SENSOR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sensor, in particular a radar sensor, with a measuring probe, in particular a cylindrical one, and an adapter for arranging the measuring probe at an opening in a wall of a container, wherein the adapter has a body with a continuous central cavity, wherein the measuring probe further extends through the cavity and has a measuring end which, in the arranged state of the sensor, projects into an interior of the container, wherein the adapter further has a sealing device, wherein the sealing device is arranged for sealing an intermediate space between the measuring probe and an inner wall of the cavity and thereby circumferentially surrounds the measuring probe.

[0002] Sensors, such as level sensors, for placement in and / or on the wall of a container for internal applications are generally known. In particular, level sensors with guided radar, for example, can utilize a probe rod along which the radar signal propagates from the sensor electronics and is reflected by the medium. The time difference between transmission and reception is proportional to the distance and can therefore be converted into a level measurement.

[0003] However, problems can arise when using such sensors with containers where there is a high temperature (e.g., greater than 175 °C) and / or a pressure higher than normal pressure (e.g., 15 bar or higher). In particular, with the radar sensors mentioned above, for example, steam can penetrate the interior of the sensor in applications involving hot steam in the container, potentially causing sensor failure in the worst case.

[0004] Known solutions to this problem, such as using a protective sleeve over the measuring rod, can only delay this ingress. Other approaches, such as using a pressure equalization element, are unsuitable for use at high temperatures above 175 °C, or, like using a spacer tube to increase the distance between the sensor element and the actual container, often require a considerable amount of additional space and cost.

[0005] For the known state of the art of corresponding sensors, reference is made to DE 195 32 090 A1, US 6 164 120 A, US 2006 / 225499 A1, DE 698 16 267 T2, DE 10 2019 105809 A1, and DE 10 2016 204489 A1.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a sensor that enables measurements inside a container at increased pressure and / or increased temperature, wherein in particular the ingress of steam into the interior of the sensor is prevented or at least significantly impeded.

[0007] This problem is solved by independent claim 1. Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0008] According to the present invention, the problem is solved by a sensor, in particular a radar sensor, with a measuring probe, in particular a cylindrical one, and an adapter for arranging the measuring probe at an opening in a wall of a container, wherein the adapter has a body with a continuous central cavity, wherein the measuring probe further extends through the cavity and has a measuring end which, in the arranged state of the sensor, projects into an interior of the container, wherein the adapter further has a sealing device, wherein the sealing device is arranged for sealing an intermediate space between the measuring probe and an inner wall of the cavity and thereby circumferentially surrounds the measuring probe.This includes a vapor barrier, wherein the vapor barrier completely surrounds the measuring probe and extends radially around the entire circumference from the measuring probe to the inner wall, and wherein the vapor barrier is electrically insulating at least in the areas of the vapor barrier that are in contact with the measuring probe.

[0009] The sensor according to the invention is designed for use, or rather for measurements, inside a container. For this purpose, the sensor comprises a measuring probe and an adapter, via which the measuring probe, in particular at least one measuring end of the probe, can be positioned on or in an opening in a wall of the container. The measuring probe is preferably cylindrical and can furthermore be designed, for example, as a radar sensor for level measurement.

[0010] The adapter, in turn, is preferably dimensioned so that it completely covers the opening in the container. This prevents or at least significantly reduces contamination of the container's interior by any remaining uncovered portion of the opening, and conversely, prevents contamination of the surrounding environment by the container's contents.

[0011] The sensor can be retrofitted or equipped with an adapter specifically designed for a particular container or its opening, thus enabling the sensor to be positioned on a wide variety of containers. In other words, the measuring probe and the adapter can be separate components that can be assembled to form a single unit, namely the sensor according to the invention.

[0012] To allow the measuring probe to be assembled with the adapter, the adapter has a central cavity through which the measuring probe can be inserted. This allows the measuring end of the probe to protrude from one end of the adapter, the end intended for placement against the container, so that after the sensor is positioned, this measuring end extends into the interior of the container. The resulting reduction in the distance between the measuring end and the interior of the container increases the sensor's measurement accuracy.

