Liquid detection device that flows into the housing of the electronic control unit

Abstract

A liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of an electronic control device is provided. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of an electronic control device includes: a housing, a circuit board disposed within the housing, and an electronic control unit mounted on one side of the circuit board and connected to an operating unit located outside the housing to control the operating unit. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device may include: a sensor unit formed on the other side of the circuit board; and a first switch for cutting off power supplied from a power source to the electronic control unit. The sensor unit may include a first electrode portion formed on the circuit board and a second electrode portion spaced at a predetermined distance from the first electrode portion. The first electrode portion may include a linear first sensing pattern extending in a first direction, and the second electrode portion may include a linear second sensing pattern extending in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a liquid detection device, and more specifically, to a liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of an electronic control device. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic control devices are devices that control mechanical devices through electronic circuits such as transistors or integrated circuits. Recently, with the widespread electrification of mechanical devices in various fields, many electronic control devices are being used to control these devices.

[0003] In many cases, this electronic control device uses hydraulic cylinders to control mechanical components. Hydraulic brakes are particularly common in vehicle main braking systems.

[0004] The working principle of a vehicle's main braking system is as follows. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the electronic control unit detects this and opens or closes the cylinder valves, creating a path to transmit pressure to the brake pads. A motor then uses the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the cylinders to transmit the pressure to each brake pad, generating braking force. At this time, each valve and motor consumes current to generate braking force.

[0005] Due to prolonged driving time or external impacts, oil may leak from the cylinders. In this case, the leaked oil may flow through the pipes connected to the cylinders into the electronic control unit that controls the cylinder valves and the motor.

[0006] However, when designing a vehicle, to facilitate the design of the drive system, it is necessary to ensure sufficient interior space. Therefore, the electronic control devices located within the vehicle's interior space are designed to be minimized. For example, a brake module can be constructed by integrating the electronic control devices into one side of a valve block used to control the flow of brake fluid.

[0007] At this time, because the circuit board inside the electronic control device is tightly fixed inside the housing of the electronic control device, when oil flows into the housing of the electronic control device, the oil can easily flow into the circuit board.

[0008] In particular, as mentioned above, when oil flows into the housing of the electronic control device, the oil moves along its own weight under the influence of gravity and accumulates on the lower side of the housing of the electronic control device in the direction of gravity, causing an unexpected short circuit at the lower end of the circuit board, resulting in damage to the circuit board.

[0009] If the circuit board of the electronic control unit experiences an electrical short circuit due to oil ingress, it may fail to generate braking force due to valve or motor malfunction, or the electronic control unit may overheat, potentially causing the vehicle to catch fire. In particular, the driver cannot anticipate malfunctions or overheating caused by oil ingress and thus cannot maintain vehicle operation, leading to a serious accident.

[0010] Therefore, traditional braking system manufacturers have used methods such as developing cylinders to prevent oil leaks, sealing the housing of the electronic control unit to prevent liquid from flowing in, waterproofing the circuit boards in the electronic control unit, or installing separate liquid detection devices to detect leaks. Furthermore, in the event of an electrical short circuit caused by liquid inflow, the power is cut off using fuses or thermal fuses.

[0011] However, with existing methods, if the cylinder develops cracks due to prolonged use, or if the waterproofing and sealing performance fails, the problem cannot be solved due to oil ingress. Furthermore, installing a separate fluid detection device requires not only designing the vehicle's interior space in a way that does not affect the vehicle's drive system design, but also redesigning the brake electronic control unit itself, and creating an interconnection design for connecting the individual sensors and the electronic control unit, which incurs costs.

[0012] In addition, fuses only disconnect when liquid flows in and causes an electrical short circuit, generating a high current, while hot fuses only activate when high heat is continuously generated. Therefore, there is a problem that fuses or hot fuses cannot respond in time to electronic control device malfunctions or fire hazards. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Technical issues

[0014] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device that, when controlling a mechanical device using an electronic control device, can detect liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device and cut off the power supply to the electronic control unit even in an environment where oil or water may flow into the housing of the electronic control device, without requiring any design changes to the mechanical device itself or the existing electronic control device housing.

[0015] Furthermore, the purpose of this invention is to prevent fires caused by machine malfunctions or overheating by notifying the user of the mechanical device about the liquid flowing into the electronic control device, so that the user can stop using the mechanical device, and also to prevent permanent damage to the mechanical device caused by fire.

[0016] In particular, the object of the present invention is to notify the driver of the dangerous situation before a malfunction or overheating occurs in a vehicle braking system that uses hydraulic cylinders to control braking, even if an accidental electrical short circuit occurs due to oil flowing into the circuit inside the electronic control device while the driver is driving the vehicle, in order to prevent a safety accident for the driver, and to prevent a major accident caused by malfunction or overheating by cutting off the power supply in an emergency.

[0017] The technical problem of this invention is not limited to the technical problem described above. Through the following description, those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned.

[0018] Solution to the problem

[0019] To address the aforementioned problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of an electronic control device includes: a housing, a circuit board disposed within the housing, and an electronic control unit mounted on one side of the circuit board and connected to an operating unit located outside the housing to control the operating unit. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device may include: a sensor unit formed on the other side of the circuit board; and a first switch for cutting off power supplied from a power source to the electronic control unit. The sensor unit may include a first electrode portion formed on the circuit board and a second electrode portion spaced a predetermined distance from the first electrode portion. The first electrode portion may include a linear first sensing pattern extending in a first direction, and the second electrode portion may include a linear second sensing pattern extending in the first direction. The first and second sensing patterns may be arranged in parallel. The electronic control unit may include a first calculation unit for calculating the resistance formed between the first and second sensing patterns due to liquid flowing into the housing, and for operating the first switch to cut off power supply based on the value measured by the first calculation unit.

[0020] At this time, the first direction can be a direction extending along the edge of the circuit board.

[0021] At this time, the first electrode portion may further include a first connection pattern extending in a second direction, and the first sensing pattern may extend from the first connection pattern in the first direction. The second electrode portion may further include a second connection pattern extending in the second direction, and the second sensing pattern may extend from the second connection pattern in the first direction.

[0022] At this time, the first connection pattern and the second connection pattern can be formed inside the circuit board, and the first sensing pattern and the second sensing pattern can be formed on one side of the circuit board to be exposed to the outside.

[0023] At this time, the liquid detection device that flows into the housing of the electronic control device may further include a third electrode portion formed on the side of the second electrode portion. The third electrode portion may include a linear third sensing pattern extending in the first direction. The first sensing pattern, the second sensing pattern and the third sensing pattern may be arranged in parallel. The electronic control unit may further include a second calculation unit for calculating the resistance formed between the first sensing pattern and the third sensing pattern.

[0024] At this time, the third electrode portion may further include a third connection pattern extending in the second direction, and the third sensing pattern may extend from the third connection pattern in the first direction.

[0025] At this time, the first direction can be a direction perpendicular to the direction extending along the edge of the circuit board.

[0026] At this time, the first sensing pattern can be formed in multiple ways, and the multiple first sensing patterns can be arranged in parallel with each other. The second sensing pattern can be formed in multiple ways, and the multiple second sensing patterns can be arranged in parallel with each other. The multiple first sensing patterns and the multiple second sensing patterns can be arranged alternately.

