Sensor device for detecting sensor information describing the fill level of a medium in a container

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sensor device for detecting sensor information describing the fill level of a medium in a container, comprising a housing and a sensor device attachable to or mounted on the housing for detecting sensor information describing the fill level of a medium in a container. Corresponding sensor devices for detecting sensor information describing the fill level of a medium in a container are known in principle from the prior art in a multitude of different embodiments, for example from DE 20 2017 101790 U1, WO 2004 / 008820 A1 or US 2019 / 063648 A1.

[0002] The basic configuration of corresponding sensor devices typically includes a housing and a sensor device, e.g. probe-like or probe-shaped, which can be attached to or mounted on the housing for detecting sensor information describing the fill level of a medium in a container.

[0003] The length of corresponding sensor devices can sometimes be considerable in order to ensure reliable measurement of fill level information even in large and correspondingly deep containers. Specifically, such sensor devices can therefore have a length of, for example, 15 cm or more.

[0004] However, the length of the corresponding sensor devices poses a challenge to the stability of their mounting on the respective housings, as considerable forces or moments can act upon them. This is particularly true given the potentially limited available cross-sections.

[0005] Known fastening principles are in need of improvement or further development, as they typically only involve simply screwing together the corresponding housing and sensor devices.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an improved sensor device for detecting sensor information describing the fill level of a medium in a container, particularly with regard to a stable fastening of the housing assembly and the sensor assembly.

[0007] The problem is solved by a sensor device for detecting sensor information describing the fill level of a medium in a container, according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the sensor device.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a sensor device for detecting sensor information describing the fill level of a medium, such as a gas and / or a solid and / or a liquid, in a container, such as a tank. The sensor device is thus configured to detect sensor information describing the fill level of a medium in a container. Such sensor information can, for example, be sensor signals or contain signals from which, through appropriate evaluation, fill level information describing the fill level of a respective medium in a respective container can be determined. It is also conceivable that the sensor device is configured to detect chemical and / or physical parameters, such as electrical parameters, i.e., the electrical conductivity, of a medium in a container.

[0009] The sensor device comprises a housing and a sensor element that can be attached to or is attached to the housing. The sensor element, which is designed, for example, as a probe, is configured to detect sensor information describing the fill level of a medium in a container. For this purpose, the sensor element typically includes at least one active or passive sensor element configured to detect such sensor information.

[0010] Corresponding sensor information is typically transmitted via suitable connecting elements, such as signal lines, to an evaluation unit implemented in hardware and / or software. Such an evaluation unit can be configured to evaluate the sensor information with regard to the fill level of a particular medium in a particular container. This evaluation unit can also be a component of a device that is superior to the sensor device and is used to determine the fill level of a fluid in a container.

[0011] Both the corresponding connecting elements and the corresponding evaluation device can be arranged or formed, at least partially, and optionally completely, on or within the housing. The housing can be designed with or include a receiving space for this purpose, which may be bore-like.

[0012] As will be shown below, the housing and sensor assembly are configured in a special way to provide a stable, and optionally (non-destructively) detachable, mounting option for the sensor assembly to the housing assembly, and vice versa: The housing assembly has a mounting area, which may also be referred to as a mounting device, for attaching the housing assembly to the sensor assembly, and vice versa. The mounting area of ​​the housing assembly is therefore generally configured to achieve a mechanically very stable attachment of the sensor assembly to the housing assembly, and vice versa. The mounting area of ​​the housing assembly may be located on or formed within a flange-like section of the housing assembly.The special feature of the mounting area of ​​the housing assembly arises from the fact that it comprises separate mounting sections configured differently in terms of geometry, design, and function. Specifically, the mounting area includes a first mounting section for forming a threaded connection with a corresponding first mounting section of the sensor assembly, and a second mounting section, separate from the first mounting section, for forming a conical press fit with a corresponding second mounting section of the sensor assembly. The first mounting section on the housing assembly is thus configured to interact with the corresponding first mounting section on the sensor assembly to form a threaded connection or fastening. The second mounting section on the housing assembly is thus configured to interact with a corresponding...to cooperate with the corresponding sensor-side second fastening section by forming the conical press connection.

[0013] The mounting area of ​​the housing assembly can be formed on a base body of the housing assembly. The housing assembly can therefore be formed by or comprise a base body, e.g., a metallic one. The base body can have a cylindrical or cylindrical shape, i.e., in particular, a hollow cylindrical or cylindrical shape. The mounting area of ​​the housing assembly can also be referred to as the housing body.

