Sensor cover for fill port

Abstract

A sensor cover configured for removable coupling to a charge port includes a body having a flow path including a sensor chamber formed therein. The surface of the body is configured to engage a valve body of the valve assembly disposed within the opening of the charge port when the first portion of the body is axially inserted into the opening of the stem to disengage the valve body from a valve seat of the valve assembly and adjust the valve assembly from a closed position to an open position, thereby providing fluid communication between a flow space axially disposed beyond the valve assembly and a flow path of the body. A sensing device disposed in the sensor chamber is fluidly coupled to the flow space through the flow path when the valve assembly is adjusted to its open position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to sensor covers, and more particularly, to sensor covers for charge ports of refrigeration systems. Background Art

[0002] In the automotive industry, the trend is moving away from refrigeration systems with distributed components towards "Integrated Refrigeration Modules" (IRM) and heat pump (HP) systems. As a result, packaging space in vehicles is becoming increasingly valuable. Any development that makes the modules more compact is a valuable improvement.

[0003] A charging port for a refrigeration system is provided in the refrigeration system to charge or fill the refrigeration system as required. When not used to charge the refrigeration system, a cover is provided on the charging port to protect the charging port from damage, dirt and other impurities.

[0004] Sensors are also provided in the refrigeration system to monitor and transmit the pressure, temperature, flow rate, quality, molecular chromatography and any other physical characteristics of the fluid at various points within the refrigeration system. Sensors are also required to access the ports or entry points of the refrigeration system in order to accurately read the pressure, temperature, flow rate, quality, molecular chromatography and any other physical characteristics of the fluid.

[0005] like Figure 1 As shown in , a refrigeration system according to the prior art can utilize a charging port 1 disposed at the end of a fluid line 2 of the refrigeration system, the charging port 1 being used to convey refrigerant through the fluid line, wherein the charging port 1 is configured to be connected to an external fluid system for delivering refrigerant to the refrigeration system via the charging port 1. The fluid line 2 can be in fluid communication with the refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration system at any desired position along the refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration system, including the fluid line 2 being in communication with another fluid line extending between adjacent components of the refrigerant circuit, or integrating the opposite end of the fluid line 2 directly into one of the components of the refrigerant circuit. The charging port 1 includes a removable sealing cap 3 disposed thereon, the sealing cap 3 being used to seal the fluid line 2 at the charging port 1 when the charging port 1 is not used to charge the refrigeration system via introducing refrigerant at the charging port. A sensor port 4 is disposed on the fluid line 2 at a position spaced apart from the charging port 1 and the corresponding sealing cap 3. The sensor port 4 includes a sensor cover 5 that closes the sensor port 4 while also providing the necessary components for sensing and measuring any of the sensed properties of the refrigerant along the fluid line 2, which may further correspond to sensing properties of the refrigerant along the refrigerant circuit at the location where the fluid line 2 intersects the refrigerant circuit.

[0006] Unfortunately, Figure 1The configuration disclosed in undesirably utilizes a large amount of packaging space within a refrigeration system via the introduction of two coupling structures in the form of a filling port 1 and a sensor port 4 at end portions along the fluid line 2. This concern is further exacerbated by the following manner: among other things, the disclosed configuration utilizes an axial orientation in which the filling port 1 and the sensor port 4 are arranged perpendicularly relative to the fluid line 2, which causes the profile of the fluid line 2 to increase in multiple different dimensions at two different spaced-apart locations along the fluid line. Therefore, the disclosed configuration is problematic when attempting to position and orient the fluid line 2 relative to the rest of the refrigeration system while incorporating the filling port 1 and the sensor port 4 into the available packaging space. This may be particularly evident where the disclosed configuration is incorporated into a refrigeration system described above as an IRM, as it is more difficult to maintain the compactness of the module where multiple laterally arranged fluid couplings extend from the module.

[0007] Such refrigeration systems also typically utilize two independent charging ports 1 at different locations along the corresponding refrigerant circuit, such as positioning one charging port 1 to connect the refrigerant to the high-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit disposed downstream of its compressor and upstream of its expansion device, and positioning the other charging port 1 to connect the refrigerant to the low-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit disposed downstream of the expansion device and upstream of the compressor, wherein each of the charging ports 1 is also associated with one of the sensor ports 4 for measuring different properties of the refrigerant between the high-pressure side and the low-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit. Therefore, this configuration utilizing both the charging port 1 and the sensor port 4 installed along the refrigerant circuit further exacerbates the above-mentioned packaging problem by doubling the incidence of multiple coupling structures positioned along the refrigerant circuit to achieve its desired operation and maintenance.

[0008] In addition to the packaging issues described, the use of two different couplings when refrigerant is introduced into a refrigeration system also undesirably increases the complexity and cost of the manufacturing process used to produce the disclosed section of fluid line 2 when accommodating oppositely configured and oriented charging ports 1 and sensor ports 4 in the refrigeration system. The use of an additional port also introduces another location where fluid leaks may occur while further adding unnecessary weight to the resulting refrigeration system.

[0009] It would therefore be desirable to provide a refrigeration system in which efficiency is optimized and packaging space is minimized by incorporating the combined functionality of a fill port and sensor into a common mechanism having reduced packaging space and simplified manufacturing methods. Summary of the invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] Surprisingly, a refrigeration system according to the present disclosure has been discovered in which efficiency is optimized and packaging space is minimized by incorporating a sensor port and cover structure into a fill port structure.

[0012] Technical Solution

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a sensor cover is disclosed, which is configured to be removably coupled to a filling port, the filling port comprising a rod defining an opening and a valve assembly disposed in the opening of the rod. The sensor cover comprises a body having a flow path formed therein, wherein the flow path comprises a sensor chamber having a sensing device disposed therein. The surface of the body is configured to engage the valve body of the valve assembly during the axial insertion of the first portion of the body into the opening of the rod so that the valve body is disconnected from the valve seat of the valve assembly. The disconnection of the valve body from the valve seat adjusts the valve assembly from a closed position to an open position, thereby providing fluid communication between a flow space formed in the opening of the rod leading to a first axial side of the valve assembly and a flow path of the body disposed on the opposite second axial side of the valve assembly. When the valve assembly is adjusted to its open position, the sensing device disposed in the sensor chamber is fluidly coupled to the flow space through the flow path, thereby allowing the sensing device to sense the properties of the fluid from the flow space.

