GB2524169A - Sensor housing for a sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor housing 10 which holds at least one sensor 12 to detect parameters characterizing a fluid flowing through the sensor housing 10. The sensor housing 10 comprises a basic housing 14 having a first connection 16 and a second connection 20, which can be connected to first and second pipes 18, 22 respectively, thereby connecting the pipes 18, 22 via the basic housing 14. It further comprises a housing cover 36 having at least one connecting element 38 which attaches the sensor 12 to the housing cover 36 via a snap-fit connection. The sensor housing 10 also comprises connecting device 46 which attaches the housing cover 36 to the basic housing 14 in a plurality of angular positions via a snap-fit connection. This allows the sensor housing to be used where space may be restricted, and to adjust the shape of the arrangement accordingly. The first connection 16 can have duct 26, and the second connection 20 can have duct 28 attached for the transmission of fluid, with the second duct extending at an angle to the first, such as between 45 and 90 degrees.

Description

Sensor Housing for a Sensor The invention relates to a sensor housing for a sensor, in particular of a vehicle.

ER 2 505 900 Al shows a removable sensor housing for connection to a fluid system, the sensor housing comprising a cavity defining portion defining a chamber. The sensor housing further comprises a wall of said cavity defining portion including a passageway to said chamber. Furthermore, the sensor housing comprises a shaft extending from said wall, defining a passageway. Said passageway in said shaft is in fluid connection with said passageway in said wall of said cavity defining portion. Said wall of said cavity defining portion defines a planar mating surface, and said shaft extends from said planar mating surface having a proximal end at said surface and a distal end. Moreover, the removable sensor housing comprises at least one retainer for a quick connection of the sensor housing with at least one pipe for guiding a fluid.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sensor housing for a sensor, which sensor housing allows for realizing enhanced assembly flexibilities.

This object is solved by a sensor housing having the features of patent claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are indicated in the other patent claims.

The sensor housing according to the present invention is configured to hold at least one sensor, in particular for a vehicle. The sensor is capable of detecting at least one parameter characterizing a fluid flowing through the sensor housing. In other words, the sensor housing is configured to hold the sensor or different types of sensors for monitoring various parameters of a fluid such as, for example, a liquid or gas. For example, the sensor can be held in a fluid flow path by means of the sensor housing so that, for example, the fluid flowing through the sensor housing can flow around at least a portion of the sensor. The sensor housing according to the present invention comprises a basic housing having a first connection configured to be connected to a first pipe. The basic housing further comprises a second connection configured to be connected to a second pipe thereby fluidically connecting the pipes via the basic housing. In other words, the basic housing has at least one passageway extending through said connections so as to fluidically connect the pipes with each other via said passageway.

The sensor housing further comprises a housing cover having at least one connection element configured to attach the sensor to the housing cover by means of at least one snap-fit. Thereby, the sensor can be attached to the housing cover in a particularly easy way and, in particular, by a form-fit connection.

Moreover, the sensor housing according to the present invention comprises a connecting device configured to attach the housing cover to the basic housing in a plurality of angular positions by means of at least one snap-fit respectively. Thus, the sensor can be attached to the basic housing via the housing cover in the plurality of angular positions. Hence, the housing cover and, thus, the sensor being attachable or attached to the housing cover can be attached to the basic housing in a particularly need-based manner with respect to the angular positions of the housing cover. Thereby, the sensor housing according to the present invention can be adapted to available installation spaces so that the sensor housing allows for realizing a particularly advantageous assembly flexibility. Thereby, packaging benefits in real vehicle scenarios where clearance requirements are very stringent to valid NVH issues (NVH -Noise Vibration Harshness) can be realized.

The sensor housing according to the present invention can further provide ease of serviceability since, for example, the respective snap-fit are quick connectors by means of which the housing cover can be attached to the basic housing and the sensor can be attached to the housing cover in a particularly easy way by a person without having to use tools. In other words, the respective snap-fit is a quick connection mechanism so that a particularly easy assembly and disassembly can be realized. Moreover, the number of parts and, thus, the weight of the sensor housing and, thus, a fluid system comprising the sensor housing can be kept particularly low. Said fluid system is, for example, configured to guide the fluid. With comparison to conventional fluid systems the sensor housing according to the present invention allows for realizing a reduction of part costs, assembly time, assembly tooling, labour time and labour costs.

