Cleaning liquid dispensing device and method for dispensing cleaning liquid

Abstract

A cleaning liquid dispensing device includes: a plurality of continuously formed nozzle units; a transmission pipe configured to pass through the nozzle units and having one end fluidically connected to an introduction component, the introduction component being located at one end of the transmission pipe and configured to allow introduction of cleaning liquid from a cleaning pump; a plurality of discharge holes configured to correspond to the number of nozzle units in the transmission pipe and having different angles based on the center of the transmission pipe; and a controller configured to control a rotation angle of the transmission pipe in response to a user's request to allow the discharge holes to correspond to the nozzle units.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning liquid dispensing device and a method for dispensing cleaning liquid, and more particularly, to controlling a stepping motor for performing rotation of a transmission pipe and measuring a fault based on the control to perform cleaning liquid dispensing of the cleaning liquid dispensing device, the cleaning liquid dispensing device including a plurality of nozzle units engaged sequentially. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a washer pump system is mounted on a vehicle to selectively supply washer fluid in a washer tank to a front windshield or a rear windshield.

[0003] Since the surface of the windshield is often contaminated with foreign matter such as dust, in order to fully allow the driver to see through the windshield and achieve safe operation, foreign matter such as dust on the surface of the windshield should be removed.

[0004] As described above, in order to remove foreign matter and the like from the vehicle windshield, the vehicle is provided with a washer fluid nozzle for spraying washer fluid together with a wiper system.

[0005] Therefore, when the driver operates the washer switch installed in the driver's seat to clear the field of vision, the washer motor operates in conjunction with the washer switch. Due to the operation of the washer motor, the washer fluid stored in the washer fluid reservoir is sprayed onto the windshield through the washer fluid nozzle. The sprayed washer fluid and the wiper operation remove foreign matter, allowing the driver to drive safely while ensuring a clear field of vision.

[0006] However, in recent years, when pollutants attach to various devices (such as cameras, radio detection and ranging (RADAR) devices, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) devices) attached to the exterior of autonomous vehicles, problems have arisen in measuring data used for autonomous driving. The inability of such devices to measure data poses a significant threat to vehicle stability.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a cleaning fluid dispensing device for providing cleaning fluid that is sprayed to various locations. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a cleaning fluid dispensing apparatus including multiple flow paths through a single cleaning pump motor, and a method of dispensing cleaning fluid.

[0009] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a cleaning liquid dispensing device including a discharge hole of a delivery pipe, the discharge hole being configured to correspond to the nozzle units and configured to be located at a position corresponding to each nozzle unit through rotation of the delivery pipe.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a cleaning fluid dispensing device and a method for dispensing cleaning fluid, which are capable of determining a position of a transmission pipeline and limiting faults by measuring current values of a stepping motor and a cleaning pump motor.

[0011] The purpose of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned purpose, and other purposes not mentioned in the present disclosure can be understood by the following description and will also be clearly understood by the embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, the purpose of the present disclosure can be achieved by the methods described in the attached claims and their combinations.

[0012] A cleaning fluid dispensing device and a method of dispensing cleaning fluid for achieving the object of the present disclosure include the following configurations.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides a cleaning liquid dispensing device comprising a plurality of continuously formed nozzle units; a transmission pipe configured to pass through the nozzle units and having one end fluidically connected to an introduction component; the introduction component being located at one end of the transmission pipe and configured to allow the introduction of cleaning liquid from a cleaning pump; a plurality of discharge holes configured to correspond to the number of nozzle units in the transmission pipe and having different angles based on the center of the transmission pipe; and a controller configured to control a rotation angle of the transmission pipe in response to a user's request to allow the discharge holes to correspond to the nozzle units.

[0014] Also, the cleaning liquid dispensing device may further include an inserting member configured to engage one end of each of the plurality of nozzle units to an adjacent nozzle unit, and a hooking groove formed to engage the inserting member with one end of the adjacent nozzle unit.

[0015] In addition, the controller may set a position where the discharge hole adjacent to the center in the length direction of the transmission pipe is fluidly connected to the nozzle unit as the initial position.

[0016] Additionally, the nozzle unit may be configured to be fluidly connected to one or more of a camera, a light detection and ranging device (LiDAR), and a radio detection and ranging device (RADAR) located outside the vehicle.

[0017] In addition, the cleaning liquid dispensing device may further include a stepping motor that is provided at the other end of the transfer pipe and configured to apply a driving force to allow the cleaning liquid to move to the nozzle unit.

[0018] Furthermore, the controller may determine a stall current value applied to the stepper motor, and when the measured stall current value exceeds a predetermined stall current value, the controller may determine that the transmission pipeline is in a limiting fault.

[0019] Furthermore, the controller may be configured to switch to a protection mode when it is determined that the transmission pipeline is in a limiting fault.

[0020] In addition, the controller may set a rotation amount of the transfer pipe and determine whether the discharge hole is rotated to a position corresponding to the nozzle unit, thereby determining whether a position failure occurs in the transfer pipe.