[0014] In another embodiment, the sensor body and cover assembly includes a support structure for sensor electronics for sensing pressure, temperature, pressure and temperature, flow rate, mass, molecular chromatography, and any other physical property of a fluid that may be monitored within the system.

[0015] In another embodiment, a protective sealing cap for the filling port covers a spherical locking groove on a matching filling valve stem and is sealed to the matching filling valve stem by a rubber (elastomer) seal with the aid of a radial O-ring, an axial gasket or any combination thereof, by a metal seal via contact between a metal portion of the sensor body and the filling valve stem, via application of a soft metal plating, such as tin or other suitable material, a metal insert constructed of a suitable metal (brass, Babbit alloy, aluminum or other suitable material) with a thin tin plate to create a metal seal between the insert and the filling port guide end.

[0016] In another embodiment, a conduit is provided between system fluid properties, such as temperature and pressure, and the sensor device electronics serve as an included internal flow path for transmission of the system fluid properties, which can be measured or sensed by the sensor device and the electronics, the flow path is intentionally offset to affect leakage between the sensor body and the head of a mating filling port filling valve pin so that the system fluid properties can be monitored, wherein the offset of the flow path is between 0.001 mm and 2.0 mm, and wherein the geometry of the flow path ensures that the system properties can be monitored by means of leakage generated by the offset. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be understood through detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a side view of a fluid line filling port and a sensor port configuration according to the prior art;

[0019] Figure 2 is a partial front cross-sectional view through a central plane of an assembly of a filling port and a sensor cover according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sensor cover includes a first flow configuration therethrough;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded front cross-sectional view of the filling port and the sensor cover prior to assembly thereof;

[0021] Figure 4 is a partial front cross-sectional view through a central plane of an assembly of a filling port and a sensor cover according to another embodiment of the present invention and having a second flow configuration therethrough;

[0022] Figure 5 According to another embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 A partial front cross-sectional view of a filling port and a sensor cover assembly, wherein an axially compressed sealing element is disposed between the filling port and the sensor cover assembly;

[0023] Figure 6 is a partial front cross-sectional view of a fill port and sensor cover assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sensor cover includes a metal inner body and an overmolded outer body;

[0024] Figures 7 to 11 yes Figure 6 Various enlarged partial views of different structural configurations of the base surface of the inner body that can be used to achieve a seal with the filling port or the intermediate sealing element; and

[0025] Fig.12is a partial elevational cross-sectional view of a fill port and sensor cover assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sensor cover includes an inner body sealed against a pressure plate of an outer body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following technical description of the essence of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more embodiments is exemplary only and is not intended to limit the scope, application or use of any particular embodiment claimed in this application or in such other applications that may claim priority of this application or submit priority of a patent issued by this application. With respect to the disclosed method, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and therefore, the order of the steps may be different in various embodiments. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, when describing the broadest scope of the present technology, all numerical values ​​in this description should be understood to be modified by the word "about", and all geometric and spatial descriptors should be understood to be modified by the word "substantially".

[0027] Unless otherwise expressly indicated, all documents cited in this detailed description, including patents, patent applications, and scientific literature, are incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between documents incorporated by reference and this detailed description, the detailed description shall prevail.

[0028] Although the open-ended term "comprising" is used herein as a synonym for non-limiting terms such as including, containing, or having to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, more restrictive terms such as "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of" may alternatively be used to describe various embodiments. Thus, for any given embodiment that describes a material, component, or process step, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments that consist of or consist essentially of such material, component, or process step, without including additional materials, components, or processes (for consisting of such materials, components, or process steps) and without including additional materials, components, or processes (for consisting essentially of such materials, components, or process steps) that affect the significant properties of the embodiment, even if such additional materials, components, or processes are not explicitly described in this application. For example, a description of a composition or process that describes elements A, B, and C specifically contemplates embodiments that consist of and consist essentially of A, B, and C, without including element D, which may be described in the art, even if element D is not explicitly described herein as not being included.

[0029] Unless otherwise stated, the disclosure of a range includes endpoints and includes all different values ​​and further divided ranges within the entire range. Therefore, for example, the range of "from A to B" or "from about A to about B" includes A and B. The disclosure of values ​​and ranges of values ​​for specific parameters (such as, amount, weight percentage, etc.) does not exclude other values ​​and ranges of values ​​available herein. It is conceivable that two or more specific exemplified values ​​for a given parameter can define endpoints within the range of values ​​that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein as having a value A and also exemplified as having a value Z, it is conceivable that parameter X can have a range of values ​​from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is conceivable that the disclosure of two or more ranges of values ​​for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or different) contains all possible combinations of ranges of values ​​that may be claimed using the endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if parameter X is illustrated herein as having a value in a range of 1 to 10, or 2 to 9, or 3 to 8, it is also contemplated that parameter X can have other ranges of values, including 1 to 9, 1 to 8, 1 to 3, 1 to 2, 2 to 10, 2 to 8, 2 to 3, 3 to 10, 3 to 9, etc.

[0030] The present invention combines any sensor that senses pressure, temperature, pressure and temperature, flow rate, mass, intermolecular chromatography and other physical properties of a fluid into a cap that is placed over an existing charging port (refrigerant inlet valve) for a refrigeration system. The combined sensor cap for the charging port eliminates the need for a separate sensor (which also requires a switch port) and a charging port cap by integrating the sensor and cap into a new multi-purpose device.

[0031] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A sensor cap 10 is disclosed according to an embodiment of the present invention that is configured for removably coupling to a filling port 12. As explained below, with reference to Figure 1 In the prior art configuration shown in , the use of the sensor cap 10 to cover the charging port 12 eliminates the need to use a separately provided sensor port 4 and sensor cap 5 to sense the properties of the refrigerant along the corresponding refrigerant circuit relative to the location where the corresponding fluid line 2 intersects the refrigerant circuit. Additionally, the sealing cap 3 of the prior art also does not need to selectively cover the charging port 12 when it is not used to convey the refrigerant from the refrigerant source to the location where the corresponding fluid line 2 intersects the refrigerant circuit, such as when charging the refrigerant circuit. Therefore, the disclosed sensor cap 10 eliminates the use of a second port along the fluid line 2 of the prior art, and instead enables the use of only a single fluid coupling structure to form a combined refrigerant supply source and sensing device relative to a desired location along the corresponding refrigerant circuit.

