Title of Invention	PRESSURE DETECTION DEVICE
Abstract	Disclosed is a pressure sensing device comprising a base element (7) for fastening the pressure sensing device. The base element is provided with a connecting duct (8) for feeding a pressurized fluid. The pressure sensing device further comprises an elongate support member (3) that extends along a plugging direction and is fitted with a plug-in connector section (12) at one end. The plug-in connector section is to be plugged into a complementary plug-in connector in the plugging direction. The elongate support member is connected to the base element at the other end (4), is equipped with a pressure duct (9) that is connected to the connecting duct (8), and encompasses a receiving hole (11) which extends perpendicular to the plugging direction and communicates with the pressure duct. The disclosed pressure sensing device also comprises a pressure sensor element (5) that is pressure-tightly inserted into the receiving hole such that one of the surfaces of the presure sensor element is exposed to pressure from the pressure duct (9) and is connected to contact elements (17) in the plug-in connector section for transmitting signals.

Title of Invention

PRESSURE DETECTION DEVICE

Abstract

Disclosed is a pressure sensing device comprising a base element (7) for fastening the pressure sensing device. The base element is provided with a connecting duct (8) for feeding a pressurized fluid. The pressure sensing device further comprises an elongate support member (3) that extends along a plugging direction and is fitted with a plug-in connector section (12) at one end. The plug-in connector section is to be plugged into a complementary plug-in connector in the plugging direction. The elongate support member is connected to the base element at the other end (4), is equipped with a pressure duct (9) that is connected to the connecting duct (8), and encompasses a receiving hole (11) which extends perpendicular to the plugging direction and communicates with the pressure duct. The disclosed pressure sensing device also comprises a pressure sensor element (5) that is pressure-tightly inserted into the receiving hole such that one of the surfaces of the presure sensor element is exposed to pressure from the pressure duct (9) and is connected to contact elements (17) in the plug-in connector section for transmitting signals.

