Fastening device for holding a sensor

A fastening device for holding a sensor having a cylindrical form limited by a proximal end and a distal end, the fastening device comprising:

• a tubular body extending along a median longitudinal axis (I-I) between a first end and a second end and comprising a longitudinal through passage intended to receive said sensor;
• means for axially immobilizing the sensor in the longitudinal through passage;
• a flared portion, at the second end of the tubular body, extending radially inwards and defining an orifice with a cross-section having smaller dimensions than the dimensions of the cross-section of the sensor,
• wherein:
• the axial immobilization means are shaped so as to keep the distal end of the sensor at a predetermined minimum longitudinal distance (E) from said flared portion, so that a space for radial conduction of fluid is formed between the flared portion and the distal end of the sensor;
• the fastening device comprises means for carrying a fluid inside the tubular body and into the radial conduction space between the flared portion and the distal end of the sensor.

A method for cleaning and/or cooling a sensor having a cylindrical form limited by a proximal end and a distal end, said method comprising the following steps:

• a) supplying a sensor having a cylindrical form limited by a proximal end and a distal end;
• b) supplying a fastening device for holding the sensor, comprising:
• a tubular body extending along a median longitudinal axis (I-I) between a first end and a second end and comprising a longitudinal through passage intended to receive said sensor;
• means for axially immobilizing the sensor in the longitudinal through passage;
• a flared portion, at the second end of the tubular body, extending radially inwards and defining an orifice with a cross-section having smaller dimensions than the dimensions of the cross-section of the sensor;
• means for carrying a fluid inside the tubular body and into the vicinity of the flared portion;
• c) inserting the sensor into the longitudinal through passage of the tubular body while providing a non-zero longitudinal distance (E) between the distal end of the sensor and said flared portion, so that at least some of a fluid circulating through the tubular body via the means for carrying a fluid can circulate in a space for radial conduction of fluid thus provided between the flared portion and the distal end of the sensor;
• d) injecting a fluid inside the tubular body so that the fluid circulates in the space for radial conduction of fluid provided between the flared portion and the distal end of the sensor and is diverted in order to wipe the frontal distal end surface of the sensor.