SENSOR DEVICE FOR ACQUIRING SENSOR INFORMATION DESCRIPTING THE FILLING LEVEL OF A MEDIUM IN A CONTAINER - Patent application

Abstract

A sensor device (1) for obtaining filling level information describing the filling level of a medium in a container, comprising housing means (2) and sensor means (3) for obtaining filling level information describing the filling level of a medium in the container, the housing means (2) comprising a fastening area (2.2) for fastening the sensor means (3), the fastening area comprising a first fastening part (2.2.1) for forming a screw connection with a corresponding first fastening part (3.2.1) of the sensor means (3) and a press-fit connection, in particular a cord connection, with a corresponding second fastening part (3.2.2) of the sensor means (3). and / or the sensor means (3) comprises a fastening area (3.2) for fastening the housing means (2), said area comprising a first fastening part (3.2.1) for forming a threaded connection with the corresponding first fastening part (2.2.1) of the housing means (2) and a second fastening part (3.2.2) for forming a press-fit connection, in particular a cone press-fit connection, with the corresponding second fastening part (2.2.2) of the housing means (2).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor device for obtaining sensor information describing the fill level of a medium in a container, comprising housing means and sensor means that can be fixed to the housing means or that is fixed to the housing means and that is intended to obtain sensor information describing the fill level of a medium in the container. [Background technology]

[0002] Corresponding sensor devices for acquiring sensor information describing the fill level of a medium in a container are known in principle from the prior art in several different embodiments.

[0003] The basic configuration of a corresponding sensor device typically comprises a housing means and a sensor means, for example of a special type or form, which can be fixed to the housing means or is fixed to the housing means and which is intended to obtain sensor information describing the fill level of the medium in the container.

[0004] The length dimension of the corresponding sensor means may be quite large in order to ensure that the corresponding filling level information is reliably acquired even for large and correspondingly deep containers, and thus in particular the corresponding sensor means may be, for example, 15 cm or longer in length.

[0005] However, since considerable forces or torques may be exerted on the sensor means, the length dimension of the corresponding sensor means presents a challenge to the stability of the fixation of the respective sensor means to the respective housing means, particularly against the background of potentially spatially limited available cross-sections.

[0006] Known fixing principles typically only provide for a simple screwing of the corresponding housing means and sensor means, so improvements or developments are needed here. Summary of the Invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to specify a sensor device for obtaining sensor information describing the fill level of a medium in a container, which is improved in particular in terms of stable fixation of the housing means and the sensor means.

[0008] This object is achieved by a sensor device for obtaining sensor information describing the fill level of a medium in a container according to claim 1. The claims dependent thereon relate to possible embodiments of the sensor device.

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a sensor device for acquiring sensor information describing the fill level of a medium, such as a gas and / or solid and / or liquid, in a container, such as a tank. The sensor device is therefore designed in particular to acquire sensor information describing the fill level of the medium in the container. The corresponding sensor information can be, for example, a sensor signal or can include a sensor signal, from which fill level information describing the fill level of the respective medium in the respective container can be determined by corresponding evaluation. In principle, it is also conceivable that the sensor device could be designed to acquire chemical and / or physical parameters, such as electrical parameters, i.e., for example, conductivity, of the medium in the container.

[0010] The sensor device comprises a housing means and a sensor means that can be or is fixed to the housing means. The sensor means may be formed, for example, as a special type or form, and is designed to acquire sensor information that describes the fill level of the medium in the container. To this end, the sensor means typically comprises at least one active or passive sensor element that is designed to acquire corresponding sensor information.

[0011] The corresponding sensor information is typically transmitted to an evaluation means implemented by hardware and / or software via a suitable connection element, such as a signal line. The corresponding evaluation means can be designed to evaluate the corresponding sensor information taking into account the determined fill level of the respective medium in the respective container. The corresponding evaluation means can be configured as a component of the device at a higher level than the sensor device to determine the fill level of the fluid in the container.

[0012] Both the corresponding connection element and the corresponding evaluation means can be arranged or formed at least partly, optionally completely, on or in the housing means, which for this purpose can be formed with or can be provided with a receiving space, optionally of the drilled hole type.

[0013] As will become apparent below, the housing means and sensor means are configured in a particular manner to allow for stable, optionally removable (without damage or destruction) possibilities for fixing the sensor means to the housing means and vice versa.