Full Text	Description Pressure detection device The present invention relates to a pressure detection device for the detection of pressures in lines or containers which contain a pressure-transmitting fluid, and, in particular, also to a pressure detection device for use in motor vehicles. In the measurement of pressures, for example the oil pressure in internal combustion engines or the rail pressure in common- rail engines, the leaktightness between a device for detecting the pressure and the connection, for example, to the line or to the container having the fluid whose pressure is to be measured often has to satisfy stringent requirements. Pressure detection devices are therefore frequently used which have a metal connection piece as a junction piece for the connection. The use of a metal connection piece has the advantage, in particular, that high screw-on forces or screw-on torques can be employed during assembly and, inter alia, the stringent requirements to be met as regards pressure tightness of the junction can therefore also be fulfilled. In addition, such pressure detection devices may be used even at high temperatures. Conventionally, the actual pressure sensor element, for example a ceramic pressure sensor element or a special piezoresistive measuring cell, is then introduced into the metal connection piece. The pressure sensor element is connected to a circuit board, typically by wire bonding. Since the connection of the pressure detection device is to take place via a plug connection, such a pressure detection device comprises a plug connector part with contact elements. The plug connector part is usually connected to the metal connection piece by means of the flanging of a corresponding portion of the metal connection piece, and therefore it is not possible to have a simple junction of the contact elements with the connections of the circuit board. The contact elements are therefore connected to corresponding connections of the circuit board by means of flexible foils having conductor tracks and press tongs, or they are designed as knife contacts and are connected to the connections of the circuit board via corresponding lines. The production of such a pressure detection device is therefore comparatively complicated. The object on which the present invention is based, therefore, is to provide a pressure detection device which can be produced in a simple way. The object is achieved by means of a pressure detection device, with a base element for holding the pressure detection device, which base element has a connecting duct for the supply of a pressurized fluid, with an extended carrier body, which extends along a plugging direction, at one end has a plug connector portion for plugging together with a complementary plug connector in the plugging direction, at the other end is connected to the base element and has a pressure duct connected to the connecting duct, and possesses a reception orifice running transversely with respect to the plugging direction and communicating with the pressure duct, and with a pressure sensor element which is inserted, pressure-tight, into the reception orifice, so that one of the pressure-sensitive sensor surfaces of the pressure sensor element is exposed to pressure from the pressure duct, and which is connected to contact elements in the plug connector portion for the transmission of signals. A carrier body is understood, in particular, to mean a carrier body which, seen as a whole, is not developed. Preferably, although the length of the carrier body in the plugging direction is greater than the extent transversely to the plugging direction, this does not necessarily need to be the case. Such a pressure detection device can be produced very simply, since the mounting of the pressure sensor element can take place through the reception orifice of the carrier part which at the same time functions as a plug connector. This mounting may in this case take place before or after the connection of the carrier body to the base element which serves for holding the pressure detection device on, or for connecting the pressure detection device to, the line or the container or a connection of the line or container. Furthermore, due to the extended form of the pressure detection device, a particularly simple mounting of the latter on a line or a container is obtained, since both the fastening of the base element and that of a plug complementary to the plug connector portion can take place from the same direction and therefore occupy only a small amount of space. This is of considerable advantage particularly in motor vehicle construction. Further, by the pressure sensor element being arranged in the carrier part, a partially thermal decoupling from the base element can be obtained, which allows more accurate pressure measurements even in the case of varying temperatures of the line or of the container. Moreover, a thermal decoupling of the pressure-carrying fluid from the base element in the region of the pressure sensor element can occur, which may likewise lead to higher measuring accuracy. This is the case particularly when, as is preferred, the pressure duct ends in the reception orifice and, if appropriate, in the carrier body, and therefore no appreciable convection of the fluid in the pressure detection device occurs. The base element may, in principle, consist of any desired material suitable for holding. Preferably, it consists of metal. This has the advantage that high strength is afforded, along with a low price and simple production. In particular, it can be formed advantageously in a simple way by means of known methods. The base element may, in principle, be configured in any desired way for connection to a line or a container. Preferably, however, the base element has an external thread for fastening in an orifice of a line or of a container having a corresponding internal thread. The use of a thread not only allows reliable fastening, but also makes it possible to have a very good leaktightness of the connection. Furthermore, this embodiment makes it possible for the carrier body to be connected to the base element by means of a flanged connection. For this purpose, the carrier body may have, particularly at the corresponding end, a peripheral flange which is surrounded, after flanging, by a corresponding portion of the base element. The base element does not necessarily need to have special structures in order to be mounted on a line or a container. For example, it could have a cylindrical surface area which, during mounting, is held by means of tongs. Preferably, however, the base element has at least one mounting structure, preferably on its outer surface, particularly preferably in the form of a hexagonal structure. Preferably, the largest diameter of the carrier body is smaller than the smallest diameter of the hexagonal structure. The advantage of this is that mounting can then take place from the plugging direction, for example by means of a socket wrench similar to a socket wrench for the tightening of spark plugs. The pressure duct may basically be connected to the connecting duct in any desired way. This is understood to mean that the pressure detection device is designed such that a fluid can transmit pressure from the connecting duct to a fluid in the pressure duct. In particular, the two ducts can communicate, that is to say allow an exchange of the fluid, that is to say of a gas or a liquid. For example, the connecting duct may be arranged with its mouth directly opposite the mouth of the pressure duct and consequently be connected to the latter. However, the connecting duct and the pressure duct may also be connected via a chamber, for example between the base element and carrier body. An embodiment of the pressure detection device which can be produced in a particularly simple way is obtained when the connecting duct and a portion of the pressure duct which is connected to said connecting duct run rectilinearly. The pressure duct may, in principle, run in any desired way. In a particularly preferred embodiment, in particular a development of the embodiment described in the above paragraph, the carrier body is designed such that the pressure duct leads, with an end portion running transversely or at an inclination with respect to the plugging direction, into the reception orifice. The advantage of this is that the pressure duct can be produced In a particularly simple way; in particular, it may then have only two rectilinear portions adjoining one another. An oblique run is in this case understood to mean that a longitudinal axis of the end portion forms with the plugging direction an angle greater than 1°, preferably greater than 10°. Further, it is preferable that the carrier body is designed such that there lies between the pressure duct and the reception orifice a web on which the pressure sensor element or a carrier element for the pressure sensor element is held and/or lies. This embodiment has the advantage that, on the one hand, a compact set-up can be achieved and, on the other hand, a simple introduction of the pressure sensor element or of a carrier element having the pressure sensor element into the reception orifice and a simple fastening thereof in the latter become possible. In principle, the carrier body may be of multipart design. Preferably, however, it is designed in one piece. The carrier body can thus be highly stable, but at the same time can be produced in a simple way. Materials to be considered, from which the carrier body may be manufactured, are in this case not only metal, but, above all, ceramic materials and plastics, in particular plastics resistant to high temperatures. The carrier body basically needs merely to be designed in extended form. In this case, in particular, it may also have projections, for example the fastening flange already mentioned, or set-back regions, for example in the region of the plug connector portion. A particularly simple production of the carrier body is obtained if the carrier body is cylindrical at least with the exception of the plug connector portion and, if present, the fastening flange. In principle, the pressure sensor element may be arranged in the reception orifice in any