Patent US1960448A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US4497198A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4497198A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Knocking sensor
Assignee: Toyota Motor Corp
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Filing: 1983-07-18
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Granted: 1985-02-05
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Expires: 2003-07-18
Abstract
Abstract A knocking sensor comprises a casing for receiving a pickup assembly including a transducer, which produces an electrical signal in accordance with engine vibrations, and a connector having at least a single pin electrically connected to the transducer. The casing comprises a threaded projection to be screwed in a screw hole of an engine, and a nut-like periphery to be rotated by a tool. The knocking sensor can be attached to the engine by means of an impact wrench, by rotating the nut-like portion. A plug connected to one end of a shielding code can be plugged in the connector to make an electrical connection between the transducer and a signal processing circuit after the knocking sensor has been attached to the engine, and therefore, the shielding code is prevented from being damaged during installation of the knocking sensor. The use of an impact wrench ensures secure attachment of the sensor, and reduces the installation time.
Inventors
- 👤 Juhei Takahashi
- 👤 Kenzo Miura
- 👤 Shogo Asano
- 👤 Kunio Sugiyama
- 👤 Kiyokane Kaji
- 👤 Jun Ohta
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 21:40
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01L; G01L23/00; G01L23/22; G01L23/221; G01L23/222
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
407 words
A knocking sensor for converting engine vibrations into an electrical signal, comprising: (a) a conductive casing having at its one end a threaded portion engageable with a screw hole of said engine, a nut-like outer portion so that said casing can be readily rotated, and a generally cylindrical bore having an open end at the other end; (b) a connector having an insulating hollow cylinder with one end telescopically received in the bore of said casing, said connector having a pin-like conductor with a first portion received within said insulating hollow cylinder so that said first portion of said pin-like conductor is substantially parallel to said insulating hollow cylinder, said pin-like conductor having a second portion extending in a direction opposite to said first portion, said insulating hollow cylinder having an open end at its one end and a closed end at the other side, said closed end having a recess at its outside, said pin-like conductor being partially embedded in said closed end of said insulating hollow cylinder so that said second portion projects into said recess, said connector engaging with said open end of said casing at said closed end; (c) a pickup assembly having: a conductive base partially received in said recess of said cylinder of said connector so that said base is in contact with said casing, said base having a throughhole, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of said second portion of said pin-like conductor; a nonconductive substrate placed on said base; a piezoelectric element having first and second electrodes at both sides thereof, said piezoelectric element being placed on said nonconductive substrate so that said first electrode is in contact with said nonconductive substrate; a conductive pressing plate placed on said second electrode; and at least one screw which secures said piezoelectric element interposed between said nonconductive substrate and said pressing plate onto said conductive base, said screw being screwed into a screw hole made in said base so that said second electrode of said piezoelectric element is electrically connected to said conductive casing via said pressing plate, screw, and base, said first electrode being electrically connected to said pin-like conductor via a first conductor connected between a second conductor, which is electrically connected to said first electrode, and said second portion of said pin-like conductor, which penetrates said base through said through-hole without coming into contact therewith; and (d) means for fastening said connector to said casing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
407 words
A knocking sensor for converting engine vibrations into an electrical signal, comprising: (a) a conductive casing having at its one end a threaded portion engageable with a screw hole of said engine, a nut-like outer portion so that said casing can be readily rotated, and a generally cylindrical bore having an open end at the other end; (b) a connector having an insulating hollow cylinder with one end telescopically received in the bore of said casing, said connector having a pin-like conductor with a first portion received within said insulating hollow cylinder so that said first portion of said pin-like conductor is substantially parallel to said insulating hollow cylinder, said pin-like conductor having a second portion extending in a direction opposite to said first portion, said insulating hollow cylinder having an open end at its one end and a closed end at the other side, said closed end having a recess at its outside, said pin-like conductor being partially embedded in said closed end of said insulating hollow cylinder so that said second portion projects into said recess, said connector engaging with said open end of said casing at said closed end; (c) a pickup assembly having: a conductive base partially received in said recess of said cylinder of said connector so that said base is in contact with said casing, said base having a throughhole, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of said second portion of said pin-like conductor; a nonconductive substrate placed on said base; a piezoelectric element having first and second electrodes at both sides thereof, said piezoelectric element being placed on said nonconductive substrate so that said first electrode is in contact with said nonconductive substrate; a conductive pressing plate placed on said second electrode; and at least one screw which secures said piezoelectric element interposed between said nonconductive substrate and said pressing plate onto said conductive base, said screw being screwed into a screw hole made in said base so that said second electrode of said piezoelectric element is electrically connected to said conductive casing via said pressing plate, screw, and base, said first electrode being electrically connected to said pin-like conductor via a first conductor connected between a second conductor, which is electrically connected to said first electrode, and said second portion of said pin-like conductor, which penetrates said base through said through-hole without coming into contact therewith; and (d) means for fastening said connector to said casing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A knocking sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for fastening comprises a plurality of bendable portions which are integrally formed with said casing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A knocking sensor as claimed in claim 1, further comprising air-tightening means for isolating said bore of said casing from atmosphere.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A knocking sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bore of said casing has a shoulder portion so that said base is interposed between said shoulder portion and said closed end of said cylinder.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
A knocking sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air-tightening means comprises an 0-ring provided between the outer surface of said connector and the inner surface of said casing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
A knocking sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said nonconductive substrate is placed in the vicinity of said through-hole made in said base.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
A knocking sensor as claimed in claim 6, wherein said second conductor is an extension of said first electrode of said piezoelectric element, said extension extending so that one end of said extension is close to said through-hole.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
A knocking sensor as claimed in claim 6, wherein said second conductor is a metal piece placed on the surface of said nonconductive substrate, said metal piece extending so that one end thereof is close to said through-hole.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
A knocking sensor as claimed in claim 6, wherein said second conductor is a conductive film deposited on the surface of said nonconductive substrate, said conductive film extending so that one end thereof is close to said through-hole.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
A knocking sensor as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an insulating filling filled in said through-hole so that said second portion of said pin-like conductor passing through said through-hole is fixed to be electrically insulated from said base.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
A knocking sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pin-like conductor is substantially crank-shaped so that said second portion is spaced apart from the center of said base.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-02-05 | 1988-08-06 | 1989-02-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-02-05 | 1992-08-06 | 1993-02-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-02-05 | 1996-08-06 | 1997-02-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |