Sensor carrier cover element with an externally accessible recess for a fastening means, housing for a sensor, sensor module and method for assembling a sensor module

Abstract

Cover element (130) for covering a sensor carrier (120), wherein the cover element (130) has the following features: a recess (692, 694, 696) in a first surface of the cover element (130), wherein the recess adjoins a second surface of the cover element at a fastening end where a fastening means for attaching the sensor carrier to a support structure is arranged, such that an interior of the recess is accessible from the second surface, wherein the second surface is oriented perpendicular to the first surface, wherein the recess (692, 694, 696) has a range of movement (692) for the fastening element (580), wherein the recess (692, 694, 696) has a section (694) at an end of the movement area opposite the end of the fastening means which is narrowed relative to the movement area, wherein the range of motion (692) has a length that is less than a length of the fastening element (580).

Description

[0001] Sensor carrier cover element with an externally accessible recess for a fastening means, housing for a sensor, sensor module and method for assembling a sensor module

[0002] The present invention relates to a cover element for a sensor carrier, a housing for a sensor, and a sensor module comprising such a sensor carrier and such a cover element, which can be used, for example, in connection with sensors that can be installed in a vehicle transmission. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for assembling a sensor module.

[0003] DE 691 27 871 T2 shows a shielded display instrument.

[0004] DE 10 2006 032 999 B4 discloses a sensor assembly with a sensor strip, wherein a housing with a housing base body is provided, the housing having a housing compartment.

[0005] In DE 33 21 299 A1 a housing structure for mounting electrical measuring instruments is disclosed.

[0006] DE 37 06 168 A1 describes a measuring sensor with a trough-shaped housing top.

[0007] DE 90 14 135 U1 shows a distance measuring device.

[0008] PRND sensors are used to detect the shift position of an automatic transmission. The abbreviation "PRND" stands for the possible shift positions of an automatic transmission: Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D). A sensor module containing such a PRND sensor is typically attached to the transmission with a screw. The screw is supplied with the entire sensor module, and there is a risk of it being lost during transport.

[0009] Against this background, the present invention provides an improved cover element for a sensor carrier, an improved housing for a sensor, an improved sensor module, and an improved method for assembling a sensor module according to the main claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0010] The present invention is based on the finding that the aforementioned disadvantage of the prior art can be eliminated by means of a transport securing device for a fastening element, for example a screw, for mounting, for example, a sensor module in a gearbox. For this purpose, a housing part of the sensor module, in particular the cover element, can be designed to securely hold the fastening element and make it ready for installation. This can be achieved, for example, by a special design of part of the sensor housing. The fastening element can, for example, be held in a socket of a housing part and, after the attachment of another housing part such as the cover element, can no longer move completely out of the socket and thus can no longer be lost.

[0011] An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a way to transport a fastening element, such as a screw, together with a sensor module without the fastening element being lost before the sensor module is installed in a transmission. Furthermore, the sensor module can be attached to the transmission easily and conveniently. The present invention makes it possible to store a fastening element for attaching a sensor module, for example to a vehicle transmission, securely and ready for attachment within a part of the sensor module housing. No additional components are required for this purpose. The present invention thus provides a simple, cost-effective, and reliable means of securing the fastening element during transport.

[0012] The present invention provides a cover element for covering a sensor carrier, wherein the cover element has the following feature: a recess in a first surface of the cover element, wherein the recess at a socket end adjoins a second surface of the cover element, such that an interior of the recess is accessible from the second surface, in particular wherein the second surface is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first surface.

[0013] The present invention further provides a housing for a sensor, comprising a sensor carrier with a fastening means for attaching the sensor carrier to a support structure, wherein in particular the fastening means is arranged in a socket and wherein the housing has a cover element according to an embodiment in this description and the cover element can be mounted on or is mounted on the sensor carrier.

[0014] The present invention also provides a sensor module which has the following features: a sensor carrier with a socket for a fastening device for attaching the sensor carrier to a support structure; the fastening element that is inserted into the socket of the sensor carrier; a sensor that is arranged on the sensor carrier; and the cover element according to one of the design variants in this description.