[0014] The sensor device has a mounting area, which may also be referred to as a mounting device, for attaching the sensor device to the housing device, and vice versa. The mounting area of ​​the sensor device is therefore generally configured to ensure a mechanically very stable attachment of the sensor device to the housing device, and vice versa. The mounting area of ​​the sensor device may be located on or formed within a flange-like section of the sensor device. The special feature of the mounting area of ​​the sensor device—analogous to the mounting area of ​​the housing device—arises from the fact that it comprises separate mounting sections that are configured differently in terms of geometry, design, and function.Specifically, the mounting area comprises a first mounting section for forming a threaded connection with a corresponding first mounting section of the housing assembly, and a separate second mounting section for forming a conical press fit with a corresponding second mounting section of the housing assembly. The first mounting section on the sensor assembly is thus configured to interact with the corresponding first mounting section on the housing assembly to form a threaded connection. The second mounting section on the sensor assembly is thus configured to interact with the corresponding second mounting section on the housing assembly to form the conical press fit.

[0015] The mounting area of ​​the sensor device can be formed on a base body of the sensor device. The sensor device can therefore be formed by or comprise a base body, e.g., made of metal or ceramic. The base body can have a cylindrical or cylindrical shape. In particular, the mounting area of ​​the sensor device can have a cylindrical or cylindrical shape. The base body of the sensor device can optionally also be referred to as the sensor body.

[0016] The interaction of the respective mounting areas on the housing and sensor sides, made possible by coordinated configurations—specifically the first and second mounting sections on both sides—allows for a combination of threaded and press-fit fastening, particularly a conical press-fit fastening, and thus a combined fastening principle. This enables a very stable attachment of the sensor to the housing, and vice versa, especially compared to a simple screw fastening. Investigations have shown that the stability of this fastening can be twice as high as that of a simple screw fastening. This is particularly relevant when considering potentially limited available cross-sections.

[0017] This is particularly relevant given that the typically rod-like or rod-shaped sensor device can have a length-to-diameter ratio of at least 2:1, in particular at least 3:1, further in particular at least 4:1, further in particular at least 5:1, further in particular at least 6:1, further in particular at least 7:1, further in particular at least 8:1, further in particular at least 9:1, further in particular at least 10:1, further in particular at least 11:1, further in particular at least 12:1, further in particular at least 13:1, further in particular at least 14:1, further in particular at least 15:1. The length of the sensor device can therefore be significantly greater than its diameter, which, as mentioned at the outset, fundamentally complicates stable mounting. In absolute terms, the sensor device can, for example,have a length of at least 15 cm, in particular at least 20 cm, further in particular at least 25 cm, further in particular at least 30 cm. However, due to the fastening principle described above for the sensor device described herein, a particularly stable fastening is achievable even under such difficult fastening conditions.

[0018] The interaction of the respective housing-side and sensor-side mounting areas, i.e., in particular the respective first and second mounting sections, made possible by coordinated configurations, also allows for a certain variability in the stability of the mounting. This is because the press connection achieved through the interaction of the respective second mounting sections can be specifically influenced by screwing the respective first mounting sections and the resulting interlocking of the respective first mounting sections. This is because the forces acting on the respective second mounting sections to achieve the press connection can be specifically influenced by tightening the screw fastening of the respective first mounting sections.

[0019] Overall, an improved sensor device for capturing sensor information describing the fill level of a medium in a container is available.

[0020] As mentioned, the housing assembly typically comprises a base body. The base body has a symmetry or central axis, which can be the longitudinal axis of the base body or the housing assembly. The mounting area of ​​the housing assembly can be located or formed in the region of a free end of the base body. This is a practical arrangement option with regard to the feasible or necessary mounting of the housing assembly to the sensor assembly, and vice versa.

[0021] In particular, the second fastening section of the mounting area of ​​the housing device can be arranged or formed in the area of ​​the free end of the housing device's base body, and the first fastening section of the housing device's mounting area can be arranged or formed offset relative to the free end in the direction of another free end. Thus, the second fastening section is typically arranged or formed directly at the free end of the base body. Typically, the second fastening section therefore forms the free end of the housing device's base body, which faces the sensor device when the sensor is mounted.

[0022] As also mentioned, the sensor device typically has a base body. This base body has a symmetry or central axis, which can be the longitudinal axis of the base body or the sensor device itself. The mounting area of ​​the sensor device can be located or formed at a free end of the base body. This is a practical arrangement option with regard to the feasible or necessary mounting of the sensor device to the housing, and vice versa.

[0023] In particular, the first mounting section of the sensor mounting area can be arranged or formed in the region of the free end of the sensor base body, and the second mounting section of the sensor mounting area can be arranged or formed offset relative to the free end in the direction of another free end. Thus, the first mounting section is typically arranged or formed directly at the free end of the base body. Typically, the first mounting section therefore forms the free end of the sensor base body, which, in the assembled state of the sensor device, faces the housing.