[0013] To prevent or at least significantly impede the ingress of liquids or gases from the container into the sensor, particularly into the adapter's cavity, a sealing device is provided as part of the adapter. This sealing device is arranged within the cavity in a remaining gap between an inner wall of the cavity and the measuring probe. Preferably, the sealing device can be essentially hollow and cylindrical.

[0014] The sealing device completely surrounds the measuring probe. Furthermore, the sealing device preferably fills the gap, at least partially, in a radial direction. Overall, the gap can thus be completely filled, at least partially, by the sealing device. This prevents or at least significantly reduces the ingress of gases and / or liquids into the cavity, and thus the risk of impairment and / or damage to the sensor by these gases and / or liquids.

[0015] Water vapor, but also any other vapors, are often present at high temperatures, especially temperatures above 175 °C, and / or high pressures, especially pressures greater than 1 bar, for example, pressures greater than 15 bar. Therefore, vapors generally place higher demands on sealing performance, which simple sealing devices cannot meet. According to the invention, the sealing device installed in the cavity of the adapter of the sensor according to the invention therefore has an explicit vapor barrier.

[0016] The vapor barrier completely surrounds the measuring probe and extends radially around it from the probe to the inner wall. In other words, the vapor barrier completely fills the space remaining in the cavity after the measuring probe has been installed.

[0017] The vapor barrier can preferably consist of one or more materials that can withstand the high temperatures and pressures of the expected steam. More preferably, the vapor barrier can consist of one or more solid materials that are incompressible or only insignificantly compressible. In summary, the vapor barrier can consist of one or more materials suitable for use in a vapor barrier, particularly with regard to the expected temperature and / or pressure conditions. In other words, the vapor barrier according to the invention is designed such that the expected steam cannot compress it through its pressure and thereby force its way past it, nor can the temperature of the steam negatively affect the vapor barrier.

[0018] The aforementioned criteria for the vapor barrier material(s) ensure that direct vapor penetration into the sensor's interior is prevented or at least significantly reduced. Furthermore, when selecting the vapor barrier material(s), it is preferable to also prevent vapor diffusion through the barrier. Therefore, materials with a high resistance to diffusion, such as glass or ceramics as mentioned herein, are particularly suitable for the vapor barrier.

[0019] In particular, but not exclusively, in a sensor based on radar technology, the measuring probe has a surface made of a conductive material, especially a metal, preferably stainless steel or titanium. To avoid impairing the operation of these sensors, electrical insulation of the measuring probe from the container is necessary. With the inventive design of the vapor barrier, such that at least the areas of the vapor barrier in contact with the measuring probe are electrically insulating, this electrical insulation can also be achieved in sealing devices with a vapor barrier.

[0020] In summary, by providing the vapor barrier designed according to the invention in the sealing device of the sensor according to the invention, the use of the sensor, in particular a radar sensor preferably for level measurement, can also be safely enabled in containers in which vapors with high temperatures, for example temperatures greater than 175 °C, and / or high pressures, for example pressures greater than 1 bar, in particular pressures greater than 15 bar, are to be expected.

[0021] Furthermore, the sensor according to the invention can be characterized in that the vapor barrier consists entirely of an electrically insulating material, in particular that the vapor barrier consists of ceramic and / or glass. This makes it possible to manufacture the vapor barrier in one piece or monolithically. This avoids complex assembly work for manufacturing the vapor barrier, in particular the application and / or arrangement of the electrically insulating material onto the relevant areas of the vapor barrier. Ceramics and glasses have proven to be particularly suitable materials for vapor barriers according to the invention, especially since these materials also exhibit high resistance to diffusion.