[0021] Furthermore, the controller may determine that the transmission pipe is in position failure when a change rate of current applied to the wash pump motor exceeds a predetermined change rate of current in a state in which the discharge hole rotates to a position corresponding to the nozzle unit.

[0022] Furthermore, when a situation in which a change rate of current applied to the wash pump motor with respect to the same nozzle unit exceeds a predetermined change rate of current is regenerated, the controller may determine that the transmission pipe is in position failure.

[0023] In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for dispensing cleaning fluid, comprising: determining, by a controller, whether an initial condition is satisfied; when the initial condition is satisfied, determining, by the controller, an input of a cleaning request; moving, by the controller, a transmission pipe so that a discharge hole is located at a position corresponding to a nozzle unit; when the discharge hole of the transmission pipe is located at a position corresponding to the nozzle unit, driving a cleaning pump motor, by the controller; and measuring, by the controller, a current value applied to the cleaning pump motor and a stepper motor and detecting a fault.

[0024] Additionally, the determination of initial conditions may include executing an autonomous driving mode of the vehicle.

[0025] Furthermore, measuring, by the controller, current values applied to the wash pump motor and the stepper motor and detecting a fault may include sending an error signal to a user when the current values applied to the wash pump motor and the stepper motor exceed a normal range.

[0026] Additionally, determining the initial condition may include switching the transfer conduit from a set position to an initial position.

[0027] Furthermore, the switching of the transmission pipe from the set position to the initial position may include moving the transmission pipe to the set position and moving the transmission pipe to the initial position in a state where the limited current is applied to the stepping motor for longer than a predetermined duration.

[0028] Furthermore, measuring, by the controller, the current values applied to the wash pump motor and the stepper motor and detecting the fault may include detecting a position fault of the transmission pipe and detecting a restriction fault of the transmission pipe.

[0029] In addition, detecting a positional fault in a transmission pipeline may include, in a state where a discharge hole of the transmission pipeline is controlled to be located at a position corresponding to a nozzle unit, measuring, by a controller, a rate of change of a current applied to a cleaning pump motor; determining whether the measured rate of change of current exceeds a current rate of change predetermined in the controller; when the measured rate of change of current exceeds the predetermined rate of change of current, re-determining whether the rate of change of current of the cleaning pump motor exceeds a predetermined rate of change of current in the same nozzle unit; and when it is determined that the rate of change of current exceeds the predetermined rate of change of current in the same nozzle unit, determining that the transmission pipeline is in a positional fault.

[0030] Additionally, determining that the transmission conduit is at a location fault may include transmitting fault information to the vehicle.

[0031] In addition, detecting a limiting fault in a transmission pipeline may include measuring a stall current value of a stepper motor; determining whether the measured stall current value of the stepper motor exceeds a predetermined stall current value; and when the measured stall current value of the stepper motor exceeds the predetermined stall current value, determining that a limiting fault has occurred in the transmission pipeline and transmitting fault information.

[0032] Furthermore, determining whether the measured stall current value of the stepper motor exceeds a predetermined stall current value may include, when the measured stall current value of the stepper motor exceeds the predetermined stall current value, executing a stall attempt mode; re-determining whether the stall current value of the stepper motor exceeds the predetermined stall current value; and interrupting the stepper motor when the stall current value of the stepper motor again exceeds the predetermined stall current value.

[0033] Other aspects and preferred embodiments of the disclosure are discussed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The above and other features of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to certain exemplary embodiments of the disclosure shown in the accompanying drawings, which are given below by way of example only and therefore do not limit the present disclosure, wherein:

[0035] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a cleaning liquid dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a coupling relationship between nozzle units of a cleaning liquid dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 3A is a diagram showing a coupling relationship of a transmission pipe in an initial position state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 3Bis a diagram showing a connection relationship of a transmission pipe in a state where a channel 2 is connected according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 3C is a diagram showing a connection relationship of a transmission pipe in a state where a channel 3 is connected according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 3D is a diagram showing a connection relationship of a transmission pipe in a state where a channel 4 is connected according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 3E is a diagram showing a connection relationship of a transmission pipe in a state where a channel 5 is connected according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 3F is a diagram showing a coupling relationship of a transmission pipe in a state where a channel 6 is connected according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 4 is a graph showing current values according to positional fault states of a transmission pipeline according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 5 is a graph showing current values according to a limiting fault state of a transmission pipeline according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating determining a positional fault status of a transmission pipeline according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0046] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating determining a limit fault state of a transmission pipeline according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale, and that they present a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features illustrative of the basic principles of the present disclosure. The specific design features of the present disclosure as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, will be determined in part by the specific intended application and use environment.