[0032] The charging port 12 can be in fluid communication with any desired location along the corresponding refrigerant circuit while remaining within the scope of the present invention. In some cases, the refrigerant system may include two or more of the charging ports 12, the two or more charging ports being disposed at different locations along the refrigerant system for transferring refrigerant to or from the refrigerant circuit and / or for sensing the properties of the refrigerant relative to each of the different locations. For example, the refrigerant circuit may include: a first charging port in the charging port 12, the first charging port being in fluid communication with a high-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit disposed downstream of its compressor and upstream of its expansion device; and a second charging port in the charging port 12, the second charging port being in fluid communication with a low-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit disposed downstream of its expansion device and upstream of its compressor. Each of the charging ports 12 used in the fluid system may include a corresponding sensor cap 10 disposed above the charging port in a manner described herein.

[0033] As shown, the charging port 12 can be provided at the end of the tubular fluid line 2 extending from the corresponding refrigerant circuit, such as at the end of the tubular fluid line 2 extending from the corresponding refrigerant circuit, relative to the prior art (without the sensor port 4 and the cover 5). Figure 1 , or can be directly integrated into the structure of any component of the refrigerant circuit, such as into the inlet or outlet structure associated with the heat exchanger or other components along the refrigerant circuit. It should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the charging port 12 and the sensor cover 10 as shown and described herein will maintain the same structure and method of operation regardless of how the charging port 12 is integrated into the corresponding refrigerant circuit, or regardless of where the charging port 12 is in fluid communication with the flow path formed by the refrigerant circuit.

[0034] Although described herein as a charging port for a refrigeration system, it should be understood that the combined sensor cap 10 as shown and described herein can be used in other fluid systems such as MAC, HVAC, PTC, petroleum fuels, hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, steering, hydraulic and braking applications as non-limiting examples. It should also be understood that there can be multiple charging ports of an associated system, each of which is associated with one of the disclosed sensor caps 10, wherein each of the sensor caps 10 of the associated system can be responsible for detecting / measuring any of a variety of properties of a corresponding fluid such as pressure, temperature, flow rate, fluid quality, molecular chromatography and / or other physical properties.

[0035] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown in , the charging port 12 includes a rod 13 having a valve assembly 30 disposed therein. As explained below, the valve assembly 30 is configured to be normally pushed toward a closed position when the sensor cover 10 is removed from the charging port 12 and before engaging with a corresponding charging mechanism associated with introducing a fluid (refrigerant) into a corresponding fluid system (refrigerant system) via the charging port 12. The valve assembly 30 is also configured to be repositioned from the closed position to the open position against the push of the valve assembly 30 when properly engaged with a corresponding fitting of a charging mechanism (not shown) configured to deliver refrigerant to the charging port 12. The connection of the sensor cover 10 of the present invention to the charging port 12 is similarly configured to reposition the valve assembly 30 from a normally closed position to an open position, thereby providing a fluid path for the corresponding fluid (refrigerant) sensed by the sensing device 15 associated with the disclosed sensor cover 10.

[0036] The stem 13 of the filling port 12 is formed by a generally cylindrical circumferential wall 14 having an outer circumferential surface 16, an inner circumferential surface 17, and an axial end surface 18 connecting the circumferential surfaces 16, 17 at a distal axial end 19 of the circumferential wall 14. The thickness of the circumferential wall 14, as measured in a radial direction of the circumferential wall between the inner circumferential surface 16 and the outer circumferential surface 17, may decrease toward the distal axial end 19 to form a guide feature 20 of the filling port 12 for guiding axial insertion and engagement between the filling port 12 and the sensor cover 10. The stem 13 may be formed of substantially any rigid material, including metallic materials.

[0037] The inner circumferential surface 17 of the wall 14 defines a generally cylindrical opening 21 along the central axis of the rod 13. Figure 2As shown in , the inner circumferential surface 17 can be divided to include: a first cylindrical section 23, which extends axially inward from the distal axial end 19; a second cylindrical section 24, which extends axially inward from the axial inner end of the first cylindrical section 23; and a stopper protrusion 25 extending radially inward and annularly shaped, which is provided at the axial inner end of the second cylindrical section 24. The first cylindrical section 23 includes a first inner diameter, the second cylindrical section 24 includes a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter, and the radially innermost surface of the stopper protrusion 25 includes a third inner diameter smaller than the second inner diameter. The first cylindrical section 23 includes a first internal threaded portion 26 provided along it, and the second cylindrical section 24 includes a second internal threaded portion 27 provided along it. The flow space 28 is formed in the opening 21 at a position beyond the stop projection 25 and represents a portion of the opening 21 which is always fluidically coupled to the associated fluid system (refrigerant circuit), such that the opening of the valve assembly 30 allows an axial flow through the charging port 12 by means of the flow space 28. The flow space 28 is respectively traversed by the fluid when a charging process occurs, in which the fluid is transferred to the fluid system (refrigerant circuit), and during a sensing process, in which the fluid must be transferred to the sensor cover 10 for detecting and measuring the desired properties of the fluid.

[0038] The valve assembly 30 includes: a core structure 31; a valve body 50 that is movable relative to the core structure 31 for opening and closing the flow of a fluid (refrigerant) through the valve assembly 30; and a spring element 60 that axially urges the valve body 50 toward a closed position of the valve assembly 30, wherein the valve body 50 sealingly engages the core structure 31 to prevent flow between the valve body and the core structure. The valve body 50 includes a central axis 51 that axially extends from a poppet 52 disposed at an axially inner end thereof to a cap engagement structure 53 disposed at an axially outer end thereof. The poppet 52 extends radially outward from the central axis 51 and includes an annular sealing structure 54 disposed along a radially outer region thereof, the annular sealing structure 54 being configured to selectively seal and engage the core structure 31 when the valve assembly 30 is adjusted to the closed position by the urging of the spring element 60.