[0014] The housing means comprises a fastening region, optionally also referred to or considered as a fastening means, for fastening the housing means to the sensor means and vice versa. The fastening region of the housing means is therefore generally configured in such a way as to achieve a highly stable mechanical fastening of the sensor means to the housing means and vice versa. The fastening region of the housing means can be arranged or formed on a flange-like portion of the housing means. A particular feature of the fastening region of the housing means results from the fact that said region comprises separate fastening portions configured to be geometrically / structurally or functionally different. Specifically, the fastening region comprises a first fastening portion for forming a threaded connection with a corresponding first fastening portion of the sensor means and a second fastening portion, separate from the first fastening portion, for forming a press-fit connection, in particular a cone press-fit connection, with a corresponding second fastening portion of the sensor means. Thus, the first fastening portion on the housing means side is designed to interact with the corresponding first fastening portion on the sensor means side to form a threaded connection or a screw fastening. The second fastening part on the housing means side is therefore designed to interact with a corresponding second fastening part on the sensor means side to form a press-fit connection or press-fit fastening, ie in particular a cone-press-fit connection or cone-press-fit fastening.

[0015] The fastening region of the housing means can be formed on the main body of the housing means. Thus, the housing means can be formed by or comprise, for example, a metal body. The body can have a cylindrical or cylindrical, i.e., in particular a hollow cylindrical or hollow cylindrical basic shape. In particular, the fastening region of the housing means can have a cylindrical or cylindrical, i.e., in particular a hollow cylindrical or hollow cylindrical basic shape. The basic shape of the housing means can optionally also be called or considered as the housing body.

[0016] The sensor means comprises a fastening region, optionally also referred to or considered as a fastening means, for fastening the sensor means to the housing means and vice versa. The fastening region of the sensor means is therefore generally configured to achieve a highly stable mechanical fastening of the housing means to the sensor means and vice versa. The fastening region of the sensor means can be arranged or formed on a flange-like portion of the sensor means. A particular feature of the fastening region of the sensor means results from the fact that, like the fastening region of the housing means, said region comprises separate fastening portions configured to be geometrically / structurally or functionally different. Specifically, the fastening region comprises a first fastening portion for forming a threaded connection with a corresponding first fastening portion of the housing means and a second fastening portion, separate from the first fastening portion, for forming a press-fit connection, in particular a cone press-fit connection, with a corresponding second fastening portion of the housing means. Thus, the first fastening portion on the sensor means side is designed to interact with the corresponding first fastening portion on the housing means side to form a threaded connection or a screw fastening. The second fastening part on the sensor means side is therefore designed to interact with a corresponding second fastening part on the housing means side to form a press-fit connection or press-fit fastening, ie in particular a cone-press-fit connection or cone-press-fit fastening.

[0017] The fixing region of the sensor means can be formed on the body of the sensor means. The sensor means can therefore be formed by or comprise, for example, a metal or ceramic body. The body can be cylindrical or have a cylindrical basic shape. In particular, the fixing region of the sensor means can be cylindrical or have a cylindrical basic shape. The body of the sensor means can optionally also be called or considered as the sensor body.

[0018] The interaction of the respective fastening regions on the housing means side and on the sensor means side, i.e., in particular, the first and second fastening parts on the housing means side and on the sensor means side, respectively, which is possible due to their mutually compatible configuration, allows for a combination of screw fastening and press-fit fastening, i.e., in particular, cone press-fit fastening, and thus an overall combined fastening principle, which allows for a very stable fastening of the sensor means to the housing means and vice versa, in particular compared to a simple screw fastening. Based on studies, it has been shown that the stability of the fastening can be two times greater than in the case of a simple screw fastening. This can be particularly applicable in situations where the spatially available cross-section may be limited.

[0019] This applies particularly against the background that rod- or bar-shaped sensor means typically have a length-to-diameter ratio of at least 2:1, particularly at least 3:1, more particularly at least 4:1, more particularly at least 5:1, more particularly at least 6:1, more particularly at least 7:1, more particularly at least 8:1, more particularly at least 9:1, more particularly at least 10:1, more particularly at least 11:1, more particularly at least 12:1, more particularly at least 13:1, more particularly at least 14:1, and more particularly at least 15:1. The length of the sensor means can therefore be significantly longer than its diameter, which, as indicated at the beginning, makes stable fixation more difficult in principle. In constant terms, the sensor means can have a length of, for example, at least 15 cm, particularly at least 20 cm, more particularly at least 25 cm, and more particularly at least 30 cm. However, the above-described fixation principle of the sensor device described herein allows for extremely stable fixation even under such difficult fixation conditions.

[0020] Due to the interaction between the respective fixing regions on the housing means side and the sensor means side, i.e., in particular the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion on the housing means side and the sensor means side, which is possible due to their mutually compatible configuration, the press-fit connection resulting from the interaction of the respective second fixing portions can be optionally intentionally influenced by screwing in the respective first fixing portions and the associated mutual engagement of the respective first fixing portions, and the force acting on the respective second fixing portions to establish the press-fit connection can be intentionally influenced by tightening the screw fixation of the respective first fixing portions, so there may be a certain variation in the stability of the fixation.

[0021] Overall, an improved sensor apparatus is provided for obtaining sensor information describing the fill level of a medium in a container.