[0022] Furthermore, the sensor according to the invention is characterized in that the vapor barrier has a circumferential T-section with a T-shaped cross-section comprising an upper transverse section and a lower longitudinal section, wherein the transverse section extends radially from the measuring probe to the inner wall and the longitudinal section extends from the transverse section towards the measuring end, and wherein an O-ring is furthermore inserted for sealing between the measuring probe and a radial inner surface of the longitudinal section and / or an O-ring is inserted for sealing between a radial outer surface of the longitudinal section and the inner wall of the cavity. The prevention of vapor penetration into the cavity is ensured, in particular, the more precisely and completely the space is blocked by the vapor barrier.The shape of the upper transverse section, which essentially corresponds to an annular disc, allows the vapor barrier to completely cover the gap. However, deviations in the shape of the transverse section from the actual free cross-section cannot always be completely avoided, for example, due to manufacturing tolerances and / or operational deformations.

[0023] Such deviations can be compensated for by the additional longitudinal section and the two O-rings, which are arranged accordingly in the receiving spaces formed by the longitudinal section. The material used for manufacturing the O-rings is preferably selected to exhibit high resistance to elevated temperatures and / or pressures. Furthermore, the respective sizes of the two O-rings are preferably chosen to be slightly larger than the respective average radial distances, i.e., for the inner, smaller O-ring between the measuring probe and an inner surface of the longitudinal section, and correspondingly for the outer, larger O-ring between an outer surface of the longitudinal section and the inner wall of the cavity.By extending the longitudinal section towards the measuring end of the measuring probe, it can be ensured that any displacement of the O-rings by penetrating steam can be stopped at the latest by the O-rings striking the transverse section.

[0024] Overall, this embodiment with a T-shaped vapor barrier and two appropriately designed and arranged O-rings enables a more reliable and further improved complete sealing of the cavity against penetrating vapor.

[0025] The sensor according to the invention can also be designed such that the sealing device includes an end cap, wherein the end cap forms a lower end of the sealing device facing the measuring end, the end cap having a passage for the measuring probe and otherwise completely sealing the cavity in the direction of the measuring end. Although the vapor barrier preferably exhibits high resistance to high temperatures and pressures, damage to the vapor barrier, for example by the action of mechanical forces or loads, cannot be completely ruled out.A cover at the lower end of the sealing device, which in most cases, when the sensor is in place, also faces directly into the interior of the container, protects the vapor barrier located further inside the space from external forces such as impacts or blows. Furthermore, such a cover prevents broken or chipped pieces of the vapor barrier from falling into the interior of the container should it nevertheless become damaged.

[0026] According to a further development of the sensor according to the invention, the body can also be provided with a circumferential projection at an end of the cavity facing the measuring end, with the end cap fitting snugly against this projection. To completely cover the lower end of the cavity around the measuring probe, the end cap extends to the edge of the cavity. Preferably, this is cylindrical, so that the end cap is preferably ring-shaped. The projection is provided circumferentially at the end of the cavity; in other words, the projection extends completely around the end of the cavity facing the interior of the container when the sensor is in its installed state.Preferably, the end cap rests on a side of the projection facing away from the measuring end, whereby the circumferential shape of the projection makes it particularly easy and secure to hold the end cap in the gap.

[0027] According to an alternative or additional development, the sensor according to the invention can be characterized in that the end cap is designed as part of the vapor barrier. In other words, the vapor barrier and the end cap can be provided as a single, monolithic component. This can be particularly advantageous if the vapor barrier consists of a material that is also resistant to mechanical stress. This reduces the number of individual components required for the sealing device, and thus the overall mechanical complexity of the sealing device or the entire sensor according to the invention.

[0028] Furthermore, the sensor according to the invention can be provided with at least one locking element forming an upper end of the sealing device facing away from the measuring end, wherein the at least one locking element is secured within the body against axial movement along the measuring probe. Thus, an axial end of the sealing device can be fixed by a locking element, preferably an inner axial end of the sealing device. The axial securing of the locking element limits any potential displacement of the sealing device, in particular the vapor barrier, by the action of, for example, high vapor pressure into the interior of the cavity.Preferably, the internal structure of the entire sealing device can be designed without axial gaps between adjacent elements, so that the axially fixed locking element at the inner end of the sealing device ensures an overall axially stabilized arrangement of the sealing device. In embodiments with two or more locking elements, the end cap, for example, can also be designed as such a locking element. This facilitates the installation of the sealing device in the cavity or space.