[0039] The core structure 31 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a first axial end surface 32, an opposite second axial end surface 33, an outer circumferential surface 34, and an oppositely disposed inner circumferential surface 35. The first axial end surface 32 is configured to face the direction of axial insertion of the core structure 31 into the opening 21 of the stem 13 and may form a valve seat surface of the valve assembly 30 for engaging a sealing structure 54 of the valve body 50 formed around the poppet 52 of the valve body 50. The outer circumferential surface 34 may include an annular shaped and radially inwardly extending recess or groove 36 formed therein and a shoulder 37 disposed at an axial end of the recess or groove 36 facing the second axial end surface 33. The recess or groove 36 is configured to receive an annular sealing element 38, such as an O-ring, therein to establish an annular seal between the outer circumferential surface 34 of the core structure 31 and the inner circumferential surface 17 of the stem 13 when the valve assembly 30 is received in the recess or groove 36. Specifically, the sealing element 38 can be axially and radially compressed at the location where the sealing element 38 engages the stop protrusion 25 formed along the inner circumferential surface 17. The shoulder 37 can be configured to include an outer diameter that is smaller than the second inner diameter and larger than the third inner diameter so that the shoulder 37 engages the stop protrusion 25 at the location where the core structure 31 is maximally axially inserted into the rod 13.

[0040] The outer circumferential surface 34 also includes an external threaded portion 39 that is configured to be rotatably threadedly connected to the second internal threaded portion 27 of the rod 13. That is, the core structure 31 is configured to be axially inserted into the opening 21 and then rotated relative to the opening 21 so that the external threaded portion 39 is threadably engaged and traverses the second internal threaded portion 27 until the axial position of the core structure 31 is established relative to the stop projection 25 of the rod 13 and a seal is established between the rod 13 and the core structure 31 at the sealing element 38.

[0041] The inner circumferential surface 35 of the core structure 31 defines a flow opening 40 for conveying fluid (refrigerant) through the valve assembly 30 when the valve body 50 is adjusted to an open position relative to the core structure 31, in which the sealing structure 54 of the poppet 52 is sealingly disengaged from the valve seat surface formed by the first axial end surface 32 of the core structure 31. The flow opening 40 can be generally cylindrical in shape and can be arranged concentrically relative to the central axis 51 of the valve body 50. In addition to providing a fluid path through the core structure 31, the flow opening 40 also receives the central axis 51 of the valve body 50 therethrough to position the poppet 52 and the cover engagement structure 53 on opposite axial ends of the core structure 31.

[0042] The core structure 31 further defines a collar 41 at a second axial end surface 33 of the core structure 31. The collar 41 includes a generally cylindrical inner circumferential surface 42 that is sized to slidably receive therein a cylindrical central axis 51 of the valve body 50 to restrict movement of the valve body 50 relative to the core structure 31 only in the axial direction when the valve assembly 30 is adjusted between the open position and the closed position of the valve assembly 30. The collar 41 is shown in the present embodiment as an axially extending through hole formed as a laterally extending bridge portion of the core structure 31 that extends between diametrically opposite sides of the flow opening 40 toward the second axial end 33 of the core structure 31. However, alternative configurations of the opening 40 and the collar 41 may be used to axially guide the central axis 51 of the valve body 50 while remaining within the scope of the present invention, as long as the fluid flow path is maintained through the core structure 31 in the manner described herein.

[0043] The cover engagement structure 53 includes an axially outwardly facing cover engagement surface 55 and an oppositely disposed and axially inwardly facing spring engagement surface 56. The cover engagement structure 53 is shown as including an axially symmetrical hemispherical shape, thereby resulting in the cover engagement surface 55 having a circular cross-sectional shape that tapers radially outward from a point disposed at the distal end of the cover engagement structure 53 along the central axis of the central shaft 51 to a circular edge around which the cover engagement surface 55 intersects the spring engagement surface 56. However, alternative axially symmetrical shapes having a tapered circular cross section may be used to form the cover engagement surface 55, including using a conical or frustoconical surface as desired. The spring engagement surface 56 is annular in shape and extends transversely relative to the central axis of the central shaft 51.

[0044] The spring element 60 of the illustrated embodiment is a coil spring extending axially from a first end 61 of the spring element to a second end 62, wherein the coil spring is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the central axis 51 of the valve body 50. The first end 61 engages the core structure 31 as formed along the collar 41 thereof, and the second end 62 engages the spring engagement surface 56 when the spring element 60 is in its normally compressed state, thereby causing the spring element 60 to be pressed against the cover engagement surface 55 in a direction that generally urges the valve body 50 toward the closed position of the valve body 50, in which the sealing structure 54 of the poppet 52 sealingly engages the valve seat surface formed by the first axial end surface 32 of the core structure 31. The spring element 60 is also configured to require additional axial compression thereof for reducing the axial spacing between the collar 41 and the cover engagement structure 53 when the valve assembly 30 is adjusted from the closed position to the open position.

[0045] It should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the filling port 12 as shown and described herein can be configured to include its valve assembly 30, which is directly integrated into the structure of the corresponding stem 13 while remaining within the scope of the present invention. That is, the valve assembly 30 does not need to be configured as a removable component of the filling port 12 to produce the desired interaction between the filling port 12 and the sensor cover 10, as described below. It should also be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the configuration of the valve assembly 30 as shown and described can include various modifications while similarly maintaining the same method of operation related to its interaction with the disclosed sensor cover 10, as long as the valve body 50 moves in a direction away from the distal axial end 19 of the stem 13 while resisting the urging of the spring element 60 and further into the opening 21 causing the valve body 50 to disengage from the corresponding valve seat surface for adjusting the valve assembly 30 from its closed position to the open position. Another example of a similar filling port configuration that may be suitable for use with the sensor cover 10 of the present invention is shown and described in US Pat. No. 6,266,971, which is incorporated herein by reference to further supplement the description of the structure and function of the filling port 12 shown herein.