desired orientation suitable for its functioning. It is preferable, however, if the pressure sensor element is arranged such that a perpendicular to a pressure-sensitive surface of the pressure sensor element runs orthogonally or obliquely with respect to the plugging direction. This orientation of the pressure sensor element has the advantage that this or a carrier element carrying this can separate, pressure-tight, the reception orifice from the pressure duct in said reception orifice. The signals from the pressure sensor element may, in principle, be processed outside the carrier body. Preferably, however, evaluation electronics for the evaluation and, if appropriate, activation of the pressure sensor element are arranged in the carrier body, thus reducing disturbances of the signals by the pressure sensor element and allowing a simple electrical connection. In a preferred embodiment of the pressure detection device, the pressure sensor element and evaluation electronics for the activation and/or evaluation of signals from the pressure sensor element are integrated on a chip which is connected, in particular contacted, with the contact elements for signal transmission. Thus, only one component needs to be fastened in the carrier body, and the influence of noise fields on signal transmission between the pressure sensor element and evaluation electronics can be greatly reduced. The chip may also be interpreted as a carrier element for the pressure sensor element. In another preferred embodiment of the pressure detection device, the pressure sensor element and evaluation electronics for the activation and/or evaluation of signals from the pressure sensor element are held on a carrier element, the evaluation electronics being connected to the contact elements for signal transmission. This embodiment, too, has the advantage that only one component needs to be inserted into the carrier body and fastened in the latter. In this case, in particular, a ceramic plate or a circuit board may serve as carrier element. A further advantage of the embodiments mentioned in the last two paragraphs is that the chip or connections of the carrier element can be contacted directly with the contact elements, for which purpose, in particular, bonding wires or wire bonds or other flexible conjunctions may be used. It is also possible, however, to select other contacting possibilities mentioned in the introduction. The fastening of the chip or of the carrier element to the carrier body may take place basically in any desired way. The advantage of particularly simple mounting arises when the chip or the carrier element is adhesively bonded to the carrier body. Preferably, an adhesive is used which gives an elastic adhesive bond, so that a compensation of mechanical stresses between the chip and the carrier element becomes possible. Particularly during use in the motor vehicle sector, the pressure detection device may be exposed to moisture and/or to other liquids or gases which may possibly impair the functioning of the device. To protect against such influences, preferably, the chip or the carrier element is covered with protective material. This protective material may be, in particular, a gel which fills the reception orifice over its cross section as completely as possible. Further, the pressure detection device may comprise a cover which closes the reception orifice. As a result, the pressure sensor element or the chip or the carrier element and also protective material, present if appropriate, are protected, in particular, against mechanical influences. However, the cover may also fulfill further functions. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the pressure detection device, the cover closes the reception orifice, gas-tight, with the exception of a connecting orifice. This pressure detection device may then be used as a differential pressure detection device which detects the pressure difference between the pressure in the connecting duct and the pressure in the connecting orifice. The pressure detection device may, however, also be designed for the detection of absolute pressures. For this purpose, the pressure sensor element is then designed for measuring an absolute pressure. For this purpose, the pressure sensor element is then designed for measuring an absolute pressure. For this purpose, for example, it may have a reference vacuum cell which contains a gas of known pressure. Alternatively, the pressure sensor element may be fastened to a bottom surface of the reception orifice, and the pressure duct may issue into the reception orifice between the bottom surface and that surface of the carrier body which lies transversely with respect to the plugging direction. In this case, preferably, a cover which closes off, pressure-tight, the reception orifice may be provided. According to a preferred development, the pressure detection device preferably further has a temperature sensor arranged on the pressure duct. Such a pressure detection device advantageously makes it possible to detect not only the pressure in a fluid, but also the temperature. Particularly preferably, the connections of the temperature sensor are contacted directly with contact elements in the plug connector portion. The pressure detection device may be designed for the measurement of pressures in various ranges, for example up to 100 bar. The invention is further explained below, by way of example, with reference to the drawings in which: fig. 1 shows a diagrammatic sectional illustration of a pressure detection device according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, fig. 2 shows a diagrammatic sectional illustration of a pressure detection device according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, fig. 3 shows a diagrammatic sectional illustration of a pressure detection device according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention, fig. 4 shows a diagrammatic sectional illustration of a pressure detection device according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention, and fig. 5 shows a diagrammatic sectional illustration of a pressure detection device according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention. A pressure detection device according to a first preferred embodiment comprises a base element 1, an extended carrier body 2 which is manufactured from plastic and which at one end comprises a plug connector portion 3 for plugging together with a complementary plug connector, not shown in the figures, in a plugging direction S and at the other end comprises a fastening flange 4, and also a chip 5 with an integrated pressure sensor element 6 and with evaluation electronics for the activation of the pressure sensor element 6 and for the evaluation of signals from the pressure sensor element 6. The base element 1 is manufactured from metal and, for fastening in an internal thread of a connection of a pressure container having a pressure-carrying fluid, has an external thread 7 and, as a mounting structure, an outer hexagonal portion. An inverted type of construction for an external thread is likewise possible. The same applies to the design for a plug connection. Arranged parallel to the axis of the external thread 7 in the base element 1 is a connecting duct 8 which leads through the base element 1 and which serves for carrying the pressure- carrying fluid from the pressure container into the pressure detection device. The carrier body 2, which extends linearly in the plugging direction S, has a pressure duct 9 of L-shaped design, the longer leg 10 running, at the end having the fastening flange 4, linearly in the plugging direction S and coaxially with the connecting duct 8. The connecting duct 8 therefore also runs in the plugging direction S. The leg 10 is continued into an end portion 11 which runs orthogonally with respect to the plugging direction S and which issues into a reception orifice 11 which is formed in the carrier body 2 and which extends transversely with respect to the plugging direction S from the outer surface of the carrier body 2 into the interior of the latter and serves for receiving the chip 5. The plug connector portion 3 of the carrier body 2 possesses a receptacle 12 for the plug region of a complementary plug connector and contact element ducts in which contact elements 13 for the plug connector portion 3 are arranged, which reach into the reception orifice 11. The chip 5 is arranged in the reception orifice 11 such that one of the pressure-sensitive sensor surfaces 14 is oriented with its perpendicular orthogonally with respect to the plugging direction S and parallel to the direction of the end portion of the pressure duct 9. The chip 5 is fastened, pressure-tight, to the bottom of the carrier body 2 by means of an adhesive 15, a portion of the chip being fastened on a web 16 between the reception orifice 11 and the pressure duct 9. The chip 5 is directly contacted or electrically connected with the contact elements 12 in the plug connector portion 3 by means of bonding wires 17. For protection against interfering pulses, a protective capacitor 18 is arranged on the contact elements. The reception orifice 11 is filled above the chip 5 with a protective gel 19 which, on the one hand, covers the chip 5 and the bonding wires 17 and protects them from moisture and, on the other hand, allows a transmission of pressure from the region of the reception orifice 11 to the chip 5 or the pressure sensor element 6. The reception orifice 11 is covered by a cover 20. The carrier body 2 is seated on the base element 1 and is connected to the base element 1 at the outer hexagon 21 by means of a flanged connection. The gap between the carrier body 2 and the base element is sealed off, pressure-tight, by a sealing element, for example an O-ring 22, for sealing off between metal and plastic, so that no significant pressure loss, as compared with the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor element 6, can occur. Since the diameter of the carrier body 2 is smaller than the largest outside diameter of the outer hexagon 21, the pressure detection device can be fastened in a simple way by means of a corresponding socket wrench with inner hexagon from the