[0029] The sensor according to the invention can also be further developed such that the locking element is designed as a retaining ring that engages in a, preferably circumferential, retaining groove on the inner wall of the cavity. The engagement in the retaining groove allows for particularly simple and reliable axial locking of the retaining ring used as the locking element. For assembly, the retaining ring is slightly compressed and brought into the axial position of the retaining groove. There, the retaining ring is released and relaxes, thus engaging the retaining groove. In the assembled state, the retaining ring projects radially from the inner wall into the cavity, thereby positively preventing axial movement of the other elements of the sealing device past the retaining ring.

[0030] In a further development of the sensor according to the invention, the locking element can be provided with a thread that engages in a mating thread on the inner wall of the cavity for axial locking of the locking element. The locking element can, for example, be designed as a bushing. Furthermore, the thread can be self-locking, so that a purely axial force applied to the locking element cannot cause any axial movement of the locking element. The thread facilitates the axial locking and fixation of the locking element particularly easily. Moreover, such a thread also allows for the compensation of any deviations in the axial length from a specified value, for example, due to manufacturing tolerances of the sealing device.

[0031] According to an alternative or additional development, the sensor according to the invention can also be characterized in that a spacer element, preferably circumferential with respect to the measuring probe, is arranged between the locking element and the vapor barrier. In most cases, it is advantageous to arrange the vapor barrier as close as possible to the end of the cavity so that, when the sensor is installed, it faces the interior of the container. This prevents vapor from entering the cavity as comprehensively as possible. At the same time, however, it may happen that this area of ​​the cavity is difficult to access from the other axial side, since, for example, there is little or no free space for using tools to axially fix the locking element.This problem can be solved by using a spacer element positioned between the vapor barrier and the locking element, as this shifts the axial position of the locking element further into the cavity, relative to the vapor barrier. This facilitates access to the rear or inner end of the sealing device, particularly for positioning and / or fixing the locking element.

[0032] The sensor according to the invention can also be further developed by designing the spacer element to be elastic. An elastic spacer element enables internal tensioning of the sealing device elements. Preferably, the sealing device is designed with an end cap for this purpose. To generate the tension, the locking element can, for example, be fixed in an axial position in which the axial space remaining for arranging the other components of the sealing device is slightly too small. This exerts a force on the spacer element, which at least partially converts it into an elastic deformation, thereby creating axial tension.A contacting arrangement of the elements of the sealing device, and thus in particular the assurance of the sealing function and vapor barrier function of the sealing device, can be guaranteed for an even longer period of time.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the sensor according to the invention can also be characterized in that an elastic tensioning element is arranged between the locking element and the spacer element and / or between the spacer element and the vapor barrier, the tensioning element preferably being designed as an O-ring. The elastic spacer element here performs the functions described above with regard to an internal tensioning of the elements of the sealing device. All the advantages described in the preceding paragraph can also be achieved by the presence of an elastic tensioning element. O-rings are generally known and widely used elastic elements in the art.By using an O-ring designed with appropriate dimensions and elastic properties as a clamping element, the sealing device, and thus the entire sensor according to the invention, can be manufactured more cost-effectively through the use of standardized components.

[0034] Furthermore, the sensor according to the invention can alternatively or additionally be further developed by designing the spacer element as part of the vapor barrier. In other words, the vapor barrier and the spacer element can be provided as a single, monolithic component. Preferably, the vapor barrier, the spacer element, and also the end cap can be designed as a single, monolithic component. This further reduces the number of individual components required for the sealing device and thus the overall mechanical complexity of the sealing device or the entire sensor according to the invention.

[0035] Furthermore, the sensor according to the invention can be characterized in that the cavity in the adapter extends as a free volume beyond an end of the sealing device facing away from the measuring end, wherein at least one vent opening is provided in the body, which connects this free volume to the environment outside the container when the sensor is in its installed state. Despite the installation of a sealing device with a vapor barrier, it is possible that vapor or gas may not be completely prevented from penetrating the cavity by the sealing device. These unwanted fluids can be collected in the free volume. The vent opening, which can, for example, be a bore in the body of the adapter, allows these fluids to be discharged outside the cavity. This prevents overpressure in the cavity that could otherwise occur.

