Cap, sensor with cap, and sensor

Abstract

To increase the sealing property of a sensor.SOLUTION: A cap 3 can be attached to a sensor 2 with an opening 23a or can be removed from the sensor 2. The cap includes: a base part 31 for closing an opening 23a; a protruding part 32 protruding from the base part 31; and a contact part 33 located in the outer periphery of the protruding part 32, the contact part being in contact with an inner periphery surface F5 of the opening part 23a while the cap 3 is attached to the sensor 2. The base part 31 has an extension part 31a extending in a radial direction perpendicular to the direction of protrusion of the protruding part 32 from the outer periphery part of the protruding part 32. The extension part 31a is in contact with a wall part 23b forming the opening unit 23a of the sensor 2 while the cap 3 is attached to the sensor 2, and is more rigid than the contact part 33.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap, a sensor with a cap, and a sensor. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Sensors are used in various devices. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pressure sensor that detects pressure in a fuel tank of a vehicle. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-025147 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] If liquid enters the interior of a sensor, the sensor may malfunction. Therefore, in order to suppress intrusion of liquid into the interior of the sensor, it is desired to improve the sealing performance of the sensor. For example, in a leak test, a pressure sensor for a fuel tank disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the like is immersed in water while the pressure sensor is attached to the fuel tank. In the leak test, it is required to suppress intrusion of water into the interior of the pressure sensor.

[0005] In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a cap, a sensor with a cap, and a sensor that can improve the sealing performance of the sensor. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the cap is a cap that can be attached to and detached from a sensor having an opening, and comprises a base that closes the opening, a protruding portion that protrudes from the base, and a contact portion provided on the outer circumference of the protruding portion that abuts against the inner surface of the opening when the cap is attached to the sensor, wherein the base has an extended portion that extends radially from the outer circumference of the protruding portion in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the protruding portion, and the extended portion abuts against a wall portion that forms the edge of the opening in the sensor when the cap is attached to the sensor, and the rigidity of the extended portion is higher than the rigidity of the contact portion.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the capped sensor comprises a sensor having an opening and a cap that can be attached to the sensor, wherein the cap comprises a base that closes the opening, a protruding portion that protrudes from the base, and a contact portion provided on the outer circumference of the protruding portion that abuts against the inner surface of the opening when the cap is attached to the sensor, wherein the base has an extended portion that extends radially from the outer circumference of the protruding portion in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the protruding portion, and the extended portion abuts against a wall portion that forms the edge of the opening in the sensor when the cap is attached to the sensor, and the rigidity of the extended portion is higher than the rigidity of the contact portion.

[0008] To solve the above problems, the sensor has an opening and a removable cap, the cap comprising a base that closes the opening, a protruding portion that protrudes from the base, and a contact portion provided on the outer circumference of the protruding portion that abuts against the inner surface of the opening when the cap is attached to the sensor, the base having an extended portion that extends radially from the outer circumference of the protruding portion in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the protruding portion, the extended portion abutting against a wall portion that forms the edge of the opening in the sensor when the cap is attached to the sensor, and the rigidity of the extended portion is higher than the rigidity of the contact portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the sealing performance of the sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a capped sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows the state of the sensor and fuel tank during a leak test according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows the state of the sensor and fuel tank after a leak test according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a cap according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a cap according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the back. [Figure 6] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a cap attached to a sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing a protruding portion of a cap according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values ​​shown in these embodiments are merely illustrative to facilitate understanding of the invention and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the illustrations.

[0012] <Configuration of the capped sensor> An embodiment of the capped sensor 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a capped sensor 1. As shown in Figure 1, the capped sensor 1 comprises a sensor 2 and a cap 3. Sensor 2 is a pressure sensor for a fuel tank (see fuel tank 4 in Figures 2 and 3, described later). However, as will be described later, the application and function of sensor 2 are not limited to this example. Cap 3 is detachable from sensor 2 and, when attached to sensor 2, closes the opening 23a of sensor 2. Cap 3 is used to ensure a seal between sensor 2 and cap 3 during leak testing of sensor 2 and fuel tank, preventing water or other substances from entering the sensor through the opening 23a of sensor 2.