plugging direction S. Then for complete mounting, the complementary plug connector merely needs to be plugged into the receptacle 12 from the same direction. A pressure detection device according to a second preferred embodiment in fig. 2 differs from the first exemplary embodiment in the design and fastening of the cover 20 and in the design of the carrier body. All the other parts of the device are unchanged, and therefore the explanations regarding the first exemplary embodiment also apply here and the same reference symbols are used. The carrier body 23 differs from the carrier body 2 only in that a groove 24 is provided which runs peripherally around the reception orifice. All the other features are unchanged, and the same reference symbols are used for the unchanged features as in the first exemplary embodiment. The cover 25 differs from the cover 20, on the one hand, in a peripheral wall 26 which engages into the groove 24 and, on the other hand, in a connecting orifice or pressure leadthrough 27, by means of which the region below the cover 25 can be connected to a further pressure container. A sealing-off material is located between the cover 25 and the carrier body 23, in order to avoid pressure losses through the gap between these elements. This pressure detection device can therefore be used as a differential pressure detection device, by means of which the difference between the pressure in the connecting duct 8 and the pressure in the pressure leadthrough 27, propagated through the protective gel 19, can be detected. A pressure detection device according to a third preferred embodiment in fig. 3 differs from the first exemplary embodiment in the fastening of the cover 20, in the design of the carrier body and in the type of chip 5. All the other parts of the device are unchanged, and therefore the explanations regarding the first exemplary embodiment also apply here and the same reference symbols are used. The carrier body 28 is designed in the same way as the carrier body of the second exemplary embodiment, although in this case the pressure duct 29, running parallel to the plugging direction, issues into the reception orifice 11 without a bend. Instead of the chip 5, in this case, a chip 30 suitable for absolute pressure measurements is used, which is glued to the bottom of the reception orifice 11. Otherwise, the chip 30 is contacted and covered with the protective gel 19 in the same way as the chip 5. Covering in this case takes place such that the pressure duct 29 issues into the reception orifice between the cover 20 and the surface of the protective gel. The cover 20 is in this case connected, pressure-tight, to the carrier body 28, in order to avoid pressure losses through the gap between the cover 20 and the carrier body 28. This pressure detection device is suitable as an absolute pressure detection device. A pressure detection device according to a fourth preferred embodiment in fig. 4 differs from the first exemplary embodiment in the type of chip. All the other parts of the device are unchanged, and therefore the explanations regarding the first exemplary embodiment also apply here and the same reference symbols are used. The chip 31 in this case has a vacuum-tight chip cover 32, fastened in a vacuum-tight manner, above the pressure sensor element 6, so as to form a reference vacuum cell in which a reference vacuum prevails. Absolute pressure detection is thereby possible. A pressure detection device according to a fifth preferred embodiment in fig. 5, which shows a sectional plane rotated through 90° with respect to fig. 1, differs from the first exemplary embodiment in the use of a temperature sensor 33 and in the design of the carrier body. All the other parts of the device are unchanged, and therefore the explanations regarding the first exemplary embodiment also apply here and the same reference symbols are used. The carrier body 34 differs from the carrier body 2 only in that two further ducts for contact elements 35 are provided, in which are arranged the contact elements 35 which extend from the plug connector region as far as the other end of the carrier body 34. All the other features are unchanged, and the same reference symbols are used for the unchanged features as in the first exemplary embodiment. In the region of the inlet of the pressure duct 9, the temperature sensor 33 is arranged, which is connected directly to the contact elements 35. The temperature sensor may, of course, also lie in or project into the connecting duct 8. This may also be developed such that the temperature sensor projects out of the connecting duct 8 at least partially from the base element 1. These variants shorten the response times for the temperature measurement. Thus, in parallel with pressure detection, a detection of the temperature of the fluid whose pressure is detected becomes possible. This reception of a temperature sensor is also possible correspondingly in other exemplary embodiments. In further exemplary embodiments, instead of the chip or chips, a circuit board with the evaluation electronics and a pressure sensor element are provided, and are held and contacted in the exemplary embodiments described in the same way as the chip. Patent Claims 1. A pressure detection device, with a base element for holding the pressure detection device, which base element has a connecting duct for the supply of a pressurized fluid, an extended carrier body, which extends along a plugging direction, at one end has a plug connector portion for plugging together with a complementary plug connector in the plugging direction, at the other end is connected to the base element and has a pressure duct connected to the connecting duct, and possesses a reception orifice running transversely with respect to the plugging direction and communicating with the pressure duct, and a pressure sensor element which is inserted, pressure- tight, into the reception orifice, so that one of the pressure-sensitive sensor surfaces of the pressure sensor element is exposed to pressure from the pressure duct, and which is connected to contact elements in the plug connector portion for the transmission of signals. 2. The pressure detection device as claimed in claim 1, in which the connecting duct and a portion of the pressure duct which is connected to said connecting duct run rectilinearly. 3. The pressure detection device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the carrier body is designed such that the pressure duct leads, with an end portion running transversely or at an inclination with respect to the plugging direction, into the reception orifice. 4. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which there lies between the pressure duct and the reception orifice a web on which the pressure sensor element or a carrier element for the pressure sensor element is held and/or lies. 5. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the carrier body is designed in one piece. 6. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the carrier body is cylindrical at least with the exception of the plug connector portion. 7. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the pressure sensor element is arranged such that a perpendicular to a pressure-sensitive surface of the pressure sensor element runs orthogonally or obliquely with respect to the plugging direction. 8. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the pressure sensor element and evaluation electronics for the activation and/or evaluation of signals from the pressure sensor element are integrated on a chip which is connected, in particular contacted, with the contact elements for signal transmission. 9. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the pressure sensor element and evaluation electronics for the activation and/or evaluation of signals from the pressure sensor element are held on a carrier element, the evaluation electronics being contacted with the contact elements for signal transmission. 10. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the chip or the carrier element is adhesively bonded to the carrier body. 11. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the chip or the carrier element is covered with protective material. 12. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a cover which closes the reception orifice. 13. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the cover closes the reception orifice, gas-tight, with the exception of a connecting orifice. 14. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the pressure sensor element is designed for measuring an absolute pressure. 15. The pressure detection device as claimed in the preceding claim, in which the pressure sensor element is fastened to a bottom surface of the reception orifice, and the pressure duct issues into the reception orifice between the bottom surface and that surface of the carrier body which lies transversely with respect to the plugging direction. 16. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, which further has a temperature sensor arranged on the pressure duct. Disclosed is a pressure sensing device comprising a base element (7) for fastening the pressure sensing device. The base element is provided with a connecting duct (8) for feeding a pressurized fluid. The pressure sensing device further comprises an elongate support member (3) that extends along a plugging direction and is fitted with a plug-in connector section (12) at one end. The plug-in connector section is to be plugged into a complementary plug-in connector in the plugging direction. The elongate support member is connected to the base element at the other end (4), is equipped with a pressure duct (9) that is connected to the connecting duct (8), and encompasses a receiving hole (11) which extends perpendicular to the plugging direction and communicates with the pressure duct. The disclosed pressure sensing device also comprises a pressure sensor element (5) that is pressure-tightly inserted into the receiving hole such that one of the surfaces of the presure sensor element is exposed to pressure from the pressure duct (9) and is connected to contact elements (17) in the plug-in connector section for transmitting signals.