[0022] As mentioned, the housing means typically comprises a body. The body has an axis of symmetry or a central axis, which may be the longitudinal axis of the body or the housing means. The fixing region of the housing means may be located or formed in the region of the free end of the body. This may be a practical arrangement, taking into account that fixation of the housing means to the sensor means, or vice versa, may or will be established.

[0023] In particular, the second fixing portion of the fixing region of the housing means can be arranged or formed in the region of a free end of the main body of the housing means, and the first fixing portion of the fixing region of the housing means can be arranged or formed offset relative to one free end in the direction of another free end. Thus, the second fixing portion is typically arranged or formed directly at the free end of the main body. Thus, the second fixing portion typically forms the free end of the main body of the housing means facing the sensor means when the sensor device is attached.

[0024] As also mentioned, the sensor means typically also comprises a body. The body has an axis of symmetry or a central axis, which may be the longitudinal axis of the body or the sensor means. The fixing region of the sensor means can be arranged or formed in the region of the free end of the body. This may be a practical arrangement, taking into account that fixation of the sensor means to the housing means, or vice versa, can be or will be established.

[0025] In particular, a first fixing portion of the fixing region of the sensor means can be arranged or formed in the region of a free end of the body of the sensor means, and a second fixing portion of the fixing region of the sensor means can be arranged or formed offset relative to the free end in the direction of another free end. Thus, the first fixing portion is typically arranged or formed directly at the free end of the body. Thus, the first fixing portion typically forms the free end of the body of the sensor means facing the housing means when the sensor device is attached.

[0026] However, it is also conceivable that the fixing region of the sensor means is arranged or configured to be spaced apart from the free end of the body of the sensor means, this being particularly true for configurations in which the free end of the sensor means projects or protrudes further into the housing means beyond the fixing region of the housing means when the sensor device is mounted.

[0027] As mentioned, the respective first fastening portions of the fastening regions of the housing means and the sensor means are designed to form a threaded connection or threaded fastening. The first fastening portion of the fastening region of the housing means can be formed by an internal thread or an internal threaded portion. The first fastening portion of the fastening region of the sensor means can in particular be formed by a corresponding external thread or a corresponding external threaded portion. The respective internal thread or external thread may optionally be a fine-pitch thread.

[0028] As also mentioned, the respective second fastening portions of the fastening regions of the housing means and the sensor means are designed to form a press-fit connection or press-fit fastening, i.e. in particular a cone-fit connection or cone-fit fastening. The second fastening portion of the fastening region of the housing means may be formed by a conical surface extending in the axial direction relative to the axis of symmetry or central axis of the housing means, in particular the axis of symmetry or central axis of the body of the housing means. In a (longitudinal) cross-section of the housing means, the corresponding conical surface of the housing means constitutes an inclined surface extending in the axial direction relative to the axis of symmetry or central axis of the housing means, in particular the axis of symmetry or central axis of the body of the housing means, in the direction of the end of the housing means at which the fastening region is provided.

[0029] The second fixing portion of the fixing region of the sensor means may be formed by a conical surface tapering in the axial direction relative to, in particular a corresponding axis of symmetry or central axis of, the sensor means, in particular the axis of symmetry or central axis of the body of the sensor means. In a (longitudinal) cross section of the sensor means, the corresponding conical surface of the sensor means constitutes an inclined surface tapering in the axial direction relative to, in particular the axis of symmetry or central axis of, the sensor means, in the direction of the end of the sensor means at which the fixing region is provided, relative to, in particular the axis of symmetry or central axis of the body of the sensor means.

[0030] The corresponding conical surface of the second fixing portion of the fixing region of the housing means and / or sensor means can also be called or considered as a frustoconical surface in all embodiments.

[0031] The half of the conical opening angle α of the housing means and / or sensor means defined by the corresponding conical surfaces is generally in the range of 0 < α < 90°. Therefore, the half of the conical opening angle of the housing means and / or sensor means defined by the corresponding conical surfaces may be, for example, in the range of 0.1 to 90°, particularly in the range of 4 to 45°, more particularly in the range of 10 to 35°, and even more particularly in the range of 15 to 25°. The respective half opening angles of the conical surfaces on the housing means side and the sensor means side are typically, but not necessarily, coincident. The mentioned angle ranges are easily achievable from a manufacturing technology standpoint and allow for extremely stable fixation of the sensor means to the housing means and vice versa.

[0032] As mentioned, the respective first and second fixed portions should be considered, at least from a geometric / structural point of view, as separate parts of the respective fixing areas of the housing means and the sensor means. Accordingly, the respective first and second fixed portions of the respective fixing areas may be spatially delimited from one another. In this regard, the following embodiment is considered by way of example:

[0033] The first fixing portion of the fixing region of the housing means may be adjacent, in particular directly, in particular axially with respect to the axis of symmetry or central axis of the housing means, to the second fixing portion of the fixing region of the housing means. As mentioned, the second fixing portion of the fixing region of the housing means typically forms the free end of the housing means. Similarly, the first fixing portion of the fixing region of the sensor means may be adjacent, in particular directly, in particular axially with respect to the axis of symmetry or central axis of the sensor means, to the second fixing portion of the fixing region of the sensor means. As mentioned, the first fixing portion of the fixing region of the sensor means typically forms the free end of the sensor means.