[0027] At this time, when the first computing unit measures the resistance formed between the first sensing pattern and the second sensing pattern, the electronic control unit can operate the first switch to cut off the power supply.

[0028] At this time, when the resistance measured by the first computing unit between the first sensing pattern and the second sensing pattern exceeds a predetermined value, the electronic control unit can operate the first switch to cut off the power supply.

[0029] At this time, the liquid detection device that flows into the housing of the electronic control device may further include a third electrode portion formed on the side of the second electrode portion. The third electrode portion may include a plurality of third sensing patterns that extend in the first direction and are arranged parallel to each other. The plurality of third sensing patterns may be arranged to alternate with a portion of the plurality of first sensing patterns. The electronic control unit may further include a second calculation unit for calculating the resistance formed between the third sensing patterns and the first sensing patterns.

[0030] At this time, the third electrode portion may further include a third connection pattern extending in the second direction, and the third sensing pattern may extend from the third connection pattern in the first direction.

[0031] At this time, the liquid detection device that flows into the housing of the electronic control device may further include a third electrode portion formed on the side of the second electrode portion. The third electrode portion may include: a third connecting pattern extending in a second direction; and a plurality of third sensing patterns extending from the third connecting pattern in the first direction and arranged parallel to each other. The plurality of third sensing patterns may be arranged to alternate sequentially with the plurality of first sensing patterns and the plurality of second sensing patterns. The electronic control unit may further include a second calculation unit for calculating the resistance formed between the third sensing patterns and the first sensing patterns.

[0032] At this time, in the aforementioned electronic control unit, the first calculation unit can measure the resistance formed between the first sensing pattern and the second sensing pattern, and the second calculation unit can measure the resistance formed between the third sensing pattern and the first sensing pattern.

[0033] At this time, when the resistance measured by the first computing unit between the first sensing pattern and the second sensing pattern exceeds a predetermined value, or when the resistance measured by the second computing unit between the third sensing pattern and the first sensing pattern exceeds a predetermined value, the electronic control unit may operate the first switch to cut off the power supply.

[0034] At this time, the first electrode section and the second electrode section can be connected side by side.

[0035] At this time, the first electrode section and the second electrode section can be arranged in a row with each other.

[0036] At this time, the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion can be arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0037] At this time, the aforementioned sensor unit can be formed on the periphery or corner of the aforementioned circuit board.

[0038] At this time, the aforementioned sensor unit can be formed in multiple ways, and the multiple aforementioned sensor units can be formed at different positions on the aforementioned circuit board.

[0039] At this time, the aforementioned electronic control unit may include: a main electronic control unit; an operation unit control unit, which receives signals from the main electronic control unit and controls the operation unit; and a second switch, which is used to cut off the power supply from the power source to the operation unit control unit. The main electronic control unit can determine whether liquid has flowed into the housing by the resistance change of the sensor unit, and operate the second switch to cut off the power supply to the operation unit control unit.

[0040] At this time, the circuit board can be placed inside the housing, so that the sensor unit is formed at the lower end relative to its own weight.

[0041] At this time, the circuit board can be placed inside the housing, such that the direction of the circuit board is parallel to the direction of its own weight.

[0042] At this time, the aforementioned housing may include a first housing and a second housing combined with the first housing to form an internal space. The aforementioned circuit board may be arranged inside the first housing and the second housing, such that the aforementioned sensor unit is adjacent to the edge portion of the first housing and the second housing that are combined and connected.

[0043] At this time, the aforementioned operating unit may be a vehicle braking system controlled by brake fluid, and the aforementioned fluid may be the brake fluid that has leaked from the aforementioned vehicle braking system and flowed into the aforementioned housing.

[0044] At this time, the vehicle braking system may include: a reservoir for storing the brake fluid; a valve block connected to the reservoir on one side and having at least one flow path formed inside to allow the brake fluid to move; and at least one solenoid valve for opening and closing the flow path formed in the valve block, the housing being fixed to the other side of the valve block, and the electronic control unit being able to control the opening and closing of the solenoid valve.

[0045] At this time, the aforementioned sensor unit can be arranged on one side of the aforementioned circuit board on the side where the aforementioned valve block is arranged.

[0046] The effects of the invention

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid detection device that detects liquid flowing into the housing of an electronic control device can detect liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device and cut off the power supply to the electronic control unit by changing the design of the circuit board inside the electronic control device, without the need for a separate mechanical device or design changes to the existing electronic control device housing.

[0048] Furthermore, the liquid detection device that flows into the housing of the electronic control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is compatible with various mechanical devices since it does not change the design of the existing mechanical device itself, and the sensor unit can be set simply by printing or engraving an insulating layer on a printed circuit board, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

[0049] Furthermore, in a liquid detection device that detects liquid flowing into the housing of an electronic control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the position and number of sensor units are designed differently depending on the direction in which the liquid flows into the housing of the electronic control device, thereby enabling the detection of whether liquid has flowed into the housing.

[0050] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid detection device that detects liquid flowing into the housing of an electronic control device notifies the user of the fact that liquid has flowed into the electronic control device through an alarm unit, so that the user can not only prevent fires caused by mechanical failure or overheating in advance by stopping the use of the mechanical device, but also prevent permanent damage to the mechanical device caused by fire.

[0051] In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid detection device that allows liquid to flow into the housing of an electronic control device is used in the braking system of a vehicle that uses a hydraulic cylinder to control braking, thereby enabling the prevention of personal injury caused by accidents while driving the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Figure 1 A rear perspective view of the electronic control device of the braking system of the liquid detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the structure of a liquid detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the structure of a liquid detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 4 This is a plan view of the first electrode portion, the second electrode portion, and the third electrode portion of the liquid detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention arranged on a circuit board.

[0056] Figure 5 This is a plan view of the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion of the liquid detection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention arranged on a circuit board.

[0057] Figure 6 This is a plan view of the first to third electrode portions of a liquid detection device according to a modified embodiment of the second embodiment of the present invention, arranged on a circuit board.

[0058] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the circuit diagrams of the first and second electrode portions of the liquid detection device according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates additional circuit diagrams of the first and second electrode portions of the liquid detection device according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 9 This is a plan view of the first to third electrode portions of the liquid detection device according to the third embodiment of the present invention arranged on a circuit board.

[0061] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the circuit diagrams of the first to third electrode portions of the liquid detection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates other circuit diagrams of the first to third electrode portions of the liquid detection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 12 A plan view showing that the sensor units of the liquid detection device, which flow into the housing of the liquid detection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, are connected side by side.

[0064] Figure 13This is a plan view showing the sensor units of the liquid detection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention arranged in a row.

[0065] Figure 14 This is a plan view showing the sensor units of the liquid detection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention arranged vertically.

[0066] Figure 15 This is a plan view of the first to third electrode portions of the liquid detection device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention arranged on a circuit board.

[0067] Figure 16 A diagram illustrating the liquid inflow state of the liquid detection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is provided. Detailed Implementation

[0068] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to easily implement the present invention. The present invention can be implemented through various different methods and is not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. For the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention, parts unrelated to the description have been omitted in the drawings, and the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar structural elements throughout the specification.

[0069] The present invention provides an apparatus in which, when liquid flowing into the housing of an electronic control device is located between a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion formed at a predetermined interval on a circuit board and the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are energized, the electronic control unit detects this and cuts off the power supply.

