Apparatus and method for controlling vehicle awning

Abstract

A vehicle awning control system and method are disclosed. A vehicle awning control system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a rain sensor for detecting rain, a door sensor for detecting the opening or closing of a vehicle door, an awning device installed on the roof of the vehicle for deploying or retracting an awning member, and a control unit for controlling the awning device so that the awning member is deployed or retracted based on at least one of rain detection information from the rain sensor and door opening / closing detection information from the door sensor.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle awning control system and method, and more specifically, to a vehicle awning control system and method capable of automatically deploying or retracting an awning, which is a rain shield, depending on whether it is raining and whether the vehicle door is open or closed. Background Technology

[0003] When getting into a vehicle in the rain, people open the door partially and fold their umbrella before boarding, and when getting out, they open the door partially and unfold their umbrella before exiting. Generally, when folding or unfolding the umbrella, the passenger's clothing or hair gets wet from the rain, and it is impossible to avoid rainwater entering through the open door.

[0004] Especially when it rains heavily all at once, such as in a sudden shower, passengers get completely soaked in rainwater even during the brief time it takes to fold or unfold an umbrella, which has become a factor causing inconvenience in using the vehicle in rainy weather.

[0005] The background technology of the present invention is Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1501404 (published on March 12, 2015). The problem to be solved

[0007] The present invention has been devised to improve upon the aforementioned problems, and an objective according to one aspect of the present invention is to provide a vehicle awning control system and method that can automatically deploy / retract a rain shield awning depending on whether it is raining and whether the vehicle door is open / closed.

[0008] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the problem(s) mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0010] A vehicle awning control system according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a rain sensor for detecting rain; a door sensor for detecting the opening or closing of a vehicle door; an awning device installed on the roof of the vehicle for deploying or retracting an awning member; and a control unit for controlling the awning device so that the awning member is deployed or retracted based on at least one of rain detection information from the rain sensor and door opening / closing detection information from the door sensor.

[0011] In the present invention, the awning device comprises: a case installed inside a roof that contacts the door of the vehicle and has an entrance formed therein; a pivot bar installed inside the case, with both ends rotatably connected; an arm connected to one side of the pivot bar and capable of joint movement; a front bar connected to the arm; a roller rotatably connected inside the pivot bar; an awning member installed on the roller and the front bar; and an awning driving unit that drives the roller.

[0012] In the present invention, the arm portion is characterized by comprising an upper arm coupled to the pivot bar, a lower arm rotatably coupled to the upper arm, and a joint portion rotatably coupled to the upper arm and the lower arm.

[0013] In the present invention, the awning device is characterized by including at least one of a first awning device that extends toward the driver's seat and a second awning device that extends toward the passenger seat.

[0014] In the present invention, the control unit controls the awning device so that the awning member is deployed when the opening of the door is detected while rain is detected, and controls the awning device so that the awning member is retracted when the closing of the door is detected or rain is not detected while the awning member is deployed.

[0015] In the present invention, the control unit determines the position of the door where the opening or closing is detected, and operates at least one of the first awning device and the second awning device according to the determined position of the door.

[0016] In the present invention, the control unit is characterized by controlling the awning device to unfold or retract according to the operation command when an operation command for the awning device is input through a button inside the vehicle or a remote control device.

[0017] The present invention is characterized by further including an obstacle detection unit that detects obstacles within a predetermined radius.

[0018] In the present invention, the control unit controls the awning device so that the awning member is not deployed when an obstacle exists within a certain radius while rain is detected and the door is opened, and controls the awning device so that the awning member is deployed when no obstacle exists within the certain radius while rain is detected and the door is opened.

[0019] In the present invention, the control unit is characterized by controlling the awning device such that, when rainfall is detected and the opening of the door is detected, if an obstacle exists within a certain radius, the awning member is deployed within a distance less than or equal to the distance to the detected obstacle.

[0020] A method for controlling a vehicle awning according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising the steps of: a control unit receiving at least one of rain detection information and door opening / closing detection information; and the control unit deploying or retracting an awning member based on the rain detection information and the door opening / closing detection information.

[0021] The present invention is characterized in that, in the step of deploying or storing the awning member, the control unit deploys the awning member when the opening of the door is detected while rain is detected, and stores the awning member in a case when the closing of the door is detected or rain is not detected while the awning member is deployed.