Full Text

Description
Pressure detection device
The present invention relates to a pressure detection device
for the detection of pressures in lines or containers which
contain a pressure-transmitting fluid, and, in particular, also
to a pressure detection device for use in motor vehicles.
In the measurement of pressures, for example the oil pressure
in internal combustion engines or the rail pressure in common-
rail engines, the leaktightness between a device for detecting
the pressure and the connection, for example, to the line or to
the container having the fluid whose pressure is to be measured
often has to satisfy stringent requirements. Pressure detection
devices are therefore frequently used which have a metal
connection piece as a junction piece for the connection. The
use of a metal connection piece has the advantage, in
particular, that high screw-on forces or screw-on torques can
be employed during assembly and, inter alia, the stringent
requirements to be met as regards pressure tightness of the
junction can therefore also be fulfilled. In addition, such
pressure detection devices may be used even at high
temperatures.
Conventionally, the actual pressure sensor element, for example
a ceramic pressure sensor element or a special piezoresistive
measuring cell, is then introduced into the metal connection
piece. The pressure sensor element is connected to a circuit
board, typically by wire bonding. Since the connection of the
pressure detection device is to take place via a plug
connection, such a pressure detection device comprises a plug
connector part with contact elements. The plug connector part
is usually connected to the metal connection piece by means of
the flanging of a corresponding portion of the metal connection
piece, and therefore

it is not possible to have a simple junction of the contact
elements with the connections of the circuit board. The contact
elements are therefore connected to corresponding connections
of the circuit board by means of flexible foils having
conductor tracks and press tongs, or they are designed as knife
contacts and are connected to the connections of the circuit
board via corresponding lines.
The production of such a pressure detection device is therefore
comparatively complicated.
The object on which the present invention is based, therefore,
is to provide a pressure detection device which can be produced
in a simple way.
The object is achieved by means of a pressure detection device,
with a base element for holding the pressure detection device,
which base element has a connecting duct for the supply of a
pressurized fluid, with an extended carrier body, which extends
along a plugging direction, at one end has a plug connector
portion for plugging together with a complementary plug
connector in the plugging direction, at the other end is
connected to the base element and has a pressure duct connected
to the connecting duct, and possesses a reception orifice
running transversely with respect to the plugging direction and
communicating with the pressure duct, and with a pressure
sensor element which is inserted, pressure-tight, into the
reception orifice, so that one of the pressure-sensitive sensor
surfaces of the pressure sensor element is exposed to pressure
from the pressure duct, and which is connected to contact
elements in the plug connector portion for the transmission of
signals.
A carrier body is understood, in particular, to mean a carrier

body which, seen as a whole, is not developed. Preferably,
although the length of the carrier body in the plugging
direction

is greater than the extent transversely to the plugging
direction, this does not necessarily need to be the case.
Such a pressure detection device can be produced very simply,
since the mounting of the pressure sensor element can take
place through the reception orifice of the carrier part which
at the same time functions as a plug connector. This mounting
may in this case take place before or after the connection of
the carrier body to the base element which serves for holding
the pressure detection device on, or for connecting the
pressure detection device to, the line or the container or a
connection of the line or container.
Furthermore, due to the extended form of the pressure detection
device, a particularly simple mounting of the latter on a line
or a container is obtained, since both the fastening of the
base element and that of a plug complementary to the plug
connector portion can take place from the same direction and
therefore occupy only a small amount of space. This is of
considerable advantage particularly in motor vehicle
construction.
Further, by the pressure sensor element being arranged in the
carrier part, a partially thermal decoupling from the base
element can be obtained, which allows more accurate pressure
measurements even in the case of varying temperatures of the
line or of the container. Moreover, a thermal decoupling of the
pressure-carrying fluid from the base element in the region of
the pressure sensor element can occur, which may likewise lead
to higher measuring accuracy. This is the case particularly
when, as is preferred, the pressure duct ends in the reception
orifice and, if appropriate, in the carrier body, and therefore
no appreciable convection of the fluid in the pressure

detection device occurs.
The base element may, in principle, consist of any desired
material suitable for holding. Preferably,

it consists of metal. This has the advantage that high strength
is afforded, along with a low price and simple production. In
particular, it can be formed advantageously in a simple way by
means of known methods.
The base element may, in principle, be configured in any
desired way for connection to a line or a container.
Preferably, however, the base element has an external thread
for fastening in an orifice of a line or of a container having
a corresponding internal thread. The use of a thread not only
allows reliable fastening, but also makes it possible to have a
very good leaktightness of the connection.
Furthermore, this embodiment makes it possible for the carrier
body to be connected to the base element by means of a flanged
connection. For this purpose, the carrier body may have,
particularly at the corresponding end, a peripheral flange
which is surrounded, after flanging, by a corresponding portion
of the base element.
The base element does not necessarily need to have special
structures in order to be mounted on a line or a container. For
example, it could have a cylindrical surface area which, during
mounting, is held by means of tongs. Preferably, however, the
base element has at least one mounting structure, preferably on
its outer surface, particularly preferably in the form of a
hexagonal structure. Preferably, the largest diameter of the
carrier body is smaller than the smallest diameter of the
hexagonal structure. The advantage of this is that mounting can
then take place from the plugging direction, for example by
means of a socket wrench similar to a socket wrench for the
tightening of spark plugs.
The pressure duct may basically be connected to the connecting
duct in any desired way. This is understood to mean that

the pressure detection device is designed such that a fluid can
transmit pressure from the connecting duct to a fluid in the
pressure duct. In particular, the two ducts can communicate,
that is to say allow an exchange of the fluid, that is to say
of a gas or a liquid. For example, the connecting duct may be
arranged with its mouth directly opposite the mouth of the
pressure duct and consequently be connected to the latter.
However, the connecting duct and the pressure duct may also be
connected via a chamber, for example between the base element
and carrier body.
An embodiment of the pressure detection device which can be
produced in a particularly simple way is obtained when the
connecting duct and a portion of the pressure duct which is
connected to said connecting duct run rectilinearly.
The pressure duct may, in principle, run in any desired way. In
a particularly preferred embodiment, in particular a
development of the embodiment described in the above paragraph,
the carrier body is designed such that the pressure duct leads,
with an end portion running transversely or at an inclination
with respect to the plugging direction, into the reception
orifice. The advantage of this is that the pressure duct can be
produced In a particularly simple way; in particular, it may
then have only two rectilinear portions adjoining one another.
An oblique run is in this case understood to mean that a
longitudinal axis of the end portion forms with the plugging
direction an angle greater than 1°, preferably greater than
10°.
Further, it is preferable that the carrier body is designed such
that there lies between the pressure duct and the reception
orifice a web on which the pressure sensor element or a carrier
element for the pressure sensor element is held and/or lies. This

