Sensing device

Abstract

A sensing device is provided. The sensing device can include a housing, a sensor assembly installed within the housing, and a wiper assembly to remove foreign substances attached to the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a sensor module, and a sensor housing surrounding the sensor module, the sensor housing being made of a transparent material. The sensor housing is rotatably installed within the housing. The sensor housing is rotatably supported within the housing with respect to a hollow shaft, and the hollow shaft is installed within the housing.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0156362, filed on November 29, 2019, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The disclosure relates to a sensing device having a self-cleaning ability. BACKGROUND

[0004] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the disclosure and can not constitute the prior art.

[0005] In order to improve vehicle safety technology and convenience for drivers, vehicles are equipped with various sensors, cameras, electronic devices, etc. Recently, active research and development is being conducted on technologies such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles.

[0006] In order to effectively improve vehicle safety technology and convenience for drivers, it is necessary to accurately recognize the external environment of the vehicle such as the terrain around the vehicle, nearby vehicles, pedestrians, and road conditions when the vehicle is driving or parked. For this purpose, object sensing devices using optical sensors such as cameras, radar sensors, and / or lidar sensors can be installed on the front windshield, rear windshield, front bumper, rear bumper, rearview mirror, roof, etc. of the vehicle. For example, rearview cameras for autonomous driving, Around View Monitors (AVM), Lane Keeping Assist Systems (LKAS), Camera Mirror System (CMS), and optical sensors such as lidar are not only used to display the surrounding environment / situation, but also to provide driving assistance functions such as steering, avoidance, and emergency braking through obstacle recognition.

[0007] However, when it snows or rains, the optical sensors installed on the outside of the vehicle can be affected by various foreign substances (condensation, moisture, mud, plastic, insects, etc.) attached to the surface of the optical sensors. These foreign substances can cause deterioration of sensing performance such as defocusing and sensor misrecognition, making it difficult to ensure safety when driving or parking, thereby increasing the likelihood of accidents.

[0008] In addition, when the optical sensor is installed on the front windshield of the vehicle, the optical sensor can be indirectly cleaned by the operation of the wiper. However, there is no technology to actively clean the optical sensors installed on the front bumper, rear bumper, rear windshield, roof, etc.

[0009] The above information described in this BACKGROUND section is provided to help understand the context of the present disclosure and may include technical concepts that are not considered prior art by those skilled in the art. SUMMARY

[0010] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a sensing device having a self-cleaning capability capable of actively removing foreign substances attached to a sensor assembly.

[0011] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a sensing device can include a housing, a sensor assembly installed within the housing, and a wiper assembly removing foreign substances attached to the sensor assembly.

[0012] The sensor assembly can include a sensor module and a sensor housing surrounding the sensor module, the sensor housing can be made of a transparent material.

[0013] The sensor housing can be rotatably installed within the housing.

[0014] The sensor housing can be rotatably supported within the housing with respect to a hollow shaft, and the hollow shaft can be installed within the housing.

[0015] The sensor module can be coupled to the hollow shaft, and the hollow shaft can have a cavity.

[0016] The hollow shaft can have a first vent hole communicating with an internal space of the housing and a second vent hole communicating with the cavity of the sensor housing, the first vent hole and the second vent hole can communicate with each other through the cavity of the hollow shaft.

[0017] The sensing device can further include an electric heating wire installed on at least one of the hollow shaft and the sensor module.

[0018] The housing can have a discharge hole through which foreign substances removed by the wiper assembly are discharged.

[0019] The wiper assembly can include a wiper removing foreign substances attached to a surface of the sensor housing, and a wiper frame on which the wiper is installed.

[0020] The wiper frame can have a discharge groove through which foreign substances removed by the wiper are discharged.

[0021] The sensing device can further include a spraying mechanism spraying a cleaning fluid to the sensor housing, the wiper frame can have an opening through which the cleaning fluid sprayed by the spraying mechanism passes.

[0022] The wiper assembly can include a plurality of wipers arranged in a rotation direction of the sensor housing.

[0023] The wiper frame can extend in a circumferential direction of the sensor housing, and the wiper frame can be spaced apart from an outer surface of the sensor housing in a radial direction.

[0024] The housing can have a pressing protrusion that presses the wiper toward the sensor housing.

[0025] The sensor module can have a lens for securing a view angle, and the housing can have an opening aligned with the lens. A diameter of the opening can be greater than a diameter of the lens.

[0026] The sensing device can further include a glare baffle disposed around a lens of the sensor module, the glare baffle can be an inclined wall inclined from the lens toward an outside of the housing.

[0027] The glare baffle can include an inner baffle located inside the sensor housing and an outer baffle located outside the sensor housing.

[0028] A plurality of sensor modules are arranged in series or in parallel within the sensor housing.