For example, with respect to a completely assembled state of said fluid system the sensor is attached to the housing cover and, via the housing cover, to the basic housing. Thus, the sensor is held in a flow path of the fluid by means of the sensor housing so that the sensor can detect or monitor at least one parameter characterizing said fluid. For example, said parameter can be a pressure, a temperature, a density, an oxygen content and/or a hydrocarbon content of the fluid. For example, the sensor can provide at least one signal indicative of the detected parameter. For example, said signal comprises data indicative of the monitored or detected parameter. Said signal or data can be transferred to a control mechanism such as an electronic control unit which receives the signal or data as an input to, for example, maintain an at least substantially optimum operating condition within a desired range.

Since the housing cover and, thus, the sensor can be attached to the basic housing in various angular positions in relation to the basic housing the respective position of the housing cover and, thus, the sensor can be adapted to an available installation space of, for example, a vehicle such as a passenger vehicle or a commercial vehicle.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention derive from the following description of a preferred embodiment as well as from the drawing. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respective indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention.

The drawing shows in: Fig. 1 a schematic exploded view of a sensor housing configured to hold a sensor capable of detecting at least one parameter characterizing a fluid flowing through the sensor housing, wherein the sensor housing is configured to attach the sensor in a plurality of different angular positions to a basic housing of the sensor housing; Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view of the assembled sensor housing; Fig. 3 part of a schematic sectional view of the assembled sensor housing; Fig. 4 a schematic side view of the assembled sensor housing; Fig. 5 a schematic top view of the sensor housing, wherein said plurality of angular positions of the sensor in relation to the basic housing are illustrated; and Fig. 6 a sectional view of the assembled sensor housing.

In the figures the same elements or elements having the same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

Fig. 1 shows in a schematic exploded view a sensor housing 10 configured to hold at least one sensor 12 capable of detecting at least one parameter characterizing a fluid flowing through the sensor housing 10. For example, the sensor housing 10 is configured to hold a plurality of different sensors respectively. For example, said fluid is a fluid of a vehicle, in particular a passenger vehicle or a commercial vehicle, wherein each of the sensors is capable of detecting or monitoring at least one parameter characterizing the fluid. For example, the fluid is a gas or a liquid. With respect to a completely assembled state of the vehicle the sensor housing 10 and the respective sensor, i.e. the sensor 12 are parts of a fluid system through which the fluid can flow. For example, said fluid system is configured to guide the fluid. As will be described in the following the sensor housing 10 is a compact sensor holder providing huge packaging benefits in real vehicle scenarios to avoid NVH issues. Moreover, the sensor housing 10 presents quick connection mechanisms for ease of assembly and disassembly.

In today's automotive systems it is very much essential to monitor at least one parameter of a fluid. For example, the parameter is a pressure, a temperature, a density, an oxygen content and/or a hydrocarbon content of the fluid. For example, said fluid can be a fluid of an air conditioning system which is also referred to as an HVAC. Alternatively, the fluid can be a fuel such as a liquid fuel. The sensor 12 can provide data indicative of the detected parameter, wherein the data are transferred to a control mechanism such as an electronic control unit which receives said data as an input to maintain an at least substantially optimum operating condition within a desired range. This means, for example, the electronic control unit is configured to control at least one component of the vehicle on the basis of the received data.