[0048] In the figures, reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present disclosure throughout the several figures of the drawing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicular" or other similar terms as used herein include general motor vehicles, such as passenger cars (including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks), various commercial vehicles, watercraft (including various ships and boats), aircraft, etc., and include hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels from resources other than petroleum). As referred to herein, a hybrid electric vehicle is a vehicle that has two or more power sources, such as a gasoline-powered vehicle and an electric vehicle.

[0050] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Throughout the specification, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of the elements but not the exclusion of any other elements. In addition, the terms "unit," "-er," "-or," and "module" described in the specification mean units for processing at least one function and operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components, and a combination thereof.

[0051] Furthermore, the control logic of the present disclosure may be implemented as a non-transitory computer-readable medium on a computer-readable medium containing executable program instructions executed by a processor, controller, or the like. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, flash drives, smart cards, and optical data storage devices. The computer-readable medium may also be distributed among network-coupled computer systems so that the computer-readable medium is stored and executed in a distributed manner, such as by a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0052] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be modified in various forms, and the scope of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the following embodiments. These embodiments are provided in order to more fully describe the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0053] Furthermore, the terms “~ component”, “~ unit”, “~ motor” and the like used herein represent a unit for processing at least one function or operation, and this unit may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0054] Furthermore, in the description, since the names of components are the same, terms first, second, etc. are assigned to components to distinguish the components, but the terms are not necessarily limited to the order in the following description.

[0055] The present disclosure relates to a washer fluid dispensing device 100 and a method of dispensing washer fluid to various devices located outside a vehicle and contaminated with particles such as dust, dirt, and the like.

[0056] The devices located outside the vehicle include a camera for providing one or more of a front image, a rear image, and a side image of the vehicle, and a light detection and ranging device (LiDAR) and a radio detection and ranging device (RADAR) for receiving driving information.

[0057] More preferably, for example, a LiDAR that receives driving information of a vehicle to perform autonomous driving is connected to a LiDAR device as a sensor. The LiDAR device may include a laser emission module, a laser detection module, a signal collection and processing module, and a data transmission / reception module. A laser source preferably having a wavelength within the wavelength range of 250 nm to 11 μm or capable of changing its wavelength is used. In addition, according to the signal modulation method, the LiDAR device is classified into a time-of-flight (TOF) type LiDAR device and a phase shift type LiDAR device.

[0058] The LiDAR controller controls the LiDAR device and other devices connected to the LiDAR device (e.g., a LiDAR processor (not shown) for processing LiDAR sensing output). For example, this control includes power supply control, reset control, clock (CLK) control, data communication control, and memory control. Simultaneously, the LiDAR device is used to sense the area in front of the vehicle. This LiDAR device is located on the front surface of the vehicle interior, preferably below the front windshield, to transmit and receive laser light through the front windshield.

[0059] In addition, for example, RADAR is connected to a RADAR device as a sensor. The RADAR device is a sensor device for measuring the distance, speed, and angle of an object using electromagnetic waves. When the RADAR device is used, a frequency modulated carrier wave (FMCW) method or a pulse carrier wave method can be used to detect an object up to 150 m in front of a horizontal angle of 30 degrees. The RADAR controls the RADAR device and other devices connected to the RADAR device (e.g., a RADAR processor (not shown) for processing RADAR sensing output).

[0060] As described above, when contaminants are attached not only to the camera but also to the LiDAR and RADAR, it is impossible to receive driving environment information under the autonomous driving condition of the vehicle, and a structure of a spraying device capable of spraying the cleaning fluid to each device is required.

[0061] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The configuration of the washer fluid spraying device of the present disclosure is shown.

[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cleaning fluid spraying device includes a plurality of nozzle units 110 , which are configured to selectively spray cleaning fluid onto each instrument or device that needs to be sprayed.

[0063] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, six nozzle units 110 are provided, and each of the six nozzle units 110 is configured to be fluidically connected to each instrument requiring a cleaning fluid injection.

[0064] The nozzle unit 110 is positioned to include a hollow portion and includes a transfer pipe 130 located within the hollow portion. One end of the transfer pipe 130 includes an introduction member 120 to allow the cleaning liquid to be introduced into the transfer pipe 130, and the transfer pipe 130 includes discharge holes 131 corresponding to the number of nozzle units 110 to allow the cleaning liquid introduced in the length direction of the transfer pipe 130 to selectively move through each nozzle unit 110.

[0065] According to the rotation of the transmission pipe 130, the discharge hole 131 can be switched to a position corresponding to each nozzle unit 110 configured in the length direction. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, six discharge holes 131 are positioned in the length direction of the transmission pipe 130, and the six discharge holes 131 are formed to be spaced 60 degrees apart from each other based on the central axis of the transmission pipe 130.

[0066] One end of the delivery pipe 130, which is close to the introduction part 120, is engaged with the stepper motor 200. In addition, according to the amount of rotation applied from the controller 140, a pulse current is applied to the stepper motor 200, and thus the delivery pipe 130 rotates so that the nozzle unit 110 connected to the instrument to be cleaned is positioned to face the discharge hole 131. Therefore, the cleaning liquid introduced through the introduction part 120 is discharged through the selected nozzle unit 110.

