Splash guard housing and sensor arrangement for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The present development relates to a splash guard housing (20) for a sensor arrangement (10) of a motor vehicle (1) comprising: - a housing body (21) with a receptacle (28) for a sensor head (14) of the sensor assembly (10), - at least one opening (30; 40) penetrating the housing body (21), and - a moisture-impermeable aperture (32; 42) positioned in front of the opening (30).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present development relates to a splash guard housing for a sensor arrangement, as well as a corresponding sensor arrangement equipped with such a splash guard housing, in particular a gas sensor arrangement for a motor vehicle. background

[0002] Gas-powered vehicles, or vehicles equipped with a gas tank (e.g., to supply a fuel cell), typically have a gas sensor array to detect any leaks in the gas tank or in the lines connected to it. Hydrogen tank systems typically include a pressure vessel in which hydrogen is stored at a pressure of, for example, 350 bar or up to 700 bar.

[0003] Various solutions exist for detecting gas leaks, such as hydrogen leaks, for example by analyzing the thermal conductivity of the surrounding gas mixture, or by using catalytic reactions of the gas with solids that lead to changes in electrically measurable properties or to the generation of measurable heat.

[0004] Such gas measuring systems or gas sensors typically require protection against moisture. It is already known, for example, to equip a gas-sensitive element or a measuring head of a gas sensor with a hydrophobic but gas-permeable membrane. While this provides sufficient protection against moisture for the sensor or sensor element, if the gas-permeable membrane itself becomes damp, this can lead to inaccurate measurement results and increased sluggishness of the gas measuring system.

[0005] Against this background, the aim of this further development is to provide an improvement for a motor vehicle sensor arrangement, in particular for a motor vehicle gas sensor, by means of which the gas sensor can be protected against moisture, such as splash water in the exterior of the vehicle, in a particularly simple and effective manner. The further development should be characterized by a design that is as compact, simple, and cost-effective to implement as possible. Advantageous designs

[0006] This problem is solved with a splash-proof housing and a sensor arrangement according to the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of dependent patent claims.

[0007] In a first aspect, a splash guard housing for a sensor assembly of a motor vehicle is provided. The splash guard housing comprises a housing body with a receptacle for a sensor head of the sensor assembly. The receptacle of the housing body is dimensioned such that the sensor head of the sensor assembly can be inserted at least partially or section by section, and possibly even completely, into the interior of the housing body and thus protected against environmental influences, in particular against splashing water or similar ambient moisture.

[0008] Furthermore, the housing body has an opening that passes through it. This opening is designed as a through-hole through the housing body or a housing wall. The opening passes through at least one housing wall or base. The opening is inherently gas-permeable. The splash-proof housing also includes a moisture-impermeable baffle located upstream or downstream of the opening.

[0009] The upstream aperture can largely and substantially prevent or block the ingress of moisture through the opening of the housing. The aperture can cover, obscure, and / or shade at least part of the opening. At the same time, the aperture can be arranged or designed in such a way that a gas or gas mixture in the vicinity of the housing can flow unhindered into the interior of the housing and thus to the sensor head.

[0010] In a further embodiment, it is also provided that the moisture-impermeable baffle is positioned in front of the opening. The baffle can be arranged on the outside of the housing body, particularly with respect to the interior of the housing body, or be externally mounted on the housing body. The baffle can be positioned or oriented, in particular, offset or oriented outwards from the opening, so that moisture particles or droplets from the external environment of the housing body cannot penetrate the opening unhindered, but are prevented from penetrating through the opening by the baffle positioned in front of it.

