Sensor protection device, sensor protection apparatus, and vehicle

Abstract

The embodiment of the application discloses a sensor protection device, a sensor protection equipment and a vehicle, belongs to the automatic driving technical field, and can be applied to business scenes such as ports, ports, highway freight, city distribution, mines and airports. The sensor protection device comprises a buffer assembly, an adapter support and a passive protection assembly, the adapter support is arranged between the buffer assembly and the passive protection assembly; the adapter support is provided with a damage induction structure, and the passive protection assembly is provided with an elastic structure; when the sensor protection device is impacted, the adapter support abuts against the passive protection assembly, and under the elastic force of the elastic structure, a protection state of the sensor is formed. When the vehicle is impacted, the application can form double protection for the sensor to the greatest extent, protect the sensor from being damaged, reduce the risk of collision damage of the sensor, thereby guaranteeing the stable output of sensor perception, and helping to prolong the service life of the sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of autonomous driving technology, and in particular to a sensor protection device, sensor protection equipment and vehicle, which can be applied to business scenarios such as ports, border crossings, road freight, urban delivery, mines, and airports. Background Technology

[0002] Autonomous vehicles are intelligent cars that use onboard sensor systems to perceive the road environment, automatically plan driving routes, and control the vehicle to reach predetermined destinations. They utilize onboard sensors to perceive the vehicle's surroundings and, based on the perceived information about the road, vehicle position, and obstacles, control the vehicle's steering and speed, thereby enabling the vehicle to drive safely and reliably on the road.

[0003] LiDAR, as a crucial sensor for environmental perception, is widely used around autonomous vehicles to meet their perception needs in complex environments, thereby achieving accurate perception of the surroundings. However, LiDAR is also one of the more expensive sensors available. Therefore, protecting LiDAR, extending its lifespan, and preventing damage from vibrations and collisions are pressing technical challenges that need to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, this application provides a sensor protection device, sensor protection equipment and vehicle, which can provide dual protection for the sensor to the greatest extent when the vehicle is hit, protect the sensor from damage, reduce the risk of sensor collision damage, thereby ensuring stable sensor output and helping to extend the sensor's service life.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A first aspect of this application provides a sensor protection device for protecting a sensor. The sensor protection device is mounted on a vehicle and includes a buffer assembly, an adapter bracket, and a passive protection assembly. The buffer assembly and the passive protection assembly are located on opposite sides of the vehicle. The buffer assembly is used to mount the sensor. The adapter bracket is disposed between the buffer assembly and the passive protection assembly, located on the side of the vehicle closer to the passive protection assembly, and is used to connect to the vehicle. The buffer assembly is connected to the adapter bracket, and the passive protection assembly passes through the adapter bracket and is used to connect to the vehicle. The adapter bracket has a damage-inducing structure located near the connection point between the adapter bracket and the vehicle. The passive protection assembly has an elastic structure. When the vehicle is impacted, the adapter bracket disconnects from the vehicle, the adapter bracket causes the buffer assembly to slide on the passive protection assembly, and the adapter bracket abuts against the passive protection assembly. Under the elastic force of the elastic structure, the sensor is protected.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the adapter bracket includes a bracket body and a connecting bracket disposed at the edge of the bracket body, the damage induction structure being disposed on the connecting bracket; the buffer assembly is connected to the bracket body, the connecting bracket is used to connect to the vehicle, and the passive protection assembly passes through the bracket body and is used to connect to the vehicle.

[0008] In one feasible implementation, the connecting bracket has a connecting hole, and the connecting bracket is connected to the vehicle through the connecting hole; the damage-inducing structure is a plurality of through holes formed on the connecting bracket, the plurality of through holes are not connected, and are spaced apart around the hole edge position near the connecting hole.

[0009] In one feasible implementation, the passive protection component includes a fixed plate, a guide rod, a pressure plate, and an elastic element, wherein the elastic element is the elastic structure; the fixed plate and the pressure plate are connected, the pressure plate is located on the side of the fixed plate near the adapter bracket, the first end of the guide rod is connected to the fixed plate, the elastic element is sleeved on the outside of the guide rod located between the fixed plate and the pressure plate, and the second end of the guide rod passes through the pressure plate and the adapter bracket in sequence and is connected to the vehicle; when the vehicle is impacted, the adapter bracket causes the buffer component to slide on the guide rod.