[0034] It is also conceivable that a first fixing portion of the fixing region of the housing means adjoins a second fixing portion of the fixing region of the housing means via a third fixing portion extending radially inward relative to the axis of symmetry or central axis of the housing means. Thus, the third fixing portion may be located or formed between the second fixing portion forming the free end of the housing means and the first fixing portion. The third fixing portion may extend radially inward by a certain amount, for example, in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 mm.

[0035] Similarly, a first fixing portion of the fixing region of the sensor means may be adjacent to a second fixing portion of the fixing region of the sensor means via a third fixing portion extending radially inward with respect to the axis of symmetry or central axis of the sensor means. Thus, the third fixing portion may be located or formed between the first fixing portion forming the free end of the sensor means and the second fixing portion. The third fixing portion may extend radially inward by a certain amount, for example, in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 mm.

[0036] As with each first and second fixing portion, typically the corresponding third fixing portion may optionally provide anti-loss means to prevent the sensor means from undesirably falling off the housing means, for example in situations where fixation is being established.

[0037] As mentioned, the fixing region of the housing means may be arranged or formed on a flange-like or flange-shaped portion of the housing means. The flange-like portion may have elastic / resilient properties, for example, by an appropriate (reduced) wall thickness. In this way, assembly of the sensor device, which is typically performed by inserting the sensor means into the housing means and screwing in the respective first fixing portion, may be simplified. The flange-like or flange-shaped portion may be formed on its outer periphery with a fixing joint for fixing the housing means, optionally together with the sensor means fixed thereon, to a corresponding fixing joint of the container. The corresponding fixing joint may be, for example, an external thread.

[0038] A second aspect of the invention relates to a device for determining the filling level of a medium in a container, which may be designed in particular to determine the filling level of an oil-based or water-based fluid, such as the working fluid of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, or of a work machine, in particular a construction or agricultural machine.

[0039] The apparatus comprises a sensor device according to the first aspect of the invention and evaluation means, implemented by hardware and / or software in communication with the sensor device, designed to evaluate sensor information that can be or has been delivered by the sensor means to generate fill level information describing the current or future fill level of the medium in the respective container. The evaluation means may be designed to generate the corresponding fill level information based on a measurement principle known per se, such as the capacitive measurement principle. Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation means for evaluating the sensor information that can be or has been delivered by the sensor means may be designed to generate parameter information describing chemical and / or physical parameters of the medium in the respective container.

[0040] Furthermore, the evaluation means may be designed to generate evaluation information describing the evaluation results and to output said information to a user and / or a user-side terminal via suitable output means such as display means and / or wired or wireless communication means, etc. Thus, the device may optionally comprise corresponding evaluation means and / or output means.

[0041] A third aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a device according to the second aspect of the invention for determining the filling level of a medium in a container. The use of the device, or similarly, makes it possible to carry out a method for determining the filling level of a medium in a container. The use of the device or the method may also constitute an independent aspect of the present invention.

[0042] All embodiments relating to the sensor device according to the first aspect of the invention apply equally to the device according to the second aspect of the invention and / or the use or method according to the third aspect of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0044] 1 and 2 are each a schematic diagram of a sensor device according to an embodiment.

[0045] 1 and 2 are each a schematic longitudinal cross-section of a sensor device 1 or components thereof according to an embodiment, in particular in each case showing details of the sensor device 1 that are relevant to the explanation of the principles described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] The sensor device 1 is designed to acquire sensor information describing the fill level of a medium, such as a gas and / or solid and / or liquid, in a container (not shown), such as a tank, etc. The corresponding sensor information can for example be or comprise a sensor signal, from which fill level information describing the fill level of the respective medium in the respective container can be determined by corresponding evaluation.

[0047] The sensor device 1 comprises a housing means 2 and a sensor means 3 which can be or is fixed to the housing means 2. The sensor means 3 is formed as a special type or form, by way of example in the drawings, and is designed to acquire sensor information describing the fill level of a medium in a container. To this end, the sensor means 3 comprises at least one sensor element 3.1 (shown only diagrammatically) designed to acquire corresponding sensor information.

[0048] The corresponding sensor information is typically transmitted via suitable connection elements (not shown), such as signal lines, to evaluation means 4, which are implemented by hardware and / or software. The corresponding evaluation means 4 can be designed to evaluate the corresponding sensor information taking into account the determined fill level of the respective medium in the respective container. The corresponding evaluation means 4 can be arranged or formed in the receiving space 2.1 of the housing means 2, as shown merely by way of example in FIG. 1. It is also conceivable that the corresponding evaluation means 4 forms a component of the device at a higher level than the sensor device 1 in order to determine the fill level of the fluid in the container.