[0046] The sensor cover 10 includes a generally cylindrical body 70 ( Figure 3). The body 70 can be formed of substantially any rigid material as desired, including plastic or metal materials. The first axial end 71 forms a front end of the body 70, which is configured for axial insertion into the opening 21 and / or a guide feature 20 provided at the second axial end 72 around the distal axial end 19 of the rod 13 axially outside the opening 21. The first axial end 71 of the body 70 includes a central axial protrusion 73 and a surrounding sleeve 74, each of which protrudes axially away from a base surface 75, which connects the central axial protrusion 73 and the sleeve 74 in a radial direction of the body 70. The central axial protrusion 73 includes an outer circumferential surface 76 having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the first inner diameter of the first cylindrical section 23 and slightly larger than the second inner diameter of the second cylindrical section 24, thereby allowing axial insertion of the central axial protrusion 73 until an axial end surface 77 of the central axial protrusion 73 meets a shoulder at the transition from the first cylindrical section 23 to the second cylindrical section 24. The outer circumferential surface 76 also includes an externally threaded portion 78 configured for rotatably threaded connection to the first internally threaded portion 26 of the rod 13. That is, the central axial protrusion 73 is configured for axial insertion into the opening 21 and then rotation relative to the opening 21 to threadably engage the externally threaded portion 78 and traverse the first internally threaded portion 26 until the axial position of the sensor cover 10 is established relative to the rod 13.

[0047] The sleeve 74 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes an inner circumferential surface 79 that is radially spaced from and faces radially inwardly toward the outer circumferential surface 76 of the central axial protrusion 73. The inner circumferential surface 79 of the sleeve 74 includes an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the stem 13 toward its distal end 19 to facilitate axial entry of the guide feature 20 within the sleeve 74 during coupling of the sensor cap 10 to the filling port 12. The base surface 75 is annular in shape and forms an annular channel 80 ( Figure 3 ) extends radially between the outer circumferential surface 76 of the central axial protrusion 73 and the inner circumferential surface 79 of the sleeve 74, wherein the channel 80 is defined by the cooperation of the inner circumferential surface 79, the base surface 75 and the outer circumferential surface 76. The channel 80 is shaped and sized to receive the guide feature 20 of the stem 13 in the channel 80 when the sensor cap 10 is fully received in the opening 21 and around the stem 13, with the distal axial end 19 of the stem 13 facing the base surface 75 and (potentially) engaging the base surface 75.

[0048] The inner circumferential surface 79 of the sleeve 74 along the passage 80 may also include a radially outwardly extending notch or groove 81 formed therein for receiving an annular sealing element 82 therein. The annular sealing element 82 may be an O-ring having a circular cross-sectional shape and an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the rod 13 along its guide feature 20 so that the annular sealing element 82 is compressed in a radial direction when the annular sealing element 82 is received between the guide feature 20 and the sleeve 74. The annular sealing element 82 may accordingly provide a fluid tight seal around the rod 13 for preventing undesired flow of fluid (refrigerant) between the central axial protrusion 73 and the rod 13 toward the distal axial end 19 of the rod 13. The annular sealing element 82 may be formed of an elastomeric material (rubber) as desired.

[0049] The body 70 of the sensor cover 10 includes a fluid flow path formed therein, which includes a valve receiving opening 83, a sensor chamber 84, and a flow passage 85 connecting the sensor chamber 84 to the valve receiving opening 83. The valve receiving opening 83 is formed in the central axial protrusion 73 and includes a cylindrical section 86 and a conical section 87 extending axially away from the cylindrical section 86. The cylindrical section 86 extends axially inward from the axial end surface 77 of the central axial protrusion 73 and the conical section 87 tapers radially inward as the conical section 87 extends axially away from the cylindrical section 86 and toward the flow passage 85. The inner circumferential surface 88 of the valve receiving opening 83 has an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the central shaft 51 of the valve body 50 along the cylindrical section 86 of the valve receiving opening 83 to allow a fluid (refrigerant) to flow between the outer circumferential surface of the central shaft 51 and the inner circumferential surface 88. The flow passage 85 extends axially from the end of the conical section 87 having the smallest inner diameter, which follows the inward taper of the conical section 87 toward the second axial end 72 of the body 70. The flow passage 85 is cylindrical in shape and extends axially from the valve receiving opening 83 in a direction toward the second axial end 72 of the body 70 before intersecting with and opening into the sensor chamber 84. The inner diameter of the flow passage 85 is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the cap engagement structure 53 of the valve body 50 to prevent the valve body 50 from being axially inserted through the flow passage 85. Instead, the cap engagement surface 55 of the cap engagement structure 53 is positioned to engage the inner circumferential surface 88 of the valve receiving opening 83 along the conical section 87 of the valve receiving opening 83 when the sensor cap 10 (via the threaded connection of the sensor cap 10 relative to the filling port 12) is axially inserted into the opening 21 a sufficient axial distance.

[0050] The sensor chamber 84 of the disclosed embodiment is generally cylindrical in shape and radially enlarged compared to the flow passage 85, but the sensor chamber 84 may include any shape for passing a fluid (refrigerant) therethrough while remaining within the scope of the present invention. The sensor chamber 84 forms an open space within the body 70 in which a corresponding fluid (refrigerant) may be exposed to one or more sensing devices 89 of the sensor cap 10 configured to measure one of the physical properties of the fluid therein.