[0010] In one feasible implementation, the guide rods include a plurality of guide rods, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the fixed plate; the first ends of the plurality of guide rods are respectively connected to the fixed plate, and the second ends of the plurality of guide rods pass through the pressure plate and the adapter bracket in sequence and are connected to the vehicle; the elastic elements include a plurality of elastic elements, which are correspondingly sleeved on the outside of the plurality of guide rods located between the fixed plate and the pressure plate.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the buffer assembly includes a protective member having a protective cavity for housing the sensor.

[0012] In one feasible implementation, the protective cavity is provided with a sensor base and at least one shock absorber, the sensor base being used to hold the sensor, and at least one of the shock absorbers being installed on the side of the sensor base opposite to the sensor.

[0013] In one feasible implementation, the protective member includes a protective housing and an opening on the protective housing, the opening communicating with the protective cavity and the outside; the sensor base includes a base body and a limiting portion disposed on the periphery of the base body, the limiting portion being used to limit the sensor placed on the base body.

[0014] A second aspect of this application provides a sensor protection device, including a sensor and a sensor protection device, wherein the sensor is placed on a sensor base of the sensor protection device.

[0015] A third aspect of this application provides a vehicle including a body and a sensor protection device. A frame is provided on the body, and a buffer assembly and a passive protection assembly of the sensor protection device are installed on opposite sides of the frame. A through hole is provided on the frame. When the sensor protection device is impacted, the adapter bracket of the sensor protection device drives the buffer assembly through the through hole to the side close to the passive protection assembly, and the adapter bracket abuts against the passive protection assembly.

[0016] This application provides a sensor protection device, sensor protection equipment, and vehicle. By including a buffer assembly, the device protects the sensor, effectively filtering vibrations and impacts from bumpy road conditions and ensuring stable sensor output. By including a passive protection component and an adapter bracket, with the adapter bracket featuring a damage-inducing structure and the passive protection component featuring an elastic structure, the device effectively protects the sensor from damage in the event of a collision, providing dual protection and reducing the risk of sensor damage. This ensures stable sensor output and helps extend the sensor's lifespan. By connecting the buffer assembly and both active and passive protection components to the vehicle body, the connection points of the entire device on the vehicle body are dispersed, effectively reducing the strength requirements of the connection points. This ensures the reliability of the entire device during normal use and ensures the timely destruction of the damage-inducing structure in the event of a collision. By placing the damage-inducing structure on the adapter bracket, the device function can be quickly restored by replacing the adapter bracket after a collision, offering advantages of low cost and high efficiency. Furthermore, it does not affect the normal operation of the entire device in low-speed, minor collisions. Simultaneously, the sensor protection device of this application is a purely mechanical device, offering advantages of low cost, high durability, and high reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor protection device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the sensor protection device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adapter bracket for the sensor protection device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the damage-inducing structure on the adapter bracket provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the passive protection component of the sensor protection device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the buffer assembly of the sensor protection device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] 100 - Sensor protection device;

[0026] 110 - Buffer assembly; 111 - Protective component;

[0027] 1111 - Protective cavity; 1112 - Protective shell;

[0028] 1113 - Opening; 112 - Sensor base;

[0029] 1121 - Base body; 1122 - Limiting part;

[0030] 113 - Shock absorber; 114 - First mounting block;

[0031] 115 - Second mounting block; 120 - Adapter bracket;

[0032] 121 - Support body; 122 - Connecting support;

[0033] 123 - Destruction-inducing structure; 124 - Connecting hole;

[0034] 125 - Mounting ear; 126 - Round hole;

[0035] 130 - Passive protection components; 131 - Mounting plate;

[0036] 1311 - First clamping hole; 132 - Guide rod;

[0037] 1321 - First end of the guide rod; 1322 - Second end of the guide rod;

[0038] 133 - Pressure plate; 1331 - Second clamping hole;

[0039] 134 - Elastic element; 135 - Clamping bolt;

[0040] 136 - Compression nut;

[0041] 200 - Sensor protection equipment; 210 - Sensor;

[0042] 300 - Vehicle; 310 - Body;

[0043] 320 - Frame; 330 - Through-hole;

[0044] 340 - Wheel; 350 - Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0045] LiDAR, as a crucial sensor for environmental perception, is widely used around autonomous vehicles to meet their perception needs in complex environments, thereby achieving accurate perception of the surroundings. However, LiDAR is also one of the more expensive sensors available. Therefore, protecting LiDAR, extending its lifespan, and preventing damage from vibrations and vehicle collisions are pressing technical challenges that need to be addressed.

