which also presuppose a relatively complex construction of a support body defining a duct into which the insert of the compensation element is designed to be fitted in a dedicated operation.

[0006] WO 2016 / 103171, filed in the name of the present applicant, discloses a sensor assembly having a substantially cup-shaped sensor body, on which a body of elastically compressible material is directly overmolded, performing the functions of a compensation element, and possibly a sealing element and / or a resilient support element. In some described embodiments (see, for example, Figures 37-39 of the aforementioned prior document), the aforementioned compressible body is overmolded onto the sensor body inside the blind cavity of the corresponding cup-shaped body. The solution according to WO 2016 / 103171 proves advantageous in terms of production, insofar as it allows for a free-standing or stand-alone sensor assembly to be obtained, i.e., a sensor assembly that can be handled as a single unit despite comprising both a pressure-sensitive element and a compensation element. However, the production of such an assembly is relatively complex and costly in terms of industrial processes or manufacturing machines, in that it is necessary to securely and precisely overmold a compatible material forming the compressible body inside the cavity of the sensor body. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In general, the present invention aims to provide a pressure sensor or pressure sensor assembly that is simpler and cheaper to manufacture than those of the prior art, particularly a freestanding or stand-alone pressure sensor. A related object of the present invention is to provide a pressure sensor device and a compensation element that can be advantageously used with the above-mentioned sensor assembly.

[0008] According to the present invention, one or more of the above objects are achieved by a pressure sensor assembly, a pressure sensor device, and a compensation element exhibiting the features recited in the appended claims, which form an integral part of the teachings provided herein in relation to the present invention.

[0009] Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which is provided with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a pressure sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment having an optional shielding element; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1 with the above-described shielding element coupled to the assembly; [Figure 3] An exploded view of a sensor assembly of the type illustrated in Figure 1-2 [Figure 4] An exploded view of a sensor assembly of the type shown in Figure 1-2, taken from a different angle than Figure 3. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of a compensation element of a sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment; [Figure 6] 7 is a perspective view of a compensation element of a sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment, from a different angle than that of FIG. 6; [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a compensation element of a sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment; [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a compensation element of a sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment; [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of a core or stiffening member of a compensation element of a sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment; FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective view of a core or reinforcing member of a compensation element of a sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment, from a different angle than that of FIG. 9; [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view of a shield element of a sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment; [Figure 12] 12 is a perspective view of a shield element of a sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment, taken from a different angle than FIG. 11; [Figure 13] 1 shows a perspective view of a pressure sensor arrangement with a sensor assembly and a first type of casing part according to a possible embodiment; [Figure 14]14 is a perspective view of a pressure sensor device having a sensor assembly and a first type of casing part according to a possible embodiment, from a different angle than in FIG. 13; [Figure 15] 1 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor arrangement having a sensor assembly and a second type of casing part according to a possible embodiment; [Figure 16] 16 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor device having a sensor assembly and a second type of casing part according to a possible embodiment, taken from a different angle than in FIG. 15; [Figure 17] 13-14 and 15-16. FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor apparatus according to a possible embodiment, including a sensor assembly and casing components structurally similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 13-14 and 15-16. [Figure 18] 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor device according to a possible embodiment, including a sensor assembly and casing components structurally similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 13-14 and 15-16. [Figure 19] 10 is a perspective view of a sensor assembly with a corresponding shield element coupled to the sensor assembly according to a further possible embodiment; [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the sensor assembly of FIG. [Figure 21] An exploded view of a sensor assembly of the type illustrated in FIG. [Figure 22] An exploded view of a sensor assembly of the type illustrated in FIG. [Figure 23] 20 is a perspective view of a compensation element of a sensor assembly of the type illustrated in FIG. 19, with a corresponding shield element shown in exploded view; [Figure 24] 20 is a perspective view of a compensation element of a sensor assembly of the type illustrated in FIG. 19, with a corresponding shield element shown in exploded view; [Figure 25] A cross-sectional perspective view of only the compensating element of Fig. 23-24. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a core or reinforcing member of a compensation element of the type illustrated in FIG. [Figure 27] 26 is a perspective view of a core or reinforcing member of a compensation element of the type illustrated in FIG. 25, taken from a different angle than FIG. [Figure 28] 19-20 , a perspective cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor device with a sensor assembly and casing parts according to a possible embodiment; [Figure 29] 19-20 , a perspective cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor device with a sensor assembly and casing parts according to a possible embodiment; [Figure 30] 19-20 and a partial cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor device having two casing parts according to a possible embodiment of a sensor assembly of the type shown in FIGS. 19-20. [Figure 31] 30, a partial cross-section of a pressure sensor device with two casing parts and a possible embodiment of a sensor assembly of the kind illustrated in FIGS. 19-20; [Figure 32] 31 with possible variations. [Figure 33] 10 is an exploded view of a sensor assembly according to another possible embodiment. [Figure 34] 10 is an exploded view of a sensor assembly according to another possible embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 33-34 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a sensor assembly of the type illustrated in FIGS. [Figure 36] FIG. 33-34 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a sensor assembly of the type illustrated in FIGS. [Figure 37] 35-36 are perspective cross-sectional views of a pressure sensor device having a sensor assembly and casing components according to possible embodiments; [Figure 38] 35-36 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor device having a sensor assembly and two casing parts of the type shown in FIGS. 35-36 according to a possible embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a partial cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor device of the type illustrated in FIG. 38. [Figure 40] 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a sensor assembly according to a possible variation. [Figure 41] 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a sensor assembly according to a possible variation. [Figure 42]40-41 , a partial cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor device having a sensor assembly and casing component according to a possible embodiment mounted on a general-purpose functional component; [Figure 43] 42. A partial cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor device having the sensor assembly and casing components shown in FIGS. 40-41 in accordance with a possible embodiment mounted on a general-purpose functional component. [Figure 44] 44 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the device and components of FIG. [Figure 45] Exploded view of the device and parts in Figure 43 [Figure 46] 1 is a perspective view of a compensation element of a sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment; [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a core or reinforcing member that can be used in a compensation element of the type illustrated in FIG. [Figure 48] FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a sensor assembly including a compensation element of the type illustrated in FIG. [Figure 49] FIG. 49 is a partial cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor device comprising a sensor assembly and a casing part of the type shown in FIG. 48 according to a possible embodiment mounted on a general-purpose functional part; [Figure 50] 49 is a partial cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor device comprising a sensor assembly and a casing part of the type shown in FIG. 48 according to a possible embodiment mounted on a general-purpose functional part. [Figure 51] 1 is a perspective view of a core or reinforcing member that can be used in a compensation element according to a possible variant. [Figure 52] FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a compensating element with a core of the type illustrated in FIG. 51; [Figure 53] FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a sensor assembly including a compensating element of the type shown in FIG. 52; [Figure 54] 1 is an exploded view of a pressure sensor device according to another possible embodiment, designed to be mounted on a general-purpose functional component; [Figure 55] FIG. 55 is a partial cross-sectional view of the device and components of FIG. [Figure 56] 55, showing a possible variation; [Figure 57]1 is a perspective view of a shield element for a sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment; FIG. [Figure 58] 1 is a perspective view of a shield element for a sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment; FIG. [Figure 59] FIG. 59 is a partial cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor device including a sensor assembly having a shield element of the type shown in FIG. [Figure 60] 1 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor arrangement according to a possible embodiment; [Figure 61] 1 is a perspective view of a compensation element of a sensor assembly according to a possible embodiment; [Figure 62] FIG. 62 is a partial cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor device using a compensation element of the type illustrated in FIG. 61; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Within the framework of this specification, reference to an "embodiment" or "one embodiment" is intended to indicate that a specific form, structure, or feature described with respect to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, phrases such as "in an embodiment," "in at least one embodiment," and the like appearing in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to one and the same embodiment, but may instead refer to different embodiments. Furthermore, specific forms, structures, or features defined within the framework of this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, even if different from those shown. Reference numerals and spatial references (e.g., "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," etc.) are used for convenience only and do not limit the scope of protection or the scope of the embodiments. Within this specification and the appended claims, the generic term "material" should be understood to include mixtures, composites, or compounds of multiple different materials (e.g., multi-layer structures or composite materials). In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate similar or technically equivalent elements.

[0012] 1 and 2 show a schematic representation of a sensor assembly for a pressure sensor device according to a possible embodiment. The assembly, generally designated 1, comprises a pressure-sensitive component 2 (hereinafter, for brevity, designated "pressure sensor" or "sensor"), as explained in the introductory part of this specification, and a compensation element 3 made of at least partly elastically compressible or deformable material so as to be able to compensate for a possible increase in the volume of the fluid to be detected. In the example shown, the assembly 1 further comprises a shielding element, designated 4, which constitutes an optional and non-essential component of the sensor assembly according to the invention.

[0013] 3 and 4, in various embodiments, the sensor 2 comprises a sensor body 5 including a membrane portion M, e.g., made of a ceramic material, that is elastically deformable in response to the pressure 2 of the fluid to be measured. For simplicity, the membrane portion M will be simply referred to as the "membrane" below. The membrane M may be integral with the sensor body 5, or may be configured as a separate component that is coupled, e.g., via welding or adhesive bonding, to one end of a generally cylindrical body to define a blind cavity in the sensor body, i.e., a cavity that is closed at one end.