[0011] In other or supplementary embodiments, the aperture can be positioned downstream of the opening. While moisture can still penetrate through the opening, it then comes into direct contact with the aperture and is essentially repelled by it. This prevents the moisture entering through the opening, for example in the form of droplets, from penetrating further into the housing towards the sensor head. A moisture barrier can thus be formed in the immediate vicinity of the opening.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the housing body has one or more side walls, each of which has at least one opening and at least one baffle associated with that opening, i.e., positioned upstream or downstream of the opening with respect to the flow direction through it. In particular, the side wall, or multiple side walls, can have several openings, each equipped with a baffle. The openings can correspond to the baffles in their orientation and shape. Conversely, the baffle or baffles can be adapted to the orientation and shape of the associated opening(s) in order to provide, in particular, an effective baffle effect for the respective openings to prevent the ingress of moisture.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the at least one opening penetrating the side wall has a longitudinally extended opening gap. With regard to a later installation position on the vehicle, the opening gap can run essentially horizontally, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and / or in the transverse direction. The horizontal opening gap then, in particular, has a consistent gap geometry in the longitudinal direction.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the aperture associated with the opening gap can be designed in the manner of an elongated lamella, which is positioned in front of the opening gap to the outside or behind it to the inside, thus largely preventing the penetration of moisture into the opening.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the lower edge of the baffle of at least one baffle is positioned at a distance from an outer surface of the side wall or from an inner surface of the side wall. Because the lower edge of the baffle is positioned or aligned at a distance from the outer or inner surface of the side wall, an inlet opening for a gas or gas mixture can be provided along the entire lower edge of the baffle, allowing the unimpeded flow of the gas or gas mixture into or out of the interior of the housing body.

[0016] Similarly, the moisture-impermeable baffle can be used to ensure that the entire cross-section, or at least a portion thereof, of the opening is completely or partially covered by the baffle with respect to a surface normal of the opening. Moisture particles or droplets striking the side wall from the outside, approximately perpendicular to the plane of the side wall, can thus be almost completely prevented from entering the opening, or from freely penetrating the interior of the housing, by the downward-facing baffle.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the orifice, or several orifices, can project outwards from an outer surface of the side wall or inwards from an inner surface of the side wall. In particular, it can be provided that the orifice(s) extend diagonally downwards and outwards or diagonally downwards and inwards from the side wall at a predetermined angle from an area located above the opening. A gas or gas mixture can flow past the orifice at a lower edge of the orifice into the interior of the housing.

[0018] In another embodiment, the housing body has a base. The base has at least one opening and a base plate positioned in front of the opening. The opening and the base plate can be designed similarly to the opening and / or plate in the side wall. However, other configurations or designs for the opening and the base plate are also conceivable, which differ from the design of the opening and the associated plate in the side wall.

[0019] The bottom opening and the attached bottom plate effectively prevent water or moisture from entering the splash guard housing through the base. The design of at least one bottom opening also allows moisture to drain from the inside of the housing. Any moisture that might accumulate inside the housing can thus be easily and reliably removed.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the base of the splash guard housing has an inner base and an outer base spaced apart from it. The inner base has at least one opening, and the outer base has at least one base plate positioned in front of the opening. It is conceivable that both the inner base and the outer base have multiple openings, as well as plates or plate sections located between the respective openings.

[0021] Viewed vertically, the bottom panel(s) of the outer base can be aligned with the openings in the inner base, and vice versa. In this way, the multiple openings and corresponding bottom panels in the base area ensure good permeability for a gas or gas mixture, allowing the sensor head of a gas sensor, located inside the housing, to be easily and sufficiently surrounded by the gas or gas concentration being measured.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the splash guard housing, the inner base features an alternating arrangement of base openings and base plates. The outer base also features an alternating arrangement of base openings and base plates. The base plates of the outer base are aligned with the base openings of the inner base, or vice versa.

[0023] In this respect, the floor panels of the outer floor are positioned in front of the floor openings of the inner floor. Correspondingly, the floor panels of the inner floor are positioned behind the floor openings of the outer floor.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, the floor panels of the interior floor can be aligned with the floor openings of the exterior floor. The floor panels are designed to be moisture-proof. The floor openings can be designed as longitudinal gaps or slots. Likewise, the floor panels can have a geometry complementary to the floor openings and, accordingly, an overlapping arrangement and design when viewed vertically.

[0025] Thus, the base can be designed to be essentially gas-permeable but moisture-proof. The ingress of rising splash water into the interior of the housing can be effectively prevented by the base plates of the outer and / or inner base. However, the openings in the inner and outer base allow unimpeded gas flow through the base.