[0070] In particular, as a first embodiment of the present invention, the liquid detection device may be disposed inside the housing of the electronic control unit constituting the vehicle braking system. In the following description, before describing the liquid detection device of the present invention, a vehicle braking system in which the liquid detection device of the present invention is disposed will be described, and then the liquid detection device disposed in the vehicle braking system will be described.

[0071] Figure 1 A rear perspective view of the electronic control device of the braking system of the liquid detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Reference Figure 1 According to various embodiments of the present invention, a braking system 200 equipped with a liquid detection device includes a valve block 210, a pedal simulator 220, a master cylinder (not shown), a motor 230, a pump 240, a reservoir 250, and a braking system electronic control device 100.

[0073] At this time, when the user presses down the brake pedal (not shown in the figure) connected to one end of the pedal simulator 220, the pedal simulator 220 will provide a reaction force according to the displacement of the brake pedal (not shown in the figure).

[0074] The pedal simulator 220 includes a reaction piston (not shown) and a reaction spring (not shown) disposed in the chamber formed in the valve block 210, and the pedal simulator 220 is arranged on the front part of the master cylinder (not shown) such that its longitudinal central axis and the central axis of the master cylinder (not shown) are on the same straight line.

[0075] At this point, the master cylinder (not shown in the figure) is a device that converts the force applied to the brake pedal (not shown in the figure) into a constant braking pressure required for braking and supplies it to the wheel cylinder (not shown in the figure).

[0076] When the driver depresses the brake pedal, the working fluid (brake oil) inside the pressure chamber of the master cylinder (not shown) is supplied to the chamber of the pedal simulator 220 to move the reaction piston inside the chamber, elastically compressing the reaction spring. When the pedal force applied to the brake pedal is released, the reaction piston moves in the opposite direction and provides a reaction force through the elastic repulsive force of the reaction piston, thereby providing the driver with an appropriate pedal feel.

[0077] At this time, the reservoir 250, which stores brake fluid supplied to each pressure chamber of the master cylinder (not shown in the figure), is attached to one side of the valve block 210 where the master cylinder (not shown in the figure) is located.

[0078] Valve block 210 has internal flow paths that are respectively connected to reservoir 250, master cylinder (not shown in the figure) and pedal simulator 220. Multiple solenoid valves are provided on the flow paths to open or close the flow of brake fluid moving to reservoir 250, master cylinder (not shown in the figure) and pedal simulator 220.

[0079] In other words, the valve block 210 is equipped with multiple solenoid valves required for the operation of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Each of these solenoid valves is operated by an electrical signal input to the brake system electronic control device 100 to regulate the flow of brake fluid.

[0080] On the other hand, independent of the master cylinder (not shown) and pedal simulator 220, motor 230 is located on one side of valve block 210. Pump 240, which is arranged inside valve block 210, is connected to motor 230 and is driven by motor 230 to generate additional braking pressure.

[0081] As described above, the pump 240, based on the amount and speed of brake pedal input detected by the pedal displacement sensor (not shown in the figure) in the brake system electronic control device 100 described below, drives the internal pump piston forward / backward via the motor 230 to generate the braking pressure required to brake the wheels (not shown in the figure).

[0082] Reference Figure 1 According to various embodiments of the present invention, a braking system electronic control device 100 equipped with a liquid detection device includes an electronic control device housing 150 and an electronic control device control unit (not shown). The electronic control device control unit is arranged in a space formed inside the electronic control device housing 150.

[0083] The electronic control unit control unit includes a circuit board 3 on which a first MCU (microcontroller unit, not shown) is mounted. More specifically, the first MCU can be mounted on a quadrilateral-shaped board circuit board 3. In this case, the shape of the circuit board 3 can be formed in various shapes depending on the space in the vehicle accommodating the braking system 200, and the embodiment is not limited.

[0084] The first MCU receives signals from a pressure sensor (not shown) and a pedal displacement sensor (not shown), which respectively detect the pressure inside the master cylinder (not shown) and the pedal simulator 220, to control the solenoid valves inside the motor 230 and the valve block 210, respectively.

[0085] In addition, the brake system electronic control unit 100 may include a control coil for controlling the solenoid valve inside the valve block 210, and a motor position sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotor position of the motor 230.

[0086] At this time, as Figure 1 As shown, the circuit board 3, which is equipped with an electronic control unit, may include a configuration of a liquid sensing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention for detecting liquid inflow. That is, the braking system electronic control unit 100, including the electronic control unit, may be a liquid detection device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0087] Therefore, when fluids such as brake fluid flow into the electronic control unit from the outside, a vehicle fire can be prevented by cutting off the power supplied to the electronic control unit.

[0088] In particular, such as Figure 1As shown, the electronic control unit housing 150 is attached to one side of the valve block 210. This is to ensure interior space by reducing the overall size of the braking system. However, because the electronic control unit housing 150 is located close to the valve block 210, there is a problem that brake fluid flowing out of the valve block 210 may flow into the interior of the electronic control unit housing 150.

[0089] In the following description, the liquid detection device 1 of the braking system 200 described above will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of explanation, the drawings are simplified to illustrate the degree of current flow and do not reflect the actual shape or size.

[0090] Figure 4 This is a plan view of the first electrode portion, the second electrode portion, and the third electrode portion of the liquid detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention arranged on a circuit board. Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the structure of a liquid detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the structure of a liquid detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a plan view of the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion of the liquid detection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention arranged on a circuit board.

[0091] In the following text, the second direction and the first direction refer to different directions, and the angle between the second direction and the first direction can vary depending on the shape of the circuit board or the shape of the components mounted on the circuit board. However, for convenience, the angle between the second direction and the first direction will be defined as perpendicular in the following description. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, the second direction and the first direction can be either the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction, respectively.

[0092] Reference Figure 2 According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the liquid detection device 1 that flows into the housing of the electronic control device is an electronic control device that is connected to the operation unit 10 located outside the housing 2 and the electronic control unit 20 that controls the operation unit 10 is mounted on one side of the circuit board 3 provided in the housing 2. The electronic control device includes a sensor unit 30.

[0093] At this time, the housing 2 is installed inside the mechanical device containing the operating unit 10, which is the object of control, to fix and protect the circuit board 3 installed inside the housing 2. The operating unit 10, which is the object of control, can be a vehicle's brake hydraulic cylinder valve or a motor.

[0094] The shape or design of the outer casing 2 can be modified according to mechanical devices, such as the internal structure of a vehicle. In particular, the outer casing 2 is made into a minimized shape so as not to affect the vehicle's drive system.

[0095] The housing 2 is used to protect the circuit board 3 by preventing foreign objects such as dust and liquids from flowing into the housing 2 from the outside. However, since the housing 2 is located inside the vehicle and is not subject to direct impact from the outside, it can usually be made of plastic material.

[0096] The housing 2 is manufactured in an openable form for maintenance in case of electronic control device failure, and can also be manufactured in an assemblable form. Therefore, the housing 2 may include an opening / closing part (not shown) for opening or an assembly space (not shown).

[0097] The arrangement or orientation of the housing 2 fixed inside the mechanical device is not limited to a specific arrangement or orientation. However, since the liquid 6 may flow into the housing 2, the housing 2 can be arranged inside the mechanical device such that the opening or closing part (not shown in the figure) or assembly space (not shown in the figure) for opening the housing 2 is located in the opposite direction to the flow direction of the liquid 6 that is expected to flow into the housing 2.

