Multifunctional rainfall detection device and vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a multifunctional rainfall detection device and a vehicle, the device comprises a rainfall detection module, a sunlight detection module and an ambient light detection module, the rainfall detection module and the sunlight detection module adopt an integrated molding design, the rainfall detection module comprises two groups of transmitting end assemblies and a group of receiving end assemblies, the transmitting end assemblies are used for transmitting rainfall detection light to a vehicle windshield, the receiving end assemblies are used for receiving the rainfall detection light reflected by the vehicle windshield, the two groups of transmitting end assemblies and the one group of receiving end assemblies are distributed in a triangular shape, and the sunlight detection module is located in the triangle. The integrated forming design is adopted, the assembly precision is improved, and the production cost is reduced; the sunlight detection module is arranged by fully utilizing the space gap of the rainfall detection module, the effective area of the rainfall lens is effectively enlarged, and the detection sensitivity is improved; meanwhile, the purity and stability of rainfall and sunlight detection signals are ensured, and the detection accuracy is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of vehicle control device technology, and in particular relates to a multifunctional rain detection device and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of intelligent vehicles and autonomous driving technology, the demand for comprehensive detection of environmental parameters by vehicle environmental perception systems is becoming increasingly urgent. The related detection functions directly affect the operating accuracy of key systems such as automatic wipers, intelligent air conditioning, and adaptive headlights.

[0003] The existing technology lacks a multi-functional rain detection device that is compact, highly integrated, has stable detection performance, and is highly scalable. This makes it impossible to fully meet the actual needs of intelligent vehicles for sensing multiple environmental parameters, which seriously affects the user's driving experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a multifunctional rainfall detection device and vehicle to address the problem that existing solutions cannot fully meet the actual needs of intelligent vehicles for perceiving multiple environmental parameters, which seriously affects the user's driving experience.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a multifunctional rainfall detection device, the device comprising: a rainfall detection module, a sunlight detection module, and an ambient light detection module, wherein the rainfall detection module and the sunlight detection module are integrally molded, the rainfall detection module comprising two sets of transmitting end components and one set of receiving end components, the transmitting end components being used to send rainfall detection light to the windshield of a vehicle, and the receiving end components being used to receive the rainfall detection light reflected from the windshield of the vehicle, the two sets of transmitting end components and the one set of receiving end components being arranged in a triangle, and the sunlight detection module being located inside the triangle.

[0006] In one implementation of the first aspect, each set of transmitting end components includes a light-emitting element, a collimating lens, and a first total internal reflection lens; the receiving component includes a rain receiving element, a focusing lens, and a second total internal reflection lens; wherein, the light-emitting element is used to emit rain detection light, the collimating lens is used to collimate the rain detection light near the rain receiving element and then guide it into the windshield, the first total internal reflection lens is used to reflect and collimate the rain detection light away from the rain receiving element and then guide it into the windshield, the rain receiving element is used to receive the rain detection light reflected by the windshield, the focusing lens is used to focus the rain detection light reflected by the windshield near the light-emitting element and then guide it into the rain receiving element, and the second total internal reflection lens is used to reflect and focus the rain detection light reflected by the windshield away from the light-emitting element and then guide it into the rain receiving element.

[0007] In one implementation of the first aspect, the sunlight detection module includes a sunlight lens and a sunlight receiving element, wherein the sunlight lens is located between the collimating lens and the focusing lens.

[0008] In one implementation of the first aspect, the first total internal reflection lens and the second total internal reflection lens are sawtooth-shaped reflective lenses.

[0009] In one implementation of the first aspect, the ambient light detection module includes a head-up display (HUD) lens, a forward-facing lens, an upward-facing lens, a first ambient light receiving element, a second ambient light receiving element, and a third ambient light receiving element. The first ambient light receiving element is used to receive ambient light from the HUD projection area collected by the HUD lens. The second ambient light receiving element is used to receive overall ambient light from the front of the vehicle collected by the forward-facing lens. The third ambient light receiving element is used to receive light from above the vehicle collected by the upward-facing lens. The HUD lens, the forward-facing lens, and the upward-facing lens are designed as a single integrated unit.

[0010] In one implementation of the first aspect, the device further includes a light shielding assembly, which includes a first shielding structure and / or a second shielding structure. The first shielding structure is used to shield non-target light rays from the sunlight lens in the sunlight detection module, and the second shielding structure is used to shield non-target light rays from the ambient light lens in the ambient light detection module. In another implementation of the first aspect, the device further includes a receiving element switching assembly, which is used to switch between receiving elements of different sizes, including a rain receiving element, a sunlight receiving element, and an ambient light receiving element.

[0011] In one implementation of the first aspect, the switching component includes a baffle and a slot structure, the baffle being used to constrain the light-transmitting aperture of the receiving elements of different sizes, and the slot structure being used to mount the baffle.

[0012] In one implementation of the first aspect, the baffle is made of an opaque material, and the baffle has a pre-set opening. The size, position, and shape of the opening are adapted to the effective photosensitive area of ​​the receiving element and the preset light collection angle.

[0013] Secondly, this application provides a vehicle that includes a multifunctional rainfall detection device as described in any implementation of the first aspect.

[0014] As described above, the multifunctional rainfall detection device and vehicle of this application have the following beneficial effects:

[0015] The rainfall detection module and the sunlight detection module adopt an integrated molding design, which greatly simplifies the mold development and product assembly process, significantly improves structural stability and assembly accuracy; on the other hand, it avoids the two modules being laid out separately and occupying additional vehicle space, making the overall size of the device more compact, adapting to the installation requirements of different vehicle models, and reducing production costs and the difficulty of mass production.