[0051] The sensor cover 10 and the valve assembly 30 of the filling port 12 are configured to always provide fluid communication between the flow space 28, which is formed in the stem 13 at an axial position beyond the valve assembly 30, and the sensor chamber 84 when the sensor cover 10 is fully threadedly inserted into the filling port 12. That is, the assembly of the sensor cover 10 and the filling port 12 includes a structural feature in which the adjustment of the valve body 50 from the normally closed position to the open position against the urging of the spring element 60 always forms a fluid path between the sensor chamber 84 and the flow space 28, the fluid path including the flow passage 85, the valve receiving opening 83, the length of the second cylindrical section 24 of the opening 21 extending between the sensor cover 10 and the core structure 31, the flow opening 40 through the core structure 31, and the annular space formed between the poppet 52 and the first axial end surface 32 when the poppet 52 is disengaged from the first axial end surface 32 when the valve assembly 30 is in the open position. Such a continuously open flow path may be provided along the valve receiving opening 83 via a variety of different relationships existing between the valve body 50 and the inner circumferential surface 88 of the body 70 while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a first configuration for establishing the described flow path, wherein a central axis of the valve body 50 (passing through the center of each of the central axis 51 and the cover engaging structure 53) is aligned (coincident) with a central axis of the flow passage 85, and a central axis of the valve receiving opening 83 (including a central axis of each of the cylindrical section 86 and the conical section 87) is offset from the central axis of the valve body 50 and the flow passage 85 in an axial direction perpendicular to the valve body 50 and the flow passage 85, which may represent an offset in a radial direction of either the valve body 50 or the flow passage 85. Figure 2 and Figure 3The perspective view of FIG. 8 includes a central axis of the valve receiving opening 83 offset vertically upward relative to the central axis of the valve body 50 and the flow passage 85 so that a flow path is formed between the cover engagement surface 55 and the inner circumferential surface 88 of the valve body 50 along the conical section 87 of the valve receiving opening 83. The conical section 87 of the cover engagement surface 55 and the inner circumferential surface 88, each having a circular cross-sectional shape (when viewed axially) combined with the radial offset of its central axis, forms a generally crescent-shaped opening between the cover engagement surface 55 and the conical section 87. As described, the offset of the central axis also enables the cover engagement structure 53 to axially advance along the valve receiving opening 83 and engage the inner circumferential surface 88 in a manner that resists the urging of the spring element 60 to apply an axial force to the cover engagement surface 55, while preventing blockage of the flow path caused by the final matching of the circular and conical cross-sectional shapes of the cover engagement structure 53 and the inner circumferential surface 88 during the insertion of the cover engagement structure 53 into the conical section 87.

[0053] Figure 4 A second configuration of the sensor cover 10 is illustrated which is otherwise similar to that described with respect to FIG. 1 except for the alternative form of radial offset present at the interaction between the valve body 50, the valve receiving opening 83 and the flow passage 85. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The configuration shown and described is the same. Figure 4 , the valve body 50 and the valve receiving opening 83 are axially aligned with each other (arranged concentrically), and the central axis of the flow passage 85 is offset from the central axis of the valve body 50 and the valve receiving opening 83 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the valve body 50 and the valve receiving opening 83, which can mean an offset in the radial direction of either the valve body 50 or the valve receiving opening 83. Figure 4 , the offset of the flow passage 85 is shown to occur in a vertically downward direction. In a manner similar to the first configuration described above, the offset circular cross-section of the cover engagement surface 55 and the flow passage 85 forms a generally crescent-shaped opening between the cover engagement surface 55 and the flow passage 85, thereby allowing fluid to pass therethrough.

[0054] The offset of one of the axes of the valve receiving opening 83 and / or the flow passage 85 provides a beneficial configuration for efficiently manufacturing the sensor cover 10 to form the continuous open flow path described at the interaction of the sensor cover 10 with the valve body 50, because each of the valve receiving opening 83 and the flow passage 85 can be formed as a hole formed through the body 70 for connecting the outer surface of the body 70 to the sensor chamber 84 disposed inside. The corresponding manufacturing process therefore only requires the body 70 to be properly positioned before each drilling process is applied to the body 70 to produce the necessary configuration for forming a continuous flow path, without requiring any additional modification, cutting or deformation. The configuration of the filling port 12 and, in particular, the valve body 50 of the filling port 12 also does not require any form of modification thereto, because the hole can be formed through the body 70 to accommodate the structure of substantially any known valve assembly 30 having the general configuration disclosed herein.

[0055] The offsets shown in the drawings may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the concept of forming a continuous flow path in the manner described. In practice, favorable results have been found using an offset (radial) of between 0.001 mm and 0.20 mm between corresponding center axes that are intentionally offset relative to any of the disclosed configurations. Particularly favorable results have been found using an offset of approximately 0.1 mm relative to any of the disclosed configurations. It should be understood that other offset distances may be used as desired.

[0056] It should be readily apparent that additional modifications to the shape of the sensor cover 10 may be utilized to provide the relationship contemplated above while remaining within the scope of the present invention. For example, an open space may be formed or machined on one side at the intersection of the valve receiving opening 83 and the flow passage 85 so that fluid can always flow between the valve receiving opening 83 and the flow passage 85, even in the case where the valve receiving opening 83, the flow passage 85, and the valve body 50 share a common central axis, so that the valve body 50 is nested within the valve receiving opening 83 and the flow passage 85 in a manner that would otherwise block the flow path therethrough.

[0057] The body 70 of the sensor cover 10 also includes an electronics housing portion 95 ( Figure 3 ), the sensor electronics are associated with the corresponding sensor device 89 for sensing the pressure, temperature, pressure and temperature, flow rate, mass, molecular chromatography and any other physical characteristics of the fluid that can be monitored within the system. Wires, contacts and connections are also provided in the electronics housing portion 95 to achieve the proper transmission of the sensor signals to the desired instrument or other readout device as required.

[0058] The filling port 12 and sensor cover 10 assembly operates as follows, wherein it is assumed that the filling port 12 has been assembled as follows. Figure 2 , in which the core structure 31 has been axially positioned within the rod 13. Additionally, it is also assumed that the valve assembly 30 is pushed to the normally closed position ( ) of the valve assembly 30 before the sensor cap 10 is removably coupled to the filling port 12. Figure 3 ). The sensor cap 10 is axially aligned with the stem 13 of the filling port 12, and the sensor cap 10 is axially translated with the guide feature 20 of the stem 13, which is received in the channel 80 formed between the central axial protrusion 73 and the surrounding sleeve 74. Eventually, the externally threaded portion 78 of the central axial protrusion 73 will encounter the first internally threaded portion 26 of the opening 21, so that rotational tightening of the sensor cap 10 relative to the stem 13 is required to continue to axially advance the sensor cap 10 relative to the filling port 12.