[0015] Finally, the present invention provides a method for assembling a sensor module, the method comprising the following steps: Providing a sensor carrier with a fastening means arranged at least partially in a socket for fastening the sensor carrier to a support structure, in particular with a sensor attached to the sensor carrier;

[0016] Providing a cover element for the sensor carrier, wherein the cover element has a recess in a first surface of the cover element, the recess being adjacent to a second surface of the cover element at a socket end, such that an interior of the recess is accessible from the second surface, in particular wherein the second surface is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first surface; and

[0017] Mounting the cover element onto the sensor carrier to assemble the sensor module.

[0018] The sensor can be suitable for a specific application. In particular, it can be a sensor suitable as a PRND sensor, for example, a magnetic field sensor such as a Hall sensor. The sensor can be used as a displacement sensor. The sensor carrier can be made of plastic, for example, as an injection-molded part. The sensor carrier can have a mounting area for attaching the sensor. The sensor carrier can also have a contact area for electrically connecting the sensor. Furthermore, the sensor carrier can have a fastening area for attaching the sensor carrier to a support structure, for example, a part of a gearbox. The fastening area of ​​the sensor carrier can include a socket or similar feature to accept a fastener, such as a screw.The bushing can be provided with an internal thread.

[0019] The cover element can be attached to a corresponding sensor carrier and can be designed as a chip guard, providing protection against machining residue, abrasion, and generally conductive particles for the sensor contact area of ​​the sensor carrier. The cover element can be designed in its dimensions and shape so that, when mounted, it seals against areas of the sensor carrier, thus preventing the ingress of contaminants into the gap between the sensor carrier and the cover element. However, the cover element should not be completely fluid-tight when attached to the sensor carrier to prevent conductive fluid from accumulating within the cover element and causing electrical interference. The cover element can be made of plastic, for example, as an injection-molded part.The cover element can have suitable fastening devices for attaching the cover element to the sensor carrier. The recess can be a through-opening or, with respect to its circumference, a more than half-closed, trough-shaped or basin-shaped depression in the cover element, which projects from a first surface, for example, an outer surface of the housing, into a covered area beneath the cover element when the cover element is mounted on the sensor carrier. The recess is accessible from several sides or surfaces, i.e., in addition to the first surface, also from a second side or surface that is inclined to the first surface, in particular at a right angle. Such a right-angled arrangement of the two surfaces...The design allows for very precise positioning of the cover element on the sensor carrier, ensuring precise actuation of the fastener in the direction of its axis of movement through the recess. Access to the recess from this second surface is provided at one end, which, when the cover element is mounted, faces a socket and / or a fastener located therein. The recess can be designed in its arrangement within the cover element, as well as in its dimensions and shape, such that the fastener can be accommodated within the recess and that the socket end of the recess is positioned in the area of ​​the sensor carrier's socket when the cover element is attached to the sensor carrier.Before attaching the sensor carrier to a support structure using the fastening device, the fastening device does not need to be fully inserted into the socket of the sensor carrier.

[0020] This means, for example, that the fastener can protrude further from the socket towards the cover element than if the sensor carrier were mounted to a support structure using the fastener. It should be noted that the fastener does not protrude from the socket along its entire length; therefore, at least a small portion of the fastener is always located within the socket. This protruding portion of the fastener is the section that can be received in the recess.

[0021] The housing can be a PRND sensor housing. This allows the housing to be installed in an automatic transmission. The cover element protects, among other things, electrical components that are susceptible to contamination and serve as the sensor's contact point. This enables the housing to operate the sensor even in environments where contamination is expected, such as in transmission applications. The sensor itself can be, for example, a magnetic field sensor positioned at a suitable sensing location on the sensor carrier.

[0022] It is also advantageous if the recess has a tool insertion point, wherein the recess at the tool insertion point adjoins a third (i.e., additional) surface of the cover element, so that the interior of the recess is accessible from the third surface. A tool insertion point is understood to be a passage from the recess to the third surface through which a tool, for example, for actuating the fastener, can be inserted. The third surface can, for example, be opposite the second surface. In other words, the first surface can be arranged between the second and third surfaces.This offers the advantage that, due to this design of the recess as a through-opening, a fastening element located in the recess can be accessed, for example with a tool, and thus the sensor carrier can be easily mounted on a support structure.