[0014] As is well known in the art, the sensor 2 is associated with at least one element designed to detect deformation of the membrane M. This detection element, shown only in FIG. 3 at 6, may comprise, for example, a plurality of resistive or piezoresistive elements connected in a bridge configuration and preferably provided on the side of the membrane M that is not exposed to the fluid whose pressure is to be measured. In other embodiments, the detection element 6 may comprise electrodes and / or capacitive elements, for example, two opposing electrodes, at least one of which is provided on the side of the membrane M that is not exposed to the fluid. In one example, the detection element 6 is electrically connected to terminals (one of which is shown at 7) fixed at peripheral positions relative to the membrane M, for example to the wall of the body 5 that defines the membrane M. In one example, the terminals 7 are configured as elastic contacts, although this is not an essential feature.

[0015] In various embodiments, the sensor body is generally cup-shaped, meaning that it has a peripheral wall closed at one end by a bottom wall so as to define an axial cavity. In the case illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the sensor body 5 has, for example, a bottom portion designated 5a and a peripheral portion designated 5b, defining an axial blind cavity generally designated C in Figure 4.

[0016] The sensor body 5 is preferably monolithic, for example made of a ceramic material (such as alumina). As mentioned above, this does not constitute an essential feature in any case. The bottom part 5a includes a membrane M that closes the cavity C at one end of the sensor body 5, and the peripheral part 5b has a terminal or lower edge located opposite the bottom part 5a that defines the entrance to the cavity C itself. The cavity C therefore has a peripheral surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface belonging to the membrane M (in particular the inner side of the membrane M).

[0017] In various embodiments, such as the illustrated one, the cavity C includes at least two regions of different diameters, for example a lower cavity region C1 of a larger diameter and an upper cavity region C2 of a smaller diameter. Thus, in this type of embodiment, the cavity C of the sensor body 5 comprises at least one intermediate limit (see the transition surface indicated by C3 in FIG. 60) so as to define the wider lower region C1 and the narrower upper region C2. This type of embodiment proves to be advantageous insofar as it forms the bottom of the narrow region C2 in this case and in any case allows the corresponding deformation detection element to reduce the dimensions of the membrane M to which it is coupled.

[0018] In various embodiments, the sensor body 5 has at least two portions with different outer diameters, here corresponding by way of example to portions 5a and 5b with larger and smaller diameters, respectively, thereby defining a step 5c between the two portions 5a and 5b. Preferably, the peripheral profile of the body 5, here the portion 5a with the larger diameter, defines an axial recess 5d, the function of which will also be clarified below.

[0019] In various embodiments, the compensation element 3 comprises at least one compensation body, such as that generally indicated at 8, which is at least partially elastically deformable or compressible, and a reinforcing member or core fixed to the at least one compensation body, for example a reinforcing member or core as indicated at 9.

[0020] Generally, the compensating body 8 is made of a first elastically deformable or compressible material, such as an elastomer, hereinafter referred to as the "elastically deformable body" or "deformable body", and the core or reinforcing member 9 is made of a material that is relatively harder than the material of the body 8, such as a plastic, e.g. a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer.

[0021] As is well known in the art, the main function of the body 8 is to absorb the volume expansion that may occur in the fluid whose pressure is to be measured, in particular in the case of freezing. However, as will be explained below, the body 8 or at least one of its parts may be assigned an additional function, for example that of elastically supporting the assembly 1.

[0022] On the other hand, the main function of the reinforcing member or core 9 is to maintain the elastically deformable body 8 in the proper position and to prevent the conformable material of the body 8 from deforming or protruding too much relative to the membrane M due to, for example, fluid pressure or an increase in fluid volume due to freezing, which would result in a reduction in the sensor signal.

[0023] To clarify the issue, known types of compensating elements (such as those described in the aforementioned prior art) are considered to be made of a relatively compliant material. The axial and / or radial thrust of a fluid applied to such an element extending into the cavity of the sensor body over time causes at least a portion of the compliant material to be displaced toward the sensing membrane, i.e., a certain extrusion of at least a portion of this material. For example, under certain conditions (e.g., accidental high pressure of the fluid in the system to which the sensor is connected), the thrust of the fluid under high pressure exceeds the compressibility of the compliant material, compressing the internal structure of the compliant material until it displaces in accordance with the fluid thrust, transmitting the thrust to other internal regions of the sensor structure. In other words, the displacement or extrusion of at least a portion of the compensating body causes deformation of the compliant material, resulting in a thrust of the material itself directly on the sensor membrane, resulting in a change in measurement reliability or membrane failure. The use of the core 9 is intended to counteract such phenomena and / or facilitate installation of the body 2.

[0024] The materials selected for the body 8 and core 9 are preferably injection moldable by widely used and inexpensive techniques. For example, the body 8 may be molded using a silicone material, such as a silicone elastomer or liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or fluoro liquid silicone rubber (FLSR). The core 9 may be molded using a polymer or copolymer or thermoplastic material, such as polyamide PA or polyphthalamide PPA or polypropylene PP.

[0025] The body 8 and core 9 may be molded separately and then assembled, or they may be molded together, or the body 8 may be overmolded onto a pre-molded core 9 .

[0026] In various applications of the sensor assembly 1, at least one elastically deformable or compressible annular element may be operably coupled to the sensor 2, the annular element being designed to provide a seal between the outer surface of the sensor body 5 and a housing or seat into which the body itself is at least partially inserted. In the illustrated example, such a sealing element, in particular in the form of an annular gasket or O-ring, preferably made of an elastic material, is designated 10 and is designed to fit into the smaller diameter portion 5b of the body 5.

[0027] As mentioned above, in various embodiments, the larger diameter portion 5a of the body 5 has an axial recess or groove 5d, which has one end located at a step 5c formed between the portions 5a and 5b of the body 5, as mentioned above, for example, in FIG. 4. Despite the presence of the recess 5d in the portion 5b of the body 5, to ensure an optimal seal of the gasket 10 at the step 5c, a ring or flat washer 11 made of a metal or plastic material may advantageously be fitted between the step 5c and the gasket 10. In this way, as mentioned above, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washer 11 covers the corresponding end of the recess 5d, thereby providing a suitable surface for the gasket 10 to rest on in the axial direction, also for improving the radial seal.

[0028] In use, a gasket must be placed inside the corresponding final housing or seat of the device with the inlet port for the fluid to be measured to allow proper functioning of the pressure sensor assembly 1. Preferably, the installation of the sensor assembly in said seat must be neither too tight (e.g., because excessive mechanical or residual stresses in the ceramic of the body 5 may cause major detection errors) nor too loose (e.g., to prevent any possible slight movements of the sensor 2 with the possibility of fluid leakage and / or electrical contact failure and / or false detection).

[0029] For these reasons, in various embodiments, the sensor assembly envisages an elastic support system, which may be obtained either by making use of the elastically deformable body 8 of the compensation element 3 or by making use of the elastic properties of an additional element, as will be explained below.

[0030] With reference to the latter case mentioned, in various embodiments, at least one annular, elastically deformable or compressible support element, preferably made of an elastomeric material and designed to perform the function of elastic support for the assembly itself, is associated with the sensor assembly 1. In various embodiments, said elastic support is provided axially broadly between the surface of the core 9 and the surface of the shielding element (hereinafter designated 4) or between the surface of the core 9 and a surface belonging to the seat (hereinafter designated 31a) into which the assembly 1 is at least partially inserted.

[0031] In the example illustrated in Figures 1-2, such an annular support element on which the core 9 is designed to rest is designated 12. The element 12 is, for example, of the O-ring type and does not perform a sealing function (although it may in any case perform the function of a gasket).

[0032] An example of a compensating element 3 is shown in various views in FIGS. 5-8, while an example of a core 9 is shown in FIGS. 9-10.

[0033] Referring first to FIGS. 9-10 , in various embodiments, the core 9 has a preferably or substantially disk-shaped body portion 9 a having a major surface (conventionally referred to herein as the “upper surface”). A central cylindrical portion 9 b preferably rises from the major surface, defining a corresponding axial cavity 9′. Hereinafter, the portion 9 a will be defined as the “flange portion” or “disk portion.” The upper surface of the flange portion 9 a may be provided with a peripheral relief 9 c. The cylindrical portion 9 b may preferably be open on the opposite surface of the portion 9 a (conventionally referred to herein as the “lower surface”). The lower surface is designed to accommodate the annular element 12, as described below. In various embodiments not shown, the cylindrical portion 9 b may extend from the opposing surface of the flange portion 9 a, or the central cylindrical portion may extend both upward and downward from the portion 9 a.

[0034] In various embodiments, the core 9 has one or more passages for corresponding portions of the material forming the body 8, particularly with regard to the fastening of the body 8 to the core 9 itself. For example, with reference to the illustrated example, one or more through holes 9d are defined at peripheral positions relative to the disk portion 9a, particularly the cylindrical portion 9b. Inside the cylindrical portion 9b, a lateral wall 9e may be provided having peripheral through holes 9f (FIGS. 9-10) and preferably at least one central through hole 9g.

[0035] In various embodiments, the upper portion of the cylindrical portion 9b is shaped to define a kind of crenellation 9h, i.e., alternating protrusions and recesses along the circumference of the portion 9b itself. The portion 9b preferably has a substantially circular cross section and may have extensions of different diameters, as in the illustrated example.

[0036] 5-8, in various embodiments, the elastically deformable body 8 is configured as an overmolded body on the core 9, preferably such that at least one area of ​​the core itself remains exposed in any case, but not necessarily the peripheral area of ​​the disk portion 9a. To this end, in various preferred embodiments, the dimension of the maximum lateral obstruction (or maximum diameter) of the core 9 is greater than the maximum lateral obstruction (or maximum diameter) of the body 8.

