Fillilng Level Sensor with Several Thermoelements and Method for Measuring the Filling Level

• US 20150052996A1
• Filed: 08/22/2014
• Published: 02/26/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 08/23/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hella KGaA Hueck & Company
• Original Assignee: Hella KGaA Hueck & Company
• Inventors: NIEMANN, Thomas
• Granted Patent: US 9,459,131 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/295
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 11/0004 Oilsumps
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 11/0408 Sump drainage devices, e.g. valves, plugs
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 11/12 concerning lubricant level
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 2011/0416 Plugs
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 2011/0441 for measuring the lubricant level
• CPC Class Codes: F16N 19/003 Indicating oil level measuring liquid level in general G01F
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/0007 for discrete indicating and measuring G01F23/02 - G01F23/28 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/22 by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water involving the use of floats G01F23/30
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/246 thermal devices
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/247 for discrete levels
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/248 Constructional details; Mounting of probes

Abstract

The aim is to achieve a particularly robust and reliable embodiment of a filling level sensor with several thermoelements for measuring the filling level of a liquid in a receptacle. This is achieved in that the thermoelements are arranged in parallel with one another and extend from the bottom upwards. The thermoelements are of different heights so that, depending on the filling level, one part of the thermoelements is flooded and another part is not. This can be used to derive information regarding the filling level.

Claims

1. A filling level sensor for measuring a filling level of a liquid in a receptacle with several thermoelements,

wherein

the thermoelements extend upwards from the bottom and in that the thermoelements comprise different heights, and

in that the thermoelements are configured as electric generators.

2. The filling level sensor according to claim 1, wherein the filling level sensor comprises a transmitting device for the wireless transmission of measured data.

3. The filling level sensor according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelements extend upwards from the bottom of the receptacle independently of each other.

4. The filling level sensor according to claim 1, wherein the filling level sensor comprises a basic body on which the thermoelements are arranged.

5. The filling level sensor according to claim 4, wherein the thermoelements are imprinted on the basic body.

6. The filling level sensor according to claim 4, wherein the basic body comprises indentations in which the thermoelements are received.

7. The filling level sensor according to claim 1, wherein a protective layer is applied to the thermoelements.

8. The filling level sensor according to claim 7, wherein the protective layer finishes flush with the surface of the basic body.

9. The filling level sensor according to claim 7, wherein the protective layer comprises at least 50% of the thickness of the thermoelement.

10. The filling level sensor according to claim 1, wherein the filling level sensor comprises at least five thermoelements of different heights.

11. The filling level sensor according to claim 1, wherein the filling level sensor comprises at least one energy storage device for the at least intermediate storage of the electric energy generated by the thermoelements.

12. A receptacle for receiving a liquid, in particular an oil sump in a motor vehicle for receiving engine oil, wherein the receptacle comprises a filling level sensor according to claim 1.

13. The receptacle according to claim 12, wherein the receptacle comprises a draining element at the bottom of the receptacle and in that the filling level sensor is arranged on the draining element.

14. A method for measuring the filling level of a liquid in a receptacle with a filling level sensor according to claim 1, wherein the voltages of all thermoelements are measured and added up and the total voltage is set in correlation to a filling level range.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the electric voltage coming from the thermoelements is utilized at least partially for driving the filling level sensor.