[0023] According to the present invention, the recess has a movement area for a fastening element for attaching the sensor carrier to a support structure, wherein the recess has a section extending into the recess at an end of the movement area opposite the end of the bushing. The inner diameter of the recess at the end of the movement area opposite the end of the bushing is smaller than the outer diameter of the fastening element. Designing a section of the recess as a movement area for the fastening element offers the advantage of reliably limiting the movement of the fastening element to prevent its loss.

[0024] According to the present invention, the movement area has a length that is less than the length of the fastener. In a further embodiment, the recess can be configured to surround the fastener within the movement area by more than half of its circumference. The length of the movement area is the length of the portion of the recess that serves to receive the fastener. The shorter length of the movement area relative to the length of the fastener prevents the fastener from falling out of the recess or the movement area of ​​the recess and thus being lost before installation. The shape of the recess within the movement area allows the fastener to be efficiently held or guided by surrounding it within a portion of more than half its circumference.Such an embodiment of the present invention offers the advantage that the fastening element is virtually prevented from falling out of the recess. The length of the movement range in which the moving element can move within the recess can also be less than the length of the fastening element by more than the length of a socket of the sensor carrier. This, in turn, offers the advantage that the fastening element can protrude sufficiently at the end of the socket facing away from the cover element, so that this protruding end is helpful and advantageous as a pre-centering aid during the mounting of the sensor carrier on the support structure.

[0025] It is particularly advantageous if the recess has a tool access area for inserting a tool to actuate the fastener, wherein the tool access area is arranged between the tool insertion point and the movement area, and wherein an inner diameter of the recess decreases from the tool insertion point to the movement area within the tool access area. Such an embodiment of the present invention offers the advantage that access to the fastener with a tool is facilitated, since the decreasing inner diameter centers the tool when it moves towards the fastener.

[0026] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the recess can have a movement area for the fastening element, which is arranged between the bushing end and the movement area, wherein the inner diameter of the recess in the movement area remains constant or decreases from the first open end towards the movement area. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that, with a decreasing inner diameter of the recess in the movement area towards the section projecting into the recess, manufacturing the recess in the movement area can be facilitated. If, for example, manufacturing is carried out by means of an injection molding process, the shape of this embodiment allows for easier demolding.

[0027] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, in another embodiment of the present invention, the sensor carrier has at least one cable fixing element formed integrally with the sensor carrier in a region of an outer surface of the sensor carrier for fixing and guiding a cable associated with an external electronic component, and / or the cover element has at least one cable fixing element formed integrally with the cover element in a region of an outer surface of the cover element for fixing and guiding a cable associated with an external electronic component. The external electronic component can, for example, be another sensor arranged adjacent to the sensor. An electrical connection is established to the other sensor, which can be, for example, a temperature sensor, speed sensor, or the like, via the cable.The cable of the external electronic component can, for example, be routed past the sensor. The cable fixing element can be a part of the sensor carrier designed to secure the cable. This cable fixing element can have various suitable shapes, such as a projection, a recess, or the like. Alternatively, the cable fixing element can be a part of the cover element designed to secure the cable. Again, this cable fixing element can have various suitable shapes, such as a projection, a recess, or the like. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of providing a simple, space-saving, and cost-effective way to route and secure such a cable to a housing part of the sensor.The cable can be routed in such a way that it cannot be damaged during the assembly of other, for example, heavy, gearbox components. Clipping the cable in place guides it and routes it along the sensor housing in such a way that it cannot be damaged during further gearbox assembly. This eliminates the need for an additional, separate component for securing the cable within the gearbox. The mounting is integrated into the housing component, making it cost-effective to manufacture since no additional part is required. Clipping the cable in place secures it so that it is virtually impossible for it to slip out of position.