[0049] The corresponding connection elements and (see FIG. 1) corresponding evaluation means 4 can be arranged or formed on or in the housing means 2. For this purpose, the housing means comprises the above-mentioned receiving space 2.1, which can be formed, for example, in the manner or shape of a drilled hole.

[0050] The housing means 2 and the sensor means 3 are configured in a particular way, allowing for a stable possibility to fix, optionally detach (without damage or destruction), the sensor means 3 to the housing means 2 and vice versa.

[0051] The housing means 2 comprises a fastening region 2.2, optionally also referred to or considered as a fastening means, for fastening the housing means 2 to the sensor means 3 and vice versa. The fastening region 2.2 is generally configured to achieve a highly stable mechanical fastening of the sensor means 3 to the housing means 2 and vice versa. The fastening region 2.2 can be arranged or formed on the flange-like portion 2.4 of the housing means. A particular feature of the fastening region 2.2 results from the fact that said region comprises separate fastening portions 2.2.1, 2.2.2, which are configured to be geometrically / structurally or functionally different. Specifically, the fastening region 2.2 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 means 3, and a second fastening portion 2.2.2, separate from the first fastening portion 2.2.1, for forming a press-fit connection, in particular a cone press-fit connection, with a corresponding second fastening portion 3.2.2 of the sensor means 3. Thus, the first fastening part 2.2.1 on the housing means side is designed to interact with the corresponding first fastening part 3.2.2 on the sensor means side to form a screw connection or screw fastening. Thus, the second fastening part 2.2.2 on the housing means side is designed to interact with the corresponding second fastening part 3.2.2 on the sensor means side to form a press-fit connection or press-fit fastening, i.e. in particular a cone-press-fit connection or cone-press-fit fastening.

[0052] It can be seen that the fixing area 2.2 of the housing means 2 is formed on a body 2.3 of the housing means 2, optionally also referred to as the housing body. The housing means 2 is therefore formed by or comprises a body 2.3, for example of metal. In this embodiment, the body 2.3 has a hollow cylindrical shape or a basic shape of a hollow cylinder. In particular, the fixing area 2.2 of the housing means 2 has a hollow cylindrical shape or a basic shape of a hollow cylinder.

[0053] The sensor means 3 comprises a fastening region 3.2, optionally also referred to or considered as a fastening means, for fastening the sensor means 3 to the housing means 2 and vice versa. The fastening region 3.2 is generally configured to achieve a highly stable mechanical fastening of the sensor means 3 to the housing means 2 and vice versa. The fastening region 3.2 may be arranged or formed on the flange-like portion 3.4 of the sensor means 3. A particular feature of the fastening region 3.2 results from the fact that, like the fastening region 2.2 of the housing means 2, said region comprises separate fastening portions 3.2.1, 3.2.2 that are configured to be geometrically / structurally or functionally different. Specifically, the fastening region 3.2 comprises a first fastening portion 3.2.1 for forming a threaded connection with the corresponding first fastening portion 2.2.1 of the housing means 2 and a second fastening portion 3.2.2, separate from the first fastening portion 3.2.1, for forming a press-fit connection, in particular a cone press-fit connection, with the corresponding second fastening portion 2.2.2 of the housing means 2. Thus, the first fastening part 3.2.1 on the sensor means side is designed to interact with the corresponding first fastening part 2.2.1 on the housing means side to form a screw connection or screw fastening. Thus, the second fastening part 3.2.2 on the sensor means side is designed to interact with the corresponding second fastening part 2.2.2 on the housing means side to form a press-fit connection or press-fit fastening, i.e. in particular a cone-press-fit connection or cone-press-fit fastening.

[0054] The fixing area 3.2 of the sensor means 3 is formed on a body 3.3 of the sensor means 3, optionally also referred to as the sensor body. The sensor means 3 is therefore formed by or comprises a body 3.3, for example of metal or ceramic. The body 3.3 has a cylindrical or cylindrical basic shape. In particular, the fixing area 3.2 of the sensor means 3 has a cylindrical or cylindrical basic shape.

[0055] The interaction of the respective fixing regions 2.2, 3.2 on the housing means side and on the sensor means side, i.e. in particular the first and second fixing parts 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 3.2.1, 3.2.2 on the housing means side and on the sensor means side, respectively, which is possible due to their mutually compatible configuration, makes it possible to achieve a combination of screw fixing and press-fit fixing, i.e. in particular cone press-fit fixing, and therefore an overall combined fixing principle, which allows a very stable fixing of the sensor means 3 to the housing means 2 and vice versa, in particular compared to a simple screw fixing.