[0037] In the illustrated case, the body 8 is overmolded in one piece so that there are at least two portions, e.g., two body portions designated 8a and 8b in Figures 5-8, each extending on each major surface of the disk portion 9a of the core 9. In the example shown, the body portion 8a extends axially from the lower surface of the portion 9a. In various embodiments, the above-mentioned body portion 8a, which preferably has a substantially cylindrical shape, is provided with a recess 8a' in its end or lower surface, the function of which will be described below.

[0038] The main body portion 8b preferably extends in the axial direction from the upper surface of the portion 9a of the core 9 so as to include at least a part of the cylindrical portion 9b therein.

[0039] In various embodiments, such as those illustrated, the elastically deformable body 8 integrally defines a further body portion 8c that extends over the upper portion of the main body portion 8b and preferably, but not necessarily, surrounds each upper portion of the cylindrical portion 9b of the core 9. Preferably, the main body portion 8b has a larger lateral dimension or diameter than the main body portion 8c, and one or both of the main body portions 8b, 8c may have an at least slightly frustoconical shape. The presence of the further body portion 8c of the compensating body 8 is preferred when the cavity C of the sensor body 5 includes two regions C1, C2 of different diameters, as in the illustrated case.

[0040] In various embodiments, the size or diameter of the maximum lateral obstruction of body portion 8b is smaller than the size or diameter of the maximum lateral obstruction of flange portion 9a of core 9. In this way, a portion of flange portion 9a defines a surface for seating the distal end of sensor body 5. In particular, with reference to the example being described, a seat, designated 9a' in FIGS. 5 and 8, for locating and seating the lower edge of portion 5b of sensor body 5 is defined between body portion 8b and the outer diameter of portion 9a of core 9, i.e., the outer peripheral edge of relief 9c. In various embodiments, at least a portion of core 9 (e.g., portion 9a and / or seat 9a') is provided with positioning and / or reference elements, particularly with respect to sensor body 5.

[0041] The above-described placement of the body 5 on the corresponding surface of the core 9 prevents the risk of the upper part of the compensating element 3 (here the parts 8b, 8c of the body 8) being inserted too far into the cavity C of the sensor body 5 during the assembly stage, thereby preventing, for example, the risk of the upper part of the part 8c coming into contact with the inside of the membrane M, which would cause an error in the detection of pressure by the sensor 2.

[0042] From this point of view, the height of the above-mentioned upper part of the compensation element (here understood as the distance between the upper surface of the disk part 9a and the upper part of the main body part 8c) is lower than the depth of the cavity C (here understood as the vertical distance between the lower surface of the main body part 5a and the inner surface of the membrane M).

[0043] The presence of the disk portion 9a of the core 9, or the presence of the above-mentioned positioning and / or reference element on which the sensor body 5 rests, has the effect of preventing excessive deformation or extrusion of the compatible material that makes up the body 8, as described above.

[0044] 7 and 8, the body 8 is preferably overmolded onto the core 9 in such a way that part of the material of which the body 8 is made penetrates the opening 9d of the core 9 and the corresponding cylindrical part 9b, thereby ensuring the fixation of the body 8 on the core 9. From these figures it can be seen that, similarly, if the cylindrical part 9b has an inner lateral wall 9e, part of the overmolded material will penetrate the opening 9f of the lateral wall, further improving the fixation. An overmolding device is conceivable, if at all possible, in a manner known per se, to prevent the overmolded material from blocking the central opening 9g of the lateral wall 9e.

[0045] In various embodiments, the body 8 is overmolded so that there is at least one passageway (designated P) extending, preferably centrally, between the two axial ends of the body 8 itself. When the core 9 assumes a transverse wall 9e inside the cylindrical portion 9b, the passageway P is substantially coaxial with each of the holes 9g in the transverse wall 9e and is preferably located in a central position. Thus, with reference to the illustrated example, as is clear from Figures 7-8, a portion of the passageway P axially crosses the body portion 8a, and the remaining portion of the passageway crosses the body portions 8b and 8c.

[0046] From the same figure it can be seen that the entire tubular portion 9b is embedded in the material that makes up the main body portions 8b, 8c, and that the upper core 9h of the tubular portion further contributes to the fixation between the overmolded material and the core 9.

[0047] As already mentioned, in various embodiments, at least one of the two parts of the elastically deformable body extending on either side of the core is designed to be partially received inside the cavity C (see FIG. 4) of the sensor body 5. In the example, the part in question is the part formed by the body portions 8b, 8c. As mentioned, part 8c is understood to be optional, although it is particularly useful for compensation in the case of sensors having a cavity C with two regions C1, C2 of different diameters.

[0048] According to an important aspect, at least a part of the elastically deformable body portion, e.g. the portion designed to be at least partially housed inside the cavity of the sensor body, is configured so that it can be mounted by elastic interference inside the cavity itself.

[0049] In various embodiments, for this purpose, said part of the elastically deformable body, in particular between the compensation element and the sensor body, has at least one positioning and / or fixing element, for example a number of peripheral ribs or reliefs distributed along or along the peripheral wall of said part itself, which ribs or reliefs facilitate positioning and correct assembly between the compensation element and the sensor body.

[0050] 6-8, the aforementioned positioning and / or fixing elements are designated 8d and comprise axial reliefs defined in the peripheral wall of body portion 8b. Additionally or alternatively, similar elements or reliefs may be provided in body portion 8c. In general, the outer surfaces of the various reliefs 8d define a wider circumference than the corresponding portions of cavity C (it being clearly understood that cavity portion C1 and body portion 8b may have a frustoconical or at least partially tapered peripheral profile).

[0051] In various embodiments, the relief 8d is defined integrally with the compensation element 3, in particular with the body 8, and allows the insertion of the parts 8b, 8c of the body 8 into the cavity C of the sensor body 5 with slight elastic interference, in any case in a manner sufficient to ensure the positioning and coupling of the compensation element 3 relative to the sensor body 5.

[0052] This feature proves to be particularly advantageous during the manufacturing phase insofar as it allows for pre-assembly between the sensor 2 and the compensation element 3, in other words the manufacture of a free-standing or stand-alone sensor assembly 1 that can be easily handled as a single unit, i.e. stored, transported or installed as a single part.

[0053] Thus, despite the lack of an outer casing, the assembly according to the present invention can be easily manufactured and assembled on an automated line belonging to a first entity (e.g., a manufacturer of pressure sensor devices) as a single device without the parts separating from one another during handling, and the assembly can be easily transported to a second entity (e.g., a manufacturer of vehicle parts) for assembly or integration into a different device without compromising the ease of handling of the assembly on an automated assembly line belonging to the second entity.

[0054] As mentioned above, the compensating element 3 may also define a surface or seat (9a', see Figs. 5 and 8) for positioning and mounting the end of the sensor body 5 or part 5b. The mounting ring 11 and sealing element 10, which fit into part 5b, are preferably mounted in part 5b with radial elastic interference. In this way, following the connection between the parts in question, the assembly including the parts 2, 3, 10, 11 can be easily handled as a single unit.

[0055] The relief 8d allows the above-mentioned elastic interference insertion in a convenient and precise manner, with only a slight local deformation of the body 8 (substantially only in the relief itself), thereby preventing possible excessive and / or undesirable deformation of the body 8 as a whole during the insertion process. As mentioned above, the flange portion 9a of the core 9 may advantageously constitute a reference or positioning element or a mechanical travel end.

[0056] As previously mentioned, the sensor assembly of the device of the present invention may optionally include a shielding element, generally designated 4, shown in isolation in FIGS.

[0057] Element 4 is preferably formed via molding of a polymeric or plastic material, such as a thermoplastic or thermoset material, and has a body including a generally cup-shaped portion, preferably having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, including a bottom wall with at least one opening, and optionally including a radially projecting flange at one end.

[0058] In the example shown, the generally cup-shaped portion comprises a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall 4a and a bottom wall 4b. The peripheral wall 4a and the bottom wall 4b define a cavity or seat, designated S only in FIG. 12. The bottom wall 4b is provided with one or more through holes 4b' and, possibly, with one or more reliefs 4b'' on the inside relative to the seat S. In the example, the series of holes 4b' and the series of reliefs 4b'' are arranged circumferentially relative to one another, in particular in the central region of the wall 4b. In the state in which the element 4 is assembled in the body 8, the or each hole 4b' is preferably offset in axial position relative to the passage P of the compensation element 3, for reasons that will become clear below.

[0059] In various embodiments, the flange 4c projects radially outward from the peripheral wall 4a of the element 4, preferably slightly below the edge 4a' of the wall 4a itself that defines the mouth of the seat S. The preferred circular flange has a surface on which the annular element 12 rests.

[0060] In the example shown, the aforementioned flange 4c has a peripheral edge of the relief 4c' on the same side as the edge 4a', so that a groove or seat 4c'' for the positioning of the annular element 12, in particular the part of the compensating element 3 opposite to the part that rests on the underside of the core 9, is defined between the two edges 4a', 4c'.

[0061] In various preferred embodiments, positioning and / or coupling means for the compensation element 3, in particular for the body 8, are defined inside the peripheral wall 4a of the element 4. In various embodiments, these means comprise axial reliefs or ribs, such as those represented by 4a'' in Figure 12. Similar positioning and / or coupling means, such as reliefs and / or ribs, may also be provided on the compensation element, in particular on its body 8 (in particular on the corresponding portion 8a).