[0098] On the other hand, a circuit board 3, which is protected from the outside by the housing 2, is set and fixed inside the housing 2. Here, the circuit board 3 refers to a commonly used printed circuit board (PCB), and is not limited to being made of a specific material.

[0099] The shape or orientation of the circuit board 3 fixed inside the housing 2 is not limited to a specific shape or orientation. However, when the liquid 6 flows into the housing 2, the liquid 6 moves along the inner surface of the housing 2 in the direction of its own weight. Therefore, in order to minimize the damage to the circuit board 3 caused by short circuit due to contact with the liquid 6, the circuit board 3 can be arranged at a predetermined angle to the direction perpendicular to its own weight.

[0100] At this time, the electronic control unit 20 is connected and fixed to the wires printed on the circuit board 3. As long as the electronic control unit 20 can operate by receiving power from the power supply 4, the position of the electronic control unit 20 connected on the circuit board 3 is not restricted.

[0101] However, in order to protect the electronic control unit 20 from the liquid 6 flowing into the housing 2, the electronic control unit 20 is preferably located in a direction opposite to the direction of the opening / closing part (not shown) or the assembly space (not shown) for opening the housing 2.

[0102] On the other hand, such as Figure 2 As shown, in the liquid detection device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a first switch (not shown in the figure) is provided between the electronic control unit 20 and the power supply 4 to cut off the power supplied from the power supply 4 to the electronic control unit 20.

[0103] At this time, the first switch can be a power semiconductor device, such as a transistor, but the embodiment is not limited as long as the power supplied from the power source 4 to the electronic control unit 20 can be cut off by operating the first switch.

[0104] At this time, when liquid flows into the interior of the outer casing 2, the electronic control unit 20 can cut off the power supplied from the power source 4 by controlling the first switch. That is, the electronic control unit 20 can cut off the power supplied to itself, and when the power supplied to the electronic control unit 20 is cut off, the electronic control unit 20 can not participate in the control operation unit 10.

[0105] Furthermore, the electronic control unit 20 detects changes in resistance caused by contact with the liquid 6. When the resistance of the liquid 6 detected by the sensor unit 30 (described below for determining the presence of liquid) exceeds a set value, the user can be notified of liquid inflow via an alarm unit (not shown in the figure) before the power supply is cut off, and the user can also be notified in advance that the power supply will be cut off later. Therefore, the user can stop using the mechanical device in advance, thereby preventing accidents caused by mechanical device failure and preventing permanent failure of the mechanical device.

[0106] At this time, the electronic control unit 20 may notify the user of the inflow of liquid 6 through an alarm unit (not shown in the figure) by a visual notification method such as flashing a warning light on the dashboard, or by an auditory notification method such as emitting a warning sound through a speaker.

[0107] On the other hand, refer to Figure 3 According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the electronic control unit 20 of the liquid detection device 1 may include a main electronic control unit 24, an operation unit control unit 26 and a second switch (not shown in the figure).

[0108] At this time, the main control unit 24 can send a signal to the operation unit control unit 26 for controlling the operation unit 10. The operation unit control unit 26 can receive the signal and control the operation unit 10.

[0109] The main electronic control unit 24 and the operation unit control unit 26 can be configured to be functionally separated in one piece of hardware, or they can be configured to be separated into separate pieces of hardware.

[0110] On the other hand, the operating unit control unit 26 uses high power to control the operating unit 10. Therefore, most cases where liquid 6 flows into the housing 2 and causes a fire are due to an accidental short circuit caused by liquid 6 flowing into the circuit associated with the operating unit control unit 26, thus leading to a fire.

[0111] Therefore, as Figure 3As shown, when the main electronic control unit 24 detects the inflow of liquid 6 through the resistance change of the sensor unit 30, it can prevent the fire by operating the second switch (not shown) to cut off the power supplied from the power supply 4 to the operation unit control unit 26.

[0112] At this time, similar to the first switch (not shown in the figure), the second switch (not shown in the figure) can be a power semiconductor device, such as a transistor, but the embodiment is not limited as long as the main electronic control unit 24 can cut off the power supplied from the power source 4 to the operation unit control unit 26 by operating the second switch (not shown in the figure).

[0113] Therefore, the power supply to the operating unit control unit 26 is cut off, while the power supply to the main electronic control unit 24 is not cut off. This has the advantage of being able to prevent the risk of fire and to electronically control other devices, such as an alarm unit (not shown) that alerts the user.

[0114] However, even though the main electronic control unit 24 can cut off the power supplied to the operating unit control unit 26, in order to more reliably prevent fires or malfunctions, such as Figure 3 As shown, the main electronic control unit 24 can cut off the power supplied to the electronic control unit 20, which includes the magnet. When the power supplied to the electronic control unit 20 is cut off, the electronic control unit 20 can not participate in the control of the device.

[0115] On the other hand, the sensor unit 30 that sends a signal for determining whether the power supplied to the electronic control unit 20 has been cut off includes a first electrode portion 31 and a second electrode portion 32, which are formed on the circuit board 3 in a spaced-apart state so as to be energized by the liquid flowing into the housing 2.

[0116] At this time, the sensor unit 30, including the first electrode section 31 and the second electrode section 32, is electrically short-circuited by the liquid 6 flowing into the housing 2, and detects the power supply, sending the detected signal to the electronic control unit 20. At this time, the electronic control unit 20 is connected and fixed to the first electrode section 31 and the second electrode section 32 on the circuit board 3.

[0117] The electronic control unit 20, which is connected to the first electrode section 31 and the second electrode section 32, cuts off the power supply based on the resistance that occurs when the liquid 6 flowing into the housing 2 is located between the first electrode section 31 and the second electrode section 32 and is energized.

[0118] On the other hand, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4As can be seen from the first embodiment of the present invention, the sensor unit 30 that detects the inflow of liquid 6 and sends a signal to the electronic control unit 20 is arranged on the circuit board 3.

[0119] At this point, the sensor unit 30 is integrally formed with the circuit board 3, rather than being set up as a separate device. As long as it can be energized by the self-resistance of the liquid 6 flowing into the housing 2, the embodiments are not limited.

[0120] For example, in describing the method of forming the sensor unit 30, the sensor unit 30 can be formed by printing a pattern according to the various embodiments described below on a circuit board and covering it with an insulating layer 5 to protect the circuit, without covering the pattern with an insulating layer. Alternatively, it can be formed by sequentially arranging conductive pads and an insulating layer on a circuit board to form layers, and engraving the insulating layer according to a pattern, such that the conductive pads are exposed to the outside according to the pattern described below.

[0121] At this time, the material of the sensor unit 30 can be the same as the wires printed on the circuit board 3. To prevent power loss due to the inherent resistance of the material, copper (Cu) is preferred. However, the material is not limited as long as it is a conductive material through which current flows.

[0122] Reference Figure 4 According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the sensor unit 30 is formed on the lower peripheral portion or corner portion of the circuit board 3. Arranging the sensor unit 30 on the peripheral portion or corner portion of the circuit board 3 has the advantage that the sensor unit 30 can detect the liquid before it flows into the housing 2 and enters the electronic control unit 20 provided on the circuit board 3.