[0067] The introduction part 120 at one end of the transfer pipe 130 is configured to be fluidically connected to a cleaning fluid reservoir (not shown) and configured such that the cleaning fluid is introduced into the introduction part 120 by a water pump therebetween.

[0068] Since the nozzle units 110 are arranged adjacent to each other and engage with each other, the number of nozzle units 110 can be set according to the user's choice. The nozzle unit 110 includes an insertion member 111 configured to be inserted into an adjacent nozzle unit 110, and a hook groove 112 located in the adjacent nozzle unit 110 to fix the insertion member 111.

[0069] Therefore, it is configured such that the insertion member 111 and the hook groove 112 are engaged between two adjacent nozzle units 110 to be fixed to each other.

[0070] In addition, a sealing ring 113 may be included between the insertion member 111 and the hook groove 112 so that water leakage generated by the coupling between the nozzle units 110 can be prevented.

[0071] The controller 140 may measure the current value applied to the cleaning pump motor 300 and the stepper motor 200 and the time for which the current is applied, and receive the ambient temperature value from the temperature sensor located in the cleaning liquid dispensing device 100.

[0072] In addition, under autonomous driving conditions of the vehicle, the controller 140 may receive a cleaning request signal regarding a camera, LiDAR, RADAR, etc. More preferably, when driving information measured by the camera, LiDAR, or RADAR is less than a predetermined value, the controller 140 may be controlled to automatically spray the cleaning fluid to the corresponding device.

[0073] In addition, the controller 140 may be configured to receive rotation information of the transmission pipe 130 and set an initial position of the transmission pipe 130. When setting the initial position of the transmission pipe 130, the controller 140 is configured to first rotate the guide member 210 of the stepping motor 200 to a set position and then rotate the guide member 210 to the initial position.

[0074] Therefore, when the guide 210 of the stepping motor 200 rotates, the transmission pipe 130 coupled to one end of the stepping motor 200 is configured to rotate integrally with the stepping motor 200 .

[0075] Furthermore, the controller 140 may be configured to compensate current values applied to the stepper motor 200 and the wash pump motor 300 and the time for which the current values are applied according to changes in temperature conditions through a temperature sensor located in the cleaning liquid dispensing device 100 .

[0076] As described above, since compensation of the current value and the time of applying the current value is performed in response to changes in temperature conditions, the rpm and torque value of the washing pump motor 300 are consistently maintained, so that the discharge pressure of the washing fluid introduced through the introduction part 120 is controlled to be constant.

[0077] Furthermore, even when the ambient temperature of the cleaning liquid dispensing device 100 changes, the pulse voltage and time applied by the stepping motor 200 are compensated, so that the amount of rotation of the transfer pipe 130 can be uniformly maintained.

[0078] The initial position of the transfer pipe 130 may be set to a position corresponding to the discharge hole 131 corresponding to the nozzle unit 110 closest to the center of the transfer pipe 130 in the length direction.

[0079] Therefore, the transfer pipe 130 is rotated in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction based on the initial position so that the selected nozzle unit 110 and the discharge hole 131 corresponding thereto face each other.

[0080] More preferably, the controller 140 is configured to control the pulse input of the stepping motor 200 to allow the transmission pipe 130 to rotate from the set position to the initial position, and is configured to store the controlled pulse input.

[0081] As described above, since the initial position of the transmission pipe 130 is located at a position corresponding to the discharge hole 131, which corresponds to the nozzle unit 110 close to the center of the transmission pipe 130 in the length direction, it is configured to minimize the delay time caused by the rotation of the transmission pipe 130 according to the bidirectional rotation of the stepper motor 200.

[0082] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission pipe 130 is configured to move from a set position to an initial position when startup or power is applied, so the stepper motor 200 applies pulse power to move the transmission pipe 130 from the set position to the initial position.

[0083] In order to rotate the transmission pipe 130 from the set position to the initial position, the controller 140 is configured to store the number and application time of the pulse power applied from the stepper motor 200. The controller 140 is configured to perform initialization of the transmission pipe 130 by applying the stored pulse power in response to a limit fault or position fault of the transmission pipe 130.

[0084] The controller 140 is configured to determine a positional failure of the transmission pipe 130 , and to measure a rate of change of current of the wash pump motor 300 in a state where current is applied from the controller 140 to the stepper motor 200 .

[0085] The change rate of the current of the washing pump motor 300 to be measured is a concept including an applied current value and a time for which the current value is applied.

[0086] As described above, when the measured current change rate of the wash pump motor 300 exceeds a predetermined current change rate, the controller 140 determines that the transmission pipe 130 is in a positioning fault.

[0087] That is, when the cleaning fluid introduced through the reservoir is not discharged to the nozzle unit 110 through the discharge hole 131, the rate of change of the current applied to the cleaning pump motor 300 increases. When the current value and the current application time exceed a predetermined current change rate, the controller 140 determines that the transmission pipe 130 is in a positioning fault using the rate of change of the current applied to the cleaning pump motor 300.