[0014] Sensor 2 includes a main body 21, a tank connection part 22, and a connector connection part 23. The main body 21 houses a circuit board that performs various signal processing. The tank connection part 22 is the part that connects to the fuel tank. When the fuel tank is connected to the tank connection part 22, sensor 2 becomes able to detect the pressure inside the fuel tank. The tank connection part 22 protrudes from the main body 21 in a first direction D1 and has a substantially cylindrical shape. An opening 22a is formed at the tip of the tank connection part 22.

[0015] The connector connection portion 23 is the part that connects to the connector (see connector 7 in Figure 3, which will be described later). When the connector is connected to the connector connection portion 23, the sensor 2 can communicate with other devices such as a control device. The connector connection portion 23 protrudes from the main body portion 21 in a second direction D2 and has a substantially cylindrical shape. The second direction D2 is perpendicular to the first direction D1. An opening 23a into which the connector 7 is inserted is formed at the tip of the connector connection portion 23. The cap 3 is detachably attached to the opening 23a of the connector connection portion 23. Details of the cap 3 will be described later.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state during a leak test of the sensor 2 and the fuel tank 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor 2 is attached to the fuel tank 4. Specifically, the tank connection portion 22 of the sensor 2 is attached to the fuel tank 4. The leak test of the sensor 2 and the fuel tank 4 is performed in a state where the cap 3 is attached to the sensor 2. In the leak test, water 6 is poured into a water tank 5, and the sensor 2 and the fuel tank 4 are immersed in the water 6 in the water tank 5. In this state, it is inspected whether the insides of the sensor 2 and the fuel tank 4 are hermetically sealed from the outside. At this time, since the cap 3 is attached to the connector connection portion 23 of the sensor 2, intrusion of the water 6 into the sensor 2 is suppressed.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state after the leak test of the sensor 2 and the fuel tank 4. After the leak test, the sensor 2 and the fuel tank 4 are taken out from the water tank 5. Then, the cap 3 is removed from the sensor 2, and a connector 7 is attached to the connector connection portion 23 of the sensor 2. The connector 7 is connected to a cable 8. Therefore, the sensor 2 can communicate with other devices such as a control device via the cable 8.

[0018] In the present embodiment, improving the sealing performance between the sensor 2 and the cap 3 is achieved by devising the cap 3. Details of such devising will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cap 3 viewed from the front side (specifically, the surface F1 side of an extending portion 31a described later). FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cap 3 viewed from the back side (specifically, the back surface F2 side of the extending portion 31a described later). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cap 3 includes a base portion 31, a protruding portion 32, an abutting portion 33, and a hollow portion 34. The cap 3 is formed by integral molding. That is, the base portion 31, the protruding portion 32, and the abutting portion 33 are formed of a single member. The cap 3 is formed of, for example, a rubber material.

[0020] The base portion 31 has a flat plate shape. As will be described later, the base portion 31 closes the opening 23a of the sensor 2. The protruding portion 32 protrudes from the base portion 31. As will be described later, the protruding portion 32 is inserted into the opening 23a of the sensor 2 in a state where the cap 3 is attached to the sensor 2. That is, in a state where the cap 3 is attached to the sensor 2, the protruding direction of the protruding portion 32 coincides with the second direction D2.

[0021] The base portion 31 has an extending portion 31a extending from the outer peripheral portion of the protruding portion 32 in a radial direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the protruding portion 32. In a state where the cap 3 is attached to the sensor 2, the radial direction of the protruding portion 32 is a direction orthogonal to the second direction D2 (for example, the first direction D1). The extending portion 31a has a flat plate shape extending on a plane orthogonal to the protruding direction of the protruding portion 32. The extending portion 31a corresponds to an example of a flat plate portion having a flat plate shape.