[0022] The present invention is characterized in that, in the step of unfolding or retracting the awning member, the control unit determines the position of the door where the opening or closing is detected, and operates at least one of the first awning device and the second awning device according to the determined position of the door.

[0024] A method for controlling a vehicle awning according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the control unit includes the step of determining whether an obstacle exists within a certain radius when rain and door opening are detected, and the step of the control unit deploying or retracting an awning member depending on whether an obstacle exists within the certain radius.

[0025] The present invention is characterized in that, in the step of deploying or retracting the awning member, the control unit does not deploy the awning member when an obstacle exists within the predetermined radius, and deploys the awning member when no obstacle exists within the predetermined radius.

[0026] The present invention is characterized in that, in the step of deploying or retracting the awning member, the control unit controls the awning member to be deployed within a distance less than or equal to the distance to the detected obstacle when an obstacle exists within the predetermined radius. Effects of the invention

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, by automatically deploying and retracting an awning, which is a rain shield, depending on whether it is raining and whether the vehicle door is open or closed, users getting on and off the vehicle can experience less inconvenience due to rainwater, and there is an effect of preventing accidents where users slip when getting on or off the vehicle.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, when a door is opened in rainy conditions, rainwater may enter the vehicle interior. However, by deploying an awning member, the entry of rainwater into the vehicle interior can be prevented, thereby keeping the vehicle interior clean at all times and reducing the vehicle's durability and maintenance costs.

[0030] Meanwhile, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and various effects may be included within the scope obvious to a person skilled in the art from the contents described below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle awning control system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an illustrative diagram for explaining the installation location of an awning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating an awning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partial front view for explaining an awning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the unfolded state of an awning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a vehicle awning control method according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a vehicle awning control method according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0033] Hereinafter, a vehicle awning control system and method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In this process, the thickness of lines or the size of components, etc., shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. Furthermore, the implementation described herein may be implemented, for example, as a method or process, device, software program, data stream, or signal. Even if discussed only in the context of a single form of implementation (e.g., discussed only as a method), the implementation of the discussed feature may also be implemented in other forms (e.g., device or program). The device may be implemented in appropriate hardware, software, and firmware, etc. The method may be implemented in a device such as a processor, which generally refers to a processing device including, for example, a computer, a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, or a programmable logic device. The processor also includes communication devices such as a computer, a cell phone, a portable / personal digital assistant ("PDA"), and other devices that facilitate the communication of information between end-users.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle awning control system according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an illustrative diagram explaining the installation location of an awning device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a side view explaining an awning device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a partial front view explaining an awning device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view explaining the deployed state of an awning device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle awning control system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an awning device (100), a rain sensor (200), a door sensor (300), and a control unit (400).

[0039] The awning device (100) is installed on the roof of the vehicle (10) as shown in FIG. 2, and can unfold or retract the awning member (160) according to the control of the control unit (400).

[0040] The awning device (100) may include a case (110), a pivot bar (120), an arm (130), a front bar (140), a roller (150), an awning member (160), and an awning driving unit (170), as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0041] The case (110) is a part that forms the exterior of the awning device (100) and may be a housing shape having a predetermined internal space. An awning member may protrude through a space (S) in which a part of one side of the case (110) is open.

[0042] The pivot bar (120) is installed inside the case (110) so that both ends can be rotatably connected.

[0043] One side of the arm (130) is connected to the pivot bar (120) and can move jointed by the middle joint part (136).

[0044] The arm portion (130) may be installed as a pair with two identical structures placed side by side between the pivot bar (120) and the front bar (140) to stably fix and support the front bar (140) to the pivot bar (120). The arm portion (130) may include an upper arm (132) with one side connected to the pivot bar (120), a lower arm (134) with the other side connected to the front bar (140), and a joint portion (136) in which the other side of the upper arm (132) and one side of the lower arm (134) are connected so as to be rotatable to each other. Accordingly, the upper arm (132) and the lower arm (134) of the arm portion (130) can move jointly around the joint portion (136).

[0045] The front bar (140) can be installed on the other side of the arm (130).

[0046] The roller (150) is rotatably coupled inside the rotating bar (120) and can be driven by the awning drive unit (170).