[0059] The valve body 50 of the valve assembly 30 and the central axial protrusion 73 of the sensor cover 10 are positioned and dimensioned relative to each other during axial insertion of the sensor cover 10 such that the inner circumferential surface 88 of the body 70 defines the valve receiving opening 83 along its conical section 87 to ultimately engage the cover engagement surface 55 of the cover engagement structure 53. Continued threading and axial movement of the sensor cover 10 relative to the filling port 12 then causes the inner circumferential surface 88 to force the cover engagement structure 53 to move axially toward the collar 41 to further compress the spring element 60, which simultaneously disengages the poppet 52 and corresponding sealing structure 54 at the opposite end of the central shaft 51 from the valve seat formed by the first axial end surface 32 of the core structure 31, thereby adjusting the valve assembly 30 to its open position. The described axial movement of sensor cap 10 relative to stem 13 also causes annular sealing element 82 to be radially compressed between sleeve 74 and guide feature 20 of stem 13 to seal potential leakage between sensor cap 10 and filling port 12 after sensor cap 10 and filling port 12 are coupled.

[0060] The disclosed coupling of the sensor cover 10 to the filling port 12 maintains the valve assembly 30 in an open position while the configuration of the cover engagement structure 53 relative to the inner circumferential surface 88 of the valve receiving opening 83 maintains a continuously open flow path around the valve body 50. The coupling of the sensor cover 10 to the filling port 12 accordingly results in an open fluid path between the flow space 28 fluidly coupled to the associated fluid system and the sensor chamber 84 having the sensor device 89 therein for detecting and measuring any desired characteristic or property of the fluid conveyed through the flow space 28.

[0061] The sensor cover 10 can be removed from the filling port 12 via a reverse rotational motion for threadably disengaging the sensor cover 10 from the filling port 12. Axial removal of the sensor cover 10 causes the spacing between the cover engagement structure 53 and the collar 41 to continue to increase until the poppet 52 and its sealing structure 54 again engage the valve seat formed by the first axial end surface 32. Thus, the valve assembly 30 returns to the normally closed configuration of the valve assembly 30 to prevent undesired flow from the flow space 28 through the valve assembly 30 after the sensor cover 10 is removed and the annular sealing element 82 is disengaged from the stem 13. Thus, the valve assembly 30 is in a configuration for receiving a suitable filling mechanism having a structure suitable for opening the valve assembly 30 and delivering fluid to the flow space 28 via axial insertion of the filling mechanism in a manner similar to that described herein.

[0062] Now refer to Figure 5 , discloses an alternative sealing configuration between the filling port 12 and the sensor cover 10, wherein an additional annular sealing element 90 is axially disposed between an axial end surface 18 of the stem 13 formed at the distal axial end 19 of the stem 13 and a base surface 75 formed along the base of a channel 80 formed between the central axial protrusion 73 and the surrounding sleeve 74. The annular sealing element 90 is shown as having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape, but alternative shapes may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. The annular sealing element 90 may be formed of an elastomeric material (rubber) that is capable of elastically deforming in response to axial compression between the facing surfaces 18, 75 when the sensor cover 10 is fully axially received relative to the stem 13 of the filling port 12. In addition to the annular sealing element 82, annular sealing elements 90 may also be used, such as Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 8 , an annular sealing element 90 may be used in place of the annular sealing element 82 as desired.

[0063] Figure 6 A sensor cap 110 adapted to be removably coupled to the filling port 12 is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The sensor cap 110 is substantially identical in form to the sensor cap 10, except that the sensor cap 110 is divided into an inner body 111 and an outer body 112, wherein the sensor chamber 84 is formed as an axially extending opening existing between the inner body 111 and the outer body 112. The inner body 111 includes a central axial protrusion 73 (including all flow openings formed therethrough) and a base surface 75 extending radially outwardly from the central axial protrusion 73, while the outer body 112 includes a sleeve 74 and portions of the sensor cap 110 enclosing its sensing device 89.

[0064] Separating the sensor cap 110 into an inner body 111 and an outer body 112 facilitates the ability to utilize metal sealing technology at the joint between the axial end surface 18 of the filling port 12 and the base surface 75 of the inner body 111. The inner body 111 can be provided as an insert formed of a metallic material, while the outer body 112 can be provided as a polymer (plastic) overmold of the metallic inner body 111. Alternatively, the inner body 111 can be received in a complementary opening of the outer body 112 as desired. The inner body 111 can be formed of a brass alloy such as C11000, any mixture of antimony or tin, and / or other mixtures (e.g., "Babbit"). It should be understood that, for example, other metals, such as aluminum, can be used to form the inner body 111 as desired.

[0065] Metal forming of the inner body 111 can facilitate a variety of different sealing configurations between the axial end surface 18 of the stem 13 and the base surface 75 of the inner body 111, all of which include axial insertion of the sensor cover 110 relative to the filling port 12 so that the facing surfaces 18, 75 directly engage each other and / or engage an intermediate sealing element when the sensor cover 110 is adapted to be removably coupled to the filling port 12 for forming a continuously open flow path to the sensor chamber 84. In some embodiments, the guide feature 20 of the stem 13 is formed of a metal material and an annular seal is formed at a location where the axial end surface 18 directly engages the base surface 75 via deformation of one of the facing surfaces 18, 75. In other embodiments, the base surface 75 is formed of one of the described metal materials and further includes adding a metal plate 120 thereon, such as Figure 7 For example, the base surface 75 may have a tin plate disposed thereon and may have a tin thickness between 0.005 mm and 0.50 mm to achieve sealing of the tin plate to the axial end surface 18 via deformation of the tin plate. It should be understood that, for example, other electroplated metals, such as aluminum, may be used as desired. In yet another embodiment, a separately provided metal sealing element 130 (an example of which is shown in Fig.12 ) can be disposed between the facing surfaces 18, 75 for compression and deformation between the surfaces 18 and 75, wherein the metal sealing element 130 can have Figure 5 The general configuration of the annular sealing element 90 is shown in FIG.