[0022] The protruding portion 32 protrudes from the surface F1 of the extending portion 31a. A surface of the extending portion 31a opposite to the surface F1 is the back surface F2. The surface F1 and the back surface F2 extend on a plane orthogonal to the protruding direction of the protruding portion 32. The extending portion 31a has a pair of side surfaces F3 and F4 disposed opposite to each other. The side surfaces F3 and F4 connect the edge of the surface F1 and the edge of the back surface F2, and are orthogonal to the surface F1 and the back surface F2. The side surface F3 and the side surface F4 are parallel to each other. For example, the side surfaces F3 and F4 extend in the first direction D1.

[0023] The extension length of a portion of the extending portion 31a extending from the protruding portion 32 to one radial side of the protruding portion 32 (in the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper side in the first direction D1) is different from the extension length of a portion of the extending portion 31a extending from the protruding portion 32 to the other radial side of the protruding portion 32 (in the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5, the lower side in the first direction D1). In the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5, the extension length of the portion of the extending portion 31a extending upward from the protruding portion 32 is longer than the extension length of the portion of the extending portion 31a extending downward from the protruding portion 32.

[0024] The contact portion 33 is provided on the outer circumference of the protruding portion 32. As will be described later, the contact portion 33 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the opening 23a of the sensor 2 (see the inner circumferential surface F5 in Figure 6, which will be described later) when the cap 3 is attached to the sensor 2. The contact portion 33 protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the protruding portion 32. The contact portion 33 is an annular protrusion that encircles the outer circumference of the protruding portion 32. In the examples of Figures 4 and 5, two contact portions 33 are provided spaced apart in the direction of protrusion of the protruding portion 32. However, the number of contact portions 33 is not limited to this example and may be one or three or more. The shape of the contact portion 33 is not particularly limited and is not limited to the example shown in the drawings. For example, the contact portion 33 may have a planar portion on its surface, or the entire surface of the contact portion 33 may be a curved surface.

[0025] In this specification, the term "ring" is not limited to a circular shape, but may include various shapes such as circular, elliptical, polygonal, or combinations thereof.

[0026] The hollow portion 34 is formed by extending from the other side of the base portion 31 into the interior of the protruding portion 32, when one side of the base portion 31 is considered to be the side from which the protruding portion 32 protrudes. Specifically, the hollow portion 34 is formed from the back surface F2 of the extended portion 31a into the interior of the protruding portion 32. The shape of the hollow portion 34 determines the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 32. Details of the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 32 will be described later.

[0027] Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the cap 3 attached to the sensor 2. As described above, the cap 3 is attached to the opening 23a of the connector connection portion 23 of the sensor 2. As shown in Figure 6, when the cap 3 is attached to the sensor 2, the protruding portion 32 of the cap 3 is inserted into the opening 23a of the sensor 2.

[0028] Then, the contact portion 33 comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface F5 of the opening 23a. Specifically, the contact portion 33 comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface F5 of the opening 23a in an elastically deformed state. More specifically, the portion of the contact portion 33 that comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface F5 (specifically, the radially outer portion) is elastically deformed so as to be crushed. In this way, the contact portion 33 comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface F5 of the opening 23a, which prevents liquids such as water from entering the inside of the sensor 2. In other words, the sealing performance of the sensor 2 is ensured.

[0029] The extended portion 31a of the base portion 31 abuts against the wall portion 23b that forms the edge of the opening 23a in the sensor 2. Specifically, the wall portion 23b is the annular portion on the tip side of the connector connection portion 23. The surface F1 of the extended portion 31a abuts against this wall portion 23b. The sealing performance between the sensor 2 and the cap 3 is also improved by the abutment of the extended portion 31a against the wall portion 23b. However, the sealing performance of the sensor 2 is mainly achieved by the contact portion 33.