[0047] That is, the awning drive unit (170) can drive the roller (150) to wind the awning member (160) onto the roller (150), and during the process of the awning member (160) being wound onto or unwound from the roller (150), the arm (130) can move in an articulating motion so that the upper arm (132) and the lower arm (134) can be folded or unfolded around the joint (136) as an axis. The awning drive unit (170) can be implemented with a motor, etc. The awning member (160) may include, for example, an awning fabric, etc.

[0048] The awning device (100) configured as described above may include at least one of a first awning device (not shown) that extends toward the driver's seat and a second awning device (not shown) that extends toward the passenger seat.

[0049] The awning device (100) is implemented to be stored between the upper body of the vehicle and the roof, and a deployment door that opens only when deployed may be installed on one side of the case (110), and the awning device (100) may be protected by opening when deployed and closing when stored.

[0050] A rain sensor (200) can be installed on the exterior of the vehicle (10) to detect rain. For example, the rain sensor (200) can be installed near the rearview mirror inside the vehicle windshield. However, it is not limited thereto and can be implemented in various ways depending on the design and implementation.

[0051] When rainfall is detected, the rainfall sensor (200) can transmit rainfall detection information, including rainfall amount, to the control unit (400).

[0052] The door sensor (300) can detect whether the vehicle door is open or closed. The door sensor (300) can transmit door status detection information, including door identification information, to the control unit (400).

[0053] The control unit (400) can control the awning device (100) so that the awning member (160) is deployed when the opening or closing of the door is detected while rain is detected.

[0054] The control unit (400) can control the operation of the awning device (100) based on rain detection information from the rain sensor (200) and door status detection information from the door sensor (300).

[0055] When rain detection information is received from the rain sensor (200) and door status detection information is received from the door sensor (300), the control unit (400) can control the awning drive unit (170) and the pivot bar (120) so that the awning member (160) is unfolded or retracted according to the door status detection information.

[0056] When rain is detected and the door status detection information indicates that the door is open, the control unit (400) can control the awning drive unit (170) and the pivot bar (120) to deploy the awning member (160). That is, when rain is detected through the rain sensor (200) and the door is detected to be open, the control unit (400) can transmit a control signal to deploy the awning member to the awning drive unit (170) and the pivot bar (120). Then, the awning drive unit (170) and the pivot bar (120) operate to automatically deploy the awning member (160). At this time, the awning drive unit (170) and the pivot bar (120) can operate until the awning member (160) is fully deployed. Then, the user can get on and off the vehicle (10) without getting wet from the rain.

[0057] When rain is detected, if the door status detection information indicates that the door is open, the control unit (400) determines the location of the door that is detected as open, and can operate at least one of the first awning device and the second awning device according to the determined location of the door.

[0058] For example, when the driver's door is opened while rain is detected, the control unit (400) can control the first awning device to deploy the awning member (160). When the passenger door is opened while rain is detected, the control unit (400) can control the second awning device to deploy the awning member (160). When the door behind the driver's seat is opened while rain is detected, the control unit (400) can control the first awning device to deploy the awning member (160). When the door behind the passenger seat is opened while rain is detected, the control unit (400) can control the second awning device to deploy the awning member (160).

[0059] When the door closing is detected while the awning member (160) is unfolded, the control unit (400) can transmit a awning member storage control signal to the awning drive unit (170) and the pivot bar (120). Then, the awning drive unit (170) and the pivot bar (120) operate to automatically store the awning member (160) in the case (110). At this time, the awning drive unit (170) and the pivot bar (120) can operate until the awning member (160) is completely stored in the case (110).

[0060] When the awning member (160) is unfolded and the door closing is not detected but rain is not detected, the control unit (400) may transmit a awning member storage control signal to the awning drive unit (170) and the rotating bar (120). Then, the awning drive unit (170) and the rotating bar (120) operate so that the awning member (160) can be automatically stored in the case (110).

[0061] In another embodiment of the present invention, the awning device (100) may be controlled manually. To this end, the vehicle awning control system may further include an input module (not shown). The input module is provided to input information necessary for the operation of the awning device (100) and may include, for example, various buttons provided on a dashboard, a cluster touch screen, a remote control device, a remote control, etc.