[0046] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a sensor protection device, sensor protection equipment, and vehicle. By including a buffer assembly, the device protects the sensor, effectively filtering out vibrations and impacts from bumpy road conditions and ensuring stable sensor output. By including a passive protection component and an adapter bracket, with a destruction-inducing structure on the adapter bracket and an elastic structure on the passive protection component, the device effectively protects the sensor from damage during a collision, reducing the risk of sensor damage and further ensuring stable sensor output, thus extending the sensor's lifespan. By connecting the buffer assembly and both active and passive protection components to the vehicle body, the connection points of the entire device on the vehicle body are dispersed, effectively reducing the strength requirements of the connection points. This ensures the reliability of the entire device during normal use and ensures the timely destruction of the destruction-inducing structure during a collision. By placing the destruction-inducing structure on the adapter bracket, the device function can be quickly restored by replacing the adapter bracket after a collision, offering advantages of low cost and high efficiency. Furthermore, it does not affect the normal operation of the entire device in low-speed, minor collisions. Simultaneously, the sensor protection device of this application is a purely mechanical device, offering advantages of low cost, high durability, and high reliability.

[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The described embodiments are some, but not all, embodiments of this application. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0049] Reference Figure 1As shown in the illustration, this application provides a vehicle 300, which includes at least a body 310 and a sensor protection device 200. "At least" means that the vehicle 300 may include other structures besides the body 310 and the sensor protection device 200, which will not be elaborated upon in this embodiment. The sensor protection device 200 may include a sensor protection device 100 and sensors 210 mounted in the sensor protection device 100.

[0050] For example, vehicle 300 can be an intelligent autonomous driving vehicle, or vehicle 300 can be a regular human-driven vehicle. Vehicle 300 can be a car, truck, or trailer, etc. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned vehicle 300 is mainly described using a trailer as an example. A trailer refers to a vehicle 300 that is towed by a car and has no power drive device itself. Among them, the cargo truck and the towing car are the driving sections of the car train, which are called the master vehicles, and the driven sections towed by the master vehicles are called trailers.

[0051] The sensor protection device 200 can be installed on the vehicle body 310. The specific installation of the sensor protection device 200 is not further limited. For example, the sensor protection device 200 can be installed at the front of the vehicle body 310, or at the rear of the vehicle body 310. For example, in this embodiment, the vehicle body 310 can be equipped with a frame 320, which is connected between two wheels 340 in the rear region.

[0052] In this embodiment, the sensor protection device 200 is mainly used as an example of being installed on the vehicle frame 320. Through the sensor 210 in the sensor protection device 200, the surrounding environment of the rear area can be monitored in a timely manner, thereby ensuring the safety performance of the vehicle 300 during driving to the greatest extent.

[0053] The type of sensor 210 is not further limited. For example, for autonomous vehicles, commonly used sensors 210 mainly include: visual cameras, millimeter-wave radar, ultrasonic radar, and lidar. Based on the characteristics of each sensor 210, in practical applications, multiple sensors 210 are often used in a complementary manner for environmental perception.

[0054] In this embodiment, a lidar is used as the sensor 210 to illustrate the concept.

[0055] A lidar system is a radar system that uses laser beams to detect the position, velocity, and other characteristics of a target. Its working principle involves emitting a detection signal (laser beam) towards the target, then comparing the received signal (target echo) with the emitted signal. After appropriate processing, information about the target can be obtained, such as its distance, azimuth, altitude, velocity, attitude, and even shape. This allows for the detection, tracking, and identification of targets such as aircraft and missiles. A lidar system consists of a laser transmitter, an optical receiver, a turntable, and an information processing system. The laser converts electrical pulses into light pulses and emits them. The optical receiver then converts the light pulses reflected from the target back into electrical pulses and sends them to a display.

[0056] Furthermore, there is no further limitation on the number of sensors 210; the specific number can be set according to the actual situation.

[0057] The following will refer to Figures 2 to 7 The structure of the sensor protection device 100 provided in the embodiments of this application will be described.