[0026] According to a further aspect, the present development also relates to a sensor arrangement for a motor vehicle comprising a gas sensor with a sensor head and a previously described splash-proof housing. The gas sensor can be inserted or plugged into the housing body with its sensor head, such that a section of the sensor head interacting with the gas or gas mixture to be measured is located inside the housing body. The sensor head can, in particular, be positioned at a distance from the housing body.

[0027] Furthermore, the free end of the sensor head, which is typically equipped with corresponding sensor elements or sensory detection means, can be arranged at a predetermined distance from the side walls and / or the bottom of the housing body.

[0028] The housing body can also have a housing cover. The receptacle for the sensor head can be recessed into the housing cover or integrated as a through-opening. This allows the splash guard housing to be positioned against a downward-facing sensor head.

[0029] The side wall or side walls and the bottom of the housing body can then be provided with at least one or more openings and associated or related panels.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the splash guard housing can also have a substantially closed rear wall in which the receptacle for the sensor head is recessed or integrated. This allows the splash guard housing to be positioned on a sensor head oriented approximately horizontally. In this configuration, the side walls as well as the base can be designed with openings and corresponding apertures in the manner described above.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the sensor arrangement, a movable sealing element is arranged inside the splash guard housing, which is designed to seal the sensor head located inside the splash guard housing when the liquid level inside the splash guard housing rises.

[0032] If, for example, the sensor assembly is attached in or to the underbody of the vehicle and the vehicle crosses, for example, a body of standing or flowing water, so that the spray gun housing is surrounded by water or a liquid, this can penetrate unhindered into the interior of the housing body through the openings provided in the bottom and / or in the side walls.

[0033] By reacting to a rising water or liquid level, the sealing element can ensure that the sensor head is sealed in time if the liquid level inside the housing rises impermissibly. For example, the sealing element can be designed as a pivotally mounted flap mechanically connected to a float or buoyancy aid. If the buoyancy aid is lifted by a rising liquid level, this movement of the float can be transferred to, or initiate, a closing pivoting movement of the sealing element.

[0034] Since the sensor arrangement includes a previously described splash guard housing, all features, properties and effects previously described with regard to the splash guard housing also apply equally to the sensor arrangement; and vice versa. Brief description of the characters

[0035] Further objectives, features, and advantageous designs of the sensor arrangement and the splash guard housing are explained in the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of a motor vehicle, Fig. 2 a perspective exemplary representation of the sensor arrangement including splash guard housing, Fig. 3 A view of the splash guard housing from below, Fig. 4 a cross-section AA according to Fig. 3, Fig. 5 A view of the splash guard housing from above, Fig. 6 a cross-section through another embodiment of the splash guard housing, Fig. 7 a cross-section BB according to Fig. 6 and Fig. 8 a further embodiment of the splash guard housing or sensor arrangement with a movable locking element. Detailed description

[0036] The in Fig. A schematically represented motor vehicle 1 has a body 2 with an interior 3 functioning as a passenger cell. The vehicle also has a gas tank 5. This can store a fuel, such as hydrogen, under high pressure and carry it in the motor vehicle 1, either for an internal combustion engine 6 or for a fuel cell 8.

[0037] The motor vehicle 1 further comprises a sensor arrangement 10, which in the exemplary embodiments of the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. Section 8 is described and explained in more detail. The sensor arrangement 10 comprises a gas sensor 11. The gas sensor 11 comprises a sensor housing 12 and a sensor head 14 projecting from the sensor housing 12. At a free end of the sensor head 14, which faces away from the sensor housing 12, the sensor head 14 can have one or more gas-detecting sensor elements and / or a moisture-impermeable membrane.

[0038] Furthermore, the sensor arrangement 10 includes a splash guard housing 20. In the embodiments shown here, the splash guard housing 20 is implemented as a cubic housing. It has a one- or multi-part housing body 21 with a housing top 22, with a side wall 24, or with several side walls 4 20, and a bottom 26.