[0029] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] So that the disclosure can be fully understood, various forms thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic view of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure is shown;

[0032] Figure 2 A sensor assembly of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure is shown;

[0033] Figure 3 A view from Figure 2 the direction indicated by arrow A;

[0034] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure is shown;

[0035] Figure 5 A sensor housing, a wiper assembly, and a spraying mechanism of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure are shown;

[0036] Figure 6 An arrangement of a plurality of wipers in a wiper assembly of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure is shown;

[0037] Figure 7An arrangement of one wiper in a wiper assembly of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure is shown;

[0038] Figure 8 An arrangement of multiple wipers in a wiper assembly of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure is shown;

[0039] Figure 9 An arrangement of multiple wipers in a wiper assembly of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure is shown;

[0040] Figure 10 An arrangement of multiple wipers in a wiper assembly of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure is shown;

[0041] Figure 11 An arrangement of multiple wipers in a wiper assembly of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure is shown;

[0042] Figure 12 An inclination of an axis of a wiper relative to an axis of a sensor housing in a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure is shown;

[0043] Figure 13 A wiper assembly, a spray mechanism, and a sensor housing of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure is shown;

[0044] Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of a wiper in a wiper assembly of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure is shown;

[0045] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of a wiper in a wiper assembly of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure is shown;

[0046] Figure 16 A separation of a sensor assembly and a wiper assembly from a housing in a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure is shown;

[0047] Figure 17 A perspective view of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure is shown;

[0048] Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure taken along line B-B in a state where a sensor assembly and a wiper assembly are separated from a housing is shown; Figure 17

[0049] Figure 19 A sensing device in one form of the present disclosure is shown;

[0050] Figure 20 A view from the direction indicated by arrow C is shown; Figure 19 ​​

[0051] Figure 21 a view as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow D; Figure 20

[0052] Figure 22 illustrates an arrangement of one wiper in a wiper assembly of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 23 illustrates an arrangement of one wiper in a wiper assembly of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 24 illustrates a perspective view of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 25 illustrates a plan cross-sectional view of a glare baffle in a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 26 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a glare baffle in a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 27 illustrates a perspective view of a glare baffle in a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 28 illustrates a flowchart of a cleaning method of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure; and

[0059] Figure 29 illustrates a flowchart of a cleaning method of a sensing device in one form of the present disclosure.

[0060] The accompanying drawings described herein are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0061] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0062] 10: sensing device 11: housing

[0063] 12: sensor assembly 13: discharge hole

[0064] 15: sensor module 16: lens

[0065] 17: cover 19: turning cover

[0066] 20: sensor housing 25: driving unit

[0067] 30: hollow shaft 37: first air hole

[0068] 38: second air hole 40: wiper assembly

[0069] ​41: wiper 45: wiper frame

[0070] 50: spraying mechanism 51: nozzle

[0071] 57: pressing protrusion 91: inner baffle

[0072] 92: outer baffle DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0074] Hereinafter, exemplary forms of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals will be always used to designate like elements and features. Also, a detailed description of known technologies associated with the present disclosure will be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the point of the present disclosure.

[0075] Terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) can be used to describe elements in some forms of the present disclosure. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another element, and the essential characteristics, sequence, or order of the corresponding elements are not limited by these terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical terms or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Terms such as those defined in generally used dictionaries will be interpreted as having the same meaning as the context of the relevant technical field, and will not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formalized meaning unless expressly defined in the present application as having an idealized or overly formalized meaning.

[0076] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 In some forms of the present disclosure, the sensing device 10 can include a housing 11, a sensor assembly 12 installed within the housing 11, and a wiper assembly 40 to remove foreign substances such as clogs or adhesions attached to the sensor assembly 12.

[0077] The sensor assembly 12 can include a sensor module 15 and a sensor housing 20 surrounding the sensor module 15. For example, the sensor module 15 can be a module including an optical sensor such as a camera, a radio detection and ranging (radar) sensor, and / or a light detection and ranging (lidar) sensor. The sensor module 15 can have a lens 16 that ensures a predetermined angle of view.

[0078] The sensor module 15 can be coupled to a hollow shaft 30. The hollow shaft 30 can pass through the sensor module 15. Alternatively, two hollow shafts 30 can be coupled to both sides of the sensor module 15.

[0079] The sensor housing 20 can be made of a resin material or the like. The sensor module 15 can be located within the sensor housing 20, so that the sensor housing 20 can protect the sensor module 15. The sensor housing 20 can be rotatably supported with respect to the hollow shaft 30, and the hollow shaft 30 can be fixedly mounted to the housing 11.

[0080] In some forms of the disclosure, a plurality of sensor modules (not shown) can be arranged in series or in parallel within the sensor housing 20.

[0081] The wiper assembly 40 can be provided around the sensor assembly 12. The wiper assembly 40 can have at least one wiper 41 for wiping the surface of the sensor housing 20.

[0082] The housing 11 can have an internal space that accommodates the sensor assembly 12, the hollow shaft 30, and the wiper assembly 40. The housing 11 can have a discharge hole 13 through which foreign matter removed from the surface of the sensor housing 20 by the wiper assembly 40 is discharged. The discharge hole 13 can be formed at a lower portion of the housing 11, particularly, a bottom of the housing 11, so that the foreign matter can be easily discharged through the discharge hole 13 due to its own weight.