[0058] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor protection device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the sensor protection device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adapter bracket for the sensor protection device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the damage-inducing structure on the adapter bracket provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, this application embodiment provides a sensor protection device 100, which may include a buffer assembly 110, an adapter bracket 120 and a passive protection assembly 130. The buffer assembly 110 and the passive protection assembly 130 are located on opposite sides of the vehicle 300, that is, the buffer assembly 110 and the passive protection assembly 130 are located on opposite sides of the frame 320.

[0060] Since the buffer assembly 110 and the active and passive protection assembly 130 are respectively connected to the frame 320, this arrangement helps to disperse the connection points of the entire device on the vehicle body 310, effectively reducing the strength requirements of the connection points of the vehicle body 310. This ensures the reliability of the entire device during normal use and ensures that the damage-inducing structure is destroyed in time during a collision.

[0061] It should be noted that sensor 210 is mounted in buffer assembly 110, which provides a certain degree of protection for sensor 210. On the one hand, when sensor 210 is used on bumpy roads, buffer assembly 110 can provide a certain degree of cushioning and shock absorption, thereby effectively filtering vibrations and impacts from the ground and the acceleration and deceleration of vehicle 300. This helps to prevent the bumps of vehicle 300 from directly affecting sensor 210 and causing damage, thus improving the service life of sensor 210 and ensuring the stability of sensor 210's sensing. On the other hand, when vehicle 300 collides, buffer assembly 110 can withstand a certain amount of collision impact, thereby further ensuring that sensor 210 is not damaged.

[0062] The term "passive protection" in passive protection component 130 means that passive protection component 130 effectively protects sensor 210 by cooperating with other structural components.

[0063] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the adapter bracket 120 is disposed between the buffer assembly 110 and the passive protection assembly 130. The adapter bracket 120 is located on the side of the frame 320 closer to the passive protection assembly 130 and is connected to the frame 320. The frame 320 may have a through hole 330. The buffer assembly 110 passes through the through hole 330 and is connected to the adapter bracket 120. The passive protection assembly 130 passes through the adapter bracket 120 and is connected to the frame 320.

[0064] It should be noted that the shape of the through hole 330 is not further limited. For example, the through hole 330 can be a square through hole; or, the through hole 330 can be a circular through hole; or, the through hole 330 can be any other shape of through hole.

[0065] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 3 As shown, the example mainly uses a square hole 330 as an example, which helps to allow the buffer assembly 110 to pass through and connect to the adapter bracket 120.

[0066] Furthermore, there are no further limitations on the size and number of the through holes 330, which can be set according to actual needs. It is understood that the inner diameter of the through holes 330 needs to be larger than the outer diameter of the buffer assembly 110, which facilitates the insertion of the buffer assembly 110 and its connection with the adapter bracket 120.

[0067] Continue to refer to Figures 3 to 5As shown, the adapter bracket 120 may be provided with a damage induction structure 123. It should be noted that the damage induction structure 123 is mainly used to induce the deformation of the adapter bracket 120, so that when the vehicle 300 is impacted, the damage induction structure 123 will break first, thereby causing the adapter bracket 120 and the vehicle 300 to separate.

[0068] It should be noted that by setting the damage-inducing structure 123 on the adapter bracket 120, the device function can be quickly restored by replacing the adapter bracket 120 when a collision occurs. This has the advantages of low cost and high efficiency. Moreover, it will not affect the normal use of the entire device for low-speed and minor collisions.

[0069] The passive protection component 130 may be provided with an elastic structure. For example, the elastic structure may be a spring, a sheet spring, or other components with elastic properties. In this embodiment, referring to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the above-mentioned elastic structure is mainly illustrated using a spring as an example.

[0070] The protection process of the sensor protection device 100 provided in this application embodiment is as follows:

[0071] When the vehicle 300 is traveling on a bumpy road, the buffer assembly 110 protects the sensor 210, effectively filtering vibrations and impacts from the ground as well as the impacts from the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle 300. When the vehicle 300 is hit, the damage-inducing structure 123 on the adapter bracket 120 will break first under the impact force. Since the damage-inducing structure 123 is located near the connection between the adapter bracket 120 and the vehicle 300, the adapter bracket 120 and the vehicle 300 will disconnect. The adapter bracket 120 will then drive the buffer assembly 110 through the through hole 330 to the side near the passive protection assembly 130 and slide on the passive protection assembly 130. The adapter bracket 120 will abut against the passive protection assembly 130, and under the elastic force of the elastic structure, the sensor 210 will be in a buffered and protected state.