[0088] When it is determined that the transmission pipeline 130 is in a positioning fault, the controller 140 is configured to transmit the fault status to the user.

[0089] Furthermore, when the transmission pipe 130 does not rotate due to its physical limitations, the controller 140 determines that the transmission pipe 130 is in a limiting fault. When the stall current value applied to the stepper motor 200 is measured and the measured stall current value exceeds a predetermined stall current value, the controller 140 determines that the transmission pipe 130 is in a limiting fault. The stall current value refers to the current value that increases due to overload when the motor is unable to move despite power being applied due to a mechanical failure or external interference.

[0090] The stall current value of the stepping motor 200 is a concept including the current value applied to the stepping motor 200 and the time for which the current value is applied.

[0091] When the controller 140 determines that the delivery pipe 130 is in a restriction fault, the controller 140 resets the delivery pipe 130 from the set position to the initial position and attempts to discharge the cleaning fluid using the same nozzle unit 110 again.

[0092] As described above, the stall attempt mode for retrying to discharge the cleaning fluid is a mode for reconfirming the restriction of the stepper motor at regular intervals within a unit time to confirm whether a restriction failure of the transmission pipe 130 actually occurs. The controller 140 is configured to apply power to the stepper motor for a predetermined time at regular intervals.

[0093] When the stall current value applied to the stepper motor 200 exceeds a predetermined stall current value while attempting to discharge the cleaning fluid again, the controller 140 is configured to switch to a protection mode to interrupt the driving of the stepper motor 200 and to send a fault to the user.

[0094] Figure 3A A configuration is shown in which the transfer pipe 130 is located in an initial position in a cleaning liquid distribution device 100 comprising six nozzle units 110 .

[0095] The initial position is set so that the first nozzle unit 110a near the center of the transfer pipe 130 in the length direction and the first discharge hole 131a of the transfer pipe 130 are arranged at positions corresponding to the first nozzle unit 110a and the first discharge hole 131a.

[0096] That is, when the vehicle startup or autonomous driving conditions meet the initial conditions, the delivery pipe 130 has an initial position at a position where the guide 210 of the stepping motor 200 has an angle of 180 degrees based on the uppermost position. In response to a signal applied to the controller 140, the controller 140 controls the delivery pipe 130 to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, thereby controlling the discharge of the cleaning fluid to the first nozzle unit 110a corresponding to the applied signal.

[0097] More preferably, the guide 210 of the stepper motor 200 is configured to recognize an angle of zero degrees based on the rib 220 located at the uppermost end, and the pulse number stored in the controller 140 is applied to the stepper motor 200 so that the guide 210 is configured to rotate to the initial position.

[0098] Furthermore, when the startup or autonomous driving condition of the vehicle is used as the initial condition, the stepper motor 200 is configured so that the guide 210 contacts the rib 220 and then switches to the initial position, so that the amount of rotation of the stepper motor 200 can be measured without a separate sensor.

[0099] In addition, after contacting the rib 220, the guide 210 switches to the initial position, so when a position failure of the transmission pipe 130 occurs due to insufficient rotation of the transmission pipe 130, the amount of rotation of the transmission pipe 130 can be reset based on the rib 220 and the guide 210.

[0100] As described above, the transfer pipe 130 is located at the initial position so that the first nozzle unit 110 a closest to the center of the transfer pipe 130 in the length direction corresponds to the first discharge hole 131 a .

[0101] Figure 3B A configuration is shown in which the second nozzle unit 110b and the second discharge hole 131b are switched to positions corresponding to the second nozzle unit 110b and the second discharge hole 131b in a state in which the guide 210 is rotated by an angle of 120 degrees based on the rib 220.

[0102] In response to a washing request of the vehicle, the controller 140 is configured to apply a pulse voltage to the stepping motor 200 so that the transmission pipe 130 has an angle of 120 degrees based on the rib 220 to spray the washing fluid onto the second nozzle unit 110 b .

[0103] Therefore, the transfer duct 130 is configured to be rotated from the rib 220 to have an angle of 120 degrees, and is configured such that the second nozzle unit 110b faces the second discharge hole 131b corresponding thereto.

[0104] Figure 3C A configuration is shown in which the third nozzle unit 110c and the third discharge hole 131c are switched to positions corresponding to the third nozzle unit 110c and the third discharge hole 131c in a state in which the guide 210 is rotated by an angle of 160 degrees based on the rib 220.

[0105] In response to a washing request of the vehicle, the controller 140 is configured to apply a pulse voltage to the stepping motor 200 so that the transmission pipe 130 has an angle of 60 degrees based on the rib 220 to spray the washing fluid onto the third nozzle unit 110 c .

[0106] Therefore, the transfer duct 130 is configured to be rotated from the rib 220 to have an angle of 60 degrees, and is configured such that the third nozzle unit 110 c faces the third discharge hole 131 c corresponding thereto.