[0083] Referring to Figure 4 , the housing 11 can have a first opening 11a aligned with the lens 16 of the sensor module 15, and a diameter of the first opening 11a can be greater than a diameter of the lens 16 of the sensor module 15. The housing 11 can have a second opening 14 for assembling or disassembling the sensor housing 20, the hollow shaft 30, and the wiper assembly 40, and a diameter of the second opening 14 can be greater than the diameter of the first opening 11a. The second opening 14 can be formed at a side of the housing 11. Since the cover 17 is detachably coupled to the second opening 14, the second opening 14 can be opened or closed. The cover 17 can have a support protrusion 72 protruding toward the housing 11. The housing 11 can have a support block 71 attached to an inner frame of the housing 11, and the support block 71 can protrude toward the hollow shaft 30.

[0084] Referring to Figure 4 , the sensor housing 20 can have a cavity 20a that accommodates the sensor module 15. The sensor housing 20 can be made of a transparent material that allows light transmission, so that the sensing performance of the sensor module 15 is reliably ensured.

[0085] The sensor housing 20 can have a first support portion 21 and a second support portion 22, and the diameters of the first and second support portions 21 and 22 can be smaller than the diameter of the sensor housing 20. The first and second support portions 21 and 22 can be rotatably supported with respect to the hollow shaft 30, so that the sensor housing 20 can be rotatably installed within the housing 11. The first support portion 21 can extend from one side of the sensor housing 20, and the first support portion 21 can pass through the driven gear 28. The second support portion 22 can extend from the other side of the sensor housing 20, and the second support portion 22 can face the first support portion 21. The first support portion 21 can be rotatably supported by a first bearing 35a, and the second support portion 22 can be rotatably supported by a second bearing 35b. A first sealing member 36a can abut the first bearing 35a, and a second sealing member 36b can abut the second bearing 35b, so that the cavity 20a of the sensor housing 20 can be sealed.

[0086] The sensor housing 20 can be rotated by the driving unit 25. The driving unit 25 can include a driving motor 26, a driving gear 27 coupled to an output shaft of the driving motor 26, and a driven gear 28 engaged with the driving gear 27. The driven gear 28 can be fixed to the sensor housing 20. Since the first support portion 21 of the sensor housing 20 is coupled to the driven gear 28 by passing through the driven gear 28, the driven gear 28 can be fixed to the sensor housing 20. The driving gear 27 can rotate about a first rotation axis X1, and the driven gear 28 and the sensor housing 20 can rotate about a second rotation axis X2. The first rotation axis X1 and the second rotation axis X2 can be parallel to the horizontal axis H of the vehicle. The rotational force of the driving motor 26 can be transmitted to the sensor housing 20 through the driving gear 27 and the driven gear 28, so that the sensor housing 20 can rotate in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. Since the sensor housing 20 does not require a high number of revolutions, the gear ratio between the driving gear 27 and the driven gear 28 can be relatively low.

[0087] Referring to Figure 4The hollow shaft 30 can have a cavity 35 therein, and a wire 61 for power supply and signal transmission / reception can be connected to the sensor module 15 through the cavity 35 of the hollow shaft 30. The hollow shaft 30 can include a first portion 31 and a second portion 32, and the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 can be attached to opposite sides of the sensor module 15, respectively. The first portion 31 can be fixedly supported by the support block 71 of the housing 11, and a first closed wall 31a can be attached to an end of the first portion 31. The second portion 32 can be fixedly supported by the cover 17, and a second closed wall 32a can be attached to an end of the second portion 32. The second closed wall 32a can be recessed from the end of the second portion 32 toward the sensor module 15. The second portion 32 can have a groove 32b defined by the second closed wall 32a and an inner surface of the second portion 32. The second portion 32 of the hollow shaft 30 can be fixedly supported by the cover 17 when a support protrusion 72 of the cover 17 is inserted into the groove 32b of the second portion 32. Accordingly, the hollow shaft 30 can be fixed to the housing 11 by the support block 71 and the support protrusion 72.

[0088] The connector 63 can be mounted on the first closed wall 31a of the first portion 31, and the wire 61 extending from the connector 63 can be connected to the sensor module 15. The hollow shaft 30 can pass through the cavity 20a of the sensor housing 20, and the sensor module 15 can be fixedly mounted to the hollow shaft 30. An axis of the sensor module 15 can be parallel to an axis of the hollow shaft 30, or can cross the axis of the hollow shaft 30 at a predetermined angle. The sensor module 15 can be integrally connected to the hollow shaft 30, such that the sensor module 15, the sensor housing 20, and the hollow shaft 30 can form the sensor assembly 12.

[0089] The hollow shaft 30 can have a first vent hole 37 communicating with an internal space of the housing 11 and a second vent hole 38 communicating with the cavity 20a of the sensor housing 20. The first vent hole 37 and the second vent hole 38 can communicate with each other through the cavity 35 of the hollow shaft 30. The cavity 20a of the sensor housing 20 can communicate with the internal space of the housing 11 or the internal space of the vehicle through the first vent hole 37 and the second vent hole 38 of the hollow shaft 30, and thereby the sensor housing 20 can ensure venting, and thus fogging / icing or icing of the lens 16 of the sensor housing 20 and / or the sensor module 15 can be prevented.