[0056] This applies in particular against the background that the rod-shaped or bar-shaped sensor means 3 typically has a length-to-diameter ratio of at least 2:1, in particular at least 3:1, more in particular at least 4:1, more in particular at least 5:1, more in particular at least 6:1, more in particular at least 7:1, more in particular at least 8:1, more in particular at least 9:1, more in particular at least 10:1, more in particular at least 11:1, more in particular at least 12:1, more in particular at least 13:1, more in particular at least 14:1, more in particular at least 15:1. The length of the sensor means 3 can therefore be significantly longer than its diameter or cross-section, which, as indicated at the beginning, makes stable fixation in principle more difficult. However, the above-mentioned fixation principle of the sensor device 1 makes it possible to achieve extremely stable fixation even under such difficult fixation conditions.

[0057] Due to the interaction of the respective fixing regions 2.2, 3.2 on the housing means side and the sensor means side, i.e. in particular the first and second fixing parts 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 3.2.1, 3.2.2 on the housing means side and the sensor means side, respectively, which is made possible by their mutually compatible configuration, the press-fit connection resulting from the interaction of the respective second fixing parts 2.2.2, 3.2.2 can optionally be intentionally influenced by the screwing in of the respective first fixing parts 2.2.1, 3.2.1 and the associated mutual engagement of the respective first fixing parts, and the force acting on the respective second fixing parts 2.2.2, 3.2.2 to establish the press-fit connection can also be intentionally influenced by tightening the screw fixation of the respective first fixing parts 2.2.1, 3.2.1, so that there may be certain variations in the stability of the fixation.

[0058] It can be seen that the body 2.3 of the housing means 2 has an axis of symmetry or central axis A1, which may be the longitudinal axis of the body 2.3 or of the housing means 2. In this embodiment, the fixing area 2.2 of the housing means 2 is arranged or formed in the area of ​​the free end of the body 2.3 facing the sensor means 3.

[0059] It can be seen that the second fastening portion 2.2.2 of the fastening region 2.2 of the housing means 2 is arranged or formed in the region of the free end of the body 2.3 of the housing means 2 facing the sensor means 3, and the first fastening portion 2.2.1 of the fastening region 2.2 of the housing means 2 is arranged or formed so as to be offset with respect to one free end in the direction of the other free end. Thus, in this embodiment, the second fastening portion 2.2.2 is arranged or formed directly at the free end of the body 2.3 facing the sensor means 3, and therefore the second fastening portion 2.2.2 forms the free end of the body 2.3 of the housing means 2 facing the sensor means 3.

[0060] The body 3.3 of the sensor means 3 also has an axis of symmetry or central axis A2, which may be the longitudinal axis of the body or sensor means 3. In this embodiment, the fixing area 3.2 of the sensor means 3 is arranged or formed in the area of ​​the free end of the body 3.3 facing the housing means 2.

[0061] It can be seen that the first fixing part 3.2.1 of the fixing area 3.2 of the sensor means 3 is arranged or formed in the area of ​​the free end of the body 3.3 of the sensor means 3 facing the housing means 2, and the second fixing part 3.2.2 of the fixing area 3.2 of the sensor means 3 is arranged or formed so as to be offset with respect to the free end in the direction of the other free end. Thus, in this embodiment, the first fixing part is arranged or formed directly at the free end of the body 3.3 facing the housing means 2, and therefore the first fixing part forms the free end of the body 3.3 of the sensor means 3 facing the housing means 2.

[0062] However, even if not shown in the drawings, it is also conceivable that the fixing area 3.2 of the sensor means 3 is arranged or formed so as to be spaced apart from the free end of the body 3.3. This is particularly true for configurations in which, in the mounted state of the sensor device 1, the free end of the sensor means 3 projects or protrudes further into the housing means 2 beyond the fixing area 2.2 of the housing means 2.

[0063] As mentioned, the first fastening portions 2.2.1, 3.2.1 of the fastening regions 2.2, 3.2 of the housing means 2 and the sensor means 3, respectively, are designed to form a threaded connection or threaded fastening. In this embodiment, the first fastening portion 2.2.1 of the fastening region 2.2 of the housing means 2 is formed by an internal thread or an internal threaded portion. In this embodiment, the first fastening portion 3.2.1 of the fastening region 3.2 of the sensor means 3 is formed by a corresponding external thread or a corresponding external threaded portion. The respective internal or external thread may optionally be a fine-pitch thread.