[0036] Furthermore, the sensor according to the invention may be provided with an additional sealing element for sealing the sensor arranged on the container. This sealing element is shaped and positioned on the outside of the body such that, in the sensor's installed state, it is located between the body and the container and extends around the opening in the container wall. The adapter is designed to securely position the sensor's measuring probe at or within the opening in the container wall. The additional sealing element also enables the adapter to preferably provide a complete seal around the opening in the container wall. This prevents both the ingress of contaminants into the container and the leakage of its contents.

[0037] In the following, embodiments of the sensor according to the invention are described by way of example with reference to the figures. These show in detail... Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the sensor according to the invention, and Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the sensor according to the invention.

[0038] In Fig. 1 Figure 10 shows a possible embodiment of the sensor 100 according to the invention. The sensor 100 shown is already arranged at an opening 212 in a wall 210 of a container 200. The sensor 100 particularly includes a measuring probe 110, which can be arranged at the opening 212 via a corresponding adapter 10 such that a measuring end 112 of the measuring probe 110 projects into the interior 220 of the container 200. By way of example, the measuring probe 110, and thus the sensor 10 as a whole, can be designed as a radar sensor, for example for measuring the fill level of a liquid stored inside 220 of the container.

[0039] As further illustrated, it is preferably provided that the body 20 of the adapter 10 completely covers the opening 212. This prevents foreign objects from entering the interior 220 of the container and also prevents the contents of the container 200 from escaping to the outside through the opening 212. A sealing element 18 between the body 20 and the wall 210 of the container 200, which preferably extends completely around the opening 212, can further improve the seal of the opening 212.

[0040] According to the invention, the measuring probe 110 is positioned at the opening 212 of the container 200 by means of an adapter 10. For this purpose, the adapter 10 has a central cavity 22 that extends through the body 20 of the adapter 10. The measuring probe 110 passes through the cavity 22, so that the measuring end 112 of the measuring probe 110 can be positioned inside 220 of the container 200. The cavity 22, which, like the measuring probe 110, is preferably at least partially cylindrical, has a radially larger cross-section than the measuring probe 110, so that a space 26 remains around the measuring probe 110.

[0041] To prevent the ingress of gases, liquids, and especially vapors into the cavity 22, the sensor 100 according to the invention further comprises a sealing device 12, which is arranged in the aforementioned intermediate space 26. The sealing device 12 surrounds the measuring probe 110 and, as shown, can preferably be substantially hollow-cylindrical and fill the intermediate space 26 radially, at least in sections. A lower end 14 of the sealing device 12 closes off the cavity 22 towards the interior 220 of the container 220. An upper end 16 of the sealing device 12 is arranged accordingly inside the cavity 22.

[0042] The sensor 10 according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in containers 200 where high temperatures of 175°C or higher and high pressures, especially pressures of 15 bar or higher, prevail. To reliably prevent the vapors often present under these conditions from penetrating the cavity 26, the sealing device 12 of the sensor 10 according to the invention includes a vapor barrier 40. The vapor barrier 40 surrounds the measuring probe 110 and completely covers at least a section of the radial cross-section of the cavity 26. The vapor barrier 40 extends radially from the measuring probe 110 to an inner wall 24 of the cavity 22 or the cavity 26. This prevents vapor from penetrating the cavity 26.

[0043] In particular, in a radar-based sensor 100, the measuring probe has an electrically conductive surface, for example made of stainless steel or titanium. To avoid impairing the function of the measuring probe 110, the vapor barrier 40 preferably consists of an electrically insulating and therefore non-conductive material, for example ceramic and / or glass. An embodiment in which only those areas of the vapor barrier 40 that contact the measuring probe 110 are electrically insulating can often be sufficient to ensure the electrical function of the measuring probe 110.