[0072] In one feasible implementation, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the adapter bracket 120 may include a bracket body 121 and a connecting bracket 122 disposed at the edge of the bracket body 121, and the destruction induction structure 123 is disposed on the connecting bracket 122.

[0073] The buffer assembly 110 is connected to the bracket body 121, the connecting bracket 122 is used to connect to the vehicle 300, and the passive protection assembly 130 passes through the bracket body 121 and is used to connect to the vehicle 300.

[0074] In some embodiments, the connection method between the buffer assembly 110 and the support body 121 is not further limited. For example, the buffer assembly 110 and the support body 121 can be connected by screws, snap-fit, adhesive or welding.

[0075] In some embodiments, the connection method between the passive protection component 130 and the vehicle 300 is not further limited; for example, refer to... Figure 4 As shown, the bracket body 121 may be provided with mounting ears 125, and the mounting ears 125 may be provided with round holes 126. The frame 320 is provided with through holes 350. The passive protection component 130 passes through the round holes 126 and through holes 350 in sequence, and is fixed to the frame 320 by connectors such as screws.

[0076] In some embodiments, the connecting bracket 122 and the bracket body 121 can be an integral structure, which helps to improve the structural stability of the adapter bracket 120 and facilitates assembly; in some embodiments, the connecting bracket 122 and the bracket body 121 can be separate structures, wherein the connecting bracket 122 and the bracket body 121 can be connected by means of screws, snap-fit, adhesive or welding, so that only the connecting bracket 122 needs to be replaced after a collision, without the need to replace the bracket body 121, which helps to further reduce maintenance costs.

[0077] In addition, by placing the connecting bracket 122 at the edge of the bracket body 121, the damage induction structure 123 is also located at the edge. This helps to ensure that the adapter bracket 120 and the vehicle 300 are disconnected by the breakage of the damage induction structure 123 when the vehicle 300 is impacted, and does not affect the connection between the bracket body 121 and the buffer assembly 110.

[0078] In one feasible implementation, refer to Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the connecting bracket 122 may have a connecting hole 124, through which the connecting bracket 122 is connected to the vehicle body 310. For example, the connecting bracket 122 and the vehicle frame 320 can be connected by a threaded connection.

[0079] In some embodiments, reference is made to Figure 5 As shown, the damage-inducing structure 123 can be multiple through holes formed on the connecting bracket 122. These through holes are not connected and are spaced apart around the edge of the connecting bracket 122 near the connecting hole 124. This arrangement helps to weaken the connection strength between the connecting bracket 122 and the frame 320, thereby helping the damage-inducing structure 123 to break preferentially under impact force, and thus forming a buffer protection state for the sensor 210 under the elastic force of the elastic structure.

[0080] It should be noted that the quantity, shape, structure, etc. of the destruction-inducing structure 123 in this embodiment include, but are not limited to, the above-mentioned structures, and can be set according to the actual situation.

[0081] For example, refer to Figure 5 As shown, the destruction-inducing structure 123 can be multiple through holes. These through holes can be circular, square, or other shapes. In this embodiment, a circular through hole is used as an example for explanation. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of the through holes are not further limited and can be set according to actual conditions.

[0082] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the passive protection component of the sensor protection device provided in this application embodiment.

[0083] In one feasible implementation, refer to Figure 6 As shown, the passive protection component 130 may include a fixing plate 131, a guide rod 132, a pressure plate 133, and an elastic element 134, wherein the elastic element 134 is an elastic structure.

[0084] For example, the elastic element 134 in this embodiment can be a spring.

[0085] The fixing plate 131 and the pressure plate 133 are connected. The pressure plate 133 is located on the side of the fixing plate 131 near the adapter bracket 120. The first end 1321 of the guide rod is connected to the fixing plate 131. The elastic element 134 is sleeved on the outside of the guide rod 132 located between the fixing plate 131 and the pressure plate 133. The second end 1322 of the guide rod passes through the pressure plate 133 and the adapter bracket 120 in sequence and is connected to the vehicle body 310.