[0123] In particular, the housing 2 can be composed of a first housing and a second housing, which are combined to provide internal space for arranging the circuit board 3. An edge portion is formed between the first and second housings, where they are joined together. When liquid 6 flows in from the outside of the housing 2, it flows through the edge portion where the first and second housings are joined. Therefore, the sensor unit 30 can be arranged inside the housing 2 adjacent to the edge portion of the first and second housings.

[0124] Furthermore, the liquid 6 flowing into the housing 2 moves towards its own weight due to gravity. As a result, the liquid 6 accumulates at the lower end of the housing 2 relative to the direction of gravity. At this point, as the liquid 6 accumulates, it comes into contact with the lower end of the circuit board 3, potentially causing an unexpected short circuit and damaging the circuit board 3. Therefore, the sensor unit 30 is formed on the circuit board 3 at the lower end relative to its own weight, allowing the sensor unit 30 to contact the accumulated liquid 6 first.

[0125] On the other hand, the spacing between the first electrode portion 31 and the second electrode portion 32 of the sensor unit 30 can vary depending on the type of liquid 6 that is expected to flow into it. In particular, when the liquid that is expected to flow into it is a liquid with high surface tension, the liquid cannot diffuse on the circuit board 3, so the gap between the first electrode portion 31 and the second electrode portion 32 should be narrower.

[0126] Reference Figure 4 In the liquid detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode portion 31 and the second electrode portion 32 are spaced apart from each other and arranged in parallel. Here, the first electrode portion 31 and the second electrode portion 32 will be described in more detail. In the first electrode portion 31, in the direction extending along the edge of the circuit board 3, along... Figure 4 A first connection pattern 311 and a first sensing pattern 312 are formed along the Y-axis direction. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the Y-axis direction is defined as the second direction, and the X-axis direction is defined as the first direction.

[0127] At this time, the first connecting pattern 311 and the second connecting pattern 321 do not necessarily have to be formed parallel to the second direction, such as Figure 4 As shown, this means that the extension direction eventually points towards the second direction.

[0128] The first sensing pattern 312 and the second sensing pattern 322 extend from the first connecting pattern 311 and the second connecting pattern 321 toward the first direction, respectively, and are arranged parallel to each other.

[0129] On the other hand, in the first embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 4 As shown, a third electrode portion 33 may also be provided. In the third electrode portion 33, a third connection pattern 331 arranged on one side of the first connection pattern 311 and the second connection pattern 321 is formed in a second direction. A third sensing pattern 332 extends from the third connection pattern 331 in a first direction and is arranged parallel to the first sensing pattern 312 and the second sensing pattern 322.

[0130] At this point, the only difference between the first electrode portion 31, the second electrode portion 32, and the third electrode portion 33 in the first embodiment of the present invention and the other embodiments described below is the formation of the pattern. However, the principle of detecting liquid 6 by the first electrode portion 31, the second electrode portion 32, and the third electrode portion 33 is the same. Therefore, after describing the shape of the first electrode portion 31 and the second electrode portion 32 in the second embodiment of the present invention, it will be described in detail together with the second embodiment.

[0131] Reference Figure 5 According to the second embodiment of the liquid detection device of the present invention, the first electrode portion 31 and the second electrode portion 32 are formed in a comb-like pattern on the circuit board 3 with spaced apart from each other. At this time, in Figure 5 In this context, the X-axis direction is defined as the second direction, and the Y-axis direction is defined as the first direction.

[0132] The following will explain in more detail how... Figure 5 The diagram shows a first electrode portion 31 and a second electrode portion 32 formed in a comb-like pattern. The first electrode portion 31 includes a first connecting pattern 311 and a plurality of first sensing patterns 312. The first connecting pattern 311 is linearly formed on the circuit board 3 along an arbitrarily set second direction. The plurality of first sensing patterns 312 extend from the first connecting pattern 311 in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction and are arranged parallel to each other. The second electrode portion 32 includes a second connecting pattern 321 and a plurality of second sensing patterns 322. The second connecting pattern 321 is linearly formed on the circuit board 3 in the second direction. The plurality of second sensing patterns 322 extend from the second connecting pattern 321 in the first direction and are arranged parallel to each other. In this configuration, the plurality of first sensing patterns 312 and the second sensing patterns 322 alternate, that is, they are arranged alternately adjacent to each other in the order of the first sensing patterns 312 and the second sensing patterns 322.

[0133] At this time, as Figure 5 As shown, the first connection pattern 311 and the second connection pattern 321 can be formed inside the circuit board 3 without being exposed to the outside.

[0134] Multiple alternating first sensing patterns 312 and second sensing patterns 322 are arranged with a predetermined gap h1 from the edge of the circuit board 3. In order for the sensor unit 30 to quickly detect the resistance change caused by liquid 6 flowing into the housing 2 from the outside, it is preferable to arrange the multiple first sensing patterns 312 and second sensing patterns 322 by minimizing the gap h1. In this case, as in the second embodiment of the invention, if the first sensing patterns 312 and second sensing patterns 322 are oriented to extend towards the corners or periphery of the circuit, it is advantageous to minimize the gap h1 during manufacturing.

[0135] At this time, as Figure 5 As shown, rectangular patterns can be formed on the periphery or corner side of the circuit board 3 of the first sensing pattern 312 and the second sensing pattern 322. In addition, an insulating layer 5 can be formed on the upper end of the rectangular pattern so that only the rectangular pattern is exposed to the outside.

[0136] On the other hand, in the various embodiments described below, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a rectangular pattern can also be formed at the end of the pattern used to detect liquid inflow, i.e., the outer periphery or the corner end of the circuit board 3.

[0137] Figure 6 This is a plan view of the liquid detection device according to a modified embodiment of the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the arrangement of the first electrode portion to the second electrode portion on a circuit board.

[0138] In a modified embodiment of the liquid detection device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode portion 31 and the second electrode portion 32 are formed in a comb-like pattern on the circuit board 3, spaced apart from each other. The following will describe in more detail... Figure 6 The diagram shows a first electrode portion 31 and a second electrode portion 32 formed with a comb-like pattern. The first electrode portion 31 includes a first connecting pattern 311 and a plurality of first sensing patterns 312. The first connecting pattern 311 is linearly formed on the circuit board 3 along an arbitrarily set second direction. The plurality of first sensing patterns 312 extend from the first connecting pattern 311 in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction and are arranged parallel to each other. The second electrode portion 32 includes a second connecting pattern 321 and a plurality of second sensing patterns 322. The second connecting pattern 321 is linearly formed on the circuit board 3 in the second direction. The plurality of second sensing patterns 322 extend from the second connecting pattern 321 in a direction opposite to the first direction and are arranged parallel to each other. In this case, the plurality of first sensing patterns 312 and second sensing patterns 322 can be arranged alternately and adjacent to each other.

[0139] At this time, unlike the second embodiment of the present invention, the first connection pattern 311 and the second connection pattern 321 of the liquid detection device 1 of the modified embodiment of the second embodiment of the present invention can be formed to be exposed on the outside of the circuit board 3.