[0044] According to the invention, the vapor barrier 40 has a T-section 42, which has a radial T-shaped cross-section and extends around the measuring probe 110. An upper transverse section 44 of the T-section 42 ensures complete radial coverage of the cavity 26. A longitudinal section 46 extends from this transverse section 44 towards the measuring end 112 of the measuring probe 110, and thus towards the lower end 14 of the sealing device 12. In the preferred embodiment shown, appropriately dimensioned O-rings 90 are arranged both between an inner surface 48 of the longitudinal section 46 and the measuring probe 110, and between an outer surface 50 of the longitudinal section 46 and the inner wall 24 of the cavity 26. This further prevents vapor from penetrating the cavity 22.The materials of the O-rings 90 used are preferably selected according to the expected load, for example with regard to temperatures and / or pressures.

[0045] As shown, a lower end 14 of the sealing device 12 can be formed by an end cap 60. A particularly simple arrangement of the end cap 60 can be achieved by a circumferential projection 28 on the body 20 of the adapter 10, against which the end cap 60 fits snugly. The end cap 60 has a central opening 62 for the measuring probe 110 and otherwise completely covers the cavity 22 or the space 26. In this way, the vapor barrier 40 is protected against external mechanical influences such as impacts. At the same time, if the vapor barrier 40 should be damaged, the ingress of fragments or splinters into the interior 220 of the container 200 can be prevented.

[0046] According to a variant not shown, the end cover 60 and the vapor barrier 40 can also be formed in one piece.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment of the sensor 10, the upper end 16 of the sealing device 12 is designed as a locking element 70. This locking element 70 is specifically secured against axial displacement. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 70 is designed as a retaining ring 72, which engages in a corresponding locking groove 74 machined into the inner wall 24. Alternatively, and not shown, the axial fixation can also be achieved, for example, by a threaded connection between the locking element 70 and the inner wall 24, whereby the locking element 70 can be designed as a bushing. Overall, the locking element 70 prevents the sealing device 12 from being pushed into the cavity 22, for example, by pressure prevailing inside the container 200.

[0048] A gap between the locking element 70 and the vapor barrier 40 can be compensated for by a spacer element 80. For internal clamping of the entire sealing device 12 between the locking element 70 at the upper end 16 and the end cap 60 at the lower end 14, the spacer element 80 can be elastically designed. Alternatively or additionally, an elastic clamping element 82 can be used, which, as shown, can be formed by an O-ring 90 arranged between the spacer element 80 and the vapor barrier 40. An arrangement of the clamping element 82 between the spacer element 80 and the locking element 70 is also conceivable.

[0049] According to one variant not shown, the spacer element 80 and the vapor barrier 40 can also be formed as a single piece. A one-piece design of the vapor barrier 40 together with both the spacer element 80 and the end cap 60 is also conceivable.

[0050] The cavity 22 extends further as a free volume 30 above the upper end 14 of the sealing device 12. Vent openings 32, which may be designed as bores, prevent the formation of an internal overpressure in the cavity 22 due to gases and / or vapors that may nevertheless enter.

[0051] The in Fig. 2 The embodiment of the sensor 10 shown according to the invention is similar in many features to the one shown in Fig. 1 The embodiment shown. Therefore, reference is made in full to the above description. Fig. 1 referred.

[0052] Unlike the one in Fig. 1 The sensor 10 shown has the sealing device 12 of the sensor 10. Fig. 2 No clamping element 82 is used. The sealing device 12 thus has internal play in its components, in particular the spacer element 70 and the vapor barrier 40. Reference sign

[0053] 10 Adapter 12 Sealing device 14 Lower end 16 Upper end 18 Sealing element 20 Body 22 Cavity 24 Inner wall 26 Space 28 Projection 30 Free volume 32 Ventilation opening 40 Vapor barrier 42 T-section 44 Transverse section 46 Longitudinal section 48 Inside 50 Outside 60 End cap 62 Passage 70 Locking element 72 Locking ring 74 Locking groove 80 Spacer element 82 Bracing element 90O ring 100Sensor 110 Measuring probe 112 Measuring end 200 containers 210Wall 212Opening 220Inside the container