[0062] The relief 4a'' defines a circumference that is slightly smaller than the circumference of the portion 8a of the elastically deformable body 8 of the compensation element 3, so that the shielding element can fit with slight interference into the portion 8a of the compensation element 3. In this case, the relief 4a'' therefore allows the insertion with slight elastic interference of the portion 8a of the body 8 into the inside of the seat of the shielding element 4 in a way that in any case sufficiently guarantees the positioning and coupling of the body 8 to the shielding element 4.

[0063] This characteristic also proves to be particularly advantageous insofar as, despite the absence of an outer casing, pre-assembly between the sensor 2, the compensation element 3 and the shielding element 4 is possible for subsequent joint operation, i.e., handling as a single part.

[0064] As mentioned above, the shielding element 4 may define surfaces or seats (4c'' in Figure 12) for locating the portions of the annular element 12. This allows the sensor assembly 1, including the parts 2, 3, 4, 10, 11 and 12, to be easily handled as a single piece following joining of the parts. The assembled state of the above-mentioned assembly is shown in Figure 2, which shows how the sealing element 10 is seated between the mounting ring 11 (which is fitted onto the portion 5b of the sensor body 5) and the upper surface of the core 9 (substantially the peripheral edge of the relief 9c), and how the annular element 12 is seated between the flange 4c of the shielding element 4 (i.e., seat 4c'' in Figure 12) and the underside of the flange portion 9a of the core 9.

[0065] In various embodiments, the pressure sensor device according to the invention comprises a structure configured to at least partially house a component sensitive to the pressure to be detected, i.e. a sensor 2 of an assembly 1. This structure may form part of a different device, for example a hydraulic or pneumatic device.

[0066] In various preferred embodiments, the housing structure may be configured as a casing that substantially completely houses the assembly, and may preferably comprise at least two coupled parts that perform positioning and / or support functions. In various embodiments, one of the two parts preferably performs the electrical connection function, and the other part preferably performs the fluid connection function. In other embodiments, the above-mentioned structure may instead house only a portion of the sensor assembly, and for this purpose may comprise only one casing part that performs, for example, the electrical or fluid connection function. In this type of embodiment, the device according to the present invention can be coupled to a different functional part (e.g., a fluid pump), the body of which defines a seat or housing designed to receive a corresponding part of the device, in particular the sensor assembly 1.

[0067] 13 and 14 illustrate the second case mentioned above. The device's housing structure has a body 20 (hereinafter referred to as "closure body"). The body 20 preferably performs the functions of positioning and electrical connection. It should be noted that in these figures the shielding element 4, which is optional in any case, is not shown.

[0068] In the illustrated example, the body 20 defines a central seat 21 into which at least a part of the sensor 2, i.e. the body 5, is inserted. The body 20 may consist of an insulating material, for example molded from a plastic material, and may, for example, have at least one bracket 22 for fixing to a different component, for example the body of a fluid pump or the fluid assembly of an SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system or a vehicle water injection system. In the example, the body 20 has a wall 21a, preferably in cylindrical relief, which defines at least a part of the seat 21. Preferably, the wall 21a is provided on the inside with an axial relief 21b, which is designed to mate with an axial recess 5d in the part 5a of the sensor body 5 to ensure that they are positioned at the correct angle relative to each other.

[0069] Parts 2, 3, 10, 11, 12 (and, if envisaged, part 4) may be assembled as described above, and the resulting free-standing sensor assembly may be handled, possibly automatically, to place sensor body 5 inside seat 21 of body 20, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. It can be seen from FIG. 14 that body 20, on the side opposite to the open side of seat 21, defines passage 23 for accessing the sensor's terminals (here configured as spring contacts). In body 20, seat 21 may define a cavity 24 in which contacts 7 are at least partially received (see FIGS. 17 and 18). This cavity 24 may have a peripheral profile that substantially corresponds to the peripheral profile of seat 21 and preferably has one or more abutment surfaces 24a for the upper surface of sensor body 5.

[0070] 15 and 16 illustrate the case where the housing structure of the device according to the present invention instead includes a main body 30 (hereinafter referred to as "casing main body") that performs the functions of positioning and fluid connection.

[0071] In the example, the body 30 is substantially cup-shaped and defines a housing or seat 31 into which the sensor assembly 1 (here including parts 2-4, 10-12) is partially inserted. The body 30 may be made of an insulating material, for example molded from a thermoplastic material, and may, for example, have an inlet passage 32 for fluid, preferably in the bottom wall.

[0072] The seat 31 may preferably have a shape and size according to the shape and size of the part of the assembly 1 to be accommodated. For example, in various embodiments, the seat 31 defines at least one intermediate step 31a that provides a seat for the flange 4c of the shielding element 4 (or for the annular support element 12). In this way, for example in Fig. 16, the step 31a supports the shielding element 4 and thus resiliently supports the compensating element 3 by means of the support element 12, which is accommodated in the seat 4c'' of the flange 4c itself and on which the underside of the core 9 (i.e. the part 9a of the core 9) rests. In the illustrated state, the shield element 4 is preferably sized so that the bottom wall 4b is at least slightly raised, i.e. spaced, from the bottom wall of the seat 31 in which the fluid inlet passage 32 is located, to prevent the bottom wall 4b from blocking the inlet 32 ​​of the seat 31 and / or in any case to maintain a passage or chamber in the area below the seat 31, in order to allow fluid to be distributed from the inlet 32 ​​towards the passage 4b' of the shield element 4.

[0073] The aforementioned distance is ensured by the fact that the portion 9a rests on the step 31a and by the presence of reliefs, for example those designated 4b''' in Figure 11 and defined on the outside of the bottom wall 4b of the shield element. In the case of particularly unfavourable dimensional tolerances, these reliefs 4c''' rest on the bottom of the seat 31, thereby keeping the shield element 4 slightly raised so as to ensure that the fluid flows from the inlet 32 ​​towards the passage 4b' in any case.

[0074] 16 again, it can be seen that, preferably, in the assembled state, the opening 4b' and the relief 4b'' present on the inside of the bottom wall 4b mentioned above are arranged in a recess 8a' defined in the lower end face of the part 8a of the body 8 of the compensation element. In particular, it can be seen that the bottom of the recess 8a' rests on the above-mentioned relief 4b'' and that, between the inlet of the passage P in the body 8 and the opening 4b' in the element 4, there is in any case a free space designed to allow the passage of a fluid.

[0075] 15 and 16 it can be seen that in the assembled state, the sealing element 10, which together with the mounting ring 11 is fitted onto the part 5b of the sensor body 5, exerts a radial seal against the peripheral surface of the seat 31. It can also be seen from the same figures that the two regions C1 and C2 of the cavity of the sensor body 5 are occupied by the parts 8b, 8c of the deformable body 8 of the compensation element, the upper part of the part 8c being in any case remote from the membrane M.

[0076] The partial cross-sectional views of Figures 17 and 18 show a device according to the present invention, the housing structure of which comprises a closure 20 of the type shown in Figures 13-14 and a casing body 30 of the type shown in Figures 15-16, joined together with a sensor assembly interposed therebetween.

[0077] From these figures, one can note the relative positioning between the step 31a of the seat 31 and the flange 4c of the shield element 4 in order to keep the sensor assembly, in particular the bottom wall 4b of the shield element 4, away from the bottom surface of the seat 31 of the body 30, preferably from the lower part 8a of the compressible body 8, which rests on the inside of the bottom wall 4b and on a corresponding relief 4b''. This ensures in any case a fluid connection between the fluid inlet passage 32 and the passage P of the compensating element 3, as described above. From Figures 17-18 it can be seen that the annular support element 12 is arranged inside the corresponding seat 4c'' of the flange 4c, with the underside of the flange part 9a of the core 9 resting on the element 12. As previously mentioned, in this way the compensating element and thus the sensor body 5 are elastically supported relative to the body 30. The presence of the annular element 12 proves to be advantageous in embodiments in which the sensor body 5 and the compensation element associated with the sensor body 5 are constantly biased against the seat 31 of the casing body 30, for example by the action of the resilient contact element 7, the abutment or contact surface 24a of the body 20. The presence of the element 12 therefore makes it possible to obtain an "elastic assembly", i.e. an assembly which allows for possible slight variations or compensation of the axial position of the sensor body 5 and the compensation element, for example to compensate for possible dimensional variations of the various elements or parts of the device or to prevent excessive stresses during the assembly step and / or during operation.

[0078] From the same drawing it can be seen that the position of the radial seal between the gasket 10, which may be mounted on the corresponding ring 11, and the peripheral surface of the seat 31 of the body 30, and similarly that the lower end of the portion 5b of the sensor body 5 is instead mounted on the upper surface of the flange portion 9a of the core 9 and inside the seat 9a'.

[0079] In the condition illustrated in Figures 17-18, the sealing element 10 is positioned at a particular distance from the upper surface of the peripheral edge of the relief 9c of the flange portion 9, but this does not constitute a necessary feature, as long as the part is sized so that the element 10 rests on the edge 9c.

[0080] The shielding element 4 can also be used in applications where, for example, the volume of the compensating element 3 (elastically deformable body 8) alone is considered insufficient to compensate for the increase in volume of the fluid during freezing. In these cases, the frozen fluid may exert high stresses on the membrane M of the sensor 2. In this regard, the element 4 performs a labyrinth function insofar as it allows the addition of fluid through the opening 4b' at a position offset relative to the central passage P of the compensating element. This shape essentially creates a labyrinth path for the fluid between the inlet 32 ​​and the passage P, thereby limiting the risk of the frozen fluid exerting high axial forces directly on the membrane M of the sensor 2 via the same passage P.

[0081] Possible alternative embodiments of one or more components of the sensor assembly 1 according to the present invention are illustrated in Figures 19-31.

