Patent Publication Number: US-2018031159-A1

Title: Adaptor device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an adaptor device for establishing a connection between a further device with hose connectors and at least one hose. This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 16 181 714.3 filed on Jul. 28, 2016, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
     PRIOR ART 
     Devices, such as differential pressure sensor devices, have two or more coupling nozzles for connecting proximal ends of hoses for the purpose of creating an exclusive fluid communication between the coupling nozzles and distal hose ends. The hoses—e.g. hoses from silicone or rubber—are often consumer goods and have a predetermined cross-section and material thickness. Hose material and material thickness may generally be optimized to the specific purpose of the device they are connected to. It may also be that a specific hose type shall be used as it is easily available. In order to ensure connectivity, the hose thickness has, however, to fulfill the following requirement: It shall be less than half of the distance between the two neighboring coupling nozzles to be connected; else the hoses do not fit both on the same device at the same time. Accordingly, either a specific device geometry is necessary for a given hose type or a specific hose type is necessary for a given device geometry. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the above stated disadvantages and to provide a technical solution such that the same device with a given coupling nozzle arrangement is connectable to an increased number of types of hoses. 
     This problem is solved with the adaptor device that comprises a base body. The base body itself provides a first reception for receiving a first hose coupling nozzle and a second reception for receiving a second hose coupling nozzle. 
     The first and second receptions are spaced apart from one another by a first distance. 
     The adaptor device further comprises a first connecting nipple for receiving a first hose, i.e. a hose portion may be pushed thereon. The first connecting nipple has, at its distal end (i.e. away from the base body), a first muzzle opening. Moreover, the first connecting nipple is attached to the base body and connected to the first reception by a first passage such as to establish a continuous channel from the respective reception to the respective muzzle opening. 
     The adaptor device further comprises a second connecting nipple for receiving a second hose. The second connecting nipple has, at its distal end, a second muzzle opening and is attached to the base body and connected to the second reception by a second passage. 
     The first and second passages are continuous and fluidly connect the first and second muzzle openings to the first and second receptions, respectively. The first and second passages extend separately. There is no direct fluid connection in the first and second passages. In other words: the first and second passages extend fluidly separated to one another. Moreover, the first and second muzzle openings are spaced apart at a second distance. 
     The above-stated problem is solved in that the adaptor device is configured to be connected to a further device, in particular to a (printed) circuit board of the further device or whereto the further is attached to, whilst the first and second coupling nozzles are part of the further device. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the further device may be a differential pressure sensor package and the coupling nozzles are the pneumatic connectors of the sensor package. Other sensor types or further devices may, however, be used. Moreover, the adaptor device is configured to receive, upon connection with the further device, the first and second hose coupling nozzles in the first and second receptions, respectively, preferably in a fluid-tight manner. In order to easily accommodate hoses of different material thickness, the second distance now longer than the first distance. 
     In some embodiments, the second distance is at least 30% longer, more preferably at least 50% longer, more preferably at least 100% or at least 200% longer, most preferably at least 5-times to 7-times longer than the first distance. 
     In some embodiments the first distance is smaller than 15 millimeters, preferably smaller than 10 millimeters, most preferably less than or equal to 5 millimeters. 
     In the context of the present invention, the term “adaptor device” refers to a coupling structure—preferably a single-piece unit, e.g. a molded piece—that may be arranged over the further device, whilst receiving the first and second coupling nozzle in the first and second receptions, respectively, such that the fluid outlet of the coupling nozzles is connected to the muzzle openings of the connecting nipples. In other words: The adaptor device is an extension structure that enlarges the distance of the ports to be connected to a hose such that thicker hoses or hoses with thicker material may be used. 
     It is to be understood that an exterior diameter of the connecting nipple may also be change, e.g. increased such that hoses with thicker inner diameters may be used. 
     In the context of the present invention, the term “base body” refers to the frame structure that accommodates the receptions and the connecting nipples and allows for connecting the adaptor device to the further device in a direct or indirect manner. 
     In the context of the present invention, the term “reception” refers to a receiving structure that is configured to receive the coupling nozzle and preferably allows for a substantially fluid-tight connection between coupling nozzle and the respective first or second passage. Preferably, the receptions are cavities that are at least partly or completely circumferentially limited by wall structures, the wall structures providing lateral abutment to the received coupling nozzle such that as to stabilize the coupling nozzle in the reception. Sealing elements may be used to tighten the connection. 