As can be seen from Fig. 1 the sensor housing 10 comprises a basic housing 14 which is made of, for example, a plastic material. The basic housing 14 has a first connection 16 configured to be connected to a first pipe 18 of said fluid system. As can be seen from Fig. 1 said first pipe isis a male end connector which is also referred to as an MEC. For example, the first pipe 18 is made of a plastic material. Moreover, the basic housing 14 has a second connection 20 configured to be connected to a second pipe 22 shown in Fig. 2. For example, the second pipe 22 is made of a plastic material such as polyamide (PA). Thus, the second pipe 22 is also referred to as a PA-tube. Moreover, for example, the first pipe 18 can be made of a plastic material. For example, the first pipe 18 is inherently stable, wherein the second pipe 22 can be flexible. As can be seen from Fig. 2, a passageway 24 extends through the basic housing 14, wherein the passageway 24 comprises a first duct 26 of the first connection 16. In other words the first duct 26 extends through the first connection 16. Moreover, the passageway 24 has a second duct 28 of the second connection 20. In other words, the second duct 28 extends through the second connection 20.

Said fluid flowing through the fluid system can flow through the passageway 24 and, thus, the basic housing 14. A flow path of said fluid is illustrated by directional arrows 30 in Fig. 2. As can be seen from Fig. 2, the pipes 18 and 22 comprise respective ducts 32 and 34 through which the fluid can flow. When the pipes 18 and 22 are connected to the respective connections 16 and 20 the respective ducts 32 and 34 are fluidically connected to the passageway 24 since the duct 32 is fluidically connected to the duct 26, and the duct 34 is fluidically connected to the duct 28. Thus, the pipes 18 and 22 and, thus, the ducts 32 and 34 are fluidically connected with each other by the basic housing 14, in particular the passageway 24. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the duct 28 extends angularly in relation to the duct 26. In the present case, the duct 28 extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the duct 26 so that the fluid flowing through the passage way 24 is deflected by means of the basing housing 14 so that the fluid does not flow through the basic housing 14 in a straight manner. Preferably, the ducts 26 and 28 confine an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 90 degrees.

Furthermore, the sensor housing 10 comprises a housing cover 36 which is made of, for example, a plastic material. The housing cover 36 is manufactured separately from the basic housing l4so that, in general, the basic housing 14 and the housing cover 36 are separate components. The housing cover 36 has connecting elements in the form of snap arms 38 configured to attach the sensor 12 to the housing cover 36 by means of at least one snap-fit. In other words, the sensor 12 can be attached to the housing cover 36 by means of form fit connections provided by the connecting elements.

The basic housing 14 has a third connection 40 having a duct 42 which opens into the passageway 24. At least a portion 44 of the sensor 12 can be received in the duct 42 thereby arranging at least part of the portion 44 in the flow path of the fluid. Thus, the sensor 12 can come into contact with the fluid flowing through the passageway 24 so that the sensor 12 can detect said parameter.

The sensor housing 10 further comprises a connecting device 46 configured to attach the housing cover 36 to the basic housing 14 in a plurality of angular positions A, B, C, D shown in Fig. 5 by means of at least one snap-fit respectively. In other words, the housing cover 36 and, thus, the sensor 12 attached to the housing cover 36 can be attached to the basic housing 14 in various angular positions A, B, C and D so that the angular position of the housing cover 36 and, thus, the sensor 12 in relation to the basic housing 14 can be varied or adjusted in a need-based manner. Thus, the sensor housing 10 and the position of the sensor 12 can be adapted to an available installation space in which the sensor housing 10 and the sensor 12 are to be arranged.

As can be seen from Figs. 1 and 4 the connecting device 46 comprises a plurality of connecting elements in the form of snap tabs 48 arranged on the basic housing 14.

Moreover, the connecting device 26 comprises a plurality of lugs 50 having a receptacle 52 respectively. In the present case, the respective receptacle 52 is configured as a through opening. The snap tabs 48 are configured to engage the corresponding receptacles 52 thereby attaching the housing cover 36 to the basic housing 14 by respective snap-fits. Each of the snap tabs 48 can engage one of the receptacles 52 50 that the housing cover 36 can be attached to the basic housing 14 in the various angular positions A, B, C and D. As can be seen from Figs. 1 and 5 the sensor 12 has a connector 54 configured to be connected to a plug so that the sensor 12 can be connected to, for example, a wire harness by means of the connector 52 and said plug. This connection is illustrated in Fig. 5 by directional arrows 56. As can be seen from Figs. 1 and 2 the connection 16 is configured as a female connector configured to receive an end portion 58 of the corresponding pipe 18. In other words, the male end connector can be inserted in the corresponding female connector.