[0082] In the illustrated case, the assembly 1 comprises a shielding element 4 which, according to a possible embodiment, has a body without the flange indicated by 4c above, i.e., as can be clearly noticed from Figure 20, the shielding element 4 only comprises a peripheral wall 4a and a bottom wall 4b provided with an opening 4b', an internal relief 4b'', and possibly an external relief 4b'''.

[0083] In this case, as can be seen in FIG. 24, positioning and / or fixing elements, for example axial reliefs 4a″, are provided on the inside of the peripheral wall 4a for insertion with little interference into the deformable body 8 of the compensation element 3.

[0084] In various embodiments, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 19-31, the core 9 of the compensation element 3, in particular the portion 9a, is configured to define a seat for the annular element 12 on its underside.

[0085] For example, referring to Figures 20, 23, and 25-27, the core 9 has a configuration substantially similar to that shown in Figures 9-10, with a corresponding disk portion 9a on its upper surface and optionally a peripheral edge in relief 9c. In this case, portion 9a has a similar peripheral edge in relief (designated 9i) on its lower surface, with a cylindrical wall 9j in relief having a diameter smaller than that of edge 9i. Cylindrical wall 9j surrounds an area within which the through-hole 9d and / or the end of cavity 9' of tubular portion 9b can be positioned. In this way, a seat (designated 9k) for positioning an annular support element 12 is defined between edges 9i and 9j, as shown, for example, in Figure 20.

[0086] In the case illustrated in Figures 19-31, the elastically deformable body 8 of the compensation element 3 is overmolded onto the core 9 in accordance with what has been described above. The part of the body 8 extending from the underside of the core 9, as in the illustrated example, shows two sections of different diameters, in particular a section 8a1 of larger diameter close to the disk part 9a of the core 9 and a section 8a2 of smaller diameter extending from section 8a1, see for example Figures 20, 23 and 25. The diameter of section 8a2 is such that it can be fitted with slight elastic interference onto the shielding element 4, as can be seen for example in Figure 20. From Figure 20 it can be seen that the peripheral wall 4a of the element 4 preferably rests on a step defined between the sections 8a1 and 8a2 of the elastically deformable body 8.

[0087] 28 and 29 illustrate the installation of the sensor assembly in a casing body 30, substantially similar to that already described in FIGS. 15-16, and defining a corresponding seat 31 with an inlet passage 32 for the fluid. As can be seen, in this type of embodiment, the compensating element 3, i.e. the core 9 of the compensating element 3, is stationarily installed on a step 31a of the seat 31 by means of the annular element 12, and the compensating element itself and the sensor body 5 associated with it are elastically supported relative to the casing body 30, resulting in the elastic assembly described above. The operating position of the shielding element 4 is similar to that already described, i.e. the bottom wall 4b of the shielding element 4 is spaced apart from the bottom wall of the seat 31.

[0088] Figures 30 and 31 illustrate, through views similar to those of Figures 17-18, a device according to the invention essentially comprising the sensor assembly according to Figures 19-27 mounted in a structure including a closure and housing body of the same kind as those shown in Figures 20 and 30, respectively. As can be seen, the device shown is similar to that described above, but differs in the type of construction, the placement of the shielding element 4 (thus having different positions 8a1, 8a2 of the compressible body 8) and in the modified shape, with a corresponding seat 9k for the annular element 12 on the main disc part 9c of the core 9 of the compensating element and the annular element 12 resting on a step 31a of the housing 31.

[0089] As mentioned above, the shielding element 4 constitutes an optional element of the sensor assembly 1 or of the device according to the invention. For example, Figure 32 shows, in a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 31, a variant in which the use of the above-mentioned element 4 is not envisaged. In various embodiments of this type, the deformable body 8 of the compensating element 3 has a portion 8a that is sized to rest directly on the bottom surface of the seat 31 of the body 30. In these embodiments, the portion 8a of the compensating element 3 may perform the function of elastic support.

[0090] In this way, even in the absence of the annular element 12, the sensor body 5 and the compensation element associated with the sensor body 5 are in any case elastically mounted inside the seat 31 in a manner similar to that described above. Preferably, the portion 8a of the deformable body 8 has in any case a recess 8a' at its end. The recess 8a' may also in this case rest on one or more reliefs 33 defined in the bottom surface of the housing 31 to ensure the presence of a chamber or passage between the seat 31 and the deformable body 8, i.e. to ensure a fluid connection between the inlet passage 32, preferably located in an offset or lateral position, and the central passage P of the compensation element 3.

[0091] The elastically compressible or deformable body of the compensation element according to the invention does not necessarily have to be overmolded onto the core. To this end, Figures 33-39 illustrate possible embodiments in which such a compressible or deformable body is elastically coupled to a corresponding core.

[0092] 33-34, in the illustrated case, the compensation element 3 comprises a core 9 elastically coupled to two elastically compressible or deformable bodies, designated 81 and 82, respectively. In this embodiment, the core 9 has a substantially disk-shaped or flange-shaped main portion 9a, with a cylindrical portion rising from the upper surface of the main portion 9a. The cylindrical portion may preferably include a number of extensions of different diameters, designated, for example, 9b1 and 9b2. The cylindrical extension 9b1 has a maximum diameter greater than the diameter of the cylindrical extension 9b2, which extends from the upper portion of the cylindrical extension 9b1. Preferably, a further extension or head, designated 9b3, is provided at the top of the extension 9b2. The maximum diameter of the head 9b3 is greater than the maximum diameter of the intermediate extension 9b2. Preferably, at least the extensions 9b1 and 9b2 have a partially flared or frustoconical peripheral profile, although this is not a required feature. The cylindrical portion consisting of the above-mentioned extensions 9b1, 9b2, 9b3 comprises an axial cavity 9' defined by the cylindrical extension 9b1, while the intermediate cylindrical extension 9b2 and the head 9b3 are traversed by a through hole 9g' (see Figure 39).

[0093] Preferably, the compressible body 81 has a generally disk- or cup-shaped main portion functionally similar to the body portion 8a of the previously described embodiment. An upper protrusion 8a3 rises from the main portion. The body 81 likewise has a central through-hole, designated P'. As can be seen from FIGS. 33-334 and 39, the upper protrusion 8a3 of the body 81 is designed to engage, preferably with elastic interference, inside a cavity 9' whose periphery is defined by a cylindrical extension 9b1. Thus, in other words, the protrusion 8a3 may be elastically inserted inside the aforementioned cavity. More generally, in various embodiments, the body 81 of the compensation element 3 may have positioning and / or coupling means relative to the core 9.

[0094] On the other hand, the deformable body 82 substantially defines two body sections functionally similar to those designated 8b and 8c, with section 8b preferably having a corresponding axial relief 8d, as clearly shown in Figures 33-34. From Figure 34, as well as from Figure 39, it can be seen that the body 82 is axially traversed by a corresponding cavity designated H. The corresponding cavity is defined by a molding surface having a profile substantially corresponding to (possibly with slightly smaller peripheral dimensions than) the outer profile of the extensions 9b1, 9b2, and 9b3 of the core 9. In this way, as can be seen from Figure 39, the cavity H of the body 82 may be elastically fitted onto the tubular extensions 9b1, 9b2, and 9b3, with the end extension 9b3 ensuring the relative positioning between the two connecting parts. For this reason, preferably, the distal end of cavity H, designated H' in FIG. 33 only, is shaped and sized to accommodate the tubular distal extension or head 9b3 of core 9. As shown in FIG.

[0095] Thus, in various embodiments, the body 82 of the compensating element 3, in particular at least a part of the corresponding cavity H, may be provided with positioning and / or coupling means relative to the core 9. Likewise, preferably, at least a part of the core 9, for example the terminal extension 9b3, may be provided with positioning and / or coupling means relative to the body 82.

[0096] From FIG. 39 it can be seen that in the assembled state of the compensation element, the through hole P′ of the body 81 may be axially aligned with the through hole 9 g ′ of the core 9 .

[0097] The assembled state of the compensating element 3, in which the sensor 2 is coupled to it, is shown in Figures 35 and 36. As with the previous embodiment, the compensating element 3 may be coupled in a particularly elastic manner to the cavity of the sensor body 5, at least by taking advantage of the presence of an axial relief 8d in the portion 8b of the deformable body 82. It can be seen from the above figures that in this case the end of the portion 5b of the sensor body 5 may rest on the upper surface of the disk part 9a of the core 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface of the portion 9a is not provided with a relief edge, but this may be the case in other embodiments (not shown).

[0098] FIG. 37 illustrates the installation of the sensor assembly 1 of FIGS. 35-36 in a seat 31 of a housing body substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 30 described above. In FIGS. 38 and 39, the same assembly 1 is shown mounted between a housing body 30 and a closure substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 20. From these figures, it can be seen that the installation is substantially similar to that of the other previously described embodiments. However, in this type of embodiment, the presence of an elastic support element of the same kind as that shown in FIG. 12 above is not essential. In this case, the portion 8a of the elastically deformable body 81 of the compensation element is dimensioned to rest directly on the bottom surface of the seat 31 of the body 30. Preferably, the portion 8a also has a recess 8a' at its end. The bottom of the recess 8a' rests on a relief 33 defined in the bottom surface of the housing 31 to ensure a fluid connection between the inlet passage 32 of the body 30 and the central passage P' of the deformable body 81, which is axially aligned with the passage 9g' of the core 9.