[0030] In this embodiment, as described above, the hollow portion 34 is formed extending from the back surface F2 of the extended portion 31a into the interior of the protruding portion 32. During the leak test, as described above, the sensor 2 is immersed in water 6 in the water tank 5 with the cap 3 attached to the sensor 2. Therefore, water 6 enters the hollow portion 34 from the back surface F2 side of the extended portion 31a. As a result, water pressure is applied to the inner circumference of the protruding portion 32. At this time, the inside of the opening 23a of the sensor 2 is at atmospheric pressure. In other words, atmospheric pressure is applied to the outer circumference of the protruding portion 32. Therefore, due to the difference between the pressure applied to the inner circumference and the pressure applied to the outer circumference of the protruding portion 32, a force is applied to the radially outward side of the protruding portion 32. As a result, the contact portion 33 is pressed against the inner circumferential surface F5 of the opening 23a. This improves the sealing performance between the sensor 2 and the cap 3.

[0031] In the example shown in Figure 6, the hollow portion 34 is formed in the second direction D2, which is the protruding direction of the protruding portion 32, from the back surface F2 of the extended portion 31a to a position at least corresponding to the contact portion 33. Specifically, the tip of the hollow portion 34 (the leftmost end in Figure 6) is located to the left of the contact portion 33 in Figure 6 in the second direction D2. In other words, the hollow portion 34 is located radially inward of the protruding portion 32 relative to the contact portion 33. This makes it more effective to use the water pressure acting on the protruding portion 32 to press the contact portion 33 against the inner circumferential surface F5 of the opening 23a. Thus, the sealing performance between the sensor 2 and the cap 3 can be more effectively improved.

[0032] However, the hollow portion 34 does not necessarily have to be formed to the same position as the contact portion 33 in the second direction D2. For example, the tip of the hollow portion 34 may be located to the right of the contact portion 33 in Figure 6 in the second direction D2.

[0033] In this embodiment, the rigidity of the extended portion 31a is higher than that of the contact portion 33. Specifically, the rigidity of each part of the cap 3 is determined according to the shape or dimensions of the cap 3. For example, the rigidity of the extended portion 31a can be increased by increasing its thickness. In this way, by appropriately setting the shape or dimensions of the cap 3, the rigidity of the extended portion 31a can be made higher than that of the contact portion 33. Because the rigidity of the extended portion 31a is higher than that of the contact portion 33, when the cap 3 is attached to the sensor 2, the contact portion 33 is elastically deformed while deformation of the extended portion 31a in contact with the wall portion 23b is suppressed.

[0034] Here, the tip portion of the inner circumferential surface F5 of the opening 23a (specifically, the portion in which the contact portion 33 abuts in Figure 6) is polished to a mirror finish, resulting in a lower surface roughness in that portion. As a result, the space between the inner circumferential surface F5 of the opening 23a and the contact portion 33 is sealed, and the intrusion of liquids such as water into the interior of the sensor 2 is appropriately suppressed. If the extended portion 31a deforms, the protruding portion 32 may further penetrate into the interior of the sensor 2, and the contact portion 33 may come into contact with the portion of the inner circumferential surface F5 of the opening 23a that has not been polished to a mirror finish. In this case, the sealing performance between the sensor 2 and the cap 3 will decrease.

[0035] On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the rigidity of the extended portion 31a is higher than that of the contact portion 33, deformation of the extended portion 31a is suppressed, so the contact portion 33 can be brought into contact with the portion of the inner circumferential surface F5 of the opening 23a that has been polished to a mirror finish or the like. Therefore, the sealing performance between the sensor 2 and the cap 3 can be improved.

[0036] In the above, configurations were described in which a hollow portion 34 is formed extending from the back surface F2 of the extended portion 31a to the interior of the protruding portion 32, and in which the rigidity of the extended portion 31a is made higher than the rigidity of the contact portion 33, in order to improve the sealing performance between the sensor 2 and the cap 3. However, the sealing performance between the sensor 2 and the cap 3 can be improved by providing at least one of these two configurations.

[0037] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 32 has been modified to more effectively improve the sealing performance between the sensor 2 and the cap 3. These modifications will be explained below with reference to Figure 7.