[0090] In some forms of the present disclosure, the sensing device 10 can further include an electric heating wire 39 for removing fog or frost from the sensor housing 20 and / or the lens 16, and the electric heating wire 39 can be mounted on at least one of the hollow shaft 30 and the sensor module 15.

[0091] In some forms of the present disclosure, as Figure 4As shown, the power supply wire 61a can be connected to the electric heating wire 39 through the cavity 35 of the hollow shaft 30. In particular, the electric heating wire 39 can be disposed around the lens 16 of the sensor module 15, so that the fog or frost can be quickly removed by the radiant heat of the electric heating wire 39.

[0092] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some forms of the present disclosure, the sensing device 10 can include a spraying mechanism 50 that sprays a cleaning fluid such as a washing liquid or air onto the surface of the sensor housing 20. The spraying mechanism 50 can have a nozzle 51 for spraying the cleaning fluid such as a washing liquid or air and a hose 52 connected to the nozzle 51. The nozzle 51 can be spaced apart from the surface of the sensor housing 20 and the wiper assembly 40 by a predetermined gap, and the hose 52 can be configured to allow the cleaning fluid such as a washing liquid or air to flow into the nozzle 51. The nozzle 51 can spray the cleaning fluid at a predetermined pressure, and the wiper 41 of the wiper assembly 40 can wipe the surface of the sensor housing 20, so that the sticky foreign matter attached to the surface of the sensor housing 20 can be effectively removed.

[0093] Referring to Figure 5 , the wiper assembly 40 can include one or more wipers 41a, 41b and 41c and a wiper frame 45 that mounts the wipers 41a, 41b and 41c. The wiper frame 45 can have a discharge groove 46 through which foreign matter removed from the surface of the sensor housing 20 by the wipers 41a, 41b and 41c is discharged. The wiper frame 45 can have an opening 47 through which the cleaning fluid sprayed from the nozzle 51 passes.

[0094] Figures 6 to 11 Examples of various arrangements of the wipers 41a, 41b and 41c according to the direction of rotation of the sensor housing 20 are shown.

[0095] Figure 6A structure in which the sensor housing 20 rotates in the counterclockwise direction CC about the second rotation axis X2 is shown. The first wiper 141 can be disposed adjacent to the discharge hole 13 of the housing 11. When the sensor housing 20 rotates in the counterclockwise direction CC, foreign matter adhering to the surface of the sensor housing 20 can be removed by the first wiper 141 and discharged through the discharge hole 13. When the sensor housing 20 rotates in the counterclockwise direction CC, the distance between the first wiper 141 and the lens 16 of the sensor module 15 can relatively increase in the state in which the foreign matter is removed by the first wiper 141, and thus the possibility of condensation water or humidity increases. To remove the condensation water or humidity, a second wiper 142 can be additionally provided adjacent to the lens 16 of the sensor module 15. The second wiper 142 can be spaced apart from the first wiper 141 by a predetermined radian distance d1. The radian distance d1 between the first wiper 141 and the second wiper 142 can be similar to or the same as the distance between the first wiper 141 and the lens 16 of the sensor module 15.

[0096] Figure 7 A structure in which the sensor housing 20 rotates in the clockwise direction C is shown. The wiper 143 can be disposed adjacent to the discharge hole 13 of the housing 11. When the sensor housing 20 rotates in the clockwise direction C, foreign matter adhering to the surface of the sensor housing 20 can be removed by the wiper 143 and discharged through the discharge hole 13. When the sensor housing 20 rotates in the clockwise direction C, the distance d2 between the wiper 143 and the lens 16 of the sensor module 15 can relatively decrease in the state in which the foreign matter is removed by the wiper 143, and thus the possibility of condensation water or humidity decreases. Accordingly, it is not necessary to provide an additional wiper to remove the condensation water or humidity.

[0097] Figure 8 A structure in which the sensor housing 20 rotates in the counterclockwise direction CC is shown. Three wipers 144, 145, and 146 can be spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the sensor housing 20. The first wiper 144 can be disposed adjacent to the discharge hole 13 of the housing 11, the second wiper 145 can be disposed adjacent to the lens 16 of the sensor module 15, and the third wiper 146 can be disposed between the first wiper 144 and the second wiper 145. In particular, the third wiper 146 can be disposed at a position at which foreign matter is easily removed due to the curved surface of the sensor housing 20, gravity, or the like. When the sensor housing 20 rotates in the counterclockwise direction CC, the first wiper 144 can first remove the foreign matter, the third wiper 146 can secondarily remove the foreign matter, and the second wiper 145 can finally remove the foreign matter as well as the condensation water or humidity.

[0098] Figure 9A structure in which the sensor housing 20 rotates in the clockwise direction C is shown. Two wipers 151 and 152 can be spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the sensor housing 20. The first wiper 151 can be disposed adjacent to the discharge hole 13 of the housing 11, and the second wiper 152 can be disposed at a position where foreign matter is easily removed due to the curved surface of the sensor housing 20, gravity, or the like. When the sensor housing 20 rotates in the clockwise direction C, the first wiper 151 can first remove foreign matter, and the second wiper 152 can finally remove foreign matter as well as condensed water or moisture.

[0099] In Figure 8 and Figure 9 some forms, multiple wipers 144, 145, 146, 151, and 152 can be arranged to effectively remove foreign matter.