Claims

1. A sensor (100), in particular a radar sensor, comprising a measuring probe (110), in particular a cylindrical measuring probe, and an adapter (10) for arranging the measuring probe (110) at an opening (212) in a wall (210) of a container (200), wherein the adapter (10) has a body (20) with a continuous central cavity (22), wherein furthermore the measuring probe (110) extends through the cavity (22) and has a measuring end (112) which, in the arranged state of the sensor (100), projects into an interior (220) of the container (200), wherein the adapter (10) further has a sealing device (12), wherein the sealing device (12) is provided for a sealing of an intermediate space (26) between the measuring probe (110) and an inner wall (24) of the cavity (22) and circumferentially surrounds the measuring probe (110) in so doing, wherein the sealing device (12) comprises a vapor barrier (40), wherein the vapor barrier (40) completely surrounds the measuring probe (110) and extends circumferentially and radially from the measuring probe (110) up to the inner wall (24), and wherein the vapor barrier (40) is formed as electrically insulating at least at the regions of the vapor barrier (40) that contact the measuring probe (110), characterized in that the vapor barrier (40) circumferentially has a T-section (42) with a T-shaped cross-section comprising an upper transverse section (44) and a lower longitudinal section (46), wherein the transverse section (44) extends radially from the measuring probe (110) up to the inner wall (24) and the longitudinal section (46) extends from the transverse section (44) toward the measuring end (112), and wherein furthermore an O-ring (90) is inserted in a contacting manner between the measuring probe (110) and a radial inner side (48) of the longitudinal section (46) for a sealing and / or an O-ring (90) is inserted in a contacting manner between a radial outer side (50) of the longitudinal section (46) and the inner wall (24) of the cavity (22) for a sealing.

2. A sensor (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the vapor barrier (40) consists entirely of an electrically insulating material, in particular in that the vapor barrier (40) consists of ceramic and / or glass.

3. A sensor (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing device (12) comprises an end cover (60), with the end cover (60) forming a lower end (14) of the sealing device (12) that faces the measuring end (112), with the end cover (60) having a passage (62) for the measuring probe (110) and otherwise completely sealing off the cavity (22) toward the measuring end (112).

4. A sensor (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the body (20) has a circumferential projection (28) at an end of the cavity (22) that faces the measuring end (112), with the end cover (60) contacting this projection (28) in a form-fitting manner.

5. A sensor (100) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the end cover (60) is formed as part of the vapor barrier (40).

6. A sensor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing device (12) has at least one securing element (70) which forms an upper end (16) of the sealing device (12) that faces away from the measuring end (112), with the at least one securing element (70) being secured in the body (20) against an axial movement along the measuring probe (110).

7. A sensor (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the securing element (70) is configured as a securing ring (72) which engages into a securing groove (74), preferably a circumferential securing groove, at the inner wall (24) of the cavity (22).

8. A sensor (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the securing element (70) has a thread which engages into a mating thread at the inner wall (24) of the cavity (22) in order to axially secure the securing element (70).

9. A sensor (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that a spacer element (80), preferably a circumferential spacer element with respect to the measuring probe (110), is arranged between the securing element (70) and the vapor barrier (40).

10. A sensor (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the spacer element (80) is elastic.

11. A sensor (100) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that an elastic bracing element (82) is arranged between the securing element (70) and the spacer element (80) and / or between the spacer element (80) and the vapor barrier (40), with the bracing element (82) preferably being configured as an O-ring (90).

12. A sensor (100) according to any one of the claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the spacer element (80) is formed as part of the vapor barrier (40).

13. A sensor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cavity (22) in the adapter (10) extends as a free volume (30) beyond an end of the sealing device that faces away from the measuring end (112), with at least one vent opening (32) being provided in the body (20) and connecting this free volume (30) in the arranged state of the sensor (100) to the environment outside the container (200).

14. A sensor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter (10) has a further sealing element (18) for sealing the sensor (100) arranged at the container (200), with the sealing element (18) being shaped and arranged at an outer side (50) of the body (20) such that, in the arranged state of the sensor (100), said sealing element (18) is arranged between the body (20) and the container (200) and circumferentially around the opening (212) in the wall (210) of the container (200).