[0024] However, it is also conceivable that the mounting area of ​​the sensor device is arranged or designed at a distance from a free end of the sensor device's base body. This applies in particular to configurations in which, when the sensor device is mounted, a free end of the sensor device extends beyond the mounting area of ​​the housing device and into the housing device.

[0025] As mentioned, the respective first fastening sections of the mounting areas of the housing and the sensor are designed to form a threaded connection or fastening. The first fastening section of the housing mounting area can therefore be formed by an internal thread or a section of an internal thread. The first fastening section of the sensor mounting area can be formed by an external thread, particularly a corresponding one, or a corresponding section of an external thread. The respective internal and external threads may, if necessary, be fine threads.

[0026] As also mentioned, the respective second fastening sections of the mounting areas of the housing assembly and the sensor assembly are designed to form a conical press fit. The second fastening section of the mounting area of ​​the housing assembly is formed by conical surfaces that widen axially with respect to the symmetry or central axis of the housing assembly, in particular the symmetry or central axis of the base body of the housing assembly.

[0027] In a (longitudinally) sectioned view of the housing device, corresponding conical surfaces of the housing device represent inclined surfaces that widen in the axial direction with respect to the or a symmetry or central axis of the housing device, in particular the symmetry or central axis of the base body of the housing device, in the direction of the end of the housing device provided with the mounting area.

[0028] The second fastening section of the mounting area of ​​the sensor device is formed by conical surfaces, in particular corresponding conical surfaces, which converge in the axial direction with respect to the or a symmetry or central axis of the sensor device, in particular the symmetry or central axis of the base body of the sensor device.

[0029] In a (longitudinally) sectioned view of the sensor device, corresponding conical surfaces of the sensor device represent inclined surfaces in the axial direction with respect to the or a symmetry or central axis of the sensor device, in particular the symmetry or central axis of the base body of the sensor device, converging towards the end of the sensor device provided with the mounting area.

[0030] Corresponding conical surfaces of the second mounting sections of the mounting area of ​​the housing device and / or the sensor device can also be referred to or considered as frustoconical surfaces in all embodiments.

[0031] The half-opening angle α of a cone defined by corresponding conical surfaces of the housing and / or the sensor device typically lies within the following range: 0 < α < 90°. The half-opening angle of a cone defined by corresponding conical surfaces of the housing and / or the sensor device can therefore, for example, lie in a range between 0.1 and 90°, particularly in a range between 4 and 45°, further particularly in a range between 10 and 35°, and further particularly in a range between 15 and 25°. The respective half-opening angles of the conical surfaces on the housing and sensor device sides are typically, but not necessarily, congruent. The aforementioned angular ranges are readily achievable in manufacturing and enable exceptionally stable mounting of the sensor device to the housing device, and vice versa.

[0032] As mentioned, the respective first and second mounting sections are to be considered, at least in geometric and structural terms, as separate sections of the respective mounting areas of the housing and sensor assembly. The respective first and second mounting sections of each mounting area are therefore spatially distinguishable from one another. In this context, the following embodiments are conceivable by way of example:

[0033] The first mounting section of the housing mounting area can connect, particularly in the axial direction with respect to the housing mounting area or a central axis of symmetry of the housing, and especially directly, to the second mounting section of the housing mounting area. As mentioned, the second mounting section of the housing mounting area typically forms the free end of the housing. Similarly, the first mounting section of the sensor mounting area can connect, particularly in the axial direction with respect to the sensor mounting area or a central axis of symmetry of the sensor, and especially directly, to the second mounting section of the sensor mounting area. As mentioned, the first mounting section of the sensor mounting area typically forms the free end of the sensor.

[0034] It is also conceivable that the first fastening section of the mounting area of ​​the housing assembly connects to the second fastening section of the mounting area of ​​the housing assembly via an interposed third fastening section extending radially inwards with respect to a symmetry or central axis of the housing assembly. A third fastening section can thus be arranged or formed between the second fastening section, which forms the free end of the housing assembly, and the first fastening section. The third fastening section can extend radially inwards by a certain amount, e.g., by an amount in the range between 0.01 and 0.1 mm.

[0035] Similarly, the first mounting section of the sensor device's mounting area can be connected to the second mounting section of the sensor device's mounting area by means of a third mounting section that extends radially inward with respect to a symmetry or central axis of the sensor device. Thus, a third mounting section can be arranged or formed between the first mounting section, which forms the free end of the sensor device, and the second mounting section. The third mounting section can extend radially inward by a certain amount, e.g., an amount in the range between 0.01 and 0.1 mm.

[0036] The third fastening sections, which typically correspond to the respective first and second fastening sections, may, if necessary, provide a locking mechanism to prevent loss, for example during the manufacturing of the fastening, from the sensor device falling out of the housing.