     In the context of the present invention, the terms “coupling nozzle” and “connecting nipple” refer each to a connector part for receiving a terminal open portion of a hose, the hose being preferably flexible, e.g. made from silicone, rubber, or plastics. 
     In the context of the present invention, the term “further device” refers to a device that comprises coupling nozzles that shall be connected to hose-like structures for probing distant fluid conditions. A preferred example is a differential pressure sensor package having two pneumatic ports. 
     The present invention is based on the insight that an adaptor device may be used to increase the distance between the coupling nozzles of a complete sensor package or the like by providing receptions for the coupling nozzles and connecting nipples that are, at least a their muzzle openings, further apart further apart from one another than the coupling nozzles are. 
     It is to be understood that the basic body may have any shape such as a circular or round disc shape or it may be a convex polytope. 
     In some preferred embodiments, the basic body has a part or complete cuboidal shape with cuboid faces. Preferably, the first and second connecting nipples are arranged on the same first cuboid face of the cuboid faces, wherein the first and second receptions are arranged on the same second cuboid face of the cuboid faces, the first cuboid face being different from the second cuboid face. The receptions may be arranged on a bottom face while the connecting nipples may be arranged on a lateral face or on the top face of the base body. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second connecting nipples have first and second longitudinal nipple axes, respectively, wherein the first and second longitudinal nipple axes are straight and extend in an inclined manner with respect to one another. Preferably, the the first and second longitudinal nipple axes form a V shape extending from the base body. 
     The V shape may have an opening angle that ranges from 10 degrees to 165 degrees, preferably, said opening angle ranges between 45 degrees and 120 degrees, more preferably between 60 degrees and 100 degrees, e.g.: 60 degrees or 90 degrees. The opening angle depends on the target second distance which, in turn, depends on the length of the first and second connecting nipples. 
     The V shape may preferably be symmetrical with respect to the front-back axis of the basic body (see below). It may, however, also be asymmetric, i.e. one arm of the V shape may be further bent outwardly than the other. Accordingly, it is also contemplated that one connecting nipple extends normally, i.e. perpendicularly, or in plane, i.e. parallel, from the face it is attached to, while the other connecting nipple is inclined to said face and the one connecting nipple. 
     Moreover, in general, lengths of the first and second connecting nipples, respectively, may be the same or may be different from one another, e.g. by at least 5%, 10%, 50%, or 100%. Also, a diameter of the first and second connecting nipples may be the same or may be different, e.g. by at least 5%, 10%, 50%, or 100%. 
     The geometry may depend on the specific design of the further device and/or on the purpose of the latter and on the hoses to be used. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second connecting nipples are not or not entirely straight but are bent and/or have steps along their longitudinal extension. Accordingly, the connecting nipples may have any form between the receptions and the muzzle openings. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second receptions have, on their depth or on a step along the extension, a sealing element for forming the fluid-tight connection with the first and second hose coupling nozzles. This sealing element may be a sealing ring or piece that may be made from an elastic material and matches the shape of the cross-section of the coupling nozzle. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second receptions have first and second longitudinal reception axes, respectively, wherein the first and second longitudinal reception axes extend parallel to on another. Preferably, the first and second longitudinal reception axes are straight for receiving straight coupling nozzles. The cross-sectional shape of the receptions may be similar as the cross-sectional shape of the coupling nozzle to be received. Preferably, the cross-sectional shapes of the receptions as well as of the connecting nipples are round, e.g. they have the shape of a straight or at least partly bent cylinder. 
     In some embodiments the first and second longitudinal reception axes span a second plane. The second plane may extend parallel to one of the cuboid faces of the basic body. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second longitudinal nipple axes span a first plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane intersect one another, wherein an intersection angle between the first plane and the second plane preferably ranges between 45 degrees to 165 degrees; wherein an intersecting line of the first plane and the second plane extends preferably parallel to a connection line of the first and second muzzle openings of the connecting nipples, or parallel the second cuboid face and/or wherein the intersection angle is preferably 120 degrees or smaller, e.g. 90 degrees. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second connecting nipples are provided with an abutment, the abutment having at least one proximal face facing the tip of the connecting nipple and at least one distal face facing the other way. The first and second longitudinal nipple axes preferably intersect with the at least one proximal and distal faces. The abutment provides a stop for a hose that is pushed partially over the connecting nipple. 