[0086] In some embodiments, the connection method between the fixing plate 131 and the guide rod 132 is not further limited. Exemplarily, the fixing plate 131 and the guide rod 132 can be connected by threaded connection, snap-fit, adhesive bonding, or welding. In this embodiment, the welding connection of the fixing plate 131 and the guide rod 132 is mainly used as an example for explanation.

[0087] In some embodiments, the connection method of the fixing plate 131 and the pressure plate 133 is not further limited. For example, the fixing plate 131 and the pressure plate 133 can be connected by means of threaded connection, snap-fit, bonding or welding.

[0088] In this embodiment, the fixing plate 131 and the pressure plate 133 are mainly connected by a threaded connection. For example, refer to... Figure 6As shown, the passive protection component 130 may include a clamping bolt 135 and a clamping nut 136. A first clamping hole 1311 may be provided on the fixing plate 131, and a second clamping hole 1331 may be provided on the pressure plate 133. The first clamping hole 1311 and the second clamping hole 1331 are arranged correspondingly. The clamping bolt 135 passes through the first clamping hole 1311 and the second clamping hole 1331 in sequence, and is clamped and fixed on the pressure plate 133 by the clamping nut 136.

[0089] It should be noted that the pressure plate 133 is pre-pressed onto the spring by the clamping bolt 135 and the clamping nut 136. The pre-pressure can be controlled by adjusting the tightening torque of the clamping nut 136, thereby adjusting the collision buffer performance.

[0090] In addition, there are no further restrictions on the material, shape, quantity, etc. of the fixing plate 131 and the pressure plate 133, which can be set according to the actual situation.

[0091] In some embodiments, the connection method between the first end 1321 of the guide rod and the fixing plate 131 is not further limited. For example, the first end 1321 of the guide rod can be connected to the fixing plate 131 by means of threaded connection, snap-fit, bonding or welding. The second end 1322 of the guide rod passes through the round hole 126 and the through hole 350 in sequence, and is fixed to the frame 320 by a connector such as a screw.

[0092] When the vehicle 300 is impacted, the damage induction structure 123 breaks, the adapter bracket 120 disconnects from the vehicle 300, and the adapter bracket 120 drives the buffer assembly 110 through the through hole 330 to the side close to the passive protection assembly 130. The adapter bracket 120 slides on the guide rod 132 and abuts against the fixed plate 131. The elastic element 134 is compressed and buffered, which helps to form the buffer protection state of the sensor 210 under the elastic force of the elastic element 134.

[0093] In one possible implementation, the guide rod 132 may include multiple rods. For example, the guide rod 132 may include two rods, with the first ends 1321 of the two rods respectively connected to the fixing plate 131, and the second ends 1322 of the two rods sequentially passing through the pressure plate 133 and the adapter bracket 120 and connected to the vehicle body 310; or, the guide rod 132 may include three rods, with the first ends 1321 of the three rods respectively connected to the fixing plate 131, and the second ends 1322 of the three rods sequentially passing through the pressure plate 133 and the adapter bracket 120 and connected to the vehicle body 310; or, the guide rod 132 may include multiple rods, with the first ends 1321 of the multiple rods respectively connected to the fixing plate 131, and the second ends 1322 of the multiple rods sequentially passing through the pressure plate 133 and the adapter bracket 120 and connected to the vehicle body 310.

[0094] In the embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 6 As shown, the example mainly includes three guide rods 132. The three guide rods 132 can be arranged at intervals along the circumference of the fixed plate 131, which helps to make the force acting on the adapter bracket 120 and the buffer assembly 110 more balanced, and further realizes the protection of the sensor 210.

[0095] Similarly, the elastic element 134 may include multiple elements, and the multiple elastic elements 134 are correspondingly sleeved on the outside of the multiple guide rods 132. In this embodiment, referring to... Figure 6 As shown, the example mainly includes three elastic elements 134, which are respectively sleeved on the outside of three guide rods 132 located between the fixed plate 131 and the pressure plate 133.

[0096] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the buffer assembly of the sensor protection device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0097] In one feasible implementation, refer to Figure 7 As shown, the buffer assembly 110 may include a protective member 111, which has a protective cavity 1111 for placing the sensor 210.