[0039] In the example of the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. In the housing top 22, a receptacle 28 for the sensor head 14 is provided. Its geometry and design are adapted to the geometry of the sensor head 14. The receptacle 28 can be implemented as a through-opening in the housing top 22, allowing the free end of the sensor head 14 to enter an interior space 15 of the housing body 21 from above.

[0040] The free end of the sensor head 14 can be effectively protected against moisture in the interior 15 of the housing body 21. At the same time, the housing body 21 is designed with one or more openings 30, 40 that allow the unimpeded flow of gases or a gas mixture into and out of the interior 15.

[0041] To prevent the ingress of liquid or moisture into the interior 15 of the housing body 21, openings 30 provided in the side walls 24 are each assigned baffles 32 which are designed to be moisture-proof.

[0042] In the embodiment shown here, the openings 30 in the side walls 24 are designed as longitudinally extended slots or slits 31. The baffles 32, which project downwards and outwards from the outside of the side walls 24 at a predetermined angle, are adapted to the geometry of the openings 30.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 30 extend essentially in a horizontal direction. Accordingly, the apertures 32 extend obliquely downwards and outwards from a region located above the openings 30, so that a free end section of the outwardly projecting aperture 32, i.e., a lower aperture edge 33, lies at a predetermined horizontal distance from the outer surface of the respective side wall 24.

[0044] The gas or gas mixture from the vicinity of the splash guard housing 20 can flow under the respective aperture 32 via the aperture 33 and through the opening 30 in the side wall 24 behind it, which is shaded by the aperture 32, into the interior of the housing body 21. Any liquid or moisture particles in a gas or air stream can essentially bounce off the aperture 32, and the ingress of moisture into the interior of the housing body 21 can be significantly reduced by the aperture 32.

[0045] In the embodiment shown here, the apertures 32 are positioned upstream of the openings 30 with respect to the direction of inflow into the interior 15 of the housing body 21. However, it is equally conceivable that the apertures 32 are positioned downstream of the openings 30. In this case, the apertures 32 would extend inwards into the interior 15 at a similar or identical angle. Moisture or moisture particles could then still pass through the openings 30 from the outside to the inside. However, they would be prevented from contacting the sensor head 14 with moisture.

[0046] Finally, it is also conceivable and intended that individual areas of the housing body 21, such as parts of the side wall 24, are provided with both outwardly projecting and inwardly projecting apertures 32. It is also conceivable that an opening 30 is provided with both an outwardly projecting aperture 32 and an inwardly projecting aperture 32.

[0047] The base 26 also has an opening 40 and an aperture 42 positioned in front of the opening 40, as is most clearly shown in Fig. Figure 4 shows that the floor 26 can have an inner floor 44 and an outer floor 45 that is vertically offset to the outside or downwards.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner base 44 has several base openings 40 and base panels 47 located between the base openings 40. The base openings 40 and base panels 47 can be arranged alternately next to each other in or on the inner base 44. The base openings can each have the form of an elongated opening gap 41.

[0049] The outer floor 45 can also have an alternating arrangement of floor panels 42 and floor openings 46. The floor openings 46 of the outer floor 45 are aligned with the floor panels 47 of the inner floor 44. Conversely, or additionally, the floor openings 40 of the inner floor 44 can be aligned with or overlapping the floor panels 42 of the outer floor 45.

[0050] The alternating overlapping arrangement of base plates 42, 47 and base openings 40, 46 prevents rising splash water from entering the interior 15 of the splash guard housing 20. At the same time, the base 26 is designed to be gas-permeable.

[0051] The embodiment according to the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 has a receptacle 28 for the sensor head 14 in the area of ​​the housing cover 22. In the design according to the Fig. 7. The housing cover 22 can be completely closed. Furthermore, one of the side walls 24 can be designed as a closed rear wall 23. In particular, the receptacle 28 for the sensor head 14 can be provided in the rear wall 23, so that the splash guard housing 20 can be mounted horizontally onto a horizontally oriented sensor head 14. The design of the remaining side walls 24 and the base 26 can be identical or comparable to the design of the embodiment shown in Figure 7. Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5.