[0107] Figure 3D A configuration is shown in which the fourth nozzle unit 110d and the fourth discharge hole 131d are switched to positions corresponding to the fourth nozzle unit 110d and the fourth discharge hole 131d in a state in which the guide 210 is rotated to be in contact with the rib 220.

[0108] In response to a washing request of the vehicle, the controller 140 is configured to apply a pulse voltage to the stepping motor 200 so that the guide 210 contacts the rib 220 to have an angle of zero degrees, thereby spraying the washing fluid onto the fourth nozzle unit 110 d .

[0109] Therefore, the transfer duct 130 is configured such that the fourth nozzle unit 110d faces the fourth discharge hole 131d corresponding thereto.

[0110] On the contrary, Figure 3E , the transmission pipe 130 is configured to have an angle of 240 degrees based on the rib 220, so that the fifth nozzle unit 110e is fluidically connected to the fifth discharge hole 131e corresponding thereto, and Figure 3F , the transfer pipe 130 is configured to have an angle of 300 degrees such that the sixth nozzle unit 110f is fluidically connected to the sixth discharge hole 131f corresponding thereto.

[0111] That is, the guide 210 is configured to rotate at an angle of 180 degrees in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction based on the initial position, so that even when the cleaning liquid is discharged to the nozzle unit 110 located at both distal ends of the transfer pipe 130, the transfer pipe 130 is formed to have only a rotation angle of 180 degrees in both directions.

[0112] In addition, the controller 140 returns the transfer pipe 130 to the original position after rotating the transfer pipe 130 to spray the cleaning fluid to the nozzle unit 110 requesting cleaning, and then controls the transfer pipe 130 to perform the requested cleaning.

[0113] However, despite Figures 3A to 3F An embodiment including six nozzle units 110 is shown, but the rotation angle of the transfer pipe 130 and the position of the discharge hole 131 may be set according to the number of nozzles.

[0114] Figure 4 1 shows a rate of change of current applied to the wash pump motor 300 when a position failure of the transmission pipe 130 occurs according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] like Figure 4 As shown, under the condition that the driving environment of the vehicle is autonomous driving, the controller 140 receives a cleaning request signal with respect to each device located outside the vehicle through the nozzle unit 110 .

[0116] In response to the received cleaning request signal, the controller 140 is configured to rotate the transfer pipe 130 by applying a pulse signal to the stepper motor 200 .

[0117] It is configured such that the cleaning liquid is introduced into one end of the rotating transfer pipe 130 and the cleaning liquid introduced into the nozzle unit 110 fluidly connected through the discharge hole 131 is discharged.

[0118] However, when the transfer pipe 130 is not rotated to the corresponding position where the discharge hole 131 is fluidly connected to the nozzle unit 110 , the current value applied to the wash pump motor 300 and the time for applying the current value exceed the current variation value predetermined in the controller 140 .

[0119] Therefore, the controller 140 measures the applied current value and the time of applying the current value as the change rate of the current of the washing pump motor 300, and when the change rate of the current exceeds a predetermined current change rate, the controller 140 determines that the transmission pipe 130 is in position failure.

[0120] When it is determined that the transmission pipeline 130 is in a position fault, the controller 140 is configured to transmit the fault to the vehicle to provide an alert to the user.

[0121] Figure 5 A stall current value applied to the stepper motor 200 to determine a limiting fault of the transmission pipe 130 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0122] The controller 140 determines whether the transfer conduit 130 is restricted due to the transfer conduit 130 being stuck on the housing or due to being stuck between the stepper motor 200 and the transfer conduit 130 .

[0123] The controller 140 is configured to measure a stall current value applied to the stepper motor 200. The stall current value is a concept including a current applied to the stepper motor 200 and a time for which the current is applied.

[0124] like Figure 5 As shown, the stall current value measured from the stepper motor 200 is applied as a current less than or equal to the current value predetermined in the controller 140 during the normal operation portion. However, when the transmission pipe 130 is restricted, the current value applied to the stepper motor 200 and the application time of the current value are shown to exceed the reference value predetermined in the controller 140 according to the rotation of the transmission pipe 130.

[0125] When the stall current value of the stepper motor 200 exceeds a predetermined stall current value, the controller 140 is configured to determine that the transmission pipe 130 is in a limit fault, interrupt the driving of the stepper motor 200 , and release the position initialization of the guide 210 .

[0126] As described above, the controller 140 determines whether the transmission pipe 130 is restricted and measures the stall current value applied to the stepper motor 200 to allow the transmission pipe 130 to rotate, thereby determining whether a restriction fault of the transmission pipe 130 has occurred. In addition, in the fault state, the stepper motor 200 and the transmission pipe 130 are controlled to interrupt their rotation, so that the stepper motor 200 and the transmission pipe 130 can be protected.