[0099] In this type of embodiment, the seat 31 of the housing body 30 may include at least one intermediate step 31a, which in this case is located at a position that substantially corresponds to the position of the sealing element 10. In the state illustrated in Figures 38-39, the sealing element 10 is located at a certain distance from said step 31a, but it should be understood that this does not constitute a necessary feature, as long as the dimensions of the parts are determined so that said element 10 rests and is installed on the step 31a. In the state in which the sealing element 10 rests on the step 31a and on the ring 11, the sealing element 10 can act as an elastic support element.

[0100] Naturally, the solution of providing at least one compensation body, similar in concept to bodies 81 and 82 and preferably fixed in an elastic manner to a corresponding core, is also applicable to the other embodiments described herein. Also, in the case illustrated in Figures 33-39, the sensor assembly 1 does not comprise an annular element 12 and a shielding element 4, although it is clear that at least one of these elements may be provided if necessary.

[0101] 40-45 illustrate variations substantially similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 33-39, but in which the compressible body of the compensation element is overmolded onto a corresponding core.

[0102] As mentioned above, the overall external shape of the compensating element 3, and thus the assembly 1, is substantially similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 35-36 , apart from the slightly modified peripheral profile of the portion 8 a of the compressible body 8. In this embodiment, as mentioned above, the body 8 is overmolded onto the core 9, and for this purpose, as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 42-43 , the core 9 may include a corresponding central tubular portion 9 b. The central tubular portion 9 b may optionally be provided with a crenellation 9 h at its top, and may be provided with corresponding peripheral openings 9 f and a central hole 9 g on the inside of the lateral wall 9 e. Similarly, the flange portion 9 a of the core 9 is envisioned to be provided with a corresponding through opening 9 d.

[0103] 42 and 43 show that in various possible embodiments, the closure 20 of the sensor device according to the invention may comprise electrical contacts designed to make electrical contact with the resilient contacts 7 associated with the sensor body 5. In the example, each electrical terminal, each indicated with 25, has a portion 25a extending outside the body 20 and a portion 25b with a surface facing inwardly of the cavity 24, on which an end of each resilient contact 7 of the pressure sensor rests resiliently. Alternatively, the resilient contacts 7 may be replaced by electrical wires soldered between deliberately provided pads on the sensor body 5 and the electrical terminals 25.

[0104] As mentioned above, the sensor assembly according to the invention may be mounted inside a corresponding seat defined by a different functional component, for example a pump for a fluid, or a hydraulic device having a hydraulic pump, or any other device, particularly for a vehicle, which requires the presence of a pressure sensor, or a hydraulic or pneumatic device.

[0105] Figures 42 and 43 similarly illustrate the aforementioned different functional component, designated 30'. Referring to Figures 44-45, the aforementioned component 30' is shown diagrammatically, defining a seat of the type previously designated 31. The inlet 32 ​​of the seat is connected to a duct 34 for the passage of a fluid, e.g., for the transport of a fluid. In the example, the sensor assembly 1 is mounted inside the seat 31 and maintained in position via a closure of the type previously designated 20. The closure is fixed to the component 30', for example, via a screw engaged in a corresponding threaded hole in the component itself.

[0106] Naturally, what has been described with reference to the structure of the body 20 with the terminals 25 and the attachment of the body 20 in relation to different functional components of the type indicated at 30' also applies to all other embodiments described herein. In Figures 40-45, the sensor assembly 1 does not comprise the annular element 12 and the shielding element 4, but it will be clear that at least one of these elements may be provided if required.

[0107] In various embodiments, the compensating element 3 may be coupled in an elastic manner to the sensor body 5 by utilizing the shape of the core 9 instead of the elastically deformable body 8 as in the previously described embodiments. Examples of this type are illustrated in Figures 46-50.

[0108] As in the various embodiments, the element 3 comprises a core 9 to which a body 8 is fixed, for example overmolded. Naturally, it is also possible to envisage elastic attachment of at least one deformable body 8 to the core 9, for example a body similar in concept to the bodies 81, 82 described above.

[0109] In the illustrated case, and as can be seen in particular in Figure 47, the core 9 further defines a plurality of positioning and / or fixing elements, for example axial appendages which are at least partially elastically flexible and are indicated by 9x and which rise from the flange portion 9a of the core itself. In the illustrated example, the appendages 9x rise from the upper surface of the portion 9a and are arranged substantially according to an outer periphery, in particular an outer periphery which is substantially coaxial with the cylindrical portion 9b, i.e. in a peripheral position relative to the cylindrical portion 9b, for example, but not necessarily, interspersed with openings 9d.

[0110] The elastically deformable body 8 is overmolded onto the core 9 in a manner similar to that already described above, but with at least the outside of the appendages 9x (relative to the cylindrical portion 9b) being at least partially exposed at the peripheral profile of the body 8, in particular at least of the portion 8b. An embodiment of this kind is clearly visible in figure 46, which shows that the appendages 9x are in fact arranged substantially according to the outer periphery of the portion 8b of the body 8, with a part of each appendage 9x projecting radially relative to the peripheral surface of the portion 8b.

[0111] In this type of embodiment, the peripheral profile of the main body 8b does not need to have the axial relief previously indicated at 8d, insofar as the function of axial relief is essentially fulfilled by the exposed portion of the appendage 9x.

[0112] This concept is clearly visible in Figures 48 and 50, where, in the assembled state between the sensor 2 and the compensating element 3, the outer surface of the appendage 9x interferes with the inner surface of the cavity of the sensor body, in particular with the surface peripherally defining the cavity portion C1. In this case, the interference between the parts is essentially elastic, thanks to the flexible nature of the appendage 9x and the fact that the material of the body 8 (i.e., portion 8b), located behind the inner surface of the appendage 9x itself, is elastically compressible or deformable in all cases. Even in this case, the appendage 9x and the deformable nature of the body 8 allow for the insertion of portions 8b-8c of the body 8 into the cavity C of the sensor body 5 with minimal interference. This is sufficient to ensure the positioning and coupling of the body 8 to the sensor body 5 in all cases, with the advantages already discussed in connection with the possibility of providing a self-contained or stand-alone sensor assembly 1 that can be easily operated as a single unit.

[0113] The types of embodiments described with reference to Figures 46-50 can of course be applied to other embodiments. In the case illustrated in Figures 46-50, the sensor assembly 1 does not include an annular element 12 and a shield element 4, but may include at least one of these elements if necessary.

[0114] Figure 51 illustrates different embodiments of the core 9 of the compensation element 3, according to which some are indicated with 9c', and which are provided on the inside of the peripheral edge 9c with axial reliefs or ribs that can cooperate with the outer surface of the cylindrical wall of the sensor body, in particular of part 5b of the sensor body.

[0115] Figure 52 illustrates a compensation element 3 with such a core 9 in the case of an overmolded compressible body 8, and it can be seen that essentially the axial relief 8d of the body part 8b is distributed along the inner circumference of the seat part 9a', while the axial relief 9c' is distributed along the outer circumference of the same seat part 9a'.

[0116] 53 shows an assembled state between the sensor body 5 and the compensating element 3, in which the lower end region of the body part 5b is inserted into the seat 9a', the relief 8d of the body part 8b interfering in an elastic manner with the inner surface of the part 5b, while the outer side of the part 5b interfering relatively rigidly with the relief 9c'. Such a type of embodiment may prove advantageous for further improving the coupling between the sensor 2 and the compensating element 3 for handling of the free-standing assembly 1. The relief 9c' may be provided in all embodiments in which the core 9 includes a relief edge of the type indicated by 9c.

[0117] In various embodiments, devices incorporating sensor assemblies of the type described herein may include an annular element of the type previously shown at 12 that is mounted within seat 31 of body 30 or part 30' instead of being mounted directly to the sensor assembly (e.g., as in the embodiments shown in Figures 1-18 or 19-32).

[0118] Figures 54-55 illustrate such a case diagrammatically with respect to a general-purpose functional part 30' (although it will be understood that the same concepts may be applied in the case of a casing body 30).

[0119] FIG. 54 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of a device having components 2, 3, 10, 12, and 20 of substantially the type already described above. Component 30' may have a structure similar to that already illustrated above, but with a modified peripheral profile of seat 31. With particular reference to FIG. 55, essentially in step 31a, seat 31b is defined for the positioning of an annular support element 12, on which the underside of core 9 rests to ensure elastic mounting of the sensor body and associated compensation element. As mentioned, the presence of element 12 may prove advantageous in embodiments in which the sensor body and compensation element are always pressed into seat 31, as in the case illustrated in the figure, for example through the action of elastic contact element 7. In the illustrated example, portion 8a of compressible body 8 rests on the bottom of seat 31, although, as already mentioned, this does not constitute a required feature.

[0120] Figure 56 illustrates a similar case, with reference to a casing body 30, in which a shielding element 4 is associated, preferably in an elastic manner, with a body part 8a of a deformable body 8. The body part 8a and the shielding element 4 may, for example, be of a similar kind to those described with reference to Figures 19-31.

[0121] As already mentioned, in various embodiments, the bottom wall of a shield element of the type previously described is envisaged to have on its outer side one or more reliefs or protrusions designed to rest on the bottom surface of the seat that will receive the sensor assembly.

[0122] For this purpose, Figures 57 and 58 respectively show two shielding elements 4 of the type shown in Figures 1 to 18 and 19 to 31, the bottom wall of which has on its outside, here substantially embossed, a series of protrusions 4b''', arranged, for example according to the periphery, in order to rest on the bottom of the seat 31. As can be seen in Figure 59, the presence of the protrusions 4b''' prevents the bottom wall 4b from coming into complete contact with the bottom surface of the seat, which would restrict the passage of fluid through the inlet 32. In other words, the presence of the protrusions 4b''' therefore guarantees in any case the existence of a free space through which the fluid which has entered the seat 31 through the inlet 32 ​​can reach the through-opening 4b' provided in said wall 4b.