Moreover, the connection 20 is configured as a male connector configured to be received in an end portion of the corresponding pipe 22 which is configured as a female connector.

As can be seen from Fig. 1 the connection 20 has three barbs 60 forming a so-called triple barb by means of which the connection 20 can be firmly connected to the pipe 22 since the triple barb can be inserted into the pipe 22. Furthermore, the sensor housing 10 comprises at least one retainer 62 for a quick connection of the pipe 18 with the corresponding connection 16, the retainer 62 being configured to be arranged or received in corresponding receptacles in the form of pockets 64 of the basic housing 14. Moreover, the retainer 62 is configured to be connected to the basic housing 14 by at least one snap-fit.

As can be seen from Fig. 1, the basic housing 14 comprises the pockets 64 configured to receive the retainer 62. Said pockets 64 are pocket features for assembly and disassembly of the retainer 62 with the basic housing 14. Moreover, the basic housing 14 comprises further pockets 66 being further pocket features to accommodate a radial expansion of the retainer 62 inside the basic housing 14. In order to attach the housing cover 36 to the basic cover 14 the housing cover 36 is pushed onto the basic housing 14, in particular the connection 40 so that the snap tabs 48 engage the corresponding receptacles 52. Then, the sensor 12 is pushed into the housing cover 36 by means of a force Eli so that the snap arms 38 hold the sensor 12. Thus, the sensor 12 is snapped inside the housing cover 36 and projects inside the housing cover 36. The final connection is between the basic housing 14 and the male end connector (pipe 18).

Moreover, the tube 22 is pushed onto the triple barb thereby connecting the duct 28 with the duct 34. In a completely assembled state the sensor 12 is exposed to the fluid flow to monitor the desired parameter. The basic housing 14 is configured to support all assembled parts of the sensor housing 10 inside or on it. The basic housing 14 can be made of a suitable polymeric material such as PAl 2÷PF (glass fibre) or PPA+FG etc. For example, the retainer 62 can be made of a suitable polymeric material such as PA66, PAl 2+GF or PA66÷FG etc. The retainer 62 has a sufficient elasticity to allow for a radial and/or longitudinal expansion and contraction up to a certain maximum limit when subjected to longitudinal and/or radial forces. This specific property of the retainer 62 serves two purposes: -Help in assembly or a disassembly with the basic housing 14.

-Help in actually retaining the pipe 18 in the basic housing 14 and the retainer 62 can be deformed to allow the MEG to be removed from the basic housing 14.

The sensor housing 10 further comprises a seal in the form of an 0-ring 66 which provides leak proof sealing between the pipe 22 and the connection 20. Moreover, the sensor housing 10 comprises sealings in the form of 0-rings 70 providing leak proof sealing between the MEG and the basic housing 14. For example, the 0-rings 68 and 70 can be made of materials like FPM or FKM or FVMQ etc. The housing cover 36 snaps onto the basic housing 14 and in turn holds the sensor 12 snapped in it. The design of the housing cover 36 allows the sensor 12 to be removed when needed. The housing cover 36 can be fitted in four alternative angular orientations on the basic housing 14 which allows for packaging flexibility for the sensor 12, where space constrains are very tight. The housing cover 36 can be made of a suitable polymeric material such as POM or PAl 2-i-GF or PA66+GF etc. For example, due to factors such as tolerance of parts in the assembly, vehicle level vibrations etc. it is always mandatory to have a minimum clearance between parts such as said fluid system and surrounding parts of the vehicle. Moreover, when bending a PA-tube such as the pipe 22 a minimum bend radius is required for manufacturing feasibility. Considering the aforementioned points the sensor housing 10 allows for realizing a particularly small installation space required by the sensor housing 10 and, thus, the fluid system. In other words, the sensor housing 10 offers huge packaging advantage in a real vehicle scenario where clearances among parts are stringent to avoid NVH issues. For example the installation space can be bounded by components such as body in white parts or a firewall of the body, tube routings, wire harnesses, etc. Thus, the following targets can be reached by means of the sensor housing 10: -Weight reduction of the entire fluid system -Part cost reduction -Assembly time reduction -Assembly tooling elimination -Labour time and cost reduction -Ease of serviceability.