[0064] As also mentioned, the second fastening portions 2.2.2, 3.2.2 of the fastening regions 2.2, 3.2 of the housing means 2 and the sensor means 3, respectively, are designed to form a press-fit connection or press-fit fastening, i.e. in particular a cone-fit connection or cone-fit fastening. In this embodiment, the second fastening portion 2.2.2 of the fastening region 2.2 of the housing means 2 is formed by a conical surface extending in the axial direction relative to the axis of symmetry or central axis A1 of the housing means 2 or body 2.3. In the (longitudinal) cross section according to the drawing, it can be seen that the conical surface constitutes an inclined surface extending in the axial direction relative to the axis of symmetry or central axis A1 in the direction of the free end of the housing means 2 on which the fastening region 2.2 is provided. In this embodiment, the second fastening portion 3.2.2 of the fastening region 3.2 of the sensor means 3 is formed by a corresponding conical surface tapering in the axial direction relative to the axis of symmetry or central axis A2 of the sensor means 3 or body 3.3. In the (longitudinal) cross section according to the drawing, it can be seen that the conical surface constitutes an inclined surface tapering axially relative to the axis of symmetry or central axis A2 in the direction of the free end of the sensor means 3 on which the fixing area 3.2 is provided.

[0065] The conical surface of each of the second fixed parts 2.2.2, 3.2.2 of the housing means 2 and / or the sensor means 3 can also be called or considered as a frustoconical surface.

[0066] The half of the opening angle of the cone of the housing means 2 and / or the sensor means 3 defined by the corresponding conical surfaces may generally be in the range of 0.1 to 90°. Specifically, the half of the opening angle of the cone of the housing means 2 and / or the sensor means 3 defined by the corresponding conical surfaces may be, for example, in the range of 5 to 45°, particularly in the range of 10 to 35°, and more particularly in the range of 15 to 25°. As shown by way of example in the figures, the respective halves of the opening angle of the conical surfaces on the housing means side and the sensor means side typically coincide.

[0067] As mentioned, the respective first and second fixing portions 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 3.2.1, 3.2.2 should be considered, at least from a geometric / structural point of view, as separate parts of the respective fixing areas 2.2, 3.2 of the housing means and sensor means 2, 3. Accordingly, the respective first and second fixing portions 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 3.2.1, 3.2.2 of the respective fixing areas 2.2, 3.2 may be spatially delimited from one another. In this regard, the following embodiment is considered by way of example:

[0068] The first fastening portion 2.2.1 of the fastening region 2.2 of the housing means 2 can be adjacent, in particular directly, to the second fastening portion 2.2.2 of the fastening region 2.2 of the housing means 2 in the axial direction with respect to the axis of symmetry or central axis A1 of the housing means 2. As mentioned, the second fastening portion 2.2.2 forms the free end of the housing means 2 facing the sensor means 3. Similarly, the first fastening portion 3.2.1 of the fastening region 3.2 of the sensor means 3 can be adjacent, in particular directly, to the second fastening portion 3.2.2 of the fastening region 3.2 of the sensor means 3 in the axial direction with respect to the axis of symmetry or central axis A2 of the sensor means 3. As mentioned, the first fastening portion 3.2.1 of the fastening region 3.2 of the sensor means 3 forms the free end of the sensor means 3 facing the housing means 2.

[0069] It is also conceivable that the first fastening portion 2.2.1 of the fastening region 2.2 of the housing means 2 adjoins the second fastening portion 2.2.2 via a third fastening portion (not shown) extending radially inward with respect to the axis of symmetry or central axis A1 of the housing means 2. Thus, the third fastening portion can be arranged or formed between the first fastening portion 2.2.1 and the second fastening portion 2.2.2, which forms the free end of the housing means 2. The third fastening portion may extend radially inward by a certain amount, for example in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 mm.

[0070] Similarly, the first fixing portion 3.2.1 of the fixing region 3.2 of the sensor means 3 may adjoin the second fixing portion 3.2.2 via a third fixing portion 3.2.3 extending radially inward with respect to the axis of symmetry or central axis A2 of the sensor means 3. Thus, a third fixing portion (not shown) may be arranged or formed between the first fixing portion 3.2.1 and the second fixing portion 3.2.2, which form the free end of the sensor means 3. The third fixing portion may extend radially inward by a certain amount, for example in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 mm.

[0071] As with the respective first and second fixing portions 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, typically the corresponding third fixing portion may optionally provide anti-loss means to prevent the sensor means 3 from undesirably falling off the housing means 2, for example in situations where fixation is being established.

[0072] The flange-like or flange-shaped portion 2.4 of the body 2.3 of the housing means 2 can have elastic / resilient properties, for example by (reducing) an appropriate wall thickness. In this way, assembly of the sensor device 1, which is typically performed by inserting the sensor means 3 into the housing means 2 and screwing the respective first fastening portions 2.2.1, 3.2.1, can be simplified. The flange-like or flange-shaped portion of the body 2.3 of the housing means 2 may further be formed on its outer periphery with a fastening joint (not shown in detail) for fastening the housing means 2, optionally with the sensor means 3 fastened thereon, to a corresponding fastening joint of the container. The corresponding fastening joint may be, for example, an external thread.