[0038] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the protruding portion 32 of the cap 3. Specifically, Figure 7 shows the XX cross-section of Figure 6, which is a cross-section perpendicular to the protruding direction of the protruding portion 32 (i.e., the second direction D2). Hereafter, the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 32 in a cross-section perpendicular to the protruding direction of the protruding portion 32 will also be simply referred to as the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 32. As will be described later, the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 32 is not limited to the example in Figure 7.

[0039] In the example shown in Figure 7, the cross-sectional shape of the projection 32 is annular, having a short side P1 and a long side P2. The short side P1 and long side P2 correspond to the edges. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 7, the cross-sectional shape of the projection 32 is a roughly rectangular shape, having two opposing short side P1s and two opposing long side P2s. Here, the thickness of the long side P2 is greater than the thickness of the short side P1s. Specifically, the thickness of the short side P1s is constant regardless of their position. On the other hand, the thickness of the long side P2s increases as they move from the ends towards the center.

[0040] The longer side P2 is more easily deformed than the shorter side P1. Therefore, by making the thickness of the longer side P2 thicker than that of the shorter side P1, when water pressure is applied to the inner circumference of the protrusion 32 and a uniformly distributed load is applied to the protrusion 32, it is possible to suppress variations in internal stress depending on the location. In other words, the uniformity of internal stress can be improved. As a result, the contact portion 33 can be pressed against the inner circumferential surface F5 of the opening 23a as a whole, thereby more effectively improving the sealing performance between the sensor 2 and the cap 3.

[0041] In addition, in the example shown in Figure 7, a corner P3 is formed between adjacent edges (i.e., between adjacent short edges P1 and long edges P2). In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the projection 32 is annular, having corners P3 and edges. In the example shown in Figure 7, the corner P3 is curved. However, the corner P3 may also be bent. Here, the thickness of the long edge P2 is greater than the thickness of the corner P3.

[0042] The edges are more easily deformed than the corners P3. Therefore, by making the thickness of the edges thicker than that of the corners P3, when water pressure is applied to the inner circumference of the protrusion 32 and a uniformly distributed load is applied to the protrusion 32, it is possible to suppress variations in internal stress depending on the location. In other words, the uniformity of internal stress can be improved. As a result, the contact portion 33 can be pressed against the inner circumferential surface F5 of the opening 23a as a whole, thereby more effectively improving the sealing performance between the sensor 2 and the cap 3.

[0043] In the example shown in Figure 7, the thickness of the long side P2 is greater than the thickness of the corner P3. However, the thickness of the short side P1 may also be greater than the thickness of the corner P3, and in this case as well, the same effect as described above will be achieved. Furthermore, both the long side P2 and the short side P1 may be greater than the thickness of the corner P3.

[0044] <Effect of the cap> The effects of the cap 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0045] The cap 3 comprises a base portion 31 that closes the opening 23a, a protruding portion 32 that protrudes from the base portion 31, and a contact portion 33 provided on the outer circumference of the protruding portion 32 that abuts against the inner circumferential surface F5 of the opening 23a when the cap 3 is attached to the sensor 2. The base portion 31 has an extended portion 31a that extends radially (in the above example, in the first direction D1) perpendicular to the protruding direction of the protruding portion 32 from the outer circumference of the protruding portion 32. The extended portion 31a abuts against the wall portion 23b that forms the edge of the opening 23a in the sensor 2 when the cap 3 is attached to the sensor 2, and the rigidity of the extended portion 31a is higher than the rigidity of the contact portion 33. As a result, the deformation of the extended portion 31a is suppressed because the rigidity of the extended portion 31a is higher than that of the contact portion 33, so that the contact portion 33 can abut against the part of the inner circumferential surface F5 of the opening 23a that has been polished to a mirror finish or the like. Therefore, the sealing performance between sensor 2 and cap 3 can be improved.