[0140] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The liquid detection principle of the liquid detection device 1 according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention will be explained. At this time, Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the circuit diagrams of the first and second electrode portions of the liquid detection device according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. Figure 8This diagram illustrates additional circuit diagrams of the first and second electrode portions of the liquid detection device according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

[0141] Reference Figure 7 R0 is the self-resistance of the first electrode section 31, R11 is the self-resistance of the second electrode section 32, Rliquid is the self-resistance of the liquid 6 flowing into the housing 2, and R12 is the resistor connected to the first calculation unit 21 in order to detect the resistance change caused by the liquid 6 flowing into the housing 2 by the voltage allocated to R12.

[0142] At this time, as Figure 7 As shown, when measuring the voltage applied to R12, C1 can be connected in parallel with R12 to remove noise. However, the method of connecting a capacitor to remove noise when measuring voltage is well known, so its detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0143] When liquid 6 does not flow into the housing 2, the first calculation unit 21 cannot detect changes in the voltage applied to R12. Therefore, the electronic control unit 20 operates normally. Conversely, when liquid 6 with self-resistance Rliquid flows into the housing 2, the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are energized, and the first calculation unit 21 measures a voltage of V1×R12 / (R12+R0+R11+Rliquid) applied to R12 according to the voltage distribution principle. Therefore, the electronic control unit 20 cuts off the power supply 4.

[0144] At this time, since the Rliquid value varies depending on the amount of liquid 6 flowing into the housing 2 or the position of liquid 6', the first calculation unit 21 can measure continuous voltage changes. Therefore, the electronic control unit 20 can progressively determine whether to cut off the power supply 4 based on the self-resistance Rliquid of the liquid 6, which is based on the amount of liquid 6 flowing in that could cause a malfunction in the electronic control device.

[0145] However, when designed as a miniaturized integrated circuit, the self-resistance of the flowing liquid 6 may be relatively greater than the resistance of the first electrode portion 31 and the second electrode portion 32. Therefore, in this case, according to the voltage distribution principle, since the voltage applied to R12 is close to 0 (V1×R12 / (R12+R0+R11+Rliquid)), the first calculation unit 21 may have difficulty measuring voltage changes.

[0146] As described above, when the liquid detection device 1 is designed as a miniaturized integrated circuit, such as Figure 8 As shown, it may also include a third switch 50, so that the first calculation unit 21 only determines whether a voltage change has occurred and does not measure continuous voltage changes.

[0147] Reference Figure 8 In detail, the voltage of V1×R12 / (R12+R0+R11+Rliquid) is applied to R12 by the inflow of liquid 6 according to the voltage distribution principle, and the current flows through the third switch 50, so that the first calculation unit 21 can detect the voltage change.

[0148] At this time, the third switch 50 can be a power semiconductor device, such as a transistor. That is, as the third switch 50, any device that allows current to flow to the first computing unit 21 when current flows between the first electrode section 31 and the second electrode section 32 through the self-resistance Rliquid of the liquid 6 flowing into the housing 2 is not limited to the embodiment.

[0149] At this time, as Figure 8 As shown, C11 can be connected in parallel with R12 to remove noise when measuring the voltage applied to R12, and C12 can be connected to R13 to remove noise when measuring the voltage applied to R13. However, the method of connecting capacitors to remove noise when measuring voltage is well known, so its detailed description will be omitted.

[0150] On the other hand, refer to Figures 9 to 11 According to the third embodiment of the present invention, the liquid detection device 1 may further include a third electrode portion 33 and a second computing unit 22, wherein the third electrode portion 33 includes a third connection pattern 331 and a plurality of third sensing patterns 332.

[0151] Figure 9 This is a plan view of the liquid detection device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, showing the arrangement of the first to third electrode portions on a circuit board. Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the circuit diagrams of the first to third electrode portions of the liquid detection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 This diagram illustrates other circuit diagrams of the first to third electrode portions of the liquid detection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] At this time, as Figure 9 As shown, the third connection pattern 331 is linearly formed on the circuit board 3 in a second direction parallel to the first connection pattern 311 and the second connection pattern 321. A plurality of third sensing patterns 332 extend parallel to the first sensing pattern 312 and the second sensing pattern 322 in a first direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the linearly formed third connection pattern 331. At this time, the first sensing pattern 312, the second sensing pattern 322, and the third sensing pattern 332 are arranged alternately, i.e., sequentially and repeatedly.

[0153] At this time, in order to calculate the resistance formed between the first sensing pattern 312 and the third sensing pattern 332, the first electrode portion 31 and the third electrode portion 33 are connected to the second calculation unit 22. By having the second calculation unit 22, the electronic control unit 20 can compare the measurement value of the first calculation unit 21 with the measurement value of the second calculation unit 22, thereby determining whether the liquid 6 has flowed in.

[0154] More specifically, when the first calculation unit 21 measures the resistance change, in order to determine whether the measured value was measured due to an error in the first calculation unit 21, the electronic control unit 20 compares the measured value of the first calculation unit 21 with the measured value of the second calculation unit 22. Power is only cut off when the measured values ​​are the same. Therefore, the reliability of liquid 6 inflow detection in the liquid detection device 1 can be improved.

[0155] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, even if the liquid 6 energizes the first electrode section 31 and the second electrode section 32, causing the first calculation unit 21 to detect a resistance change normally, the electronic control unit 20 determines that the amount of liquid 6 flowing in is not sufficient to damage the electronic control device when the second calculation unit 22 does not detect a resistance change, and therefore can retain the power cut-off. In other words, the electronic control unit 20 only cuts off the power when the liquid 6' simultaneously energizes the first electrode section 31 and the second electrode section 32, and also energizes the first electrode section 31 and the third electrode section 33.

[0156] At this time, as Figure 10 As shown, the circuit of the third electrode section 33 can be designed to enable the second calculation unit 22 to measure the continuous resistance change value, or as... Figure 11 As shown, the circuit of the third electrode section 33 can be designed to include a third switch 50 and a fourth switch 52 so that the second calculator 22 can determine whether the resistance has changed.

[0157] At this time, similar to the third switch 50, the fourth switch 52 can also be a power semiconductor device, such as a transistor. That is, as the fourth switch 52, any device that allows current to flow to the second computing unit 22 when current flows between the first electrode section 31 and the third electrode section 33 through the self-resistance Rliquid of the liquid 6 flowing into the housing 2 is not limited to the embodiment.

[0158] At this time, according to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The principle by which the second calculation unit 22 in the circuit diagram detects the resistance change between the first electrode section 31 and the third electrode section 33 is the same as the principle by which the first calculation unit 21 detects the resistance change between the first electrode section 31 and the second electrode section 32, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0159] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 12 to 14The various arrangements of the sensor unit 30 described above are explained.

[0160] at this time, Figure 12 A plan view showing sensor units connected side-by-side in a liquid detection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 A plan view showing the sensor units of the liquid detection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention arranged in a row. Figure 14 This is a plan view showing the sensor units of the liquid detection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention arranged vertically.

[0161] Reference Figures 12 to 14 The electronic control unit 20 includes a first computing unit 21 for calculating the resistance generated by energizing the multiple first sensing patterns 312, 312', 312" and the second sensing patterns 322, 322', 322" when the liquid 6 flowing into the interior of the housing 2 is located between the multiple first sensing patterns 312, 312', 312" and the second sensing patterns 322, 322', 322".

[0162] On the other hand, in the liquid detection device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the first calculation unit 21 may be provided in the main electronic control unit 24.