[0123] Naturally, the protrusion 4b''' may be envisaged in all embodiments described herein, in particular to prevent the risk of the sensor assembly being pushed too far by, for example, the elastic contact 7, exceeding the elastic resistance of the annular element 12 and / or the portion 8a of the deformable body 8, leading to direct contact between the entire outer surface of the wall 4b and the bottom surface of the seat 31;

[0124] Figure 60 illustrates another possible embodiment of the invention, particularly with regard to the mounting of the sensor body 5 on the core 9 of the compensation element and the elastic mounting of the sensor body 5 and the associated compensation element inside the corresponding seat 31.

[0125] In the previously described embodiments, the body 8 or bodies 81, 82 of the compensating element, on the one hand, and the core 9 of the compensating element, on the other hand, are substantially configured such that the lateral dimension or maximum diameter of the core exceeds the lateral dimension or maximum diameter of the elastically compressible body 8. This allows the peripheral portion of the disk portion 9a of the core 9 to be exposed so as to provide a resting surface for the lower end of the sensor body portion 5b, which, as previously mentioned, may be provided on the edge of the relief 9c (see, for example, Figures 5-9 and 17-18) and / or on the edge of the relief 9i (see, for example, Figures 27-31).

[0126] However, in various embodiments, such as the type illustrated in Fig. 60, the core 9 may have smaller lateral dimensions or a smaller maximum diameter than the lateral dimensions or a larger maximum diameter of the elastically compressible body 8, in particular the main body portion 8a, and the disk portion 9a of the core is embedded to a large extent in a corresponding elastically deformable material. As can be seen from Fig. 60, in this type of embodiment, a small area of ​​the upper surface of the disk portion 9a may be exposed in any case, and at least a corresponding area of ​​the lower end of the portion 5b of the sensor body 5 may be supported on this small area of ​​the upper surface of the disk portion 9a. This solution therefore prevents the risk of the compensation element, in particular the portions 8b and 8c of the elastically deformable body 8, being inserted too far into the cavity C of the sensor body 5 and possibly coming into contact with the membrane M.

[0127] In the previously described embodiments, the compensation element is mounted in an elastic manner inside the seat 31 by the presence of the annular element 12 or of the body part 8a, which is sized to rest directly on the bottom of the seat itself. However, in alternative embodiments, the above-mentioned elastic mounting can be achieved even if the shield element 4 is present and the annular element 12 is not. In particular, in this type of embodiment, the shield element 4 may be mounted so that it rests directly on the inside of the seat (i.e., without the interposition of an elastic element), and the same elastically deformable body 8 may be used for the purpose of at least partial elastic mounting. Figure 60 illustrates such an embodiment, where it can be seen that the flange 4c of the shield element 4 rests directly on the step 31a of the seat 31 (i.e., in a substantially fixed manner), and the lower part of the body 8, in particular the part 8a, rests on the wall 4b of the shield element 4, thereby ensuring elastic mounting of the sensor body 8 and the associated compensation element 8-9.

[0128] In a further possible variant, the part of the body 8 designed to be maintained outside the cavity C of the sensor body 5 may have at least a part that protrudes above the upper surface of the disk part 9a of the core 9, so that at least the area of ​​the lower end of the part 5b of the sensor body 5 can rest on this protruding part. Such a part that protrudes to the height of the body part 8a may, for example, correspond to the part indicated by 8a'' in FIG. 60 and may have an annular profile. The part 8a'' preferably extends radially outward of the maximum diameter of the disk part 9a of the core 9. In Figure 60, the top of the above-mentioned portion 8a'' appears to be at the same height as the upper surface of the disk portion 9a, but for the sake of understanding this variant, it should be noted that in the state shown, it is assumed that portion 8a'' of the body 8 is already elastically compressed, for example by the sensor body 5 being pressed downwards as a result of stress applied by the abutment surface 24a and / or elastic contact 7 present on the closure body 20 (in the embodiment of Figure 60, when elastic mounting is ensured by the placement of the body 8 on the shielding element 4, portion 8a'' may in any case be pre-positioned so that the top of portion 8a'' is in the same plane as the upper surface of the disk portion 9a of the core).

[0129] In the example, where protrusion 8a'' is envisaged, compression is considered to be greatest at the lower end of portion 5b of sensor body 5 that rests partially on disk portion 9a of core 9. However, the degree of compression may be less than that illustrated, and the upper surface of portion 8a'' that extends above the upper surface of the exposed area of ​​disk portion 9a, i.e., portion 8a'', may be partially compressed.

[0130] Additionally and / or alternatively, it will be appreciated that elastic mounting may be obtained by utilizing an elastically deformable portion 8b of body 8, especially taking into account the fact that a transition surface between two portions of different diameters of cavity C of the sensor body may be present in the upper region of portion 8b. This transition surface is indicated by C3 in Figure 60 only, and in such a case the height of body 8b and / or portion 5b of sensor body 5 may be dimensioned to allow the above-mentioned elastic mounting.

[0131] In any case, the risk of over-inserting the compensating element into the cavity C inside the sensor body 5 is prevented by abutment or stop surfaces provided on the exposed upper area of ​​the disk part 9 a of the core 9 .

[0132] In the various embodiments described above, the compensation element 3 is configured to couple with the sensor body 5 at an elastic coupling of the compensation element in the axial cavity C. However, in other embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the elastic coupling may be provided in the outer profile of the sensor body 5, preferably in the outer profile of the portion 5b.

[0133] 61, for example, a compensating element 3 is shown, where the elastically deformable body 8 of the compensating element 3, configured here as a body overmolded on a core 9, is assembled in a manner substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 60, but is formed in particular to have a generally cylindrical shape and a peripheral portion 8e rising from a main portion 8a. However, the peripheral portion 8e may have a shape different from the cylindrical wall, for example a shape that at least partially corresponds to the sensor body 5, in particular to the corresponding lower portion 5b. Preferably, the inner diameter or dimension of the peripheral portion 8e is smaller than at least a part of the outer diameter or dimension of the sensor body 5, i.e. to at least a part of the corresponding lower portion 5b, in particular for purposes of mutual fixation.

[0134] In this way, a seat is defined between the main body portion 8b and the inner surface of the wall forming the main body portion 8e, indicated as 8' in Figure 61, for positioning and resting the lower edge of portion 5b of the sensor body 5.

[0135] 60, the core 9 has a transverse dimension or a maximum diameter that is smaller than the transverse dimension or the maximum diameter of the elastically compressible body 8, in particular the main body portion 8e, and the disk portion 9a of the core is embedded to a large extent in a corresponding elastically deformable material. Also in this type of embodiment, in order to prevent the compensating element 3 from being over-fitted into the sensor body 5, for example by preventing the portion 8c of the elastically deformable body 8 from being inserted too far into the cavity C of the sensor body 5 until it comes into contact with the membrane M, it is preferred in any case that at least an area of ​​the upper surface of the disk portion 9a is exposed, so that a corresponding area of ​​the lower end of the portion 5b of the sensor body 5 rests on at least this area of ​​the upper surface of the disk portion 9a.

[0136] However, it should be noted that in this type of compensation element, it is not strictly necessary for the part to protrude inside the cavity C of the sensor body 5; it is sufficient if the compensation element is located in the vicinity of the cavity C.

[0137] This is especially true, for example, when the sensor body 5 as a whole is very thin (in height) and the corresponding cavity C is shallow, i.e. the volume that can be filled with fluid is so small that it does not require the presence of a compensating element protruding into the cavity itself. In this type of application, the compensating insert may extend completely or widely outside the said cavity, and the insert has the main function of reducing the free volume that can be occupied by the fluid in the seat on which the assembly itself is placed, in addition to compensating the elastic mounting of the assembly as already mentioned above, and thus compensating for the possible increase in the volume of the fluid due to freezing.

[0138] A device fitted with a sensor assembly including the compensating element 3 of FIG. 61 is illustrated in FIG.

[0139] As described, the main body portion 8e is fitted in an elastic manner to the outer surface of the main body portion 5b, and the lower end of the main body portion 5b rests on the exposed surface of the disk portion 9a of the core 9, which serves as the moving end for insertion.

[0140] The elastic joint between body 5 and body 8 is improved by the presence of body portion 8e in a similar way as described above. However, as already mentioned, in other embodiments the compensation element may not present a portion that protrudes into the cavity of the sensor body.

[0141] What has been explained with respect to Figures 61-62 regarding the possibility of coupling the compensation element in an elastic manner also (or only in the outer profile of the sensor body), i.e. outside the corresponding cavity, is of course applicable to all other embodiments described in this specification or to sensors with different shapes.

[0142] From the above description, the features and advantages of the present invention are clearly apparent, primarily typified by the ease, speed, cheapness, and accuracy of manufacturing the described self-contained or stand-alone sensor assembly. The sensor body 5 can be obtained using classic techniques employed in the field of pressure sensor manufacturing. In a similar manner, the compensating element can be obtained using widely used and reliable molding techniques and materials. The fact that the compensating element can be elastically coupled to the pressure sensor in a well-defined and precise position, as described, allows for convenient handling of the assembly components as a single unit, particularly on an automated assembly line and / or during transportation and / or warehousing. The fact that the hydraulic seal is provided via an annular element attached to the outer periphery of the sensor body allows for pre-mounting of the components into the sensor assembly, which offers further advantages in terms of handling, transportation, and warehousing.