embodiment has the advantage that, on the one hand, a compact
set-up can be achieved and, on the other hand, a simple
introduction of the pressure sensor element

or of a carrier element having the pressure sensor element into
the reception orifice and a simple fastening thereof in the
latter become possible.
In principle, the carrier body may be of multipart design.
Preferably, however, it is designed in one piece. The carrier
body can thus be highly stable, but at the same time can be
produced in a simple way. Materials to be considered, from
which the carrier body may be manufactured, are in this case
not only metal, but, above all, ceramic materials and plastics,
in particular plastics resistant to high temperatures.
The carrier body basically needs merely to be designed in
extended form. In this case, in particular, it may also have
projections, for example the fastening flange already
mentioned, or set-back regions, for example in the region of
the plug connector portion. A particularly simple production of
the carrier body is obtained if the carrier body is cylindrical
at least with the exception of the plug connector portion and,
if present, the fastening flange.
In principle, the pressure sensor element may be arranged in
the reception orifice in any desired orientation suitable for
its functioning. It is preferable, however, if the pressure
sensor element is arranged such that a perpendicular to a
pressure-sensitive surface of the pressure sensor element runs
orthogonally or obliquely with respect to the plugging
direction. This orientation of the pressure sensor element has
the advantage that this or a carrier element carrying this can
separate, pressure-tight, the reception orifice from the
pressure duct in said reception orifice.
The signals from the pressure sensor element may, in principle,
be processed outside the carrier body. Preferably, however,
evaluation electronics for the evaluation and, if appropriate,

activation of the pressure sensor element are arranged in the
carrier body, thus reducing disturbances of the signals by the
pressure sensor element and allowing a simple electrical
connection.

In a preferred embodiment of the pressure detection device, the
pressure sensor element and evaluation electronics for the
activation and/or evaluation of signals from the pressure
sensor element are integrated on a chip which is connected, in
particular contacted, with the contact elements for signal
transmission. Thus, only one component needs to be fastened in
the carrier body, and the influence of noise fields on signal
transmission between the pressure sensor element and evaluation
electronics can be greatly reduced. The chip may also be
interpreted as a carrier element for the pressure sensor
element.
In another preferred embodiment of the pressure detection
device, the pressure sensor element and evaluation electronics
for the activation and/or evaluation of signals from the
pressure sensor element are held on a carrier element, the
evaluation electronics being connected to the contact elements
for signal transmission. This embodiment, too, has the
advantage that only one component needs to be inserted into the
carrier body and fastened in the latter. In this case, in
particular, a ceramic plate or a circuit board may serve as
carrier element.
A further advantage of the embodiments mentioned in the last
two paragraphs is that the chip or connections of the carrier
element can be contacted directly with the contact elements,
for which purpose, in particular, bonding wires or wire bonds
or other flexible conjunctions may be used. It is also
possible, however, to select other contacting possibilities
mentioned in the introduction.
The fastening of the chip or of the carrier element to the
carrier body may take place basically in any desired way. The
advantage of particularly simple mounting arises when the chip
or the carrier element is adhesively bonded to the carrier

body. Preferably, an adhesive is used which gives an elastic
adhesive bond, so that

a compensation of mechanical stresses between the chip and the
carrier element becomes possible.
Particularly during use in the motor vehicle sector, the
pressure detection device may be exposed to moisture and/or to
other liquids or gases which may possibly impair the
functioning of the device. To protect against such influences,
preferably, the chip or the carrier element is covered with
protective material. This protective material may be, in
particular, a gel which fills the reception orifice over its
cross section as completely as possible.
Further, the pressure detection device may comprise a cover
which closes the reception orifice. As a result, the pressure
sensor element or the chip or the carrier element and also
protective material, present if appropriate, are protected, in
particular, against mechanical influences.
However, the cover may also fulfill further functions. Thus, in
a preferred embodiment of the pressure detection device, the
cover closes the reception orifice, gas-tight, with the
exception of a connecting orifice. This pressure detection
device may then be used as a differential pressure detection
device which detects the pressure difference between the
pressure in the connecting duct and the pressure in the
connecting orifice.
The pressure detection device may, however, also be designed
for the detection of absolute pressures. For this purpose, the
pressure sensor element is then designed for measuring an
absolute pressure. For this purpose, the pressure sensor
element is then designed for measuring an absolute pressure.
For this purpose, for example, it may have a reference vacuum
cell which contains a gas of known pressure.

Alternatively, the pressure sensor element may be fastened to a
bottom surface of the reception orifice, and the pressure duct
may issue into the reception orifice between the bottom surface
and that surface of the carrier body which lies transversely
with

respect to the plugging direction. In this case, preferably, a
cover which closes off, pressure-tight, the reception orifice
may be provided.
According to a preferred development, the pressure detection
device preferably further has a temperature sensor arranged on
the pressure duct. Such a pressure detection device
advantageously makes it possible to detect not only the
pressure in a fluid, but also the temperature. Particularly
preferably, the connections of the temperature sensor are
contacted directly with contact elements in the plug connector
portion.
The pressure detection device may be designed for the
measurement of pressures in various ranges, for example up to
100 bar.
The invention is further explained below, by way of example,
with reference to the drawings in which:
fig. 1 shows a diagrammatic sectional illustration of a
pressure detection device according to a first
preferred embodiment of the invention,
fig. 2 shows a diagrammatic sectional illustration of a
pressure detection device according to a second
preferred embodiment of the invention,
fig. 3 shows a diagrammatic sectional illustration of a
pressure detection device according to a third
preferred embodiment of the invention,
fig. 4 shows a diagrammatic sectional illustration of a
pressure detection device according to a fourth
preferred embodiment of the invention, and