[0163] At this time, refer to Figure 12 A pair of sensor units 30, including a pair of first electrode portions 31 and second electrode portions 32, are connected in parallel with the first computing unit 21. Thus, even a single computing unit can have the effect of cutting off power by detecting the inflow of liquid 6 into multiple locations.

[0164] Furthermore, the sensor units 30 formed on the circuit board 3 are not limited to a pair; at least two or more sensor units 30 can be connected in parallel to the first computing unit 21 of the electronic control unit 20. By forming at least two or more sensor units 30 on the circuit board 3, even if the liquid 6 flowing into the housing 2 is not detected by a specific sensor unit 30, other sensor units 30 will detect it, allowing the electronic control unit 20 to cut off the power.

[0165] In particular, refer to Figure 12 According to a second embodiment of the present invention, when two or more sensor units 30 are arranged layer by layer from the outside toward the electronic control unit 20 with the central axis C of the sensor units 30 as the flow path, the liquid 6 flowing into the housing 2 gradually reaches the electronic control unit 20, and the electronic control unit 20 can adjust whether to cut off the power. This is to prevent accidents caused by unexpected malfunctions of the mechanical device used by the user by detecting the liquid 6 and immediately cutting off the power supply 4.

[0166] Furthermore, when two or more sensor units 30 are formed at different locations, if the resistance detected by the sequentially positioned sensor units 30 along the direction of the liquid 6 flowing into the housing 2 towards the electronic control unit 20 exceeds the set value, the electronic control unit 20 can gradually warn the user through the alarm unit (not shown in the figure) and then cut off the power supply 4.

[0167] Reference Figure 13 According to a variation of the second embodiment of the present invention, sensor units 30' connected to the electronic control unit 20 are arranged in a row on the circuit board 3. Here, arranging the sensor units 30' in a row means arranging them on the circuit board 3 such that the central axis C' of one sensor unit 30' coincides with the central axis C' of the other sensor units 30'.

[0168] Since the sensor units 30' are arranged in a row on the circuit board 3, they have the advantage of being able to detect liquid 6 flowing into the interior of the housing 2 through various paths from one corner. In particular, when the housing 2 is manufactured in an assemblable form, it is preferable to arrange it in a row at the corners along the length of the assembly space (not shown in the figure).

[0169] Reference Figure 14 According to a variation of the second embodiment of the present invention, the sensor unit 30" connected to the electronic control unit 20 is arranged vertically on the circuit board 3. Here, the vertical arrangement of the sensor unit 30" means that it is arranged on the circuit board 3 in such a way that the central axis C' of one sensor unit 30" is perpendicular to the central axis C" of other sensor units 30".

[0170] By vertically arranging the sensor units 30" on the circuit board 3, similar to arranging the sensor units 30" in a row, it has the advantage of being able to detect the inflow of liquid 6 into the interior of the housing 2 through various paths. In particular, when the housing 2 is made into an assemblable, angular shape, vertically arranging the sensor units 30 is advantageous for detecting the inflow of liquid 6.

[0171] At this time, the sensor unit 30 connected in parallel with the electronic control unit 20 can be connected not only in parallel with the first computing unit 21 of the electronic control unit 20, but also with the individual computing unit present in each sensor unit 30. This is because, when connected in parallel with the first computing unit 21, one computing unit can process the content detected by sensor units 30 at multiple locations, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the electronic control unit 20. However, when the first computing unit 21 fails, there is a problem of difficulty in controlling the power supply 4.

[0172] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 15 The sensor unit 30 is described as having the effect of using two sensor units 30 by adding a third electrode section 33. At this time, Figure 15This is a plan view of the first electrode portion 31 to the third electrode portion 33 of the liquid detection device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention arranged on a circuit board.

[0173] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 15 According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the liquid detection device includes a second computing unit 22, and further includes a second electrode portion 32 and a third electrode portion 32 formed in a comb shape and having a first electrode portion 31.

[0174] On the other hand, in the liquid detection device 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the first calculation unit 21 and the second calculation unit 22 may be provided in the main electronic control unit 24.

[0175] The specific descriptions of the first electrode portions 31 to the third electrode portions 33, formed with a comb-like pattern, are as follows. The first electrode portion 31 includes a first connecting pattern 311 and a plurality of first sensing patterns 312. The first connecting pattern 311 is linearly formed on the circuit board 3 in a second direction, and the plurality of first sensing patterns 312 extend from the first connecting pattern 311 in a first direction and are arranged parallel to each other. The second electrode portion 32 includes a second connecting pattern 321 and a plurality of second sensing patterns 322. The second connecting pattern 321 is linearly formed on the circuit board 3 in a second direction, and the plurality of second sensing patterns 322 extend from the second connecting pattern 321 in a first direction and are arranged parallel to each other. The third electrode portion 33 includes a third connecting pattern 331 and a plurality of third sensing patterns 332. The third connecting pattern 331 is linearly formed on the circuit board 3 in a second direction, and the plurality of third sensing patterns 332 extend from the third connecting pattern 331 in a first direction and are arranged parallel to each other.

[0176] At this time, a portion of the plurality of first sensing patterns 312 alternates with the second sensing pattern 322, that is, the first sensing patterns 312 and the second sensing patterns 322 are arranged alternately adjacent to each other in the order of the first sensing patterns 312 and the second sensing pattern 322. In addition, the remaining portion of the first sensing patterns 312 and the third sensing pattern 332 are arranged alternately in the same way as the first sensing patterns 312 and the second sensing patterns 322. Even without adding the sensor unit 30, the above pattern has the effect of adding a sensor unit 30 by adding an electrode.

[0177] Reference Figure 15The first electrode portion 31 and the second electrode portion 32 are connected to the first calculation unit 21 of the electronic control unit 20. The first calculation unit 21 calculates the resistance that occurs when the liquid 6 is energized between the first sensing pattern 312 of the first electrode portion 31 and the second sensing pattern 322 of the second electrode portion 32. Similarly, the first electrode portion 31 and the third electrode portion 33 are connected to the second calculation unit 22 of the electronic control unit 20. The second calculation unit 22 calculates the resistance that occurs when the liquid 6 is energized between the first sensing pattern 312 of the first electrode portion 31 and the third sensing pattern 332 of the third electrode portion 33.

[0178] In the following text, through Figure 16 The situation will be described in stages as an electrical short circuit occurs due to liquid flowing into the housing 2 of the electronic control unit 20, and is detected by its sensor unit 30.

[0179] Figure 16 The diagram illustrates, for illustrative purposes, the liquid inflow state of a liquid detection device that flows into the housing of an electronic control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0180] Reference Figure 16 In the liquid detection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the circuit board 3 is fixed inside the housing 2 parallel to the direction of gravity, and the sensor unit 30 is arranged at the lower corner of the circuit board 3. In this case, it is not necessary to arrange only one sensor unit 30; two or more sensor units 30 may be arranged on each layer. Furthermore, additional sensor units 30 may be arranged in the direction of direct liquid penetration.

[0181] At this time, when oil or water leaking from the hydraulic cylinder (not shown in the figure) reaches the housing 2, the liquid 6 flows into the interior of the housing 2 by penetrating the opening and closing part (not shown in the figure) or the assembly space (not shown in the figure) used to open the housing 2.

[0182] Therefore, as Figure 16 As shown, the liquid 6 flowing into the housing 2 is accumulated at the bottom of the housing 2 due to gravity. The sensor unit 30 detects the liquid 6 before it reaches the electronic control unit 20.

