Level sensor assembly and reservoir including the same

Abstract

A level sensor assembly and a reservoir including the same are disclosed. A level sensor assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a sensor housing inserted into the interior of a reservoir that stores liquid and having a hollow portion provided on one side; a floating member having one end rotatably coupled to the sensor housing and the other end floating on the liquid; a hinge pin that hinge-couples the floating member to a first hole of the sensor housing; a magnet portion rotatably coupled together with the floating member by the hinge pin; a sensor module including a PCB provided in the hollow portion and a Hall sensor mounted on the PCB that detects the magnetic force of the magnet portion; and a terminal portion having a connector that seals the opening of the hollow portion and connects to the PCB, wherein the Hall sensor may be provided to continuously detect changes in the magnetic force of the magnet portion.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a level sensor assembly and a reservoir including the same, and more specifically, to a level sensor assembly capable of continuously detecting the liquid level of a reservoir storing liquid and a reservoir including the same. Background Technology

[0002] With the recent advancement of autonomous vehicle technology, vehicles are equipped with multiple sensing devices, such as cameras, LiDAR, and radar, to recognize road environments and driving conditions. Since the performance of these sensing devices is directly linked to driving stability and driver safety, maintaining high precision and preventing malfunctions are required.

[0003] The sensing device is primarily installed on the exterior of the vehicle to detect the surrounding environment, but its detection capability may be degraded by foreign substances such as snow, rain, and fallen leaves. To prevent this, it may include a wiper to clean the glass of the sensing device and a washer fluid reservoir to supply washer fluid to the glass.

[0004] Conventional vehicle washer fluid reservoirs store washer fluid and detect whether the fluid level reaches a certain level; when the fluid level falls below this level, they illuminate a warning light on the vehicle's internal display to notify the driver of the low fluid level.

[0005] As explained above, as the number of detection devices increases and the need for cleaning increases accordingly, there is an increasing need to continuously recognize changes in the remaining amount of washer fluid supplied to each detection device in real time. Prior art literature

[0006] Korean Registered Patent 10-1094254 (December 8, 2011) The problem to be solved

[0007] The present embodiment aims to provide a level sensor assembly capable of determining the amount of liquid stored in real time by continuously detecting the liquid level of a reservoir storing liquid, and a reservoir including the same.

[0008] The present embodiment aims to provide a level sensor assembly capable of supplying liquid at an optimal temperature because it can control and detect the temperature of the liquid stored in the reservoir, and a reservoir including the same.

[0009] The present embodiment aims to provide a level sensor assembly capable of simultaneously detecting the liquid level and the temperature of a liquid stored in a reservoir as a single assembly, and a reservoir including the same. means of solving the problem

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a sensor housing inserted into the interior of a reservoir for storing liquid and having a hollow portion provided on one side; a floating member having one end rotatably coupled to the sensor housing and the other end floating on the liquid; a hinge pin that hinge-couples the floating member to a first hole of the sensor housing; a magnet portion rotatably coupled together with the floating member by the hinge pin; a sensor module including a PCB provided in the hollow portion and a Hall sensor mounted on the PCB and detecting the magnetic force of the magnet portion; and a terminal portion having a connector that seals the opening of the hollow portion and is connected to the PCB, wherein the Hall sensor continuously detects changes in the magnetic force of the magnet portion.

[0011] The floating member may be provided with a level sensor assembly comprising a hinge portion having a pair of second holes through which the hinge pin passes, a floating portion floating on the liquid in the reservoir, and a rod portion connecting the hinge portion and the floating portion.

[0012] The above magnet portion may be provided with a level sensor assembly comprising a ring-shaped magnet disposed within the first hole and a magnet cover surrounding the magnet and penetrating by the hinge pin.

[0013] A level sensor assembly may be provided in which the hinge pin is constrained in a rotational direction with respect to the magnet cover and the floating member and arranged to rotate together.

[0014] A level sensor assembly may be provided, wherein the hinge pin includes a fixing projection formed to extend radially outward, the magnet cover includes a first fixing groove formed by being recessed in a shape corresponding to the fixing projection, and the floating member includes a second fixing groove formed by being recessed in a shape corresponding to the fixing projection.

[0015] The hinge pin may be provided with a level sensor assembly comprising a head portion, a plurality of leg portions extending axially from the head portion, and a stopper portion extending outwardly from each of the leg portions.

[0016] A level sensor assembly may be provided in which the length of the rotation radius (l) of the floating member is longer than the larger value between the distance to the highest water level (h1) and the distance to the lowest water level (h2) of the reservoir relative to the hinge part.

[0017] The sensor module may be provided with a level sensor assembly further comprising a temperature sensor that measures the liquid temperature, at least a portion of which is inserted into the interior of the reservoir.