[0100] Figure 10 A structure in which the sensor housing 20 rotates in the clockwise direction C is shown. Three wipers 153, 154, and 155 can be centrally disposed at a position adjacent to the discharge hole 13 of the housing 11. The first wiper 153 can be closest to the discharge hole 13 of the housing 11, the second wiper 154 can be spaced apart from the first wiper 153, and the third wiper 155 can be spaced apart from the second wiper 154. The first wiper 153, the second wiper 154, and the third wiper 155 can be arranged in the direction of rotation of the sensor housing 20, so that the first wiper 153, the second wiper 154, and the third wiper 155 can sequentially remove foreign matter adhering to the surface of the sensor housing 20.

[0101] Figure 11 A structure in which the sensor housing 20 rotates in the counterclockwise direction CC is shown. Three wipers 156, 157, and 158 can be centrally disposed at a position adjacent to the discharge hole 13 of the housing 11. The first wiper 156 can be closest to the discharge hole 13 of the housing 11, the second wiper 157 can be spaced apart from the first wiper 156, and the third wiper 158 can be spaced apart from the second wiper 157. The first wiper 156, the second wiper 157, and the third wiper 158 can be arranged in the direction of rotation of the sensor housing 20, so that the first wiper 156, the second wiper 157, and the third wiper 158 can sequentially remove foreign matter adhering to the surface of the sensor housing 20.

[0102] In Figure 10 and Figure 11 some forms disclosed, multiple wipers 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, and 158 can be centrally disposed at a position adjacent to the discharge hole 13 of the housing 11, so that the volume of the wiper assembly 40 can be reduced.

[0103] Referring to Figure 12, the length direction axis of the wiper 41 can be inclined with respect to the length direction axis of the sensor housing 20 at a predetermined inclination angle a. Accordingly, the removed foreign matter can easily flow downward into the discharge hole 13 of the housing 11. Here, the inclination angle of the wiper 41 can be designed by considering the durability of the wiper 41 and the RPM of the sensor housing 20, etc. In addition, the length L of the wiper 41 can be set corresponding to the width of the lens 16 of the sensor module 15 or the angle of view of the sensor module 15. When the length L of the wiper 41 is excessively greater than the angle of view of the sensor module 15, the foreign matter can flow downward toward the lens 16 of the sensor module 15 due to the resultant force generated when the sensor housing 20 rotates and the lateral acceleration generated in the sensor housing 20, thereby blocking the field of view of the sensor module 15.

[0104] Referring to Figure 13 , the wiper assembly 40 can include a wiper frame 45 on which a plurality of wipers 41a, 41b, and 41c are mounted. The wiper frame 45 can extend in the circumferential direction of the sensor housing 20, and the wiper frame 45 can be spaced apart from the outer surface of the sensor housing 20 in the radial direction. The wiper frame 45 can be coupled to a mounting flange 55 and a mounting boss 56 protruding from the housing 11. The housing 11 can have a plurality of pressing protrusions 57 protruding toward the sensor housing 20, the pressing protrusions 57 can press the wipers 41a, 41b, and 41c toward the sensor housing 20, respectively. Each of the wipers 41a, 41b, and 41c can be in close contact with the surface of the sensor housing 20, thereby effectively removing foreign matter adhering to the surface of the sensor housing 20.

[0105] Referring to Figure 14 , each of the wipers 41, 41a, 41b, and 41c can include a mounting portion 42 mounted on the wiper frame 45 and a lip portion 43 extending from the mounting portion 42. The mounting portion 42 can have a circular cross-section, and the lip portion 43 can extend from the mounting portion 42. Since the mounting portion 42 has a circular cross-section, the lip portion 43 can be firmly connected to the mounting portion 42, and foreign matter on the hyperboloid can be continuously removed.

[0106] Referring to Figure 15 , each of the wipers 41, 41a, 41b, and 41c can include a mounting portion 44 mounted on the wiper frame 45, a lip portion 48 extending from the mounting portion 44, and a connection portion 49 between the mounting portion 44 and the lip portion 48. The width of the connection portion 49 can be smaller than the width of the lip portion 48, and the lip portion 48 can be flexibly bent through the connection portion 49. In Figure 15 some forms, the wiper can easily and quickly change its direction and effectively remove foreign matter on the hyperboloid.

[0107] Referring toFigure 16 When the cover 17 is separated from the second opening 14 of the housing 11, the hollow shaft 30 and the sensor housing 20 can be separated through the second opening 14 of the housing 11, and the wiper assembly 40 mounted on the inner surface of the housing 11 can be separated. Accordingly, maintenance of the sensor module 15 and replacement of the wiper assembly 40 can be performed.

[0108] In Figure 17 some forms, the housing 11 can have a second opening 14a opened and closed by the pivot cover 19, and the second opening 14a can be located on the front surface or the upper surface of the housing 11. The second opening 14a can be disposed adjacent to the first opening 11a of the housing 11, and the pivot cover 19 can open and close the second opening 14a. Figure 17 The pivot cover 19 having a relatively small size is shown to allow replacement of only the wiper assembly 40.