[0037] As mentioned, the mounting area of ​​the housing assembly can be arranged or formed on a flange-like or flange-shaped section of the housing assembly. The flange-like section can exhibit elastic-spring properties, for example, through a suitable reduction in wall thickness. This simplifies the mounting of the sensor device, which is typically accomplished by inserting the sensor device into the housing assembly and screwing the respective initial mounting sections together. The flange-like or flange-shaped section can be provided with a mounting interface on its outer circumference for attaching the housing assembly, optionally along with the sensor device attached to it, to a corresponding mounting interface on a container. This mounting interface could, for example, be an external thread.

[0038] A second aspect of the invention relates to a device for determining the fill level of a medium in a container. The device can be configured, in particular, to determine the fill level of, for example, oily or aqueous liquids, such as operating fluids, of a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle, or of a machine, especially a construction or agricultural machine.

[0039] The device comprises a sensor device according to the first aspect of the invention and a hardware- and / or software-implemented evaluation unit communicating with the sensor device. The evaluation unit is configured to evaluate the sensor information provided by the sensor device to generate level information describing a current or future fill level of a medium in the respective container. The evaluation unit can be configured to generate such level information based on known measurement principles, such as capacitive measurement principles. Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation unit can be configured to evaluate the sensor information provided by the sensor device to generate parameter information describing a chemical and / or physical parameter of a medium in the respective container.

[0040] The evaluation unit may also be configured to generate evaluation information describing an evaluation result and to output it to a user and / or a user-side terminal device via a suitable output device, such as a display device and / or a wired or wireless communication device. The device may therefore also include a corresponding evaluation unit and / or output device.

[0041] A third aspect of the invention relates to the use of a device according to the second aspect for determining the fill level of a medium in a container. The use of the device can also implement a method for determining the fill level of a medium in a container. The use of the device or the method can also constitute an independent aspect of the invention.

[0042] All statements relating to the sensor device according to the first aspect of the invention apply analogously to the device according to the second aspect of the invention and / or to the use or method according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0043] The invention is further explained by way of example with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 , 2 Each is a schematic representation of a sensor device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] The Fig. 1 and 2 Each figure shows a schematic representation of a sensor device 1 or its components according to an exemplary embodiment in a longitudinal section view. Specifically, each figure shows a section of the sensor device 1 that is important for explaining the principle described herein.

[0045] The sensor device 1 is designed to detect the fill level of a medium, such as a gas and / or a solid and / or a liquid, in a container (not shown), such as a tank, and to obtain descriptive sensor information. This sensor information can include, for example, sensor signals from which, through appropriate evaluation, descriptive fill level information for the respective medium in the respective container can be determined.

[0046] The sensor device 1 comprises a housing 2 and a sensor 3 that can be attached to or is attached to the housing 2. The sensor 3, which is shown by way of example in the figure as a probe-like or probe-shaped element, is designed to detect sensor information describing the fill level of a medium in a container. For this purpose, the sensor 3 comprises at least one sensor element 3.1, shown only schematically, which is designed to detect corresponding sensor information.

[0047] Corresponding sensor information is typically transmitted via suitable connecting elements (not shown), such as signal lines, to an evaluation unit 4 implemented in hardware and / or software. Such an evaluation unit 4 can be configured to evaluate corresponding sensor information with regard to the fill level of a respective medium in a respective container. Such an evaluation unit 4 can, as shown in Fig. 1 The image is shown purely as an example and may be arranged or configured in a receiving chamber 2.1 of the housing unit 2. It is also conceivable that the evaluation unit 4, or a corresponding evaluation unit, forms part of a device superior to the sensor device 1 for determining the fill level of a fluid in a container.

[0048] Corresponding connecting elements as well, cf. Fig. 1The corresponding evaluation unit 4 can be arranged on or in the housing unit 2. For this purpose, the housing unit includes the aforementioned receiving space 2.1, which can, for example, be designed as a bore or bore-shaped component.