[0062] When an operation command for the awning device is input through a button inside the vehicle or a remote control device, the control unit (400) can control the awning device (100) to unfold or retract the awning member (160) according to the operation command. That is, the user can unfold or retract the awning member (160) as needed using a button inside the vehicle or a remote control. Even in manual mode, when the door sensor (300) operates and detects that the door is closed, the control unit (400) can control the awning drive unit (170) and the pivot bar (120) so that the awning member (160) is automatically retracted into the case (110).

[0063] Meanwhile, when the awning member (160) is deployed, there may be obstacles in the surroundings, so the awning member (160) may not be fully deployed.

[0064] Accordingly, the vehicle awning control system may further include an obstacle detection unit (not shown) capable of detecting whether there is a collision with surrounding obstacles when the awning member (160) is deployed.

[0065] The obstacle detection unit can detect whether there is an obstacle within the expected deployment radius by considering the size of the awning member (160) before deploying the awning member (160), and transmit the obstacle detection information to the control unit (400). The obstacle detection unit can be implemented using an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, a lidar sensor, etc., and can be installed on the side of the bumper or side mirror of the vehicle (10), but is not limited thereto and can be implemented in various ways depending on the design and implementation.

[0066] When obstacle detection information is received from the obstacle detection unit, the control unit (400) can control the awning device (100) so that the awning member (160) is not deployed even if rain and vehicle opening are detected. At this time, the control unit (400) can notify the user that the awning member (160) cannot be deployed through a notification module (not shown). The notification module can be implemented as a speaker, a display, etc.

[0067] If the obstacle detection information includes the distance to the obstacle, the control unit (400) may control the awning device (100) so that the awning member (160) is deployed to a distance less than or equal to the distance to the obstacle. At this time, the control unit (400) may notify the user of the partial deployment of the awning member (160) through a notification module.

[0068] The control unit (400) may be operatively connected to at least one of an awning device (100), a rain sensor (200), and a door sensor (300). The control unit (400) may be implemented as at least one of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), a Micro Controller Unit (MCU), and a System on Chip (SoC), and may be configured to control a plurality of hardware or software components connected to the control unit (400) by running an operating system or application, perform various data processing and calculations, execute at least one command stored in memory (not shown), and store the execution result data in memory (not shown).

[0069] The vehicle awning control system configured as described above automatically deploys or retracts the awning member (160) according to rain detection information and door opening / closing detection information, thereby allowing the awning member (160) to operate automatically without separate operation. This protects users from getting wet while getting on or off the vehicle and prevents accidents caused by slipping when users get on or off. Furthermore, if the door is opened while it is raining, rainwater may enter the vehicle interior. However, by deploying the awning member (160), the entry of rainwater into the vehicle interior can be prevented. This allows the vehicle interior to be kept clean at all times and reduces the durability and maintenance costs of the vehicle (10).

[0071] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a vehicle awning control method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 6, when rain is detected (S602) and the opening of the vehicle door is detected (S604), the control unit (400) controls the awning device (100) to deploy the awning member (160) (S606).

[0073] After performing step S606, if the door is closed or rain is not detected (S608), the control unit (400) controls the awning device (100) to store the awning member (160) in the case (110) (S610).

[0074] If, as a result of the judgment in step S604, the vehicle door opening is not detected, the control unit (400) does not deploy the awning member (160) (S612).

[0076] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a vehicle awning control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 7, when rain is detected (S702) and the opening of the vehicle door is detected (S704), it is determined whether there is an obstacle within a preset radius (awning member deployment radius) (S706).

[0078] If, as a result of the judgment in step S706, there is an obstacle within the preset radius, the control unit (400) controls the awning device (100) so that the awning member (160) is not deployed (S708), and notifies the user through the notification module that the awning member (160) cannot be deployed (S710).

[0079] If, as a result of the judgment in step S706, there is no obstacle within the preset radius, the control unit (400) controls the awning device (100) to deploy the awning member (160) (S712).

[0080] After performing step S712, if the door is closed or rain is not detected (S714), the control unit (400) controls the awning device (100) to store the awning member (160) in the case (110) (S716).

[0081] If, as a result of the judgment in step S704, the vehicle door opening is not detected, the control unit (400) does not deploy the awning member (160) (S718).