In order to attach the retainer 62 to the basic housing 14 the retainer 62 is pushed into the basic housing 14 through one of the pockets 64. Thereby, the retainer 62 is compressed at its two curved surfaces 72 and 74 such that the retainer 62 can fit between two opposite faces 76 and 78 (Fig. 6) of the respective pockets 64. As the retainer 62 continues to move forward towards the respective opposite pocket 64 it slowly receives more space to radially expand back to its normal shape. The two curved surfaces 72 and 74 of the retainer 62 fully expand back to the normal shape inside the two pockets 66.

Thus, the retainer 62 is fully contained within the two pockets 64 and 66. Four edges BOa-d prevent any further movement of the retainer 62 in directions x and y, which extend at least substantially perpendicularly in relation to each other. The retainer can be assembled in exactly the same way from opposite directions, i.e. from one of the pockets 64 towards the respective other one of the pockets 64.

In order to disassemble the retainer 62 from the basic housing 14 the retainer 62 received in the pockets 64 and 66 is subjected to compressing forces Fl and F2 acting upon the curved surfaces 72 and 74 respectively. The forces Fl and F2 can be applied using suitable tools through open spaces of the pockets 66. Thereby, the retainer 62 is radially compressed at the two curved surfaces 72 and 74. At the same time, the retainer 62 is pushed in the direction of one of the pockets 64 by applying a pushing force F3 on one of two flat faces 82 of the retainer 62. For example, the force F3 can be applied using suitable tools through an open space of one of the pockets 64. The deformed retainer 62 continues to move forward and passes through the faces 76 and 78. When a certain portion of the retainer 62 comes out of the pocket 64 the retainer 62 can be simply put out of the basic housing 14. The retainer 62 can be removed from the basic housing g14 in exactly the same way in opposite directions, i.e. from one of the pockets 64 towards the other one of the pockets 64.

In order to connect the pipe 18 to the basic housing 14 the pipe 18 is gradually pushed into the passageway 24, i.e. the connection 16. Thereby, a gradual engagement of the MEG with the basic housing 14 and the retainer 62 occurs. For example, the MEG is pushed towards the basic housing 14 by means of a force F5 (Fig. 2). First, a cylindrical surface 64 of a shaft of the MEG passes curved surfaces 86 (Fig. 1) of the retainer 62 into a corresponding cylindrical face 88 inside the basic housing 14. Then, a cylindrical face 90 passes through a hole 92 in the basic housing 14. Next, a radius feature 94 of the MEG pushes against a chamfer feature 96 of the retainer 62. This combination of the radius surface pushing against a chamfer surface results in the radius feature 94 sliding into the chamfer feature 96 along a sloped surface and simultaneously lifting it upwards.

Due to this effect, the retainer 62 starts expanding radially with the curved surfaces 86 moving radially outwardly in the open space of the pockets 66.

After a small expansion of the retainer 62 and simultaneously forward movement of the MEG the cylindrical face 90 of the MEG is inside the retainer 62. Moreover, as can be seen from Fig. 6, the basic housing 14 comprises a chamfer feature 96. There is an angular clearance between the curved surfaces 68 of the retainer 62 and the chamfer feature 96 of the basic housing 14. In its radially expanded state the curved surface 68 covers said above mentioned angular clearance and touches respective surfaces of the basic housing 14. As can be seen from Fig. 6, there are four such chamfer features 96 in total in the basic housing 14 and the above mentioned scenario occurs at all of these chamfer features 96. The forward movement of the MEC causes a vertical face 98 (Fig. 2) to finally move past the retainer 62. After this, the radial expansion of the retainer 62 seizes to exist and hence the elasticity of the retainer 62 material pulls it back to its normal shape. This is shown by the two inner curved surfaces 86 of the retainer 62, said surfaces 86 touching a cylindrical surface 100 of the MEG.