[0109] When the pivot cover 19 and the second opening 14a are relatively large, the sensor assembly 12, the driving unit 25, and the wiper assembly 40 can be replaced as a whole. Figure 18 The pivot cover 19 and the second opening 14a having a relatively large size are shown to allow replacement of all components including the sensor assembly 12, the driving unit 25, and the wiper assembly 40 accommodated in the housing 11. Referring to Figure 18 , the housing 11 can have a first support block 81 for supporting the first portion 31 of the hollow shaft 30 and a second support block 82 for supporting the second portion 32 of the hollow shaft 30. The first support block 81 can protrude toward the outer surface of the first portion 31. The first support block 81 can contact at least a portion of the outer surface of the first portion 31, thereby supporting the first portion 31. The second support block 82 can protrude toward the second portion 32 of the hollow shaft 30, and a fitting member 83 and an elastic member 84 can be mounted on the second support block 82. The fitting member 83 can be fitted in the groove 32b of the second portion 32 of the hollow shaft 30, and the elastic member 84 can elastically support the fitting member 83. When the pivot cover 19 is rotated outward with respect to the housing 11 and the second opening 14a is opened, the hollow shaft 30 and the sensor housing 20 can be first separated through the second opening 14a of the housing 11, and then the wiper assembly 40 mounted on the inner surface of the housing 11 can be secondarily separated. Accordingly, replacement and repair of the sensor assembly 12, replacement and repair of the driving unit 25, replacement of the wiper assembly 40, etc. can be easily performed.

[0110] In Figures 1 to 18 some forms, the length direction axis of the housing 11 can extend along the horizontal axis H of the vehicle, and the housing 11 can be disposed along the horizontal axis H of the vehicle. That is, in Figures 1 to 18The sensing device 10 in some forms can be disposed along a horizontal axis H of the vehicle, and the first and second rotational axes X1 and X2 can be parallel to the horizontal axis H of the vehicle.

[0111] Referring to Figures 19 to 24 , the sensing device 10 can be disposed along a vertical axis V of the vehicle. Referring to Figure 24 , the lengthwise axis of the housing 11, the first and second rotational axes X1 and X2 can be parallel to the vertical axis V of the vehicle.

[0112] As shown in Figure 21 , when the sensing device 10 is disposed along the vertical axis V of the vehicle, the axis K2 of the sensor module 15 can be inclined or crossed at a predetermined angle Θ with respect to the axis K1 of the hollow shaft 30. Accordingly, the field of view of the lens 16 of the sensor module 15 can be easily secured.

[0113] Referring to Figure 21 , the discharge hole 13 can be located at the bottom of the housing 11, so that foreign matter removed by the wiper 41 can be easily discharged through the discharge hole 13.

[0114] Figure 22 A structure in which the sensor housing 20 rotates in a counterclockwise direction CC about the second rotational axis X2 parallel to the vertical axis V of the vehicle is shown. The wiper 41 can be disposed adjacent to the lens 16 of the sensor module 15. When the sensor housing 20 rotates in the counterclockwise direction CC, foreign matter adhering to the surface of the sensor housing 20 can be removed by the wiper 41, and the foreign matter can be easily discharged by the weight thereof through the discharge hole 13 (see Figure 21 ) located below the sensor housing 20. Since the distance between the wiper 41 and the lens 16 of the sensor module 15 is relatively short, the possibility of condensation or moisture generation is low.

[0115] Figure 23 A structure in which the sensor housing 20 rotates in a clockwise direction C about the second rotational axis X2 parallel to the vertical axis V of the vehicle is shown. The wiper 41 can be disposed adjacent to the lens 16 of the sensor module 15. When the sensor housing 20 rotates in the clockwise direction C, foreign matter adhering to the surface of the sensor housing 20 can be removed by the wiper 41, and the foreign matter can be easily discharged by the weight thereof through the discharge hole 13 (see Figure 21 ) located below the sensor housing 20. Since the distance between the wiper 41 and the lens 16 of the sensor module 15 is relatively short, the possibility of condensation or moisture generation is low.

[0116] In the vertical type sensing device 10 arranged along the vertical axis V of the vehicle, the discharge hole 13 can be formed at the bottom of the housing 11, so that the discharge of foreign matter is not affected by the rotational direction of the sensor housing 20.

[0117] In Figure 24 some forms of the housing 11 can have a second opening opened and closed by the pivot cover 19. The pivot cover 19 can be located on the side wall of the housing 11, and the second opening can be disposed adjacent to the first opening 11a of the housing 11. In particular, Figure 24 The pivot cover 19 of the housing 11 can have a relatively small size to allow only replacement of the wiper assembly 40.

[0118] When the pivot cover 19 and the second opening are relatively large, the sensor assembly 12, the driving unit 25, and the wiper assembly 40 can be replaced as a whole.