[0049] The housing assembly 2 and the sensor assembly 3 are configured in a special way with regard to a stable, optionally (non-destructively) detachable mounting option for the sensor assembly 3 to the housing assembly 2, and vice versa: The housing assembly 2 has a mounting area 2.2, which may also be referred to as a mounting device, for attaching the housing assembly 2 to the sensor assembly 3, and vice versa. The mounting area 2.2 is generally configured to provide a mechanically very stable mounting of the sensor assembly 3 to the housing assembly 2, and vice versa. The mounting area 2.2 can be arranged on or formed on a flange-like section 2.4 of the housing assembly. The special feature of the mounting area 2.2 results from the fact that this separate geometrically and structurally...The mounting section 2.2.1 and 2.2.2, which are functionally configured differently, comprise a first mounting section 2.2.1 for forming a threaded connection with a corresponding first mounting section 3.2.1 of the sensor device 3, and a second mounting section 2.2.2, separate from the first mounting section 2.2.1, for forming a conical press fit with a corresponding second mounting section 3.2.2 of the sensor device 3. The first mounting section 2.2.1 on the housing device is thus configured to interact with the corresponding first mounting section 3.2.2 on the sensor device to form a threaded connection. The second mounting section 2.2.2 on the housing device is thus configured to interact with the corresponding second mounting section 3.2 on the sensor device.2 to cooperate by forming a conical press fit. The mounting area 2.2 of the housing assembly 2 is evidently formed on a base body 2.3 of the housing assembly 2, which may optionally also be referred to as the housing body. The housing assembly 2 is thus formed by or comprises a base body 2.3, e.g., made of metal. In the exemplary embodiment, the base body 2.3 has a hollow cylindrical or -shaped basic form. In particular, the mounting area 2.2 of the housing assembly 2 has a hollow cylindrical or -shaped basic form.

[0050] The sensor device 3 has a mounting area 3.2, which may also be referred to as a mounting device, for attaching the sensor device 3 to the housing device 2, and vice versa. The mounting area 3.2 is generally configured to provide a mechanically very stable attachment of the sensor device 3 to the housing device 2, and vice versa. The mounting area 3.2 may be arranged on or formed on a flange-like section 3.4 of the sensor device 3. The special feature of the mounting area 3.2 arises—analogous to the mounting area 2.2 of the housing device 2—from the fact that it comprises separate mounting sections 3.2.1 and 3.2.2, which are configured differently in terms of geometry, design, and function. Specifically, the mounting area 3.2 comprises a first mounting section 3.2.1 for forming a threaded connection with a corresponding first fastening section 2.2.1 of the housing assembly 2 and a separate second fastening section 3.2.2 for forming a conical press fit, with a corresponding second fastening section 2.2.2 of the housing assembly 2. The sensor-side first fastening section 3.2.1 is thus configured to interact with a corresponding housing-side first fastening section 2.2.1 to form a threaded connection or fastening. The sensor-side second fastening section 3.2.2 is thus configured to interact with a corresponding housing-side second fastening section 2.2.2 to form the conical press fit.

[0051] The mounting area 3.2 of the sensor device 3 is formed on a base body 3.3 of the sensor device 3, which may also be referred to as the sensor body. The sensor device 3 is thus formed by or comprises a base body 3.3, which may be, for example, metallic or ceramic. The base body 3.3 has a cylindrical or cylindrical shape. In particular, the mounting area 3.2 of the sensor device 3 has a cylindrical or cylindrical shape.

[0052] The interaction of the respective housing-side and sensor-side mounting areas 2.2, 3.2, i.e., in particular the respective housing-side and sensor-side first and second mounting sections 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, made possible by coordinated configurations, allows for a combination of threaded and press-fit mounting, i.e., in particular a conical press-fit mounting, and thus a combined mounting principle overall, which, especially compared to a simple screw mounting, enables a very stable mounting of the sensor device 3 to the housing device 2, and vice versa.

[0053] This is particularly relevant given that the rod-like or rod-shaped sensor device 3 typically has a length-to-diameter ratio of at least 2:1, in particular at least 3:1, further in particular at least 4:1, further in particular at least 5:1, further in particular at least 6:1, further in particular at least 7:1, further in particular at least 8:1, further in particular at least 9:1, further in particular at least 10:1, further in particular at least 11:1, further in particular at least 12:1, further in particular at least 13:1, further in particular at least 14:1, further in particular at least 15:1. The length of the sensor device 3 can therefore be significantly greater than its diameter or cross-section, which, as mentioned at the outset, fundamentally complicates stable mounting.However, the fastening principle of the sensor device 1 described above makes it possible to achieve a very stable fastening even under such difficult fastening conditions.

[0054] The interaction of the respective housing-side and sensor-side mounting areas 2.2, 3.2, i.e., in particular the respective housing-side and sensor-side first and second mounting sections 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, which is made possible by coordinated configurations, also allows for a certain degree of variability in the stability of the mounting. This is because the press connection achieved by the interaction of the respective second mounting sections 2.2.2, 3.2.2 can, if necessary, be specifically influenced by the screwing of the respective first mounting sections 2.2.1, 3.2.1 and the resulting interlocking of the respective first mounting sections. This is achieved by adjusting the forces acting on the respective second mounting sections 2.2.2, 3.2.2 to create the press connection by tightening the screw fastening of the respective first mounting sections 2.2.1, 3.2.2.2.1 can be specifically influenced.