[0028] The invention is explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a housing for a sensor, according to embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a housing for a sensor, according to an embodiment of the present invention, with an electronic component arranged adjacent to the housing; Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 perspective views of a sensor carrier; Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 perspective views of a housing for a sensor, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 Sectional views of a part of a recess formed in a cover element according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention and of a fastening means; and Fig. 10 a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and having a similar effect, without repeating these elements.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a sensor module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sensor module comprises a housing 110 with a sensor carrier 120, a cover element 130, and a sensor 140. The cover element 130 is mounted on the sensor carrier 120. The sensor 140 is connected to the sensor carrier 120. The sensor 140 can be an inductive sensor or a Hall sensor, which can be used, for example, as a displacement sensor. The sensor 140 can be arranged in or connected to a suitable receiving device in a sensor mounting area of ​​the sensor carrier 120. The cover element 130 spans a sensor contact area of ​​the sensor carrier 120, in which devices for contacting the sensor 140 are arranged. In the schematic representation of Fig. Figure 1 shows the sensor 140 electrically connected to the sensor carrier 120 via a connecting cable, but physically located outside the housing 110. This representation is for illustrative purposes only, and in practice the sensor 140 may be electrically and mechanically connected to the sensor carrier 120.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a housing 110 for a sensor, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The housing 110 has a sensor carrier 120 and a cover element 130 mounted on the sensor carrier 120. The housing 110 can be the one described in the following: Fig. The housing 110 described in section 1 may be the sensor carrier 120, which may be the one based on… Fig. The sensor carrier 120 described in section 1 is involved, and the cover element 130 can be the one based on... Fig. The cover element 130 described in section 1 is located on the sensor carrier 120. A guide tray 252, a first clamping projection 254 and a second clamping projection 256 are arranged on the sensor carrier 120, which are cable fixing elements formed integrally with the sensor carrier 120.

[0032] The sensor carrier 120 has a plate-shaped base body with a substantially rectangular footprint. The plate-shaped base body of the sensor carrier 120 may, for example, exhibit minor deviations from its overall rectangular footprint in corner areas due to assembly and application requirements. The sensor carrier may be a plastic part, manufactured, for example, by injection molding. According to the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the sensor carrier 120 can in particular be a grid structure. A corresponding grid structure is attached to a Fig. 2 visible main surfaces of the plate-shaped base body of the sensor carrier 120 are recognizable. At the in Fig. On the visible main surface of the plate-shaped base body of the sensor carrier 120, a projecting mounting area 250 is formed integrally with the sensor carrier 120. The mounting area 250 serves to fasten the sensor carrier 120, and thus the housing 110, to a support structure, for example, within a vehicle transmission. The mounting area 250 is designed as an elongated projection whose longitudinal direction corresponds to a narrow-side direction of the plate-shaped base body of the sensor carrier 120. The mounting area 250 is located within a region of half the long side dimension of the plate-shaped base body of the sensor carrier 120.

[0033] According to the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the guide tray 252, the first clamping projection 254, and the second clamping projection 256 are formed on the mounting area 250. The guide tray 252 extends in an edge section of the mounting area 250 that projects furthest from the plate-shaped base body of the sensor carrier 120. The longitudinal direction of the guide tray 252 corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the mounting area 250. The guide tray 252 has a continuous semicircular cross-section. The first clamping projection 254 is formed adjacent to a first end region of the guide tray 252. The second clamping projection 256 is formed adjacent to a second end region of the guide tray 252. The first clamping projection 254 and the second clamping projection 256 project from the mounting area 250 in an opening direction of the guide tray 252.The guide tray 252, the first clamping projection 254 and the second clamping projection 256 are dimensioned and designed and arranged relative to each other in such a way that a cable with a known diameter can be fixed in the guide tray 252 by the clamping projections 254, 256.

[0034] The cover element 130 is shell-shaped and attached to the sensor carrier 120 in such a way that a cavity is formed between the sensor carrier 120 and the cover element 130, in which a sensor contact area of ​​the sensor carrier 120 is protected from contamination. The cover element 130 covers the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, almost the entire main surface of the plate-shaped base body of the sensor carrier 120 above the mounting area 250 is covered. The cover element 130 has four edge regions where the cover element 130 rests on or abuts corresponding sections of the sensor carrier 120. A Fig. 2 The edge area of ​​the cover element 130 shown above rests against an upper edge section of the sensor carrier 120. In Fig. The two laterally depicted edge areas of the cover element 130 lie against corresponding lateral edge sections of the sensor carrier 120, even if this is not apparent due to the perspective representation in Fig. 2 is only visible on the left side. One in Fig. The edge area shown below rests on the mounting area 250 of the sensor carrier 120. This in Fig. 2 The edge area of ​​the cover element 130 shown below has two slot-shaped recesses into which sections of the first clamping projection 254 and the second clamping projection 256 engage.

[0035] In Fig. Figure 2 further shows a bushing arranged in the mounting area 250 of the sensor carrier 120, a fastening element in the form of a screw located in the bushing and a recess formed in the cover element 130, although these elements are described in more detail below, particularly with regard to the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is addressed.