[0143] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible to the sensor assembly and sensor device described by way of example without departing from the scope of the invention. As stated, one or more features described above with reference to the different embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner for the purposes of producing such further modifications.

[0144] In accordance with techniques known in the art, the passages P or P' of the compensating body 8 or 81 do not have to be configured as ducts axially crossing the element itself, as long as a passage for the fluid is at least partially defined between the outer surface profile of the body 8 itself and / or the corresponding core 9, on the one hand, and the surface profile of the housing or seat 31, on the other. For example, the compressible body 8 and / or core 9 may have at least one surface groove with the respective surface of the seat 31, which defines at least a portion of the passage for the fluid. Conversely, the surface of the seat 31 may have at least one surface groove with the respective outer surface of the body 8 and / or core 9, which defines a corresponding passage for the fluid. Alternatively, both the compensating element 8 and the seat 31 may have grooves facing or joining each other, so as to form at least a portion of the passage for the fluid.

[0145] A passageway for the fluid may be defined, at least in part, between a surface profile of the elastically deformable body and a corresponding surface profile of the core.

[0146] The core of the compensation element may optionally be provided in multiple parts hammered, engaged or welded together, and optionally with at least a portion of the corresponding elastically deformable body located between said parts.

[0147] The elastically deformable body and the corresponding core may be configured to define multiple passages or one passage with parts that are offset from one another, as described, for example, in WO 2017 / 182962 filed in the name of the applicant.

Claims

1. 1. A pressure sensor assembly for detecting a pressure of a fluid, comprising: The pressure sensor assembly (1) is configured as a free-standing unit located in a corresponding housing (31), The pressure sensor assembly (1) comprises: a pressure-sensitive component (2) having a generally cup-shaped sensor body (5); a compensation element (3) configured to compensate for changes in the volume of the fluid; Equipped with The sensor body (5) A bottom (5a); a peripheral portion (5b) defining an axial cavity (C); Equipped with the bottom part (5a) comprises an elastically deformable membrane part (M) closing the axial cavity (C) at the end of the sensor body (5), said peripheral portion (5b) defining the entrance to said axial cavity (C) and having an end opposite said bottom portion (5a); said bottom part (5a) is associated with at least one detection element for detecting deformation of the membrane part (M); The compensation element (3) At least one compensation body (8; 8) made of a first material that is elastically deformable or compressible. １ , 8 ２ )and, said at least one compensation body (8; 8) being made of a second material harder than said first material; １ , 8 ２ a core (9) fixed on the Equipped with the sensor body (5) and the compensation element (3) are constructed as separate parts, At least a portion of the compensation element (3) extends within the axial cavity (C) of the sensor body (5); a pressure sensor assembly, wherein at least one first part (8b, 8c; 9b; 8e) of the compensating element (3) is configured to couple with the sensor body (5) such that the pressure-sensitive component (2) and the compensating element (3) are operable as a single, self-contained unit even in the absence of the corresponding housing (31).

2. 2. The pressure sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first portion (8b, 8c; 9b, 8e) of the compensation element (3) is configured on the sensor body (5) for an interference fit or a resilient fit of the compensation element (3) with at least one of the interior of the axial cavity (C) and an outer profile of the peripheral portion (5b) of the sensor body (5).

3. the core (9) of the compensating element (3) has portions (9a) defining reference surfaces for fitting the compensating element (3) onto the sensor body (5); 2. A pressure sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the reference surface is an abutment or stop surface for the terminal edge of the peripheral portion (5b) of the sensor body (5).

4. The at least one first part (8b, 8c; 9b; 8e) of the compensation element (3) has respective positioning and / or fixing means (8d; 8e) configured to interfere for coupling with an inner circumferential surface of the sensor body (5) that defines the axial cavity (C). １ , 8 ２ 2. The pressure sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the engagement portion is a ferrule.

5. A pressure sensor assembly as described in claim 4, wherein the positioning and / or fixing means (8d) has a plurality of axial reliefs (8d) distributed along the peripheral wall of the engagement portion and configured to elastically engage with the inner surface of the sensor body (5).

6. 2. The pressure sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first part (8b, 8c) of the compensating element (3) comprises an engagement portion of the core (9) having respective positioning and / or fixing means (9x) configured to interfere for coupling with an inner circumferential surface of the sensor body (5) defining the axial cavity (C).

7. A pressure sensor assembly as described in Claim 6, wherein the positioning and / or fixing means (9x) have a plurality of flexible axial appendages of the core (9) distributed according to the peripheral wall of the compensation body (8; 81, 82) and configured to elastically engage with the inner surface of the sensor body (5).

8. the bottom (5a) and the peripheral (5b) portions of the sensor body (5) have different outer diameters; 2. The pressure sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral portion (5b) having a smaller diameter is fitted with at least one annular sealing element (10) and a peripheral cylindrical portion of the at least one first part (8e) of the compensation element (3).

9. The sensor body (5) has a plurality of axial recesses provided on the side peripheral surface of the bottom portion (5a) having a larger diameter, 9. The sensor assembly according to claim 8, wherein a ring (11) is arranged in the transition (5c) between the bottom part (5a) with a larger diameter and the peripheral part (5b) with a smaller diameter, and the annular sealing element can rest on the ring (11).

10. the compensation element (3) comprises a second part (8a) designed to extend outside the axial cavity (C) of the sensor body (5) at a position opposite the first part (8b, 8c), The second part (8a) is connected to the compensation body (8;8 １ , 8 ２ 2. A pressure sensor assembly according to claim 1, comprising portions of said core (9) and at least one portion (9a) of said core (9).

11. a shield element (4) including a peripheral wall (4a) and a bottom wall (4b) defining each cavity (S); The compensation body (8;8 １ , 8 ２ ) are at least partially inserted into each of the cavities (S) with an interference fit; 11. Pressure sensor assembly according to claim 10, wherein the bottom wall (4b) of the shield element (4) comprises one or more through holes (4b') for the fluid.

12. The compensation body comprises at least one body (8) molded on the surface of the core (9) and a body (8) elastically coupled on the core (9). １ , 8 ２ 10. The pressure sensor assembly of claim 1, comprising:

13. 2. Pressure sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein said compensation element (3) comprises at least one axial passage (P'; P') for said fluid.

14. A pressure sensor device for detecting a pressure of a fluid, The pressure sensor device is a pressure-sensitive component (2) having a generally cup-shaped sensor body (5); a compensation element (3) configured to compensate for changes in the volume of the fluid; a housing structure (20, 30; 20, 30') having at least one first structural part (30; 30') and one second structural part (20); Equipped with The sensor body (5) A bottom (5a); a peripheral portion (5b) defining an axial cavity (C); Equipped with the bottom part (5a) comprises an elastically deformable membrane part (M) closing the axial cavity (C) at the end of the sensor body (5), said peripheral portion (5b) defining the entrance to said axial cavity (C) and having an end opposite said bottom portion (5a); said bottom part (5a) is associated with at least one detection element for detecting deformation of the membrane part (M); The compensation element (3) At least one compensation body (8; 8) made of a first material that is elastically deformable or compressible. １ , 8 ２ )and, said at least one compensation body (8; 8) being made of a second material harder than said first material; １ , 8 ２ a core (9) fixed on the Equipped with At least one portion (8b, 8c, 9b) of the compensation element (3) extends to a position corresponding to or close to the axial cavity (C) of the sensor body (5), said first structure (30; 30') defining a seat (21, 31) having an inlet for a fluid whose pressure is to be sensed; the seat (31) is configured to receive the compensation element (3) and at least a part of the pressure-sensitive component (5); at least one of the seat (31) and the compensating element (3) is fluidly connected with an inlet of the seat (31) and defines at least a part of a flow path for the fluid fluidly connected with the axial cavity (C) of the sensor body (5) so that the membrane (5a) of the sensor body (5) is exposed to the fluid; The pressure sensor device, wherein the sensor body (5), the compensation element (3), and the housing structure (20, 30; 20, 30') are configured as separate parts that are not constrained to one another, and the core (9) of the compensation element (3) is a part different from the first structural part (30; 30').

15. A pressure sensor device as described in Claim 14, wherein the sensor body (5) is placed on the core (9) of the compensation element (3), and the compensation element (3) is elastically supported inside the seat portion (31).

16. A compensating element configured to be coupled to a sensor body (5) of a pressure sensor device having a housing structure (20, 30; 20, 30') provided with an inlet (32) for a fluid whose pressure is to be sensed, The compensation element (3) At least one compensation body (8; 8) made of a first material that is elastically deformable or compressible. １ , 8 ２ )and, said at least one compensation body (8; 8) being made of a second material harder than said first material; １ , 8 ２ a core (9) fixed on the Equipped with the compensation element (3) is configured as a separate part relative to the sensor body (5) and the housing structure (20, 30; 20, 30) of the pressure sensor device, at least one first part (8b, 8c; 9b, 8e) of the compensation element (3) is configured to couple inside the axial cavity (C) of the sensor body (5) and / or on the outer shape of the sensor body (5) so that the sensor body (5) and the compensation element (3) form a pressure sensor assembly (1) that is handled as a single, self-contained unit before being mounted in the housing structure (20, 30; 20, 30') of the pressure sensor device, A compensating element, wherein the core (9) of the compensating element (3) comprises portions (9a) defining abutment surfaces for terminal edges of the sensor body (5) to limit the insertion of the compensating element (3) on the sensor body (5).

17. A fluid pressure device or system comprising at least one of a pressure sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, a pressure sensor device according to any one of claims 14 to 15, and a compensation element according to claim 16.

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