[0119] The sensing device 10 in some forms of the present disclosure can further include glare baffle plates 91 and 92 to prevent glare or flare. Since the sensor housing 20 is formed as a cylinder having a predetermined radius, the curvature of the sensor housing 20 can cause the occurrence of a glare or flare phenomenon, such as an undesired artifact or haze on the image. For example, when light from an external light source such as a taillight of a vehicle in front or a headlight of a vehicle driving on the opposite lane is transmitted to the lens 16 of the sensor module 15, light diffusion, image distortion, stray reflection, etc. can occur, which can increase the false recognition of the sensor module 15. To solve these problems, the glare baffle plates 91 and 92 can be provided around the lens 16 of the sensor module 15, and the glare baffle plates 91 and 92 can block light transmitted from the external light source to the lens 16 of the sensor module 15. In particular, the glare baffle plates 91 and 92 can be inclined walls inclined from the periphery of the lens 16 toward the outside of the housing 11, and the inclination angle range of the inclined walls can be determined so as not to interfere with the viewing angle of the lens 16 of the sensor module 15.

[0120] Referring to Figure 4 , Figure 25 , Figure 26 and Figure 27 , the glare baffle plates 91 and 92 can include an inner baffle plate 91 located inside the sensor housing 20 and an outer baffle plate 92 located outside the sensor housing 20. The inner baffle plate 91 can be attached to the periphery of the lens 16 of the sensor module 15, and the outer baffle plate 92 can be attached to the periphery of the first opening 11a of the housing 11.

[0121] The inner baffle plate 91 and the outer baffle plate 92 can be separated by the sensor housing 20. The inner baffle plate 91 and the outer baffle plate 92 can be walls inclined at a predetermined angle.

[0122] Referring to Figure 25 The internal baffle 91 can have an opening 91a adjacent to the lens 16, and the opening 91a of the internal baffle 91 can have a width w corresponding to the outer diameter of the lens 16. The internal baffle 91 and the external baffle 92 can be inclined at a predetermined left-right light-shielding angle α. The internal baffle 91 and the external baffle 92 can have a predetermined light-shielding length d.

[0123] Referring to Figure 26 The opening 91a of the internal baffle 91 can have a predetermined height h. The internal baffle 91 and the external baffle 92 can have a predetermined upper light-shielding angle β and a predetermined lower light-shielding angle β'. The internal baffle 91 and the external baffle 92 can have a predetermined upper light-shielding length L and a predetermined lower light-shielding length L'. The axis of the sensor module 15 can be inclined at a predetermined inclination angle θ with respect to the axis of the hollow shaft 30.

[0124] Figure 27 The glare baffles 91 and 92 are shown to have a pyramid shape. However, the glare baffles 91 and 92 can have various shapes, such as a cone shape.

[0125] The above parameters such as the shape of the internal baffle 91, the shape of the external baffle 92, the width w and the height h of the opening 91a of the internal baffle 91, the left-right light-shielding angle α, the light-shielding length d, the upper light-shielding angle β, the lower light-shielding angle β', the upper light-shielding length L, the lower light-shielding length L', and the inclination angle θ can vary depending on the position of the sensor module 15 and the size of the sensor housing 20.

[0126] Figure 28 A flowchart of a method of washing the sensor housing 20 using various sensors that sense contamination of the sensor housing 20 is shown.

[0127] The degree of contamination of the sensor housing 20 can be checked at a predetermined time interval t (S1), and it can be determined whether the sensor housing 20 is contaminated (S2).

[0128] When it is determined that the sensor housing 20 is contaminated, the washing fluid can be sprayed to the surface of the sensor housing 20 by the spraying mechanism 50 during a predetermined first duration t1 (S3).

[0129] Thereafter, it can be determined whether the sensing of the sensor module 15 or the driving of the vehicle is ended (S4).

[0130] Figure 29 A flowchart of a method of washing the sensor housing 20 by sensing of a rain sensor or manual operation of an operator is shown.

[0131] It can be determined whether the spraying mechanism 50 is activated by the rain sensor or the operator (S11). The rain sensor is a sensor that is activated to detect the amount of rain when it rains.

[0132] When the spray mechanism 50 is activated, a cleaning fluid, such as detergent or air, can be sprayed from the nozzle 51 during a predetermined second duration t2 (S12). Here, the second duration t2 can be the time during which the operator continuously presses the spray control button.

[0133] Then, the sensor housing 20 can rotate during a predetermined third duration t3 (S13). Here, the third duration t3 can be the sum of the second duration t2 and the predetermined additional time t4 (t3 = t2 + t4).

[0134] At the same time as or immediately after activating the spray mechanism 50, it can be determined whether the windshield wipers are activated by the rain sensor or the operator (S14).

[0135] When the windshield wipers are activated, the rotation speed of the sensor housing 20 can be adjusted according to the vehicle speed or the amount of rain sensed by the rain sensor (S15).

[0136] After that, it can be determined whether the sensing by the sensor module 15 or the driving of the vehicle has ended (S16).

[0137] The sensing devices in some forms of this disclosure can be installed in different locations on a vehicle to perform various purposes, functions, etc.

[0138] For example, the sensing devices in some forms of this disclosure can be applied to optical sensors mounted on the grille at the front of a vehicle, such as front cameras and / or night vision systems for panoramic image monitoring.

[0139] As another example, the sensing devices in some forms of this disclosure can be applied to optical sensors attached to the top of the windshield of a vehicle, such as a front camera (lane keeping assist camera), lidar, and / or radar.

[0140] As another example, the sensing devices in some forms of this disclosure can be applied to optical sensors, such as lidar, mounted on the bottom of the front end of a vehicle for autonomous driving.