[0066] As through Figures 8 to 11As shown, the base surface 75 may also be provided with an axial sealing protrusion 125 extending from the base surface 75 for further facilitating sealing contact between the base surface 75 and the axial end surface 18 of the rod 13 according to each of the above-mentioned sealing configurations. Specifically, each of the axial sealing protrusions 125 extends axially toward the axial end surface 18 in a manner that forms an annular engagement area between the axial distal end surface of each axial sealing protrusion 125 and the axial end surface 18, an intermediate metal sealing element 130 disposed between the base surface 75 and the axial end surface 18, and / or one of the metal plate 120 layers formed on the base surface 75 and including its axial sealing protrusion 125 (not shown in the figure), depending on which of the above-mentioned configurations is utilized. Different disclosed configurations of the axial sealing protrusion 125 include a triangular shape ( Figure 8 ), rounded arch or semicircular shape ( Fig. 9 ), inclined or tapered surfaces ( Fig.10 ), and three-sided polygonal shapes ( Fig.11 ). It should be understood that alternative shapes and configurations of the axial sealing projection 125 may be utilized while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

[0067] Now refer to Fig.12 , shows the configuration of the inner body 111 relative to the outer body 112, which configuration also includes an annular sealing element 150, such as an elastomeric O-ring, arranged between the axial end surface 152 of the inner body 111 and the pressure plate 160 associated with the sensor device 89 of the sensor cover 110, wherein the annular sealing element 150 is axially compressed between the axial end surface 152 and the pressure plate 160 to further seal the connection between the inner body 111 and the outer body 112. Fig.12 The configuration shown in may allow the use of a separately provided inner body 111 that serves as an insert into the outer body 112 during assembly of the sensor cover 110 . Fig.12 Also illustrated is an example where one of the axial seal protrusions 125 contacts a face of an annular metal seal element 130 disposed between the base surface 75 and the axial end surface 18 , as described above.

[0068] Exemplary embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and the scope will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Many specific details, such as examples of specific parts, devices and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the art that specific details need not be adopted, the example embodiments can be implemented in many different forms and neither the specific details nor the example embodiments should be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations can be made to some embodiments, materials, compositions and methods within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.

Claims

1. A sensor cover configured to be removably coupled to a filling port, the filling port comprising a stem defining an opening and a valve assembly disposed within the opening of the stem, the sensor cover comprising: a body having a flow path formed therein, the flow path including a sensor chamber having a sensing device disposed therein; wherein the surface of the body is configured to engage the valve body of the valve assembly during axial insertion of the first portion of the body into the opening of the stem so as to disengage the valve body from the valve seat of the valve assembly, wherein the disengagement of the valve body from the valve seat adjusts the valve assembly from a closed position to an open position, thereby providing fluid communication between a flow space formed in the opening of the stem leading to a first axial side of the valve assembly and the flow path of the body arranged to an opposite second axial side of the valve assembly, wherein the sensing device arranged in the sensor chamber is fluidly connected to the flow space through the flow path when the valve assembly is adjusted to the open position of the valve assembly, thereby allowing the sensing device to sense properties of the fluid from the flow space.

2. The sensor cover according to claim 1, wherein: The flow path of the body also includes a valve receiving opening formed in the flow path and configured to receive a portion of the valve body therein during axial insertion of the first portion of the body into the opening of the stem.

3. The sensor cover according to claim 2, wherein: An interior surface of the body defining the valve receiving opening of the body forms a surface of the body configured to engage the valve body during axial insertion of the first portion of the body into the opening of the stem.

4. The sensor cover according to claim 3, wherein: A flow path is formed between the valve body and a portion of the inner surface of the body that does not directly engage the valve body.

5. The sensor cover according to claim 4, wherein: The flow path is formed by offsetting a central axis of symmetry of the inner surface of the body from a central axis of symmetry of the valve body.

6. The sensor cover according to claim 5, wherein: The valve receiving opening is conical in shape, wherein the inner surface of the body engages the valve body.

7. The sensor cover according to claim 5, wherein: An offset exists between the central axis of symmetry of the inner surface of the body and the central axis of symmetry of the valve body of between 0.001 mm and 2.0 mm.

8. The sensor cover according to claim 5, wherein: Each of the inner surface of the body and the valve body includes a circular cross-sectional shape, wherein the valve body engages the inner surface of the body to cause the flow path to have a crescent shape.

9. The sensor cover according to claim 4, wherein: The flow path of the body also includes a flow passage extending between the valve receiving opening and the sensor chamber and fluidly coupling the valve receiving opening to the sensor chamber.

10. The sensor cover according to claim 9, wherein: The flow passage is formed by offsetting a central axis of symmetry of the flow passage from a central axis of symmetry of the valve body.

11. The sensor cover according to claim 10, wherein: An offset between the central axis of symmetry of the flow passage and the central axis of symmetry of the valve body is between 0.001 mm and 2.0 mm.

12. The sensor cover according to claim 1, wherein: Axial insertion of the first portion of the body into the opening of the rod includes a threaded portion of the body engaging a threaded portion of the rod.

13. The sensor cover according to claim 1, wherein: The first portion of the body is a central axial protrusion of the body, wherein an annular channel is formed in the body between the central axial protrusion of the body and a surrounding annular sleeve, and wherein the channel is configured to receive the distal axial end of the rod in the channel when the central axial protrusion is axially inserted into the opening of the rod.

14. The sensor cover according to claim 13, wherein: When the distal axial end of the stem is received in the passage, an annular sealing element is radially compressed between the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve and the outer circumferential surface of the stem.

15. The sensor cover according to claim 13, wherein: An annular sealing element is axially compressed between a radially extending base surface of the body formed along the passageway and the distal axial end of the stem.

16. The sensor cover according to claim 15, wherein: The annular sealing element is one of metallic or elastomeric.

17. The sensor cover according to claim 13, wherein: A radially extending base surface of the channel includes a metal coating disposed on the base surface, wherein the metal coating disposed on the base surface is axially compressed between the distal axial end of the stem and the base surface.

18. The sensor cover according to claim 13, wherein: The radially extending base surface of the channel includes an axial projection that projects from the base surface in a direction toward the distal axial end of the stem.

19. The sensor cover according to claim 13, wherein: The body is divided into a metallic inner body, which comprises the central axial protrusion and a radially extending base surface of the channel, and a plastic outer body, which comprises the sleeve.

20. The sensor cover according to claim 19, wherein: The outer body is overmolded onto the inner body.

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