[0055] The base body 2.3 of the housing assembly 2 evidently has a symmetry or central axis A1, which can be the longitudinal axis of the base body 2.3 or of the housing assembly 2. In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting area 2.2 of the housing assembly 2 is arranged or formed in the area of ​​the free end of the base body 2.3 facing the sensor assembly 3.

[0056] It is evident that the second fastening section 2.2.2 of the fastening area 2.2 of the housing assembly 2 is arranged or formed in the area of ​​the free end of the base body 2.3 of the housing assembly 2 facing the sensor assembly 3, and that the first fastening section 2.2.1 of the fastening area 2.2 of the housing assembly 2 is arranged or formed offset relative to the free end in the direction of another free end. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, the second fastening section 2.2.2 is arranged or formed directly at the free end of the base body 2.3 facing the sensor assembly 3; the second fastening section 2.2.2 therefore forms the free end of the base body 2.3 of the housing assembly 2 facing the sensor assembly 3.

[0057] The base body 3.3 of the sensor device 3 also has a symmetry or central axis A2, which can be the longitudinal axis of the base body or the sensor device 3. In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting area 3.2 of the sensor device 3 is located or formed in the area of ​​the free end of the base body 3.3 facing the housing device 2.

[0058] It is evident that the first fastening section 3.2.1 of the fastening area 3.2 of the sensor device 3 is arranged or formed in the area of ​​the free end of the base body 3.3 of the sensor device 3 facing the housing device 2, and the second fastening section 3.2.2 of the fastening area 3.2 of the sensor device 3 is arranged or formed offset relative to the free end in the direction of another free end. Thus, in this embodiment, the first fastening section is arranged or formed directly on the free end of the base body 3.3 facing the housing device 2; the first fastening section therefore forms the free end of the base body 3.3 of the sensor device 3 facing the housing device 2.

[0059] Although not shown in the figures, it is also conceivable that the mounting area 3.2 of the sensor device 3 is arranged or configured at a distance from a free end of the base body 3.3. This applies in particular to configurations in which, when the sensor device 1 is mounted, the sensor device 3 projects or extends with a free end beyond the mounting area 2.2 of the housing device 2 into the housing device 2.

[0060] As mentioned, the respective first fastening sections 2.2.1, 3.2.1 of the fastening areas 2.2, 3.2 of the housing assembly 2 and the sensor assembly 3 are designed to form a threaded connection or fastening. In this embodiment, the first fastening section 2.2.1 of the fastening area 2.2 of the housing assembly 2 is formed by an internal thread or a section of an internal thread. In this embodiment, the first fastening section 3.2.1 of the fastening area 3.2 of the sensor assembly 3 is formed by a corresponding external thread or a corresponding section of an external thread. The respective internal and external threads may optionally be fine threads.

[0061] As also mentioned, the respective second fastening sections 2.2.2, 3.2.2 of the fastening areas 2.2, 3.2 of the housing assembly 2 and the sensor assembly 3 are designed to form a conical press fit. In the exemplary embodiment, the second fastening section 2.2.2 of the fastening area 2.2 of the housing assembly 2 is formed by conical surfaces that widen axially with respect to the symmetry or central axis A1 of the housing assembly 2 or the base body 2.3. As can be seen in the (longitudinally) sectional views according to the figures, the conical surfaces represent inclined surfaces that widen axially with respect to the symmetry or central axis A1 in the direction of the free end of the housing assembly 2, which is provided with the fastening area 2.2. The second fastening section 3.2.2 of the fastening area 3.In the exemplary embodiment, the sensor device 3 is formed by corresponding conical surfaces that converge axially with respect to the symmetry or central axis A2 of the sensor device 3 or the base body 3.3. As can be seen in the (longitudinally) sectional views according to the figures, the conical surfaces are inclined surfaces that converge axially with respect to the symmetry or central axis A2 in the direction of the free end of the sensor device 3, which is provided with the mounting area 3.2.

[0062] The respective conical surfaces of the second mounting sections 2.2.2, 3.2.2 of the housing device 2 and / or the sensor device 3 can also be referred to or considered as frustoconical surfaces.

[0063] The half-opening angle of a cone defined by corresponding conical surfaces of the housing device 2 and / or the sensor device 3 can generally lie in a range between 0.1 and 90°. Specifically, the half-opening angle of a cone defined by corresponding conical surfaces of the housing device 2 and / or the sensor device 3 can, for example, lie in a range between 5 and 45°, particularly in a range between 10 and 35°, and further, particularly, between 15 and 25°. The respective half-opening angles of the conical surfaces on the housing device side and the sensor device side are, as the figures illustrate, typically congruent.