[0036] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a housing 110 for a sensor, according to an embodiment of the present invention, with an electronic component arranged adjacent to the housing. The housing 110 is the one described by Fig. 2 described housing 110. Therefore, housing 110 and its features will not be described again here, and it should merely be noted that Fig. Figure 3 shows the housing 110 from a slightly different perspective. The following are shown in Fig. 3. Additionally, an external electronic component 360 is arranged adjacent to the housing 110, along with a cable 365 belonging to it. The cable 365 can be a cable harness consisting of several bundled strands. The cable 365 is routed past the housing 110. The cable 365 is secured by the cable fixing elements of the housing 110. More precisely, the cable 365 is clamped between the guide tray 252 and the clamping projections 254 and 256.

[0037] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a sensor carrier 120 for use in an embodiment of the present invention. The sensor carrier 120 can be the one described by Fig. This concerns the sensor carrier 120 described in section 2. Therefore, the sensor carrier 120 and its previously described features will not necessarily be described again here, and it should merely be noted that Fig. 4 can show the sensor carrier 120 from a different perspective. The representation in Fig. 4 corresponds in this respect to the representation in Fig. 2, when the sensor carrier 120 in Fig. 4 is shown only from a different perspective and without the cover element. Fig. 4. The mounting area 250 is not partially obscured by a cover element. A sensor contact area of ​​the sensor carrier 120 is also shown above the mounting area 250 in the illustration.

[0038] The sensor carrier 120 has the mounting area 250 already described. A bushing 474 is formed in the mounting area 250. The bushing 474 can be arranged in a central section of the projecting mounting area 250. The bushing 474 extends through the projecting mounting area 250 as a through-opening, even if this is not Fig. 4 is not explicitly shown. The bushing 474 may be provided with an internal thread. The bushing 474 may be formed integrally with the mounting area 250 of the sensor carrier 120 or be integrated into it by a suitable method. The bushing 474 may be made of plastic or metal.

[0039] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a sensor carrier 120 for use in an embodiment of the present invention. The sensor carrier 120 is the one described in relation to Fig. 4 described sensor carrier 120. Additionally, shows Fig. Figure 5 shows a fastening element 580 in the form of a screw. The fastening element 580 is received in the socket 474 in the mounting area 250 of the sensor carrier 120. In the illustration, the head of the screw is located above the socket 474. A certain section of the fastening element 580 protrudes from the bottom of the socket 474, as can be seen in the illustration. Thus, the fastening element 580 has a projection.

[0040] Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a housing 110 for a sensor, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The housing 110 can be the one described by Fig. The housing 110 described in section 2 is therefore not relevant here. Thus, the housing 110 and its previously described features will not necessarily be repeated, and it should merely be noted that... Fig. Figure 6 shows the housing 110 from a different perspective. The housing 110 can be viewed based on... Fig. 4 described sensor carriers 120 have.

[0041] shown are in Fig. 6 also the bushing 474, the fastening element 580, a range of motion 692, a range of motion 694 and a tool access area 696. The areas 692-696 are also in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Three were identified, but have not yet been described.

[0042] The cover element 130 comprises the movement area 692, the section 694 projecting into the recess, and the tool access area 696. The movement area 692 adjoins the section 694, which in turn adjoins the tool access area 696. The movement area 692, the section 694, and the tool access area 696 together form a continuous recess from a bushing end, in the area of ​​which the bushing with the fastening element is arranged in a fully assembled cover element, to a tool engagement end through which a tool can be inserted into the recess. The recess thus extends from the Fig. 6, as also in Fig. 2, the edge area of ​​the cover element 130 shown below, which rests on the mounting area 250 of the sensor carrier 120, where the movement area 692 is located, up to which in Fig. 6, as also in Fig. 2, the edge area of ​​the cover element 130 shown above, which abuts the upper edge section of the sensor carrier 120, where the tool access area 696 is located.