[0083] As described above, according to one aspect of the present invention, by automatically deploying and retracting an awning, which is a rain shield, depending on whether it is raining and whether the vehicle door is open or closed, it is possible to reduce the inconvenience caused by rainwater to users getting on and off the vehicle, and to prevent accidents where users slip when getting on or off the vehicle.

[0084] According to another aspect of the present invention, when a door is opened in rainy conditions, rainwater may enter the vehicle interior. However, by deploying an awning member, the entry of rainwater into the vehicle interior can be prevented, thereby keeping the vehicle interior clean at all times and reducing the vehicle's durability and maintenance costs.

[0085] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom.

[0086] Therefore, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the following patent claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0088] 100 : Awning device 110 : Case 120 : Hoedongba 130 : Dark part 132 : Upper Rock 134 : Lower arm 136 : Joint 140 : Front bar 150 : Roller 160 : Awning absence 170 : Awning drive unit 200 : Rainfall sensor 300 : Door sensor 400 : Control unit

Claims

Claim 1 A vehicle awning control system comprising: a rain sensor for detecting rain; a door sensor for detecting the opening or closing of a vehicle door; an awning device installed on the roof of the vehicle and for deploying or retracting an awning member; and a control unit for controlling the awning device so that the awning member is deployed or retracted based on at least one of rain detection information from the rain sensor and door opening / closing detection information from the door sensor; and further comprising an obstacle detection unit for detecting an obstacle within a preset radius, wherein the control unit controls the awning device so that the awning member is deployed within a distance less than or equal to the distance to the detected obstacle when an obstacle exists within the predetermined radius while rain is detected and the door is detected to be open, and notifies a user of the partial deployment of the awning member through a notification module. Claim 2 A vehicle awning control system according to claim 1, wherein the awning device comprises: a case having an entrance formed therein and installed inside a roof that contacts the door of the vehicle; a pivot bar installed inside the case, with both ends rotatably connected; an arm connected to one side of the pivot bar and enabling joint movement; a front bar connected to the arm; a roller rotatably connected inside the pivot bar; an awning member installed on the roller and the front bar; and an awning driving unit that drives the roller. Claim 3 A vehicle awning control system according to paragraph 2, wherein the arm portion comprises: an upper arm coupled to the pivot bar; a lower arm rotatably coupled to the upper arm; and a joint portion rotatably coupled to the upper arm and the lower arm. Claim 4 A vehicle awning control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the awning device comprises at least one of a first awning device that extends toward the driver's seat and a second awning device that extends toward the passenger seat. Claim 5 A vehicle awning control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the awning device so that the awning member is deployed when the opening of the door is detected while rain is detected, and controls the awning device so that the awning member is retracted when the closing of the door is detected or rain is not detected while the awning member is deployed. Claim 6 A vehicle awning control system according to claim 5, wherein the control unit determines the position of the door where opening or closing is detected, and operates at least one of the first awning device and the second awning device according to the determined position of the door. Claim 7 A vehicle awning control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the awning device to be deployed or retracted in accordance with the operation command when the operation command of the awning device is input through a button inside the vehicle or a remote control device. Claim 8 delete Claim 9 A vehicle awning control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the awning device so that the awning member is not deployed when an obstacle exists within a certain radius while rain is detected and the door is open, and controls the awning device so that the awning member is deployed when no obstacle exists within the certain radius while rain is detected and the door is open. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 delete Claim 12 delete Claim 13 delete Claim 14 A method for controlling a vehicle awning, comprising: a step in which a control unit determines whether an obstacle exists within a certain radius when rain and door opening are detected; and a step in which the control unit deploys or retracts an awning member depending on whether an obstacle exists within the certain radius, wherein in the step of deploying or retracting the awning member, the control unit controls the awning member to be deployed within a distance less than or equal to the distance to the detected obstacle when an obstacle exists within the certain radius, and notifies a user of the partial deployment of the awning member through a notification module. Claim 15 A method for controlling a vehicle awning according to claim 14, wherein, in the step of deploying or retracting the awning member, the control unit does not deploy the awning member when there is an obstacle within the predetermined radius, and deploys the awning member when there is no obstacle within the predetermined radius. Claim 16 delete

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