     Preferably, the abutment is elongated in a direction of the second distance, i.e. along the connecting line of the first and second muzzle openings. The elongation minimizes a height of the adaptor device whilst ensuring a secure stop surface in the elongation direction. 
     The abutment may be at least one or several plate-like elements. 
     In some embodiments, the abutment comprises at least two abutment rings, wherein on each of the first and second connecting nipples is arranged at least one abutment ring. The abutment ring then at least partially or completely circumferentially surrounds the connecting nipple. The outer shape of the abutment rings may be at least in part or completely round, preferably circular or elliptical, or have a polygonal shape. 
     In some embodiments, the proximal and distal faces of the abutment extend parallel to one of the cuboid faces of the basic body. Alternatively, the distal and/or proximal faces of the abutment extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of the connecting nipple. 
     Moreover, the proximal face may be arranged at a distance to the one of the cuboid faces. Thereby, a gap is formed between said cuboid face and the proximal face of the abutment, the gap being adapted for receiving portions of a further wall structure. The further wall structure may be the housing of a larger device containing the second device. Thereby, the connecting nipples extend through the further wall structure, and may be engaged from the outside while the adapter device and the further wall structure are engaged in at least a partial positive locking manner, preferably also in an additional force fit. 
     In some embodiments, the base body has a cavity and the first and second receptions are arranged in said cavity. Preferably, a reception structure is additionally arranged in the cavity such as to at least partially surround the first and second receptions. The reception structure preferably delimits a sub-cavity within the cavity, the sub-cavity being shaped for receiving the further device, e.g., the differential pressure sensor package with the first and second coupling nozzles, or parts thereof. The sub-cavity may have a substantially cuboidal shape. 
     In some embodiments, the adapter device further comprises at least one first fastening structure for connecting the adaptor device to the further device, in particular to a circuit board of the further device. Preferably, these fastening structures are quick-release coupling elements for easy and quick connection of the adaptor device with the further device, the latter carrying the second fastening structure. 
     Preferably, the at least one first fastening structure comprises at least one, preferably a plurality of snap-in tongues with a snap-in nose and/or at least one a through-hole through the basic body for connecting the adaptor device to the further device by means of bolts such as screws or the like. Soldering connections may also be provided through the through-hole. The first fastening structure may, for example, be selected from the group comprising: glue surfaces, bolt connections, screw connections, and hook connections of any kind. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second connecting nipples each comprise an attachment portion, the attachment portion being a pipe portion extending along the first and second nipple axes, respectively, and being attached to the first cuboid face of the base body. The first and second nipple axes extend preferably parallel to the first cuboid face. 
     The free tip portions of the connecting nipples may be provided with a retention structure for securely engaging the hose portion. The retention structure may comprise, e.g., at least one rim, ring, or rib, extending at least partially circumferentially around the connecting nipple and extending in radial direction. 
     In some preferred embodiments, the adaptor device is a single-piece element, preferably a molded piece. Any or some of the edges of the adaptor device may rounded such as to avoid damage to the hose. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to the drawings, which are for the purpose of illustrating the present preferred embodiments of the invention and not for the purpose of limiting the same. In the drawings, 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective top front view of a preferred embodiment of the adaptor device according to invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows the adaptor device according to  FIG. 1  in a bottom view; 
         FIG. 3  shows the adaptor device according to  FIG. 1  in a perspective top rear view; 
         FIG. 4  shows, in a top view, a further embodiment of the adaptor device according to invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective top rear view of the embodiment of the adaptor device according to  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  shows of the perspective bottom front view of the embodiment of the adaptor device according to  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  shows a further perspective top front view of the embodiment of the adaptor device according to  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 8  shows a detail of a cross-sectional view of the adaptor device with an increased detail of  FIG. 8  to the left; 