[0043] The movement area 692 is a wooden cylindrical area that is more than half-enclosed with respect to its circumference. The movement area 692 is dimensioned and arranged in the cover element 130 such that the fastener 580 can move over a portion of its length within the movement area 692. The section 694 extending into the recess is designed to limit the movement of the fastener 580 in the direction out of the bushing 474. For this purpose, the recess at the stop (i.e., the section 694 projecting into the recess) has a reduced inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the fastener 580, in particular of a screw head if a screw is used as the fastener 580.However, an opening is maintained between the tool access area 696 and the movement area 692 to allow a tool to pass from the tool access area 696 past the section 694 to the fastening element 580 within the movement area. The tool access area 696 is conical or funnel-shaped. The inner diameter of the recess in the tool access area 696 decreases in the direction towards the section 694 projecting into the recess.

[0044] Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a housing 110 for a sensor, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The housing 110 can be the one shown based on the Fig. 2 and Fig. The housing 110 described in section 6 is therefore not described again here, nor are its features already described. It should merely be noted that... Fig. Figure 7 shows the housing 110 from a different perspective. The overhang of the fastening element 580 is also shown in particular.

[0045] Fig. Figure 8 shows a sectional view of part of a recess formed in a cover element according to an embodiment of the present invention, as well as a fastening means. The part of the recess is a portion of the Fig. 6 described and in the Fig. 6 formed recesses. In Fig. Figure 8 shows a fastening element 580, which is a screw. The recess is shown in Fig. Figure 8 shows the movement area 692 and the section 694. A head section of the fastener 580 is accommodated in the movement area 692. The inner diameter of the movement area 692 remains constant. However, the inner diameter of the section 694 projecting into the recess decreases in the direction away from the fastener 580. The inner diameter of the section 694 is smaller than the outer diameter of the fastener 580.

[0046] Fig. Figure 9 shows a sectional view of part of a recess formed in a cover element according to an embodiment of the present invention, as well as a fastening means. The illustration in Fig. 9 corresponds to the representation of Fig. 8 except for the shape of the movement area 692 and the section 694 projecting into the recess. Here, an inner diameter in the movement area 692 decreases continuously in the direction away from the fastener 580. At a point where the inner diameter becomes smaller than the outer diameter of the head section of the fastener 580, a boundary can be drawn between the movement area 692 and the section 694 projecting into the recess.

[0047] Fig.Figure 10 shows a flowchart of a method 1000 for assembling a sensor module. The method 1000 comprises a step of providing 1010 a sensor carrier with a fastening means arranged at least partially in a socket for attaching the sensor carrier to a support structure and with a sensor attached to the sensor carrier. The method 1000 also comprises a step of providing 1020 a cover element for the sensor carrier of the sensor, wherein the cover element has a recess in a first surface of the cover element, the recess being adjacent to a second surface of the cover element at a socket end, such that an interior of the recess is accessible from the second surface, in particular wherein the second surface is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first surface.Method 1000 also includes a step 1030 of mounting the cover element to the sensor carrier in order to assemble the sensor module.

[0048] With reference to the figures above, the manufacture of an exemplary embodiment of the sensor module 100 and the design of its parts can be summarized as follows. The fastening element 580 is a screw 580. To ensure that the required screw 580 can be supplied securely with the sensor module 100 during transport, the screw 580 is placed in the sensor housing 110 during assembly of the sensor module 100. The screw 580 is inserted into a socket 474 provided in the sensor carrier 120 of the housing 110. Next, the guard or cover element 130 is clipped on. This element is designed such that the clearance or movement area 692, located directly above the screw head, is cylindrical. The height of this clearance or movement area 692 should be less than the length of the screw 580 so that it cannot fall out of the socket 474.The screw 580 should be able to move a certain length within the bushing 474 in the disassembly direction so that the sensor module can be mounted on a support structure in the application until it is positioned in its intended location, where it will then be screwed in place. During this assembly, the screw 580 is simply pushed upwards out of the bushing 474 through the thread formed on the support structure, but cannot fall out due to the transport locking mechanism in the cover element described here. The clearance or movement section 692 can also be designed such that the screw 580 cannot be pushed completely back upwards into the bushing 474 in the disassembly direction. The resulting screw protrusion can then be helpful for pre-centering when mounting the sensor module. However, the thread of the mounting point on the support structure must then be slightly recessed in the bore.Furthermore, the geometric design of the movement section 692 can deviate from the cylindrical shape shown. Other geometric shapes are, of course, conceivable. For example, the clearance or movement section 692 can simply decrease in diameter upwards towards the stop area or section 694. In such an embodiment, it is only important that the length of the movement section 692 up to the point where the diameter of the taper is smaller than the diameter of the screw head is shorter than the length of the screw. The tool access area 696 above the clearance or movement section 692 is conical, with the opening decreasing in size from top to bottom.The conical opening ensures that the screw 580 cannot fall out of the socket 474 upwards, but that it is still easy and convenient to access the screw 580 from above with a tool in order to fix the sensor module 100 in its installed position.