[0046] Furthermore, if the rigidity of the extended portion 31a is excessively low, it becomes difficult to grasp the extended portion 31a with the arm of a transport robot, etc. On the other hand, in the case of the cap 3, the rigidity of the extended portion 31a is relatively high, making it easier to grasp the extended portion 31a with the arm of a transport robot, etc., and thus easier to transport the cap 3. In addition, the contact of the extended portion 31a with the wall portion 23b suppresses the intrusion of liquids such as water into the interior of the sensor 2 through the space between the extended portion 31a and the wall portion 23b. Therefore, the sealing performance between the sensor 2 and the cap 3 can be more effectively improved. Also, by bringing the extended portion 31a into contact with the wall portion 23b, the cap 3 can be positioned relative to the sensor 2, making it easier to attach the cap 3 to the sensor 2.

[0047] Preferably, the cap 3 includes a flat plate portion (extended portion 31a in the above example) having a flat plate shape. This allows the cap 3 to be transported by sucking the flat plate portion with a suction device. Furthermore, when image recognition of the cap 3 is performed using image data of the cap 3, it becomes easier to recognize the cap 3 by using the portion of the image data in which the flat plate portion with a simple shape is visible. In particular, from the viewpoint of making the cap 3 easier to recognize, it is preferable that the flat plate portion is rectangular in shape, etc., with orthogonal sides of different lengths.

[0048] Preferably, the cap 3 has a pair of sides F3 and F4 that are positioned opposite each other. This allows the cap 3 to be transported by gripping the sides F3 and F4 with the arm of a transport robot or the like. In particular, from the viewpoint of making it easier for the arms of a transport robot or the like to grip the sides F3 and F4, it is preferable that the sides F3 and F4 are parallel to each other. However, the sides F3 and F4 do not have to be parallel to each other.

[0049] Preferably, in the cap 3, the extension length of the portion of the extension 31a extending radially from the protruding portion 32 to one side (one side in the first direction D1 in the above example) and the extension length of the portion of the extension 31a extending radially from the protruding portion 32 to the other side (the other side in the first direction D1 in the above example) are different from each other. This suppresses interference between the cap 3 and surrounding members. For example, in the examples of Figures 4 and 5, the extension length of the portion of the extension 31a extending upward from the protruding portion 32 is longer than the extension length of the portion of the extension 31a extending downward from the protruding portion 32, so that interference between the cap 3 and other members below the cap 3 (for example, the fuel tank 4, etc.) can be suppressed.

[0050] Preferably, in the cap 3, the projection 32 protrudes from one side of the base 31 (the surface F1 side in the above example), and the cap 3 has a hollow portion 34 formed from the other side of the base 31 (the back surface F2 side in the above example) into the interior of the projection 32. As a result, when liquid (water 6 in the above example) enters the hollow portion 34, a force is applied to the projection 32 radially outward, pressing the contact portion 33 against the inner circumferential surface F5 of the opening 23a. This improves the sealing performance between the sensor 2 and the cap 3.

[0051] Preferably, in the cap 3, the hollow portion 34 is formed in the direction of the protrusion of the protruding portion 32 from the other side of the base portion 31 (in the above example, the back surface F2 side) to a position at least corresponding to the contact portion 33. This makes it possible to more effectively press the contact portion 33 against the inner circumferential surface F5 of the opening 23a. Thus, the sealing performance between the sensor 2 and the cap 3 can be more effectively improved.

[0052] Preferably, in the cap 3, in a cross-section perpendicular to the projection direction of the projection 32, the cross-sectional shape of the projection 32 is annular, having a short side P1 and a long side P2, and the thickness of the long side P2 is greater than the thickness of the short side P1. This improves the uniformity of the internal stress of the projection 32. Therefore, the contact portion 33 can be pressed against the inner circumferential surface F5 of the opening 23a as a whole, thereby more effectively improving the sealing performance between the sensor 2 and the cap 3.