fig. 5 shows a diagrammatic sectional illustration of a
pressure detection device according to a fifth
preferred embodiment of the invention.
A pressure detection device according to a first preferred
embodiment comprises a base element 1, an extended carrier body
2 which is manufactured from plastic and which at one end
comprises a plug connector portion 3 for plugging together with
a complementary plug connector, not shown in the figures, in a
plugging direction S and at the other end comprises a fastening
flange 4, and also a chip 5 with an integrated pressure sensor
element 6 and with evaluation electronics for the activation of
the pressure sensor element 6 and for the evaluation of signals
from the pressure sensor element 6.
The base element 1 is manufactured from metal and, for
fastening in an internal thread of a connection of a pressure
container having a pressure-carrying fluid, has an external
thread 7 and, as a mounting structure, an outer hexagonal
portion. An inverted type of construction for an external
thread is likewise possible. The same applies to the design for
a plug connection.
Arranged parallel to the axis of the external thread 7 in the
base element 1 is a connecting duct 8 which leads through the
base element 1 and which serves for carrying the pressure-
carrying fluid from the pressure container into the pressure
detection device.
The carrier body 2, which extends linearly in the plugging
direction S, has a pressure duct 9 of L-shaped design, the
longer leg 10 running, at the end having the fastening flange
4, linearly in the plugging direction S and coaxially with the
connecting duct 8. The connecting duct 8 therefore also runs in
the plugging direction S.

The leg 10 is continued into an end portion 11 which runs
orthogonally with respect to the plugging direction S and which
issues into a reception orifice 11 which is formed in the
carrier body 2 and which extends transversely with respect to
the plugging direction S from the outer surface of the carrier
body 2 into the interior of the latter and serves for receiving
the chip 5.
The plug connector portion 3 of the carrier body 2 possesses a
receptacle 12 for the plug region of a complementary plug
connector and contact element ducts in which contact elements
13 for the plug connector portion 3 are arranged, which reach
into the reception orifice 11.
The chip 5 is arranged in the reception orifice 11 such that
one of the pressure-sensitive sensor surfaces 14 is oriented
with its perpendicular orthogonally with respect to the
plugging direction S and parallel to the direction of the end
portion of the pressure duct 9.
The chip 5 is fastened, pressure-tight, to the bottom of the
carrier body 2 by means of an adhesive 15, a portion of the
chip being fastened on a web 16 between the reception orifice
11 and the pressure duct 9.
The chip 5 is directly contacted or electrically connected with
the contact elements 12 in the plug connector portion 3 by
means of bonding wires 17. For protection against interfering
pulses, a protective capacitor 18 is arranged on the contact
elements.
The reception orifice 11 is filled above the chip 5 with
a protective gel 19 which, on the one hand, covers the chip 5
and the bonding wires 17 and protects them from moisture and,
on the other hand, allows a transmission of pressure from the

region of the reception orifice 11 to the chip 5 or the
pressure sensor element 6.
The reception orifice 11 is covered by a cover 20.

The carrier body 2 is seated on the base element 1 and is
connected to the base element 1 at the outer hexagon 21 by
means of a flanged connection. The gap between the carrier body
2 and the base element is sealed off, pressure-tight, by a
sealing element, for example an O-ring 22, for sealing off
between metal and plastic, so that no significant pressure
loss, as compared with the detection accuracy of the pressure
sensor element 6, can occur.
Since the diameter of the carrier body 2 is smaller than the
largest outside diameter of the outer hexagon 21, the pressure
detection device can be fastened in a simple way by means of a
corresponding socket wrench with inner hexagon from the
plugging direction S. Then for complete mounting, the
complementary plug connector merely needs to be plugged into
the receptacle 12 from the same direction.
A pressure detection device according to a second preferred
embodiment in fig. 2 differs from the first exemplary
embodiment in the design and fastening of the cover 20 and in
the design of the carrier body. All the other parts of the
device are unchanged, and therefore the explanations regarding
the first exemplary embodiment also apply here and the same
reference symbols are used.
The carrier body 23 differs from the carrier body 2 only in
that a groove 24 is provided which runs peripherally around the
reception orifice. All the other features are unchanged, and
the same reference symbols are used for the unchanged features
as in the first exemplary embodiment.
The cover 25 differs from the cover 20, on the one hand, in a
peripheral wall 26 which engages into the groove 24 and, on the
other hand, in a connecting orifice or pressure leadthrough 27,
by means of which the region below the cover 25 can be
connected to a further pressure container.

A sealing-off material is located between the cover 25 and the
carrier body 23, in order to avoid pressure losses through the
gap between these elements.
This pressure detection device can therefore be used as a
differential pressure detection device, by means of which the
difference between the pressure in the connecting duct 8 and
the pressure in the pressure leadthrough 27, propagated through
the protective gel 19, can be detected.
A pressure detection device according to a third preferred
embodiment in fig. 3 differs from the first exemplary
embodiment in the fastening of the cover 20, in the design of
the carrier body and in the type of chip 5. All the other parts
of the device are unchanged, and therefore the explanations
regarding the first exemplary embodiment also apply here and
the same reference symbols are used.
The carrier body 28 is designed in the same way as the carrier
body of the second exemplary embodiment, although in this case
the pressure duct 29, running parallel to the plugging
direction, issues into the reception orifice 11 without a bend.
Instead of the chip 5, in this case, a chip 30 suitable for
absolute pressure measurements is used, which is glued to the
bottom of the reception orifice 11. Otherwise, the chip 30 is
contacted and covered with the protective gel 19 in the same
way as the chip 5. Covering in this case takes place such that
the pressure duct 29 issues into the reception orifice between
the cover 20 and the surface of the protective gel.
The cover 20 is in this case connected, pressure-tight, to the
carrier body 28, in order to avoid pressure losses through the
gap between the cover 20 and the carrier body 28.

This pressure detection device is suitable as an absolute
pressure detection device.