[0183] When sensor unit 30 detects liquid 6, electronic control unit 20 cuts off power supply from power source 4. At this time, if two or more sensor units 30 are arranged, and a sensor unit 30 located far from electronic control unit 20 detects liquid inflow, electronic control unit 20 sends a notification to the user via an alarm unit (not shown). Subsequently, when a sensor unit 30 closer to electronic control unit 20 detects liquid inflow, electronic control unit 20 cuts off power supply from power source 4.

[0184] Although various embodiments of the liquid detection device according to the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that the electronic control device according to this embodiment is not only applicable to the braking system of a vehicle, but also, when the electronic components are housed inside a housing, can be used as a liquid detection device for protecting electronic components inside a housing from liquid in a state where liquid can easily flow into the housing due to the external environment.

[0185] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its purpose and scope, in addition to the foregoing embodiments. Therefore, the foregoing embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting the invention; thus, the invention is not limited to the foregoing description but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of an electronic control device, comprising: The liquid detection device, comprising a housing, a circuit board disposed within the housing, and an electronic control unit mounted on one side of the circuit board and connected to an operating unit located outside the housing for controlling the operating unit, is characterized in that it includes: The sensor unit is formed on the other side of the aforementioned circuit board; and The first switch is used to cut off the power supply from the power source to the aforementioned electronic control unit. The aforementioned sensor unit includes a first electrode portion formed on the aforementioned circuit board and a second electrode portion spaced at a predetermined distance from the aforementioned first electrode portion. The aforementioned first electrode portion includes a linear first sensing pattern extending in a first direction. The second electrode portion includes a linear second sensing pattern extending in the first direction. The first sensing pattern and the second sensing pattern are arranged in parallel. The aforementioned electronic control unit includes a first calculation unit, which calculates the resistance formed between the first sensing pattern and the second sensing pattern due to liquid flowing into the housing, and operates the first switch to cut off the power supply based on the value measured by the first calculation unit. The aforementioned liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device further includes a third electrode portion formed on the side of the second electrode portion. The aforementioned third electrode portion includes a linear third sensing pattern extending in the aforementioned first direction. The first sensing pattern, the second sensing pattern, and the third sensing pattern are arranged in parallel. The electronic control unit further includes a second calculation unit, which is used to calculate the resistance formed between the first sensing pattern and the third sensing pattern.

2. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first direction mentioned above is the direction that extends along the edge of the circuit board.

3. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned first electrode portion includes a first connection pattern extending in a second direction. The first sensing pattern extends from the first connection pattern in the first direction. The second electrode portion includes a second connection pattern extending in the second direction. The second sensing pattern extends from the second connection pattern toward the first direction.

4. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first connection pattern and the second connection pattern are formed inside the circuit board. The first sensing pattern and the second sensing pattern are formed on one side of the circuit board to be exposed to the outside.

5. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The aforementioned third electrode portion includes a third connection pattern extending in the second direction. The aforementioned third sensing pattern extends from the aforementioned third connection pattern toward the aforementioned first direction.

6. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned first direction is a direction perpendicular to the direction extending along the edge of the aforementioned circuit board.

7. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned first sensing pattern is formed in multiple ways, and the multiple first sensing patterns are arranged parallel to each other. The aforementioned second sensing pattern is formed in multiple ways, and the multiple second sensing patterns are arranged parallel to each other. Multiple first sensing patterns and multiple second sensing patterns are arranged alternately.

8. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first computing unit measures the resistance formed between the first sensing pattern and the second sensing pattern, the electronic control unit operates the first switch to cut off the power supply.

9. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the resistance measured by the first computing unit between the first sensing pattern and the second sensing pattern exceeds a predetermined value, the electronic control unit operates the first switch to cut off the power supply.

10. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The aforementioned third sensing pattern is formed in multiple ways, and the multiple third sensing patterns are arranged in parallel with each other. The plurality of the aforementioned third sensing patterns are arranged to alternate with a portion of the plurality of the aforementioned first sensing patterns.

11. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The aforementioned third electrode portion includes a third connection pattern extending in the second direction. The aforementioned third sensing pattern extends from the aforementioned third connection pattern toward the aforementioned first direction.

12. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned third electrode portion includes a third connection pattern extending in the second direction. The aforementioned third sensing pattern is formed in multiple ways, and the multiple third sensing patterns extend from the aforementioned third connecting pattern toward the aforementioned first direction and are arranged parallel to each other. The plurality of the aforementioned third sensing patterns are arranged to alternate sequentially with the plurality of the aforementioned first sensing patterns and the plurality of the aforementioned second sensing patterns.

13. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 12, characterized in that, In the aforementioned electronic control unit, The first computing unit measures the resistance formed between the first sensing pattern and the second sensing pattern, and the second computing unit measures the resistance formed between the third sensing pattern and the first sensing pattern.

14. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 13, characterized in that, When the resistance measured by the first computing unit between the first sensing pattern and the second sensing pattern exceeds a predetermined value, or when the resistance measured by the second computing unit between the third sensing pattern and the first sensing pattern exceeds a predetermined value, the electronic control unit operates the first switch to cut off the power supply.

15. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode section and the second electrode section are connected side by side.

16. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode section and the second electrode section are arranged in a row with each other.

17. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode section and the second electrode section are arranged perpendicular to each other.

18. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned sensor unit is formed on the periphery or corner of the aforementioned circuit board.

19. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned sensor units are formed in multiple units. Multiple of the aforementioned sensor units are formed at different locations on the aforementioned circuit board.

20. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned electronic control unit includes: Main electronic control unit; The operation unit control unit receives signals from the main electronic control unit and controls the operation unit; and The second switch is used to cut off the power supply from the aforementioned power source to the aforementioned operating unit control unit. The main electronic control unit determines whether liquid has flowed into the housing by detecting the resistance change of the sensor unit, and operates the second switch to cut off the power supply to the control unit.

21. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit board is disposed inside the housing, such that the sensor unit is formed at the lower end relative to its own weight.

22. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 21, characterized in that, The aforementioned circuit board is disposed inside the aforementioned housing, such that the orientation of the aforementioned circuit board is parallel to the direction of its own weight.

23. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned housing includes a first housing and a second housing combined with the first housing to form an internal space. The circuit board is arranged inside the first housing and the second housing, such that the sensor unit is adjacent to the edge portion of the first housing and the second housing that are connected and joined.

24. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned operating unit is a vehicle braking system controlled by brake fluid. The liquid in question is the brake fluid that leaked from the vehicle's braking system and flowed into the housing.

25. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 24, characterized in that, The aforementioned vehicle braking system includes: A reservoir for storing the aforementioned brake fluid; The valve block, connected on one side to the aforementioned reservoir and having at least one flow path internally, allows the brake fluid to move; and At least one solenoid valve is used to open and close the flow path formed in the valve block. The aforementioned outer casing is fixed to the other side of the aforementioned valve block. The aforementioned electronic control unit controls the opening and closing of the aforementioned solenoid valve.

26. The liquid detection device for liquid flowing into the housing of the electronic control device according to claim 25, characterized in that, The aforementioned sensor unit is arranged on one side of the aforementioned circuit board on the side where the aforementioned valve block is arranged.

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