[0052] In the further and in Fig.In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, a movable locking element 50 is pivotably mounted in the interior 15 of the housing body 21 with respect to an axis 51 between an open position and a closed position. The locking element 50 serves to effectively protect the free end of the sensor head 14 against ingress of moisture or contact with moisture when the liquid level in the interior 15 rises.

[0053] In this respect, the sealing element 50 can provide a moisture-tight seal to the free end of the sensor head 14. The movement, i.e., both the closing and opening movements of the sealing element 50, can be initiated and / or controlled by a float, which, as a buoyancy aid, can also be arranged in the interior 15 of the housing body 51 and kinematically connected to the sealing element 50. A rise in the liquid level causing the float or buoyancy aid to lift leads to a corresponding pivoting and closing movement of the sealing element 50.

[0054] The illustrated embodiments merely show possible configurations of the development, for which numerous further variants are conceivable during development. The exemplary embodiments shown are in no way to be interpreted as limiting with regard to the scope, applicability, or configuration possibilities of the development. The present description merely shows the person skilled in the art one or a few possible implementation(s) of an embodiment. Thus, a wide variety of modifications can be made to the function and arrangement of the described elements without departing from the scope of protection defined by the following claims or their equivalents. Reference symbol list 1 motor vehicle 2 Bodywork 3 Interior 5 Tank 6 Internal combustion engine 8 Fuel cell 10 Sensor arrangement 11 Sensor 12 sensor housings 14 Sensor head 15 Interior 20 splash guard housings 21 Housing body 22 Case top 23 Back panel 24 side wall 26 Case base 28th recording 30 Opening 31 Opening gap 32 aperture 33 Aperture edge 40 floor opening 41 Opening gap 42 Bottom panel 44 Interior floor 45 Outdoor floor 46 Floor opening 47 Bottom panel 50 locking element 51 Axis

Claims

[1] Splash guard housing (20) for a sensor assembly (10) of a motor vehicle (1) comprising: - a housing body (21) with a receptacle (28) for a sensor head (14) of the sensor assembly (10), - at least one opening (30; 40) penetrating the housing body (21), and - a moisture-impermeable aperture (32; 42) located upstream or downstream of the opening (30). [2] Splash guard housing (20) according to claim 1, wherein the housing body (21) has one or more side walls (24), each of which has at least one opening (30) and at least one aperture (32) associated with the respective opening (30). [3] Splash guard housing (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one opening (30) penetrating the side wall (24) has a longitudinally extended opening gap (31). [4] Splash guard housing (20) according to one of the preceding claims 2 or 3, wherein the aperture (32) extends obliquely downwards and outwards or obliquely downwards and inwards from the side wall (24) at a predetermined angle from a region located above the opening (30). [5] Splash guard housing (20) according to claim 4, wherein a lower aperture edge (33) is spaced outwards from an outside or inside of the side wall (24). [6] Splash guard housing (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing body (21) has a base (26) which has at least one base opening (40) and a base plate (42) positioned in front of the base opening (40). [7] Splash guard housing (20) according to claim 6, wherein the base (26) has an inner base (44) and an outer base (45) spaced apart therefrom, wherein the inner base (44) has at least one base opening (40) and the outer base (45) has at least one base panel (42) positioned in front of the base opening (40). [8] Splash guard housing (20) according to claim 7, wherein the inner base (44) has an alternating arrangement of base openings (40) and base panels (44), wherein the outer base (45) has an alternating arrangement of base openings (46) and base panels (42), wherein the base panels (42) of the outer base (45) are aligned with the base openings (40) of the inner base (44) and / or wherein the base panels (47) of the inner base (44) are aligned with the base openings (46) of the outer base (45). [9] Sensor arrangement (10) for a motor vehicle (1) comprising a gas sensor (11) with a sensor head (14) and with a splash guard housing (20) according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Sensor arrangement (10) according to claim 9, wherein a movable closing element (50) is arranged in an interior space (15) of the splash guard housing (20), and which is designed to seal the sensor head (14) located in the interior space (15) of the splash guard housing (20) when the liquid level in the interior space (15) of the splash guard housing (20) rises.

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