         FIG. 9  shows a further detail of a cross-sectional view of the adaptor device; and 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective top view of a conventional differential pressure sensor package. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Preferred embodiments are now described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 10 . 
       FIGS. 1 to 3  show a first embodiment of the adaptor device  1  according to invention in a perspective top front view, a bottom view, and a perspective top rear view, respectively. 
     The adaptor device  1  features a basic body  10  with a cuboidal shape and is sized in the cm range, e.g.: 6 cm×7 cm×1 cm. The base body  10  includes a top wall with a top face  100 , a front wall with a front face  101 , two side walls with lateral side faces  102 ,  104 , and a rear wall with a rear face  103 . There is no extra bottom wall such that the bottom face  105  is actually the bottom face of the top wall. 
     The box-like base body  10  delimits a substantially cuboidal bottom cavity  106  which is open toward the bottom (cf.  FIG. 2 ). 
     The basic body  10  further comprises first and second receptions  2 ,  3  for receiving first and second coupling nozzles  81 ,  82  of a differential pressure sensor package  8  (cf.  FIG. 10 ), first and second connecting nipples  4 ,  5  for establishing a connection with flexible hoses (not shown), and a first fastening structure  7  for connection with a printed circuit board  84  (cf.  FIG. 10 ) on which the package  8  is arranged on. 
     The first and second connecting nipples  4 ,  5  are single-piece elements that comprise attachment portions  41 ,  51 , first and second intermediate portions  42 ,  44  and  52 ,  54  with an abutment  438  arranged therebetween, sealing rings  45 ,  55 , and tip portions  46 ,  56 , respectively. The first and second connecting nipples  4 ,  5  are mirror images from one another with respect to a mirror plane extending perpendicularly to the second plane P 2  (see below) and at the same time being the bisector plane of the V shape (see below). 
     The tip portions  46 ,  56  have rounded distal edges  461 ,  561  that define muzzle openings  47 ,  57  of the first and second connecting nipple  4 ,  5 , respectively. The tip portions  46 ,  56  are designed as straight pipe portions with proximal ends  460 ,  560 . 
     Proximal of the proximal ends  460 ,  560  of the tip portions  46 ,  56  extend the sealing rings  45 ,  55 . The sealing rings  45 ,  55  are frustroconically shaped and taper in the distal direction. At the proximal end of the sealing rings  45 ,  55  proximally facing stop surfaces  450 ,  550  are arranged. Accordingly, the first and second connecting nipples  4 ,  5  taper at the stop faces  450 ,  550  in a step-wise manner in the proximal direction. This ensures proper engagement of the adaptor device  1  and the connected hoses. 
     Further straight pipe portions, the first and second intermediate portions  42 ,  44  and  52 ,  54 , respectively, extend proximal of the stop faces  450 ,  550 . The first and second intermediate portions  42 ,  44  and  52 ,  54  have the same diameter as the tip portions  46 ,  56 . 
     The attachment sections  41 ,  51  are straight pipe portions as well that are attached over their length to the top face  101 , whereby the first and second connecting nipples  4 ,  5  are attached to the base body  10 . 
     The first and second connecting nipples  4 ,  5  have each a longitudinal nipple axis, the first and second longitudinal nipple axes  48 ,  58 , respectively (cf.  FIG. 2 ). The first and second longitudinal nipple axes  48 ,  58  form a V shape with an opening angle from 50 degrees to 70 degrees, e.g. 60 degrees. The first and second longitudinal axes  48 ,  58  span a second plane P 2  that extends parallel and at distance to the top face  100 . 
     The first and second connecting nipples  4 ,  5  have identical lengths (about the same as the first distance D or somewhat less) and also identical cross-sections. The first and second muzzle openings  47 ,  57  are spaced apart from one another by a second distance D. The first and second attachment portions  41 ,  51  receive at their proximal ends the first and second receptions  2 ,  3 , respectively. The first distance d between the first and second receptions  2 ,  3  are shown in  FIG. 2  (and  FIG. 4  for the second embodiment, see below). The first distance d is about 6-times smaller than the second distance D. The second distance D may be 3 centimeters to 6 centimeters. 
     The single abutment plate  438  is arranged between the first and second intermediate portions  42 ,  44  and  52 ,  54 , respectively, connecting the first and second connecting nipples  4 ,  5  to one another. The abutment plate  438  extends parallel to the front face  101 . The longitudinal nipple axes  48 ,  58  intersect the abutment plate  438  and extend angular to the plane defined by the abutment plate  438 . 
     The abutment plate  438  is an elongated shield with rounded short edges that acts as a stop for hose parts pushed over the sealing rings  45 ,  55 . For that purpose, a distal face  439  is provided on the abutment plate  438 . As can be seen from the Figures, the distal face  439  extends parallel to the front face  101  of the base body  10 . 
     Moreover, due to the extension first intermediate section  42 ,  52 , a gap  1000  is created between a proximal face of the abutment plate  438  and the front face  104  of the base body  10 . This gap  1000  may be used for receiving a wall structure of, for example, a housing of the unit comprising the adaptor device  1  and the differential pressure sensor package  8  on the printed circuit board to which the package  8  is attached to. Thereby, the connecting nipples  4 ,  5  engage through the abutment plate  438  in a partial positive locking with the further wall structure whilst being usable from the exterior of the further wall structure. 