[0127] Figure 6 A flow chart is shown for determining a position fault state of the transfer pipe 130 when performing a method for dispensing cleaning fluid according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] In the washer fluid dispensing device 100 of the present disclosure, the method includes determining whether a device cleaning request of the vehicle is applied to the controller 140 in a state in which the vehicle is switched to the autonomous driving mode.

[0129] When receiving a device cleaning request of the vehicle, the controller 140 is configured to control the delivery pipe 130 to discharge the washer fluid to the nozzle unit 110 corresponding to the received request.

[0130] More preferably, the transport pipe 130 includes a plurality of discharge holes 131 corresponding to the number of nozzle units 110, and the discharge holes 131 are positioned to be spaced apart at predetermined angles based on the central axis of the transport pipe 130, so that it is configured so that the transport pipe 130 rotates and the discharge holes 131 fluid is connected to the nozzle unit 110 corresponding to the discharge holes 131 and corresponding to the cleaning request of the vehicle.

[0131] Furthermore, the transport pipe 130 is configured to be rotated by the stepping motor 200 , so that the controller 140 applies a pulse voltage to the stepping motor 200 to control the amount of rotation of the transport pipe 130 .

[0132] Then, the controller 140 is configured to drive the cleaning pump motor 300 to allow the cleaning liquid to be introduced into the introduction part 120 coupled to one end of the transmission pipe 130 .

[0133] However, since the controller 140 is configured to measure the current variation value of the wash pump motor 300 , the method includes determining whether the current variation value applied to the wash pump motor 300 exceeds a predetermined current variation value.

[0134] When the current change value applied to the washing pump motor 300 is less than or equal to the predetermined current change value, the current change value applied to the washing pump motor 300 is continuously measured, and when the current change value applied to the washing pump motor 300 exceeds the predetermined current change value, it is determined again whether the current change value applied to the washing pump motor 300 in the same nozzle unit 110 exceeds the predetermined current change value.

[0135] In the same nozzle unit 110 , when a current variation value applied to the washer pump motor 300 exceeds a predetermined current variation value, the controller 140 is configured to determine the transmission pipe 130 as being in position failure and transmit the position failure to the vehicle.

[0136] That is, when a load is generated on the washing pump motor 300 due to insufficient or excessive rotation of the transmission pipe 130, the controller 140 determines a fault that the position of the nozzle unit 110 corresponding to the cleaning request and the position of the discharge unit 131 located in the transmission pipe 130 do not match.

[0137] In the same nozzle unit 110 , when the current change value applied to the washing pump motor 300 is less than or equal to a predetermined current change value, the controller 140 causes the stepper motor 200 to gradually move in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, thereby sensing the current value of the washing pump motor 300 .

[0138] When the current change value of the washing pump motor 300 caused by the gradual movement of the stepper motor 200 is within the normal range, the controller 140 terminates the logic, and when the current change value of the washing pump motor 300 caused by the gradual movement of the stepper motor 200 exceeds the normal range, the controller 140 keeps sensing the current change value caused by the gradual movement of the stepper motor 200.

[0139] As the stepper motor 200 gradually moves, the controller 140 is configured to rotate the transfer pipe 130 by applying a pulse voltage in minimum units. Therefore, when the cleaning fluid is discharged through each nozzle unit 110, the controller 140 is configured to measure the current change value applied to the cleaning pump motor 300 and determine whether the discharge of the cleaning fluid from the corresponding nozzle unit 110 is within a normal range.

[0140] As described above, in the present disclosure, the controller 140 determines whether the discharge hole 131 corresponding to the nozzle unit 110 is controlled to be located at a position matching the discharge component of the nozzle unit 110, and when the discharge hole 131 is not controlled to be located at the matching position, the controller 140 determines that the transmission pipeline 130 is in a positioning failure.

[0141] Figure 7 A flowchart of determining whether a restriction fault of the transmission pipeline 130 occurs according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0142] The cleaning liquid dispensing device 100 is configured such that the guide 210 of the first stepper motor 200 is initially switched to a set position, which is a position in contact with the rib 220 , and then rotated to the start position.

[0143] Thereafter, it is determined whether autonomous driving is performed, and when it is determined that the vehicle is in autonomous driving, the method includes determining whether a device cleaning request of the vehicle is applied to the controller 140 .

[0144] When receiving a device cleaning request of the vehicle, the controller 140 is configured to control the delivery pipe 130 to discharge the washer fluid to the nozzle unit 110 corresponding to the received request.

[0145] More preferably, the transport pipe 130 includes a plurality of discharge holes 131 corresponding to the number of the nozzle units 110, and the discharge holes 131 are positioned to be spaced apart at predetermined angles based on the central axis of the transport pipe 130, so that it is configured so that the transport pipe 130 rotates and the discharge holes 131 are fluidly connected to the nozzle unit 110 corresponding to the cleaning request of the vehicle.