[0098] The protective component 111 covers the sensor 210 as much as possible without obstructing its effective field of view, thereby maximizing the protection against interference from sand, rain, snow, and other factors. When the sensor 210 is used on bumpy roads, the protective component 111 provides a certain degree of cushioning and shock absorption, effectively filtering vibrations and impacts from the ground and the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle 300, preventing the vehicle's bumps from directly affecting the sensor 210.

[0099] It should be noted that the specific shape, quantity, and size of the protective component 111 are not further limited and can be set according to the actual situation. For example, the protective component 111 in this embodiment can be a protective cover.

[0100] In some embodiments, reference is made to Figure 7 As shown, the protective component 111 may include a protective housing 1112 and an opening 1113 located on the protective housing 1112, the opening 1113 connecting the protective cavity 1111 to the outside. The sensor 210 is assembled into the protective housing 1112 through the opening 1113, and the protective housing 1112 can provide a certain degree of protection for the sensor 210.

[0101] Continue to refer to Figure 7As shown, a sensor base 112 can be installed in the protective cavity 1111. The sensor base 112 is used to place the sensor 210. When the sensor 210 is used in bumpy road conditions, the sensor base 112 can further buffer and dampen the sensor 210, effectively filtering the vibration impact from the ground and the impact of the vehicle's acceleration and deceleration.

[0102] In some embodiments, reference continues to be made to Figure 7 As shown, the sensor base 112 may include a base body 1121 and a limiting part 1122 disposed on the periphery of the base body 1121. The limiting part 1122 is used to limit the sensor 210 placed on the base body 1121, which helps to ensure the assembly stability of the sensor 210 and can buffer and dampen the sensor 210 from all sides, ensuring the stability of the sensor 210's sensing and stable output.

[0103] Continue to refer to Figure 6 As shown, at least one shock absorber 113 may be provided in the protective cavity 1111, and at least one shock absorber 113 is installed on the side of the sensor base 112 away from the sensor 210.

[0104] For example, the number of shock absorbers 113 can be one, and one shock absorber 113 can be installed on the side of the sensor base 112 away from the sensor 210; or, the number of shock absorbers 113 can be two, and two shock absorbers 113 can be installed on the side of the sensor base 112 away from the sensor 210; or, the number of shock absorbers 113 can be multiple, and multiple shock absorbers 113 can be installed on the side of the sensor base 112 away from the sensor 210.

[0105] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 7 As shown, the main components include three shock absorbers 113, which are installed at intervals on the side of the sensor base 112 away from the sensor 210.

[0106] In some embodiments, the connection method between the shock absorber 113 and the sensor base 112 is not further limited. For example, the shock absorber 113 and the sensor base 112 can be connected by means of threaded connection, snap-fit, bonding or welding. In this embodiment, the shock absorber 113 and the sensor base 112 are mainly connected by threaded connection.

[0107] For example, refer to Figure 7As shown, a first mounting block 114 and a second mounting block 115 can be installed on the shock absorber 113. The shock absorber 113 and the sensor base 112 can be screwed together by the first mounting block 114, and the shock absorber 113 and the protective component 111 can be screwed together by the second mounting block 115, thereby realizing the elastic connection between the sensor 210 and the frame 320, which plays the role of buffering and shock absorption.

[0108] Therefore, this application provides a sensor protection device 100, a sensor protection equipment 200, and a vehicle 300. By including a buffer assembly 110, the buffer assembly 110 can protect the sensor 210, thereby filtering the vibration and impact caused by bumpy road conditions on the sensor 210 and ensuring stable output from the sensor 210. By including a passive protection assembly 130 and an adapter bracket 120, with a destruction-inducing structure 123 on the adapter bracket 120 and an elastic structure on the passive protection assembly 130, the sensor 210 can be effectively protected from damage in the event of a collision with the vehicle 300, providing dual protection for the sensor 210, reducing the risk of collision damage to the sensor 210, thus ensuring stable output from the sensor 210 and helping to extend the service life of the sensor 210. By connecting the buffer assembly 110 and the active and passive protection assemblies 130 to the vehicle body 310 respectively, the connection points of the entire device on the vehicle body 310 are dispersed, effectively reducing the strength requirements of the connection points on the vehicle body 310. This ensures the reliability of the entire device during normal use and ensures that the destruction-inducing structure 123 is destroyed in time during a collision. By mounting the damage-inducing structure 123 on the adapter bracket 120, the device function can be quickly restored by replacing the adapter bracket 120 when a collision occurs. This has the advantages of low cost and high efficiency, and it will not affect the normal use of the entire device for low-speed, minor collisions. Furthermore, the sensor protection device 100 of this application is a purely mechanical device, offering advantages of low cost, high durability, and high reliability.