The retainer 62 prevents any backward axial movement of the MEG in this assembled condition so that the MEG cannot be pulled back away from the basic housing 14. As can be seen from Fig. 3 there is a groove in the basic housing 14, said groove being defined by faces 102 and 104. The face 90 and a face 106 of the MEG are accommodated within said faces 102 and 104 respectively. As can be seen from Fig. 3, there are four sealings in the form of 0-rings 70 which are pushed inside the basic housing 14 before assembling the MEG into the basic housing 14. A chamfer feature 108 in the basic housing 14 allows for easily sliding in the 0-rings 70. The 0-rings 70 are finally held in position in a groove defined by faces 110 and 112. The 0-rings 70 provide a leak proof sealing within the MEG in the basic housing 14. In order to disassemble the MEG from the basic housing 14 compressive forces F6 and F7 (Fig. 6) are applied to the faces 82 of the retainer 62.

The forces F6 and F7 are applied in open spaces available inside the pockets 64 respectively. The radial expansion of the retainer 62 occurs within the four faces or chamfer features 96 and in the open space of the pockets 66. The curved surfaces 86 of the retainer 62 move radially outwards by a small measure. This minor deformation is sufficient to move the faces 86 of the retainer 62 in such a way to create an opening slightly bigger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical face 90 of the MEG. During application of the forces F6 and F7 a backward pulling force F8 (Fig. 2) is applied on the MEG. Once the curved surfaces 86 of the retainer 62 have moved outwards creating an opening, the cylindrical face 90 of the MEG gets sufficient space to move backwards through this opening. The cylindrical surface 84 of the MEG also starts moving backwards against the 0-rings 70 inside the basic housing 14. Also, the combination of a radius surface 110 of the MEC and a chamfer feature 114 of the retainer 62 further helps in backward movement of the MEG. In effect, the MEG starts moving away from the basic housing 14, thus initiating its removal from the basic housing 14. When the cylindrical face 90 of the MEG has moved past the retainer 62 completely, the radial expansion of the retainer 62 seizes to exist and the elasticity of the material pulls it back to its normal shape.

The surfaces 86 of the retainer 62 can just slightly touch or have a minor gap to the surface 84 of the MEG. The MEG continues to move backwards. Thereby, the face 90 of the MEG comes out of the basic housing 14. This completes the disassembly of the MEG from the basic housing 14. In order to attach the housing cover 36 to the basic housing 14 the housing cover 36 is pushed onto the basic housing 14. The respective receptacle 52 has a width which is slightly greater than the corresponding width of the corresponding snap tab 48. As the housing cover 36 moves axially downwards and in a cylindrical surface of the housing cover 36 it starts sliding down an outer cylindrical surface of the basic housing 14. There are four chamfer features 114 present at the bottom of an inner edge of each lug 50 (Fig. 2). After further movement of the housing cover 36 a gradual contact happens between these chamfer features 114 of the housing cover 36 and sloped surfaces of the respective snap tabs 48. Due to this sliding action between the sloped surfaces a radially outward force is exerted from the two surfaces of the basic housing 14 on the lugs 50 of the housing cover 36.

Out of the four lugs 50 of the housing cover 36 only those two which come into contact with the snap tabs 48 of the basic housing 14 are subjected to these radial forces. Due to these forces the lugs 50 are deformed to a small amount in a radially outward direction and finally flat faces of the lugs 50 move past said sloped surfaces respectively.

Moreover, an inner flat face of the housing cover 36 rests above a corresponding flat face of the basic housing 14. In this assembled condition, there can be a small gap between a bottom flat face of the snap tabs 48 and corresponding flat faces of the receptacles 52. In this way, any axial movement of the housing cover 36 can be prevented. A rotational movement of the housing cover 36 is prevented due to the gap between the snap tabs 48 and the corresponding receptacles 52. In order to attach the sensor 12 to the housing cover 36 the sensor 12 is pushed down onto the housing cover 36 with the force Eli.

Thereby, the snap arms 38 attach the sensor 12 to the housing cover 36 by respective snap-fits. As can be seen from Eig. 4, the snap arms 38 have chamfer features 116 at a respective top face.