     The first and second receptions  2 ,  3  are now explained in more detail with further reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 .  FIG. 8  shows a detail of a cross-section (front to back) of the adaptor device  1 .  FIG. 9  shows a second cross-section (side to side) through the second reception  3 . The first reception  2  has the same design. 
     The first and second receptions  2 ,  3  have longitudinal reception axes  23 ,  33  that span a first plane P 1 . The first plane P 1  extends parallel to the front face  101 . Accordingly, the first plane P 1  intersects with the second plane P 2  at a 90 degrees angle, wherein the intersection line is parallel to both the top and the front faces  100 ,  101 . 
     The first and second receptions  2 ,  3  are through-holes through the top wall, connecting the bottom cavity  106  to the passage portions in the attachment portions  41 ,  51 . In the region of the receptions  2 ,  3 , the top wall is thicker such as to allow a proper stepping of the receptions  2 ,  3  (cf.  FIG. 8 ). The receptions  2 ,  3  have horizontal several steps. A first cylindrical opening portion of the receptions  2 ,  3 , as seen from the bottom side, has a first diameter. The joining second opening portion has a reduced second diameter, and the joining third opening portion that extends into the respective attachments portion  41 ,  51  has a third diameter that is smaller than the second diameter. The diameter stepping of the receptions  2 ,  3  allows for sealing elements  24  (cf. detail to the left of  FIG. 8 ) to be inserted, wherein the ring-like sealing elements  24  abut against a stop surface created by the steps. The first and second coupling nozzles  81 ,  82  then butt against the sealing elements  24  and are received in a positive locking manner in radial direction. 
     The first and second passages  40 ,  50  extend separately from one another through the stepped receptions  2 ,  3  into the first and second connecting nipples  4 ,  5  and therethrough to the first and second muzzle openings  47 ,  57 , respectively. 
     The adaptor device  1  further has a first fastening structure  7  that comprises four snap-in tongues  71 . The snap-in tongues carry, on their free end portions, outward facing snap-in noses  72 . The snap-in tongues  71  are elastic members for establishing a quick-release connection to the differential pressure sensor package  8 . The package  8  is mounted on a printed circuit board  84  (cf.  FIG. 10 ), the latter being provided with a second fastening structure. The second fastening structure is a set of openings  840  for receiving portions of the snap-in tongues  71  such that the snap-in noses  72  extend into the printed circuits board  84  and engage with appropriate stop faces provided in the openings  840 . As can be seen from the Figures, the four snap-in tongues  71  are arranged in corner regions of the bottom face  105 . The tongues  71  are prolonged into the side walls of the base body  10  by lateral slots  710 . The Figures also show that the tongues  71  protrude beyond the bottom edge of the side walls such that the snap-in noses  72  may be inserted into the above-mentioned openings  840  in the printed circuit board  84 . 
     For further securing the adaptor device  1  to the printed circuit board  84 , two lateral through-openings  73  are provided in the base body  10 . The through-openings  73  are delimited by hollow cylinders that are arranged to intersect the side walls of the base body  10 . Moreover, the hollow cylinders are arranged between a pair of snap-in tongues  71 . Furthermore, the hollow cylinders protrude perpendicularly to and from the bottom face  105  and laterally beyond the side walls of the base body  10  such that a part cylindrical outward-facing protrusion is evident on the side walls. Moreover, the hollow cylinders are reinforced by stiffening walls  730  arranged in the cavity  106  as shown, for example, in  FIG. 2 . 
     In the cavity  106  is arranged a reception structure  21  with two side walls  211  and one rear wall  212 . The reception structure  21  together with an intermediate portion of the front wall  101  form another box-like structure, delimiting a substantially cuboidal sub-cavity  22  within the cavity  106 . The sub-cavity  22  is also open to the bottom. 
     In the sub-cavity  22 , the first and second receptions  2 ,  3  are arranged. 
       FIGS. 4 to 7  show a second embodiment of the adaptor device  1  according to invention. The same features are designated with the same numerals. The second embodiment differs from the above-described first embodiment in the design of the abutment  438  and  43 ,  53 , respectively. According to the second embodiment, the abutment consists of two separate elongated abutment rings  43 ,  53 . The abutment rings  43 ,  53  have the same orientation and arrangement as the abutment plate  438  and are also designed to form a gap  1000  for receiving the further wall structure as explained in the context of the first embodiment. 
       FIG. 10  shows the conventional pressure sensor package  8  arranged on the printed circuit board  84 . The package  8  comprises a basic body  83  with the first and second coupling nozzles  81 ,  82 . The first and second coupling nozzles  81 ,  82  are the pneumatic ports receiving the fluid pressure to be measured by means of the sensor. As can be seen, the shape of the sub-cavity  22  is chosen such that the package  8  with its body  83  and nozzles  81 ,  82  properly fit thereinto, i.e. the outer shape of the package  8  and the shape of the sub-cavity  22  correspond to one another. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS 
       