[0064] As mentioned, the respective first and second mounting sections 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 3.2.1, 3.2.2 are to be considered, at least in geometrically and structurally, as separate sections of the respective mounting areas 2.2, 3.2, of the housing and sensor assembly 2, 3. The respective first and second mounting sections 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 3.2.1, 3.2.2 of a respective mounting area 2.2, 3.2 are therefore spatially distinguishable from one another. In this context, the following embodiments are conceivable by way of example:

[0065] The first mounting section 2.2.1 of the mounting area 2.2 of the housing device 2 can connect axially with respect to the symmetry or central axis A1 of the housing device 2, in particular directly, to the second mounting section 2.2.2 of the mounting area 2.2 of the housing device 2. As mentioned, the second mounting section 2.2.2 forms the free end of the housing device 2 facing the sensor device 3. Likewise, the first mounting section 3.2.1 of the mounting area 3.2 of the sensor device 3 connects axially with respect to the symmetry or central axis A2 of the sensor device 3, in particular directly, to the second mounting section 3.2.2 of the mounting area 3.2 of the sensor device 3. As mentioned, the first mounting section 3.2.1 of the mounting area 3.2 of the sensor device 3 forms the free end of the sensor device 3 facing the housing device 2.

[0066] It is also conceivable that the first fastening section 2.2.1 of the fastening area 2.2 of the housing assembly 2 connects to the second fastening section 2.2.2 via an interposed third fastening section (not shown) extending radially inwards with respect to the symmetry or central axis A1 of the housing assembly 2. A third fastening section can thus be arranged or formed between the second fastening section 2.2.2, which forms the free end of the housing assembly 2, and the first fastening section 2.2.1. The third fastening section can extend radially inwards by a certain amount, e.g., an amount in the range between 0.01 and 0.1 mm.

[0067] Similarly, the first mounting section 3.2.1 of the mounting area 3.2 of the sensor device 3 could be connected to the second mounting section 3.2.2 by means of a third mounting section 3.2.3 extending radially inward with respect to the symmetry or central axis A2 of the sensor device 3. A third mounting section (not shown) can thus be arranged or formed between the first mounting section 3.2.1, which forms the free end of the sensor device 3, and the second mounting section 3.2.2. The third mounting section can extend radially inward by a certain amount, e.g., an amount in the range between 0.01 and 0.1 mm.

[0068] The third fastening sections, which typically correspond to the respective first and second fastening sections 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, may, if necessary, provide a locking mechanism to prevent loss, which, for example during the manufacture of the fastening, prevents the sensor device 3 from falling out of the housing device 2.

[0069] The flange-like or flange-shaped section 2.4 of the base body 2.3 of the housing assembly 2 can exhibit elastic-spring properties, for example, through a suitable reduction in wall thickness. This simplifies the assembly of the sensor device 1, which is typically carried out by inserting the sensor device 3 into the housing assembly 2 and screwing the respective first mounting sections 2.2.1 and 3.2.1 together. Furthermore, the flange-like or flange-shaped section of the base body 2.3 of the housing assembly 2 can be provided on its outer circumference with a mounting interface (not specified in more detail) for attaching the housing assembly 2, optionally together with the sensor device 3 attached thereto, to a corresponding mounting interface of a container. Such a mounting interface could, for example, be an external thread.

[0070] By using the sensor device 1 or a device comprising the sensor device 1 for determining the fill level of a medium in a container, a method for determining the fill level of a medium in a container can be implemented.

Claims

1. Sensor device (1) for detecting the level of a medium in a container descriptive level information, comprising: a housing device (2) and a sensor device (3) attachable or attached to the housing device (2) for detecting the level of a medium in a container descriptive level information, wherein The housing device (2) has a fastening region (2.2) for fastening the sensor device (3), which comprises a first fastening portion (2.2.1) for forming a threaded connection with a corresponding first fastening portion (3.2.1) of the sensor device (3) and a separate to the first fastening portion (2.2.1) second fastening portion (2.2.1) for forming a connection with a corresponding second fastening portion (3.2.2) of the sensor device (3); and the sensor device (3) has a fastening region (3.2) for fastening the housing device (2), which comprises the first fastening portion (3.2.1) for forming the threaded connection with the corresponding first fastening portion (2.2.1) of the housing device (2) and the second fastening portion (3.2.2) separate from the first fastening portion (3.2.1) for forming the connection with the corresponding second fastening portion (2.2.2) of the housing device (2), wherein the second mounting portion (2.2.2) of the housing device is designed to form a conical press connection with the second mounting portion (3.2.2) of the sensor device, that the second fastening portion (2.2.2) of the fastening region (2.2) of the housing device (2) is formed in a longitudinally cut view of the housing device (2) by itself in the axial direction with respect to a symmetry or central axis of the base body of the housing device (2) in the direction of the end of the housing device (2) provided with the fastening region (2.2) expanding diagonal surfaces; wherein the second fastening portion (3.2.2) of the fastening region (3.2) of the sensor device (3) is formed in a longitudinally cut view of the sensor device (3) by itself in the axial direction with respect to a symmetry or central axis of the base body of the sensor device (3) in the direction of the end of the sensor device (3) provided with the fastening region (3.2) inclined surfaces.

2. Sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing device (2) has a symmetry or central axis (A1) having a base body (3), wherein the fastening region (2.2) in the region of a free end of the base body (2.3) is arranged or formed; and / or The sensor device (3) has a symmetry or central axis (A2) having a base body (3.3), wherein the fastening region (3.2) is arranged or formed in the region of a free end of the base body (3.3).

3. Sensor device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first fastening portion (2.2.1) of the fastening portion (2.2) of the housing device (2) is arranged or formed in the region of the free end of the base body (2.3) of the housing device (2) and the second fastening portion (2.2.2) of the fastening portion (2.2) of the housing device (2) is arranged or formed offset relative to the free end in the direction of another free end, and / or the second fastening portion (3.2.2) of the fastening portion (3.2) of the sensor device (3) is arranged or formed in the area of the free end of the base body (3.3) of the sensor device (3) and the first fastening portion (3.2.1) of the fastening portion (3.2) of the sensor device (3) is displaced in relation to the free end in the direction of another free end is arranged or formed.

4. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first fastening portion (2.2.1) of the fastening portion (2.2) of the housing device (2) is formed by an internal thread or an internal thread portion, and the first fastening portion (3.2.1) of the fastening portion (3.2) of the sensor device (3) is formed by an external thread or an external thread portion.

5. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second fastening portion (2.2.2) of the fastening region (2.2) of the housing device (2) is formed by a tapered surfaces extending in the axial direction with respect to a symmetry or central axis (A1) of the housing device (2), and the second fastening portion (3.2.2) of the fastening region (3.2) of the sensor device (3) is formed by a tapered surfaces in the axial direction with respect to a symmetry or central axis (A2) of the sensor device (3).

6. Sensor device according to claim 6, characterized in that the half opening angle of a cone defined by cone surfaces of the housing device (2) and / or the sensor device (3) is in a range between 0.1 and 90 °, in particular in a range between 5 and 45 °, in particular in a range between 10 and 35 °.

7. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first mounting portion (2.2.1) of the mounting portion (2.2) of the housing device (2), in particular in the axial direction with respect to a symmetry or central axis (A1) of the housing device (2), in particular directly, connects to the second mounting portion (2.2.2) of the mounting portion (2.2) of the housing device (2), and / or The first fastening portion (3.2.1) of the fastening region (3.2) of the sensor device (3), in particular in the axial direction with respect to a symmetry or central axis (A2) of the sensor device (3), in particular directly, connects to the second fastening portion (3.2.2) of the fastening region (3.2) of the sensor device (3).

8. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first fastening portion (2.2.1) of the fastening portion (2.2) of the housing device (2) connects to the second fastening portion (2.2.2) of the fastening portion (2.2) of the housing device (2) radially extending inwardly with respect to a symmetry or central axis (A1) of the housing device (2), and / or The first mounting portion (3.2.1) of the mounting portion (3.2) of the sensor device (3) is connected to the second mounting portion (3.2.2) of the mounting portion (3.2) of the sensor device (3) by interconnecting a third mounting portion radially extending inwards with respect to a symmetry or central axis (A2) of the sensor device (3).

9. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first fastening portion (2.2.1) of the fastening portion (2.2) of the housing device (2) is formed by an internal thread or an internal thread portion.

10. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first fastening portion (3.2.1) of the fastening region (3.2) of the sensor device (3) is formed by an external thread or an external thread portion arranged or formed at the free end of a base body of the sensor device (3).

11. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting region (2.2) of the housing device (2) is arranged or formed on a flange-like portion of the housing device (2), wherein the flange-like portion has elastic-sprung properties.

12. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (3) has a length to diameter ratio of at least 2:1, in particular at least 3:1, further in particular at least 4:1, further in particular at least 5:1, further in particular at least 6:1, further in particular at least 7:1, further in particular at least 8:1, further in particular at least 9:1, further in particular at least 10:1, further in particular at least 11:1, further in particular at least 12:1, further in particular at least 13:1, further in particular at least 14:1, further in particular at least 15:1.

13. Device for determining the level of a medium in a container, comprising a sensor device (1) according to one of the preceding claims and an evaluation device (4), which is configured for evaluating the sensor information provided or delivered by the sensor device (3) of the sensor device (1) and for generating a current or future level of a medium in the respective container descriptive level information.