FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a liquid sensor assembly and, more particularly, to a liquid sensor assembly having openings for sensing the presence of liquids in a housing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Liquid in certain systems can cause the systems to degrade and/or be compromised. For example, water ingression in a steering system can lead to increased friction in the steering system. Although sensors for detecting the presence of liquid are known, they are not commonly used in steering systems. The steering systems, instead, utilize robust sealing solutions in their designs to keep water from entering the systems as a first line of defense. Known steering systems also utilize friction detection algorithms to deduce when a possible issue has occurred. These friction detection algorithms, however, have limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, a liquid sensor assembly can include a sensor housing. The sensor housing can define an interior cavity that is at least partially closed at one end by a cap and at an opposite end by a cover. The sensor housing can have at least one sidewall extending along an axis from the cap. The at least one sidewall can have at least one inlet opening for liquid to pass into the cavity. The cap can be free from openings. A liquid sensor can be in the cavity for sensing the presence of liquid in the sensor housing.

According to another aspect, alone or in combination with any other aspect, a steering system can include a steering system housing and the liquid sensor assembly. The at least one sidewall can extend through an opening in the steering system housing so that the at least one sidewall and the cap are at least partially inside the steering system housing. The at least one inlet opening can be inside the steering system housing for liquid to pass from inside the steering system housing into the cavity. A portion of the sensor housing can be outside the steering system housing.