A sloped surface helps in downward movement of the sensor 12. As the sensor 12 further moves downwards, two faces 118 are pushed outwards. This causes a small bending of the snap arms 38 at their respective bases 120. Next, the sensor 12 moves past the faces 118. Gradually, faces 122 of the sensor 12 move along inner flat surfaces 124 of the snap arms 38. Einally, a bottom flat face 126 of the sensor 12 rests against a corresponding top flat face 128 of the housing cover 36. In this assembled condition any further axial movement of the sensor 12 can be prevented. A rotational movement of the sensor 12 is prevented as the two side faces 122 of the sensor 12 cannot be rotated against the snap arms 38. In order to disassemble the sensor 12 from the housing cover 36 forces are applied on the top most portions of the snap arms 38 acting in an outward direction. This causes the snap arms 38 to bend by a small amount about their bases 120 respectively.

Hence, the faces 118 move slightly away from each other thus widening the gap between them. Simultaneously, an upward force pulls the sensor 12 upwards. Gradually, the two side faces 122 of the sensor 12 move past the snap arms 38 through the widened gap.

Due to the elasticity of the plastic material the snap arms 38 can return back to the normal state once the sensor 12 is disassembled.

Having tour possibilities tor angular orientation ot the sensor 12 can help in meeting necessary clearance values with surrounding components. Once the best angular orientation is decided, suitable colour markings can be given at the selected pocket features ot the housing cover 36 and corresponding wedge features ot the basic housing 14. This serves as a poka-yoke to receive the decided assembly of the housing cover 36 and, thus, the sensor 12 with the basic housing 14.

List of reference signs sensor housing 12 sensor 14 basic housing 16 first connection 18 first pipe second connection 22 second pipe 24 passageway 26 first duct 28 second duct directional arrow 32 duct 34 duct 36 housing cover 38 snap arm connection 42 duct 44 portion 46 connection device 48 snap tab lug 52 receptacle 54 connector 56 directional arrow 58 end portion barbs 62 retainer 64 pocket 66 pocket 68 0-ring 0-ring 72 surface 74 surface 76 face 78 face 80a-d edge 82 face 84 surface 86 surface 88 face face 92 hole 94 radius feature 96 chamfer feature 98 face surface 102 face 104 face 106 face 108 chamfer feature face 111 surface 112 face 114 chamfer feature 116 chamfer feature 118 face base 122 face 124 surface 126 face 128 face A position B position C position D position El force E2 force ES force ES force E6 force E7 force E8 force Eli force X direction Y direction

Claims (6)

1. Claims 1. A sensor housing (10) configured to hold at least one sensor (12) capable of detecting at least one parameter characterizing a fluid flowing through the sensor housing (10), comprising: -a basic housing (14) having: o a first connection (16) configured to be connected to a first pipe (18); and o a second connection (20) configured to be connected to a second pipe (22) thereby fluidically connecting the pipes (18, 22) via the basic housing (14); -a housing cover (36) having at least one connecting element (38) configured to attach the sensor (12) to the housing cover (36) by means of at least one snap-fit; and -a connecting device (46) configured to attach the housing cover (36) to the basic housing (14) in a plurality of angular positions (A, B, C, D) by means of at least one snap-fit respectively.
2. 2. The sensor housing (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first connection (16) has a first duct (26) for the fluid, wherein the second connection (20) has a second duct (28) for the fluid, the second duct (28) extending angularly in relation to the first duct (26).
3. 3. The sensor housing (10) according to claim 2, wherein the ducts (26, 28) confine an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 90 degrees.
4. 4. The sensor housing (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the connections (16, 20) is configured as a female connector configured to receive an end portion (58) of the corresponding pipe (18).
5. 5. The sensor housing (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor housing (10) comprises at least one retainer (62) for a quick connection of at least one of the pipes (18, 22) with the corresponding connection (16, 20), the retainer (62) being arranged in at least corresponding receptacle (64, 66) of the basic housing (14) and connected to the basic housing (14) by at least one snap-fit.
6. 6. A vehicle comprising at least one sensor housing (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.