[0053] Preferably, in the cap 3, in a cross section perpendicular to the projection direction of the projection 32, the projection 32 is annular in shape having a corner P3 and a side, and the thickness of the side is greater than the thickness of the corner P3. This improves the uniformity of the internal stress of the projection 32. Therefore, the contact portion 33 can be pressed against the inner circumferential surface F5 of the opening 23a as a whole, thereby more effectively improving the sealing performance between the sensor 2 and the cap 3.

[0054] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and that various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0055] The above example describes an instance where sensor 2 is a pressure sensor for the fuel tank 4. However, the application and function of sensor 2 are not limited to the above example. For example, sensor 2 may be a pressure sensor for a component other than the fuel tank 4. Also, for example, sensor 2 may be a sensor other than a pressure sensor (i.e., a sensor that detects physical quantities other than pressure).

[0056] Furthermore, the above description illustrates an example in which the cap 3 is attached to the opening 23a of the part of the sensor 2 that is connected to the connector 7 (i.e., the connector connection part 23). However, the use of the opening to which the cap 3 is attached is not limited to the above example. For example, the cap 3 may be attached to an opening into which a component other than the connector 7 is inserted, or to an opening into which a fluid (e.g., air, water, etc.) flows in or out.

[0057] Furthermore, as described above with reference to Figure 7, an example of the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 32 in a cross-section perpendicular to the protruding direction of the protruding portion 32 has been explained. However, the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 32 in a cross-section perpendicular to the protruding direction of the protruding portion 32 is not limited to the example in Figure 7. The cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 32 in a cross-section perpendicular to the protruding direction of the protruding portion 32 may be annular, and may be various shapes such as a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, or a combination thereof. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1. Sensor with cap 2 sensors 3 caps 23a opening 23b Wall 31 Base 31a Extension 32 Protrusion 33 Contact part 34 Hollow part

Claims

1. A cap (3) that can be attached to or removed from a sensor (2) having an opening (23a), A base portion (31) that closes the opening (23a), A protruding portion (32) that extends from the base portion (31), A contact portion (33) is provided on the outer circumference of the protruding portion (32) and contacts the inner circumferential surface (F5) of the opening (23a) when the cap (3) is attached to the sensor (2), Equipped with, The base portion (31) has an extended portion (31a) that extends radially from the outer periphery of the protruding portion (32) in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the protruding portion (32), The extended portion (31a) abuts against the wall portion (23b) that forms the edge of the opening (23a) in the sensor (2) when the cap (3) is attached to the sensor (2). The rigidity of the extended portion (31a) is higher than that of the contact portion (33). cap.

2. The extended portion (31a) has a flat plate shape, The cap according to claim 1.

3. The extended portion (31a) has a pair of sides (F3, F4) that are arranged facing each other. The cap according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The extension length of the portion of the extension (31a) that extends from the protruding portion (32) to one side in the radial direction and the extension length of the portion of the extension (31a) that extends from the protruding portion (32) to the other side in the radial direction are different from each other. The cap according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned protruding portion (32) protrudes from one side of the base portion (31), The cap (3) includes a hollow portion (34) that is formed to extend from the other side of the base (31) into the interior of the protruding portion (32). The cap according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A capped sensor (1) comprises a sensor (2) having an opening (23a) and a cap (3) that can be attached to or removed from the sensor (2), The aforementioned cap (3) is A base portion (31) that closes the opening (23a), A protruding portion (32) that extends from the base portion (31), A contact portion (33) is provided on the outer circumference of the protruding portion (32) and contacts the inner circumferential surface (F5) of the opening (23a) when the cap (3) is attached to the sensor (2), Equipped with, The base portion (31) has an extended portion (31a) that extends radially from the outer periphery of the protruding portion (32) in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the protruding portion (32), The extended portion (31a) abuts against the wall portion (23b) that forms the edge of the opening (23a) in the sensor (2) when the cap (3) is attached to the sensor (2). The rigidity of the extended portion (31a) is higher than that of the contact portion (33). Sensor with cap.

Images