[0018] The sensor housing may be provided with a level sensor assembly that is inserted horizontally into the reservoir.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, a reservoir may be provided, wherein the reservoir further comprises a heating device for heating a liquid inside, and the level sensor assembly detects the liquid level of the reservoir and simultaneously detects the temperature of the liquid. Effects of the invention

[0020] The level sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention and the reservoir including the same can continuously detect the liquid level of a reservoir storing liquid, so the liquid storage amount can be determined in real time.

[0021] The level sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention and the reservoir including the same have the effect of being able to supply liquid at an optimal temperature because they can control and detect the temperature of the liquid stored in the reservoir.

[0022] The level sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention and the reservoir including the same have the effect of simultaneously detecting the liquid level and the temperature of the liquid stored in the reservoir as a single assembly. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] FIG. 1 is a cutaway perspective view showing a level sensor assembly and a reservoir including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a level sensor assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a rear view showing a level sensor assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a level sensor assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the hinge pin and magnet part of a level sensor assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a level sensor assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a level sensor assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the change in output of a Hall sensor according to the change in the level of liquid stored in a reservoir according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are presented to sufficiently convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented herein and may be embodied in other forms. In order to clarify the present invention, the drawings may omit the illustration of parts unrelated to the description and may slightly exaggerate the size of components to aid understanding.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a cutaway perspective view showing a level sensor assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention and a reservoir (10) including the same.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, the reservoir (10) is installed in a vehicle and has a storage space (11) capable of storing liquid inside. For example, the liquid stored in the reservoir (10) may be washer fluid for cleaning the vehicle's windows or a sensor installed on the exterior of the vehicle.

[0027] The reservoir (10) may be provided with an inlet (12) through which liquid flows in on the upper surface of the storage space (11), and at least one outlet (13) through which liquid flows out on the lower surface of the storage space (11). The liquid stored in the reservoir (10) may flow out through the outlet (13) and be supplied to various devices requiring cleaning, such as the front windshield, rear windshield, radar, lidar, and camera of a vehicle.

[0028] A heating device (not shown) for raising the temperature of the washer fluid may be installed inside the reservoir (10). The reservoir (10) can provide heated washer fluid when snow accumulates on the sensor and the glass window or when frost forms, and can improve the cleaning effect. In order to provide washer fluid at an optimal temperature in the reservoir (10), a level sensor assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can measure the liquid level and the temperature of the liquid at the same time.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a level sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a rear view showing a level sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a level sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a hinge pin and a magnet part of a level sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a vertical cutaway view showing a level sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a level sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, the level sensor assembly (100) comprises a sensor housing (110) inserted into the interior of a reservoir (10) for storing liquid and having a hollow portion (114) provided on one side, a floating member (120) having one end rotatably coupled to the sensor housing (110) and the other end floating on the liquid, a hinge pin (130) hinge-coupled the floating member (120) to a first hole (115) of the sensor housing (110), a magnet portion (140) rotatably coupled together with the floating member (120) by the hinge pin (130), a sensor module (150) including a PCB (152) provided in the hollow portion (114) and a Hall sensor (153) mounted on the PCB (152) and detecting the magnetic force of the magnet portion (140), and a sealing opening of the hollow portion (114). It may include a terminal section (160) in which a connector (161) connected to a PCB (152) is provided.

[0031] The level sensor assembly (100) is provided as a single assembly and can be horizontally coupled to a hole provided on the side of the reservoir (10) in an assembled state.

[0032] The sensor housing (110) is inserted from the outside to the inside of the reservoir (10), and a floating member (120) is coupled to the end, and on the opposite side, a hollow portion (114) is formed to accommodate a sensor module (150) on the inside, and the opening of the hollow portion (114) is sealed by a terminal portion (160).

[0033] Specifically, the sensor housing (110) is provided with a first body portion (111) which is provided in a cylindrical shape, and a second body portion (112) which is formed as a stepped extension in a rectangular shape from the first body portion (111). A flange portion (113) is provided on the outer edge of the first body portion (111) which is extended outwardly and supported by the reservoir (10). At this time, a sealing member (170) is attached to the outer surface of the first body portion (111), and the sealing member (170) is supported by the flange portion (113) to seal the gap between the sensor housing (110) and the reservoir (10). The sealing member (170) may be made of a rubber material. The end of the second body portion (112) is provided with a rounded shape and a round portion (112a) through which the first hole (115) is formed.