[0146] Furthermore, since the transmission pipe 130 is configured to rotate due to the stepper motor 200 , the controller 140 is configured to measure a stall current value applied to the stepper motor 200 and an amount of rotation of the stepper motor 200 .

[0147] Thereafter, the method includes determining whether the stall current value of the stepper motor 200 exceeds a stall current value predetermined in the controller 140 .

[0148] When the measured stall current value of the stepper motor 200 exceeds the predetermined stall current value, the method includes switching to a stall attempt mode and then re-determining whether the measured stall current value of the stepper motor 200 exceeds the predetermined stall current value.

[0149] When the stall current value of the stepper motor 200 is less than or equal to the stall current value predetermined in the controller 140, or when the stall current value of the stepper motor 200 is determined to be less than or equal to the stall current value predetermined in the controller 140 through re-determination, the controller 140 drives the cleaning liquid dispensing device 100 normally.

[0150] On the other hand, when the stall current value of the stepping motor 200 for which the re-determination is performed exceeds the stall current value predetermined in the controller 140 , the controller 140 is configured to interrupt the stepping motor 200 and release the position initialization of the transmission pipe 130 .

[0151] The method then includes communicating the restriction fault of the transmission conduit 130 to the vehicle.

[0152] As described above, the controller 140 of the present disclosure is configured to determine the limit fault of the transmission pipe 130 and the stall current value of the stepper motor 200 .

[0153] also, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The position fault and the limit fault of the illustrated transmission pipeline 130 may be determined simultaneously or sequentially.

[0154] The present disclosure can obtain the following effects according to the combination and usage relationship of the above-mentioned embodiments and configurations to be described below.

[0155] The present disclosure has the effect of configuring a plurality of nozzle units and controlling selective positions of a delivery pipe so that the washer fluid is sprayed into various branches by driving of a single washer pump motor.

[0156] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, a malfunction of the washer fluid dispensing device can be determined based on the current value applied to the stepping motor or the washer pump motor without requiring a separate sensor configuration, resulting in a relatively inexpensive assembly cost.

[0157] The foregoing detailed description illustrates the present disclosure. In addition, the foregoing is intended to illustrate and describe exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure may be used in various other combinations, modifications and environments. That is, replacements or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure disclosed in this specification, equivalents and / or within the scope of technology or knowledge in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. The described embodiments are intended to illustrate the best mode for carrying out the technical spirit of the present disclosure, and various modifications may be made in the specific applications and uses of the present disclosure. Therefore, this detailed description is not intended to limit the present disclosure as in the disclosed embodiments. In addition, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to include another embodiment.

Claims

1. A cleaning liquid dispensing device, comprising: A plurality of nozzle units formed continuously; a delivery pipe configured to pass through each of the nozzle units, and one end of the delivery pipe being fluidically connected to the introduction component; The introduction component is located at one end of the transmission pipeline, and the introduction component is configured to allow the introduction of cleaning liquid from the cleaning pump; a plurality of discharge holes arranged to correspond to the plurality of nozzle units in the transport pipe, and the plurality of discharge holes have different angles based on the center of the transport pipe; a controller configured to control a rotation angle of the transfer pipe to allow the discharge hole to correspond to the nozzle unit in response to a user's request, an inserting member configured to engage one end of each of the plurality of nozzle units with an adjacent nozzle unit; as well as A hook groove is formed so that the insertion member is engaged with one end of the adjacent nozzle unit.

2. The cleaning liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller sets a position where a discharge hole close to a center of the transfer pipe in a length direction is fluidly connected to the nozzle unit as an initial position.

3. The cleaning liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein: The nozzle unit is configured to be fluidly connected to at least one of a camera, a light detection and ranging device, and a radio detection and ranging device, each of which is located outside the vehicle.

4. The cleaning liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, further comprising: A stepping motor is provided at the other end of the transfer pipe and is configured to apply a driving force to allow the cleaning fluid to move to the nozzle unit.

5. The cleaning liquid dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein: The controller determines a stall current value applied to the stepper motor, and when the measured stall current value exceeds a predetermined stall current value, the controller determines that the transmission pipeline is in a limit fault.

6. The cleaning liquid dispensing device according to claim 5, wherein: When the transmission pipeline is determined to be in the limiting fault, the controller is configured to switch to a protection mode.

7. The cleaning liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller sets an amount of rotation of the transfer pipe and determines whether the discharge hole is rotated to a position corresponding to the nozzle unit, thereby determining whether a position failure occurs in the transfer pipe.

8. The cleaning liquid dispensing device according to claim 7, wherein: The controller determines that the transmission pipe is in the position failure when a change rate of current applied to the wash pump motor exceeds a predetermined current change rate in a state in which the discharge hole rotates to a position corresponding to the nozzle unit.

9. The cleaning liquid dispensing device according to claim 8, wherein: In a case where a change rate of the current applied to the wash pump motor relative to the same nozzle unit exceeds a predetermined change rate of the current again, the controller determines that the transmission pipe is in the position failure.

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