[0141] As another example, some of the sensing devices in this disclosure can be applied to optical sensors mounted on the side of a vehicle, such as a camera mirroring system (CMS) and / or a panoramic image monitor (SVM).

[0142] As another example, the sensing devices in some forms of this disclosure can be applied to optical sensors mounted at the rear of a vehicle, such as a driver's rearview camera (DRM) and / or a panoramic image monitor (SVM).

[0143] As another example, the sensing devices in some forms of this disclosure can be applied to optical sensors mounted on the side of a vehicle, such as cameras mounted on the B-pillar for autonomous driving.

[0144] As described above, some forms of the sensing devices disclosed herein can actively remove foreign objects attached to the sensor components, thereby ensuring the reliability of sensing performance and expanding the range of applications.

[0145] Furthermore, some of the sensing devices in this disclosure can effectively remove foreign objects attached to the transparent sensor housing surrounding the sensor module, thereby reducing false identifications by optical sensors such as cameras, radar and / or lidar, and improving reliability. Therefore, they can be easily applied to ensure visibility, driver assistance, autonomous driving, etc.

[0146] Furthermore, some forms of the sensing device disclosed herein may possess a self-cleaning capability against external contamination, thereby reducing false recognition by the sensor module and improving sensing performance. In the event of contamination, as the sensor housing rotates around the sensor module, foreign objects obstructing the sensor module's field of view can be removed in real time by the wiper, thus ensuring the sensor module's sensing performance. The sensor housing protects the sensor module, thereby suppressing direct impacts from external loads such as raindrops.

[0147] In some forms of this disclosure, the wipers can be replaced periodically, thus easily ensuring continuous high performance. Self-cleaning capability can be achieved through a jetting mechanism that sprays cleaning fluid or a heating wire.

[0148] In some forms of this disclosure, the hollow shaft may be provided with vents, thereby effectively suppressing fogging / frost or icing of the sensor module and sensor housing.

[0149] The description in this disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and therefore, variations that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure are intended to fall within its scope. Such variations will not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A sensing device, comprising: shell; The sensor assembly is installed inside the housing; as well as The wiper assembly is positioned around the sensor assembly. The wiper assembly includes: The wiper removes foreign objects adhering to the surface of the sensor housing. The housing has a pressing protrusion that presses the wiper blade toward the sensor housing. The sensor module of the sensor assembly is connected to the hollow shaft. The hollow shaft includes a first part and a second part, which are respectively attached to opposite sides of the sensor module. A first closed wall is attached to the end of the first part, and a second closed wall is attached to the end of the second part. The second closed wall is recessed from the end of the second part toward the sensor module, and the second part has a groove defined by the inner surface of the second closed wall and the second part.

2. The sensing device according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor assembly further includes: The sensor housing surrounds the sensor module.

3. The sensing device according to claim 2, wherein, The sensor housing is rotatably mounted inside the outer casing.

4. The sensing device according to claim 2, wherein, The sensor housing is rotatably supported within the outer shell relative to the hollow shaft, and The hollow shaft is installed inside the housing.

5. The sensing device according to claim 4, wherein, The hollow shaft has a cavity.

6. The sensing device according to claim 5, wherein, The hollow shaft has: The first vent is connected to the internal space of the outer casing; as well as The second vent is connected to the cavity of the sensor housing. The first vent and the second vent are connected to each other through the cavity of the hollow shaft.

7. The sensing device according to claim 4, wherein, The sensing device further includes: A heating wire is mounted on at least one of the hollow shaft and the sensor module.

8. The sensing device according to claim 1, wherein, The housing has a drain hole through which foreign matter removed by the wiper assembly is discharged.

9. The sensing device according to claim 1, wherein, The wiper assembly further includes: A wiper frame on which the wipers are mounted.

10. The sensing device according to claim 9, wherein, The wiper frame has a discharge groove through which foreign objects removed by the wiper are discharged.

11. The sensing device according to claim 9, wherein, The sensing device further includes: The spray mechanism sprays cleaning fluid into the sensor housing. The wiper frame has an opening through which the cleaning fluid sprayed by the jet mechanism passes.

12. The sensing device according to claim 9, wherein, The wiper assembly includes: Multiple wipers are arranged along the rotation direction of the sensor housing.

13. The sensing device according to claim 9, wherein, The wiper frame extends in the circumferential direction of the sensor housing, and The wiper frame is spaced apart from the outer surface of the sensor housing in the radial direction.

14. The sensing device according to claim 2, wherein, The sensor module has a lens for ensuring the viewing angle. The housing has an opening aligned with the lens, and The diameter of the opening is larger than the diameter of the lens.

15. The sensing device according to claim 14, wherein, The sensing device further includes: A glare shield is disposed around the lens of the sensor module. The glare shield is an inclined wall that slopes outward from the lens toward the exterior of the housing.

16. The sensing device according to claim 15, wherein, The glare shield includes: An internal baffle is located inside the sensor housing; and An external baffle is located outside the sensor housing.

17. The sensing device according to claim 2, wherein, Multiple sensor modules are arranged in series or in parallel within the sensor housing.

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