[0034] The sensor housing (110) is provided with a hollow portion (114) that is formed with an opening extending outward toward the reservoir (10). A sensor module (150) is accommodated inside the hollow portion (114), and the opening of the hollow portion (114) is sealed by a terminal portion (160). The hollow portion (114) is formed by connecting the inner side of the first body portion (111) and the inner side of the second body portion (112). The hollow portion (114) on the side of the second body portion (112) is formed as a rectangular space and is provided in a form capable of accommodating a PCB (152). (See FIGS. 4 and 5)

[0035] One end of the floating member (120) is hinged to the sensor housing (110) and the other end is arranged to float on the liquid and rotate according to the liquid level.

[0036] Specifically, the floating member (120) may include a hinge portion (121) provided to surround the first hole (115) of the sensor housing (110) in a U-shape and having a pair of second holes (124) through which a hinge pin (130) passes, a floating portion (122) provided in a hollow spherical shape to float on the liquid in the reservoir (10), and a rod portion (123) connecting the hinge portion (121) and the floating portion (122).

[0037] The length of the rotation radius (l) of the floating member (120) can be defined as the distance from the rotation center of the hinge portion (121) to the center of the floating member (120). At this time, the length of the rotation radius (l) of the floating member (120) can be provided to be longer than the larger value between the distance to the highest water level (h1) and the distance to the lowest water level (h2) of the reservoir (10) relative to the hinge portion (121). Accordingly, the level sensor assembly of the present invention is provided to detect the total water level (h) of the reservoir (10), and the floating member (120) can be limited to rotate up and down less than 90 degrees despite changes in the water level of the reservoir (10). (See FIGS. 1 and 2)

[0038] A pair of second holes (124) of the hinge portion (121) through which the hinge pin (130) passes, and in one of the pair of second holes (124) that contacts the head portion (131) of the hinge pin (130), a second fixing groove (125) having a shape corresponding to the fixing projection (134) of the hinge pin (130) may be formed by being recessed. Further details regarding the second fixing groove (125) will be described later. (See FIG. 4)

[0039] The magnet part (140) is positioned within the first hole (115) of the sensor housing (110) to generate magnetic force and is arranged to rotate together with the floating member (120).

[0040] Specifically, the magnet portion (140) includes a magnet (141) that generates magnetic force and a magnet cover (142) that surrounds the magnet (141) and is penetrated by a hinge pin (130). The magnet (141) may be provided in a ring shape. The magnet cover (142) is provided to accommodate the magnet (141) inside, and a hole (144) through which the hinge pin (130) penetrates is provided in the center.

[0041] The magnet cover (142) includes an upper cover (142a) having a receiving space on its bottom surface corresponding to the shape of the magnet (141) to surround the upper surface and side of the magnet (141), and a lower cover (142b) that surrounds the bottom of the magnet (141). A hinge pin (130) penetrates a hole (144) of the upper cover (142a), and a first fixing groove (143) having a shape corresponding to the fixing projection (134) of the hinge pin (130) may be formed in the hole (144) of the upper cover (142a). Detailed information regarding the first fixing groove (143) will be described later. (See FIGS. 5 and 6)

[0042] The hinge pin (130) serves to hinge-connect the floating member (120) to the sensor housing (110) and, at the same time, constrains the magnet part (140) in the rotational direction relative to the floating member (120), thereby causing the magnet part (140) to rotate together with the floating member (120) when the floating member (120) rotates.

[0043] The hinge pin (130) includes a head portion (131) provided in a cylindrical shape, a plurality of leg portions (132) formed extending axially from the head portion (131), and a stopper portion (133) formed extending outwardly from each leg portion (132) to prevent the hinge pin (130) from coming off when the hinge pin (130) is assembled.

[0044] The head portion (131) can be divided into a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion, and a fixing projection (134) is formed radially outwardly in the small diameter portion. The fixing projection (134) may be provided in multiple numbers and may be arranged radially. The fixing projection (134) engages with the first fixing groove (143) of the upper cover (142a) and the second fixing groove (125) of the floating member (120). When the floating member (120) rotates according to a change in the liquid level, the fixing projection (134) engages with the first fixing groove (143) and the second fixing groove (125), thereby causing the floating member (120), the magnet portion (140), and the hinge pin (130) to rotate together. (See FIGS. 5 and 6)

[0045] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the change in output of a Hall sensor according to the change in the level of liquid stored in a reservoir (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 6 to 8, the sensor module (150) may include a PCB (152) provided in a hollow portion (114), a Hall sensor (153) mounted on the PCB (152) and detecting the magnetic force of the magnet portion (140), and a temperature sensor (151) in which at least a portion is inserted into the interior of the reservoir (10) to measure the liquid temperature.

[0047] The PCB (152) can be provided as a circuit board and can be fitted into the hollow portion (114) of the second body portion (112). A Hall sensor (153) is mounted on the PCB (152) and can be electrically connected to the terminal portion (160).