[0073] The use of the sensor device 1 or a device comprising the sensor device 1 for determining the filling level of a medium in a container makes it possible to carry out a method for determining the filling level of a medium in a container.

Claims

1. 1. A sensor device (1) for obtaining fill level information describing the fill level of a medium in a container, comprising housing means (2) and sensor means (3) fixed to the housing means (2) and intended to obtain fill level information describing the fill level of a medium in the container, the housing means (2) comprises a fastening area (2.2) for fastening the sensor means (3), the area comprising a first fastening part (2.2.1) for forming a threaded connection with a corresponding first fastening part (3.2.1) of the sensor means (3) and a second fastening part (2.2.2) separate from the first fastening part (2.2.1) for forming a cone press-fit connection with a corresponding second fastening part (3.2.2) of the sensor means (3); the sensor means (3) comprises a fastening area (3.2) for fastening the housing means (2), the fastening area comprising a first fastening part (3.2.1) for forming a threaded connection with a corresponding first fastening part (2.2.1) of the housing means (2) and a second fastening part (3.2.2) separate from the first fastening part (3.2.1) for forming a cone-press connection with a corresponding second fastening part (2.2.2) of the housing means (2); the second fastening portion (2.2.2) of the fastening area (2.2) of the housing means (2) is formed by an inclined surface extending in the axial direction relative to the axis of symmetry or central axis (A1) of the housing means (2) in a longitudinal cross-section of the housing means (2); The second fixing portion (3.2.2) of the fixing area (3.2) of the sensor means (3) is formed by an inclined surface tapering in the axial direction relative to the axis of symmetry or central axis (A2) of the sensor means (3) in a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the housing means (2). A sensor device characterized by:

2. The housing means (2) comprises a body (2.3) having an axis of symmetry or a central axis (A1), the fastening area (2.2) being arranged or formed in the area of ​​the free end of the body (2.3); The sensor means (3) comprises a body (3.3) having an axis of symmetry or a central axis (A2), and the fixing area (3.2) is arranged or formed in the area of ​​the free end of the body (3.3). The sensor device according to claim 1 .

3. the second fastening portion (2.2.2) of the fastening region (2.2) of the housing means (2) is arranged or formed in the region of a free end of the body (2.3) of the housing means (2), and the first fastening portion (2.2.1) of the fastening region (2.2) of the housing means (2) is arranged or formed offset relative to the free end in the direction of another free end; The first fixing portion (3.2.1) of the fixing region (3.2) of the sensor means (3) is arranged or formed in the region of a free end of the body (3.3) of the sensor means (3), and the second fixing portion (3.2.2) of the fixing region (3.2) of the sensor means (3) is arranged or formed offset relative to the free end in the direction of another free end.

3. The sensor device according to claim 2.

4. 2. The sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first fastening portion (2.2.1) of the fastening area (2.2) of the housing means (2) is formed by an internal thread or an internal thread portion, and the first fastening portion (3.2.1) of the fastening area (3.2) of the sensor means (3) is formed by an external thread or an external thread portion.

5. 2. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the half-opening angle of the cone of the housing means (2) or the sensor means (3) defined by the conical surface is in the range of 0.1 to 90 degrees.

6. the first fastening portion (2.2.1) of the fastening area (2.2) of the housing means (2) is directly axially adjacent to the second fastening portion (2.2.2) of the fastening area (2.2) of the housing means (2) with respect to the axis of symmetry or central axis (A1) of the housing means (2); The first fixing portion (3.2.1) of the fixing area (3.2) of the sensor means (3) is directly axially adjacent to the second fixing portion (3.2.2) of the fixing area (3.2) of the sensor means (3) with respect to the axis of symmetry or central axis (A2) of the sensor means (3). The sensor device according to claim 1 .

7. a first fastening portion (2.2.1) of the fastening area (2.2) of the housing means (2) adjoins a second fastening portion (2.2.2) of the fastening area (2.2) of the housing means (2) via a third fastening portion extending radially inward with respect to the axis of symmetry or central axis (A1) of the housing means (2); The first fixing portion (3.2.1) of the fixing area (3.2) of the sensor means (3) is adjacent to the second fixing portion (3.2.2) of the fixing area (3.2) of the sensor means (3) via a third fixing portion extending radially inward with respect to the axis of symmetry or central axis (A2) of the sensor means (3). The sensor device according to claim 1 .

8. 2. The sensor arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing area (2.2) of the housing means (2) is arranged or formed on a flange-like portion of the housing means (2), the flange-like portion having elastic / resilient properties.

9. 2. A sensor arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor means (3) has a length to diameter ratio of at least 2:

1.

10. 10. An apparatus for determining the filling level of a medium in a container, comprising a sensor device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and evaluation means (4) designed to evaluate sensor information that may be delivered by the sensor means (3) of the sensor device (1) and to generate filling level information describing the current or future filling level of the medium in the respective container.

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