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 1 
                 adaptor device 
                 430 
                 proximal face of 43 
               
               
                 10 
                 base body 
                 431 
                 distal face of 431 
               
               
                 100 
                 top face of 10 
                 44 
                 second intermediate portion of 4 
               
               
                 101 
                 front face of 10 
                 45 
                 sealing ring of 4 
               
               
                 102 
                 first side face of 10 
                 450 
                 locking face of 45 
               
               
                 103 
                 rear face of 10 
                 46 
                 tip portion of 4 
               
               
                 104 
                 second side face of 10 
                 460 
                 proximal end of 46 
               
               
                 105 
                 bottom face of 10 
                 461 
                 distal edge of 46 
               
               
                 106 
                 bottom cavity of 10 
                 47 
                 muzzle opening of 4 
               
               
                 1000 
                 gap 
                 48 
                 first longitudinal axis of 4 
               
               
                 2 
                 first reception 
                 5 
                 second connecting nipple 
               
               
                 20 
                 first abutment 
                 50 
                 second passage in 5 
               
               
                 21 
                 reception structure 
                 51 
                 attachment portion of 5 
               
               
                 22 
                 sub-cavity within 106 
                 52 
                 first intermediate portion of 5 
               
               
                 23 
                 longitudinal axis of 2 
                 53 
                 abutment ring of 5 
               
               
                 24 
                 ring-like sealing element 
                 530 
                 proximal face of 53 
               
               
                 3 
                 second reception 
                 531 
                 distal face of 531 
               
               
                 30 
                 second abutment 
                 54 
                 second intermediate portion of 5 
               
               
                 33 
                 longitudinal axis of 3 
                 55 
                 sealing ring of 5 
               
               
                 4 
                 first connecting nipple 
                 550 
                 locking face of 55 
               
               
                 40 
                 first passage in 4 
                 56 
                 tip portion of 5 
               
               
                 41 
                 attachment portion of 4 
                 560 
                 proximal end of 56 
               
               
                 42 
                 first intermediate 
                 561 
                 distal edge of 56 
               
               
                   
                 portion of 4 
                 57 
                 muzzle opening of 5 
               
               
                 43 
                 abutment ring of 4 
                 58 
                 second longitudinal axis of 5 
               
               
                 438 
                 abutment plate 
                 7 
                 first fastening structure 
               
               
                 439 
                 distal face of 439 
                 71 
                 snap-in tongue 
               
               
                 71 
                 snap-in tongue 
                 83 
                 base body of 8 
               
               
                 710 
                 slot 
                 84 
                 printed circuit board 
               
               
                 72 
                 snap-in nose 
                 840 
                 opening in 84 for receiving 72 
               
               
                 73 
                 through-hole 
                 d 
                 first distance between 2, 3 
               
               
                 730 
                 stiffening rib or wall 
                 D 
                 second distance between 47, 57 
               
               
                 8 
                 differential pressure 
               
               
                   
                 sensor package 
               
               
                 81 
                 fist coupling nozzle 
               
               
                   
                 of 8 
               
               
                 82 
                 second coupling nozzle 
               
               
                   
                 of 8