A pressure detection device according to a fourth preferred
embodiment in fig. 4 differs from the first exemplary
embodiment in the type of chip. All the other parts of the
device are unchanged, and therefore the explanations regarding
the first exemplary embodiment also apply here and the same
reference symbols are used.
The chip 31 in this case has a vacuum-tight chip cover 32,
fastened in a vacuum-tight manner, above the pressure sensor
element 6, so as to form a reference vacuum cell in which a
reference vacuum prevails.
Absolute pressure detection is thereby possible.
A pressure detection device according to a fifth preferred
embodiment in fig. 5, which shows a sectional plane rotated
through 90° with respect to fig. 1, differs from the first
exemplary embodiment in the use of a temperature sensor 33 and
in the design of the carrier body. All the other parts of the
device are unchanged, and therefore the explanations regarding
the first exemplary embodiment also apply here and the same
reference symbols are used.
The carrier body 34 differs from the carrier body 2 only in
that two further ducts for contact elements 35 are provided, in
which are arranged the contact elements 35 which extend from
the plug connector region as far as the other end of the
carrier body 34. All the other features are unchanged, and the
same reference symbols are used for the unchanged features as
in the first exemplary embodiment.
In the region of the inlet of the pressure duct 9, the
temperature sensor 33 is arranged, which is connected directly
to the contact elements 35. The temperature sensor may, of
course, also lie in or project into the connecting duct 8. This
may also be developed such that the temperature sensor

projects out of the connecting duct 8 at least partially from
the base element 1. These variants shorten the response times
for the temperature measurement.
Thus, in parallel with pressure detection, a detection of the
temperature of the fluid whose pressure is detected becomes
possible.
This reception of a temperature sensor is also possible
correspondingly in other exemplary embodiments.
In further exemplary embodiments, instead of the chip or chips,
a circuit board with the evaluation electronics and a pressure
sensor element are provided, and are held and contacted in the
exemplary embodiments described in the same way as the chip.

Patent Claims
1. A pressure detection device, with
a base element for holding the pressure detection
device, which base element has a connecting duct for
the supply of a pressurized fluid,
an extended carrier body, which extends along a
plugging direction, at one end has a plug connector
portion for plugging together with a complementary plug
connector in the plugging direction, at the other end
is connected to the base element and has a pressure
duct connected to the connecting duct, and possesses a
reception orifice running transversely with respect to
the plugging direction and communicating with the
pressure duct, and
a pressure sensor element which is inserted, pressure-
tight, into the reception orifice, so that one of the
pressure-sensitive sensor surfaces of the pressure
sensor element is exposed to pressure from the pressure
duct, and which is connected to contact elements in the
plug connector portion for the transmission of signals.
2. The pressure detection device as claimed in claim 1, in
which the connecting duct and a portion of the pressure duct
which is connected to said connecting duct run rectilinearly.
3. The pressure detection device as claimed in claim 1 or 2,
in which the carrier body is designed such that the pressure
duct leads, with an end portion running transversely or at an
inclination with respect to the plugging direction, into the
reception orifice.
4. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the
preceding claims, in which there lies between the pressure duct

and the reception orifice a web on which the pressure sensor
element or a carrier element for the pressure sensor element is
held and/or lies.

5. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the
preceding claims, in which the carrier body is designed in one
piece.
6. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the
preceding claims, in which the carrier body is cylindrical at
least with the exception of the plug connector portion.
7. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the
preceding claims, in which the pressure sensor element is
arranged such that a perpendicular to a pressure-sensitive
surface of the pressure sensor element runs orthogonally or
obliquely with respect to the plugging direction.
8. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the
preceding claims, in which the pressure sensor element and
evaluation electronics for the activation and/or evaluation of
signals from the pressure sensor element are integrated on a
chip which is connected, in particular contacted, with the
contact elements for signal transmission.
9. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the
preceding claims, in which the pressure sensor element and
evaluation electronics for the activation and/or evaluation of
signals from the pressure sensor element are held on a carrier
element, the evaluation electronics being contacted with the
contact elements for signal transmission.
10. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the
preceding claims, in which the chip or the carrier element is
adhesively bonded to the carrier body.
11. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the
preceding claims, in which the chip or the carrier element is
covered with protective material.

12. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the
preceding claims, which further comprises a cover which closes
the reception orifice.
13. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the
preceding claims, in which the cover closes the reception
orifice, gas-tight, with the exception of a connecting orifice.
14. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the
preceding claims, in which the pressure sensor element is
designed for measuring an absolute pressure.
15. The pressure detection device as claimed in the preceding
claim, in which the pressure sensor element is fastened to a
bottom surface of the reception orifice, and the pressure duct
issues into the reception orifice between the bottom surface
and that surface of the carrier body which lies transversely
with respect to the plugging direction.
16. The pressure detection device as claimed in one of the
preceding claims, which further has a temperature sensor
arranged on the pressure duct.

Disclosed is a pressure sensing device comprising a base element (7) for fastening the pressure sensing device. The base element is provided with a connecting duct (8) for feeding a pressurized fluid. The pressure sensing device further comprises an elongate support member (3) that extends along a plugging direction and is fitted with a plug-in connector section (12) at one end. The plug-in connector section is to be plugged into a complementary plug-in connector in the plugging direction. The elongate support member is connected to the base element at the other end (4), is equipped with a pressure duct (9) that is connected to the connecting duct (8), and encompasses a receiving hole (11) which extends perpendicular to the plugging direction and communicates with the pressure duct. The disclosed pressure sensing device also comprises a pressure sensor element (5) that is pressure-tightly inserted into the receiving hole such that one of the surfaces of the presure sensor element is exposed to pressure from the pressure duct (9) and is connected to contact elements (17) in the plug-in connector section for transmitting signals.

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Patent Number

264443

Indian Patent Application Number

196/KOLNP/2009

PG Journal Number

01/2015

Publication Date

02-Jan-2015

Grant Date

29-Dec-2014

Date of Filing

15-Jan-2009

Name of Patentee

CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH

Applicant Address

VAHRENWALDER STRASSE 9, 30165 HANNOVER

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	HERMANN LEIDERER	VON KOLBSTRASSE 14 93109 WIESENT

PCT International Classification Number

G01L 7/10

PCT International Application Number

PCT/EP2007/057190

PCT International Filing date

2007-07-12

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	102006033467.1	2006-07-19	Germany