[0109] It should be noted that, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0110] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" merely indicates a relationship describing the associated objects, meaning that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the term "at least one" indicates any combination of at least two of a plurality of options, for example, including at least one of A, B, and C, which can represent any one or more elements selected from a set including communication between A, B, and C.

[0111] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. In addition, the term "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise precisely specified.

[0112] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. (if present) are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0113] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A sensor protection device for protecting a sensor, the sensor protection device being installed on a vehicle, characterized in that, The sensor protection device includes a buffer assembly, an adapter bracket, and a passive protection assembly. The buffer assembly and the passive protection assembly are located on opposite sides of the vehicle. The buffer assembly is used to mount the sensor. The adapter bracket is disposed between the buffer assembly and the passive protection assembly. The adapter bracket is located on the side of the vehicle closer to the passive protection assembly and is used to connect to the vehicle. The buffer assembly is connected to the adapter bracket, and the passive protection assembly passes through the adapter bracket and is used to connect to the vehicle. The adapter bracket is provided with a damage-inducing structure, which is located near the connection point between the adapter bracket and the vehicle. The passive protection component is provided with an elastic structure. When the vehicle is impacted, the adapter bracket and the vehicle disconnect. The adapter bracket drives the buffer component to slide on the passive protection component. The adapter bracket abuts against the passive protection component, and under the elastic force of the elastic structure, the sensor is protected. The adapter bracket includes a bracket body and a connecting bracket disposed at the edge of the bracket body, and the damage-inducing structure is disposed on the connecting bracket. The buffer assembly is connected to the bracket body, the connecting bracket is used to connect to the vehicle, and the passive protection assembly passes through the bracket body and is used to connect to the vehicle. The connecting bracket has a connecting hole, and the connecting bracket is connected to the vehicle through the connecting hole; The damage-inducing structure consists of multiple through holes formed on the connecting bracket. These through holes are not connected and are spaced apart near the edge of the connecting holes.

2. The sensor protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The passive protection component includes a fixed plate, a guide rod, a pressure plate, and an elastic element, wherein the elastic element is the elastic structure. The fixed plate and the pressure plate are connected. The pressure plate is located on the side of the fixed plate near the adapter bracket. The first end of the guide rod is connected to the fixed plate. The elastic element is sleeved on the outside of the guide rod located between the fixed plate and the pressure plate. The second end of the guide rod passes through the pressure plate and the adapter bracket in sequence and is connected to the vehicle. When the vehicle is impacted, the adapter bracket causes the buffer assembly to slide on the guide rod.

3. The sensor protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide rods include a plurality of them, and the plurality of guide rods are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the fixed plate; The first ends of the plurality of guide rods are respectively connected to the fixed plate, and the second ends of the plurality of guide rods are sequentially passed through the pressure plate and the adapter bracket and connected to the vehicle; The elastic element includes multiple elastic elements, which are respectively sleeved on the outside of multiple guide rods located between the fixed plate and the pressure plate.

4. The sensor protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer assembly includes a protective member having a protective cavity for housing the sensor.

5. The sensor protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The protective cavity is provided with a sensor base and at least one shock absorber. The sensor base is used to place the sensor, and at least one shock absorber is installed on the side of the sensor base away from the sensor.

6. The sensor protection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protective component includes a protective housing and an opening located on the protective housing, the opening communicating with the protective cavity and the outside; The sensor base includes a base body and a limiting part disposed on the periphery of the base body, the limiting part being used to limit the sensor placed on the base body.

7. A sensor protection device, characterized in that, The device includes a sensor and a sensor protection device according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the sensor is placed on a sensor base of the sensor protection device.

8. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a vehicle body and the sensor protection device as described in claim 7 above, wherein a frame is provided on the vehicle body, and the buffer assembly and passive protection assembly of the sensor protection device are installed on opposite sides of the frame; The frame has a through hole. When the sensor protection device is impacted, the adapter bracket of the sensor protection device drives the buffer component through the through hole to the side close to the passive protection component, and the adapter bracket abuts against the passive protection component.

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