[0048] The Hall sensor (153) is mounted on the PCB (152) and electrically connected, and may be positioned in the part closest to the magnet part (140). The Hall sensor (153) may be provided as a Hall-IC sensor that continuously detects changes in the magnetic force of the magnet part (140). Depending on the change in the liquid level stored in the reservoir (10), the floating member (120) and the magnet part (140) rotate together, and the value output from the Hall sensor (153) changes. For example, as shown in the graph in FIG. 8, the voltage output from the Hall sensor (153) may be set to increase linearly as the liquid level of the reservoir (10) increases.

[0049] The temperature sensor (151) measures the liquid temperature of the reservoir (10) so that the operator can immediately know the temperature of the liquid. The temperature sensor (151) is provided in the hollow portion (114), but at least a portion penetrates the sensor housing (110) and is inserted into the interior of the reservoir (10). The temperature sensor (151) can be electrically connected via an electrical wire to transmit information about the measured temperature to the connector (161).

[0050] The sensor module (150) is configured to detect the liquid level of the reservoir (10) and simultaneously detect the temperature of the liquid. That is, the level sensor assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can simultaneously detect the liquid level and the liquid temperature of the reservoir (10) and detect them continuously. In addition, the reservoir (10) including the level sensor assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can maintain the liquid state under optimal conditions, such as by adjusting the supply amount of liquid or adjusting the temperature of the liquid based on the measured liquid level and temperature.

[0051] The terminal portion (160) is provided in a disc shape and includes a cover (162) that seals the opening of the hollow portion (114) and a connector (161) provided on the cover (162) and electrically connected to the sensor module (150). The connector (161) can be connected to the electronic control unit of the vehicle through a connecting wire.

[0052] Although specific embodiments of the level sensor assembly (100) and the reservoir (10) including the same have been described so far, it is obvious that various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0053] Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims set forth below as well as equivalents thereof.

[0054] That is, the aforementioned embodiments should be understood as exemplary in all respects and not limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts thereof should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0055] 10: Reservoir 100: Level sensor assembly 110: Sensor housing 114: Hollow part 115: 1st hole 120: Floating member 121: Hinge part 122: Floating part 123: Road Section 124: 2nd Hall 130: Hinge pin 131: Head part 132: Leg part 133: Stopper 134: Fixed projection 140: Magnet part 150: Sensor module 151: Temperature sensor 152: PCB 153: Hall sensor 160: Terminal section 170: Sealing member

Claims

Claim 1 A sensor housing inserted into the interior of a reservoir for storing liquid and having a hollow portion provided on one side; a floating member having one end rotatably coupled to the sensor housing and the other end floating on the liquid; a hinge pin hinge-coupled the floating member to a first hole of the sensor housing; a magnet portion rotatably coupled together with the floating member by the hinge pin; and a sensor module comprising a PCB provided in the hollow portion and a Hall sensor mounted on the PCB and detecting the magnetic force of the magnet portion. and includes a terminal portion that seals the opening of the hollow portion and is provided with a connector connected to the PCB; the magnet portion includes a magnet disposed within the first hole and a magnet cover surrounding the magnet and penetrating by the hinge pin; the Hall sensor continuously detects changes in the magnetic force of the magnet portion and the hinge pin includes a fixing projection formed to extend radially outward, and the magnet cover includes a first fixing groove formed by being recessed in a shape corresponding to the fixing projection; the floating member includes a hinge portion provided with a pair of second holes through which the hinge pin passes, a floating portion floating on the liquid within the reservoir, a rod portion connecting the hinge portion and the floating portion, and a second fixing groove formed by being recessed in one of the pair of second holes in a shape corresponding to the fixing projection; and the fixing projection includes the first fixing groove and the A level sensor assembly formed to engage simultaneously with a second fixed groove. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 In claim 1, the magnet is a level sensor assembly formed in a ring shape. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A level sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the hinge pin comprises a head portion, a plurality of leg portions extending axially from the head portion, and a stopper portion extending outwardly from each of the leg portions. Claim 7 A level sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the length of the rotation radius (l) of the floating member is longer than the larger value between the distance to the highest water level (h1) and the distance to the lowest water level (h2) of the reservoir relative to the hinge part. Claim 8 In claim 1, the sensor housing is a level sensor assembly inserted horizontally into the reservoir. Claim 9 In claim 1, the sensor module further comprises a level sensor assembly including a temperature sensor, at least a portion of which is inserted into the interior of the reservoir to measure the liquid temperature. Claim 10 A reservoir comprising a level sensor assembly according to claim 9, wherein the reservoir further comprises a heating device for heating a liquid inside, and the level sensor assembly detects the liquid level of the reservoir and simultaneously detects the temperature of the liquid.

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