[0049] The embodiments described and shown in the figures are only examples. Different embodiments can be combined completely or with respect to individual features. An embodiment can also be supplemented by features from another embodiment. Reference sign 100 sensor modules 110 cases 120 sensor carriers 130 Cover element 140 Sensor 250 mounting area 252 Guide tray 254 first clamping projection 256 second clamping projection 360 external electronic component 365 cables 474 socket 580 screw 692 Range of motion 694 Section projecting into the recess 696 Tool access area 1000 methods for assembling a sensor module Step 1010 of providing a sensor carrier Step 1020 of providing a cover element 1030 Step of assembly

Claims

[1] Cover element (130) for covering a sensor carrier (120), wherein the cover element (130) has the following features: a recess (692, 694, 696) in a first surface of the cover element (130), wherein the recess adjoins a second surface of the cover element at a fastening end where a fastening means for attaching the sensor carrier to a support structure is arranged, such that an interior of the recess is accessible from the second surface, wherein the second surface is oriented perpendicular to the first surface, wherein the recess (692, 694, 696) has a range of movement (692) for the fastening element (580), wherein the recess (692, 694, 696) has a section (694) at an end of the movement area opposite the end of the fastening means which is narrowed relative to the movement area, wherein the range of motion (692) has a length that is less than a length of the fastening element (580). [2] Cover element (130) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the recess (692, 694, 696) has a tool-inlet end, wherein the recess (692, 694, 696) adjoins a third surface of the cover element (130) at the tool-inlet end, so that an interior of the recess (692, 694, 696) is accessible from the third surface. [3] Cover element (130) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the recess (692, 694, 696) in the movement area (692) surrounds the fastening element (580) by more than half of the circumference of the fastening element (580). [4] Cover element (130) according to claims 1 and 3, characterized by, that the recess (692, 694, 696) has a tool access area (696) for inserting a tool for actuating the fastening element (580), wherein the tool access area (696) is arranged between the tool insertion end and the section (694) which is narrowed relative to the movement area (692), and wherein an inner diameter of the recess decreases in the tool access area (696) from the tool insertion end to the section (694) which is narrowed relative to the movement area (692). [5] Cover element (130) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that the inner diameter of the recess in the movement area (692) arranged between the end of the fastener and the section (694) narrowed relative to the movement area (692) for the fastener remains the same or decreases from the end of the fastener to the section (694) narrowed relative to the movement area. [6] Housing (110) for a sensor (140) comprising a sensor carrier (120) with a fastening means (580) for fastening the sensor carrier (120) to a support structure, wherein the fastening means (580) is arranged in a socket and wherein the housing (110) comprises a cover element (130) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and the cover element (130) is mountable or is mounted on the sensor carrier (120). [7] Housing (110) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the sensor carrier (120) has at least one cable fixing element (252, 254, 256) formed integrally with the sensor carrier (120) in an area of ​​an outer surface of the sensor carrier (120) for fixing and guiding a cable associated with an external electronic component and / or characterized by, that the cover element (130) has at least one cable fixing element (252, 254, 256) formed integrally with the cover element (130) in an area of ​​an outer surface of the cover element (13) for fixing and guiding a cable associated with an external electronic component. [8] Sensor module (100) comprising the following components: a sensor carrier (120) with a socket (474) for a fastening means for attaching the sensor carrier to a support structure; a fastening element (580) which is inserted into the socket (474) of the sensor carrier (120); a sensor (140) arranged on the sensor carrier (120); and a cover element (130) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. [9] Method (1000) for assembling a sensor module (100), the method comprising the following steps: Providing (1010) a sensor carrier (120) with a fastening means (580) arranged at least partially in a socket for fastening the sensor carrier (120) to a support structure; Providing (1020) a cover element (130) according to claim 1; and Mounting (1030) the cover element (130) onto the sensor carrier (120) to assemble the sensor module (100).

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