[0016] The compact triangular layout with two transmitters and one receiver leverages the symmetry and spatial coverage of the triangle to create a uniform, blind-spot-free coverage area on the windshield, effectively expanding the effective area for rainfall detection and improving the sensitivity and accuracy of detection data for light and localized rainfall. The internal space also allows for the installation of larger optical lenses (including rain, sunlight, and ambient light lenses), increasing the lens area and enhancing the sensitivity and accuracy of light detection.

[0017] The sunlight detection module is located in the middle of the triangle, which puts it in a relatively independent spatial environment. This avoids interference from direct sunlight from the transmitting components, reduces crosstalk between multiple modules, ensures the purity and stability of the sunlight detection signal, and improves the accuracy of sunlight intensity detection.

[0018] The multi-functional rainfall detection device of this application supports flexible switching of receiving elements of different sizes, and can be adapted to more application scenarios.

[0019] The multi-functional rainfall detection device of this application has an adjustable angle range for collecting rainfall, sunlight and ambient light through a unique baffle opening design, which further improves the accuracy and flexibility of detection. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a partial structural schematic of the rainfall detection module and the sunlight detection module in the multifunctional rainfall detection device described in this application embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 The diagram shows the optical principle of the rain lens and the sunlight lens described in the embodiments of this application.

[0022] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the ambient light detection module described in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 4 The diagram shows the light shielding component and switching component of the multifunctional rainfall detection device described in the embodiments of this application.

[0024] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the working principle of a baffle opening in the first ambient light receiving element described in this application embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the working principle of another baffle opening of the first ambient light receiving element described in this application embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7 The diagram shown illustrates the working principle of the small-sized first ambient light receiving element described in this application embodiment.

[0027] Figure 8 The diagram shown is an overall structural diagram of the multifunctional rainfall detection device described in the embodiments of this application.

[0028] Component designation explanation

[0029] 11 Light-emitting element 36 Third ambient light receiving element 12 First total internal reflection lens 41 First shielding structure 13 collimating lens 42 Second shielding structure 14 Rainfall receiving element 5 baffle 15 Focusing lens 51 Opening 16 Second total internal reflection lens 61 lens 21 Sunlight Lens 611 Rain and sunlight integrated lens 22 Sunlight receiving element 612 Ambient Light Integral Lens 31 HUD lens 62 PCB board 32 Forward-facing lens 63 shell 33 Upper light lens 64 Back cover 34 First ambient light receiving element 65 Fixed components 35 Second ambient light receiving element 66 Flexible components Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. This application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this application. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0031] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this application. Therefore, the drawings only show the modules related to this application and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the modules in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each module can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the modules may also be more complex.

[0032] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this application, a detailed description is now provided with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Specific embodiments of this application. In the following description, it should be understood that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "front," "rear," "up," "down," "left," "right," "longitudinal," "horizontal," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "head," and "tail" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are constructed and operated in a specific orientation. They are only for the convenience of describing this technical solution and do not indicate that the mechanism or element referred to must have a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0034] It should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. When an component is referred to as being "on" or "below" another component, that component can be located "directly" or "indirectly" on the other component, or there may be one or more intermediary components. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only for the convenience of describing this technical solution and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "first," "second," "third," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0035] In the following description, specific details such as particular system architectures and techniques are set forth for illustrative purposes and not for limitation, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this application may also be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, mechanisms, circuits, and methods have been omitted so as not to obscure the description of this application with unnecessary detail.

[0036] With the rapid development of intelligent vehicles and autonomous driving technology, rain, sunlight and ambient light detection have become the core functions of vehicle environmental perception systems, directly affecting the control accuracy of key systems such as automatic wipers, intelligent air conditioning, and adaptive headlights.

[0037] Among them, the rain sensor is the core sensing component on the vehicle used to detect the amount of rainfall in real time. Essentially, it is an intelligent device that uses optical principles to identify the state of rainwater on the glass surface, and then automatically controls the operation of the windshield wipers and assists in adjusting the vehicle's driving-related systems.

[0038] Sunlight detection and ambient light detection are two different optical sensing functions on a vehicle, each with its own dedicated sensor. They primarily provide the vehicle control system with ambient light data to adapt to different driving scenarios. The sunlight sensor specifically detects the intensity, angle, and area of ​​sunlight, and is typically linked to the air conditioning system for zoned temperature control. The ambient light sensor primarily detects the overall brightness of the ambient light around the vehicle and is usually integrated with the vehicle's lighting system and smart cockpit.

[0039] In some technical solutions, rainfall, sunlight, and ambient light detection devices are mostly independently located in different parts of the vehicle. Each device requires separate installation space, which not only results in a large overall size and occupies too much vehicle space, severely limiting vehicle adaptability, but also easily causes signal crosstalk between different devices due to optical path overlap, significantly reducing the accuracy and stability of the detection data. At the same time, the split structure requires the design of independent molds, which are complex to design and have complicated assembly processes, resulting in high production costs and making it difficult to meet the requirements of mass production and high-performance applications.

[0040] Even with integrated designs, some solutions still have design flaws. The space allocation between modules is unreasonable, and the effective detection area for rainfall is limited by the short optical path distance, resulting in insufficient sensitivity to weak and localized rainfall. Moreover, integrated designs are structurally complex. For example, to ensure the accuracy of detection results, a large number of light-emitting diodes are often used, further increasing production costs and making it difficult to meet the actual needs of high detection performance, compact structure, and low-cost mass production.

[0041] It should be understood that existing rain sensors primarily achieve detection through an optical link of "emission-reflection-reception". The sensor has a built-in light-emitting diode (LED) that emits infrared light at a specific angle towards the inside of the vehicle's windshield. When there is no rain, the infrared light undergoes total internal reflection on the glass surface and is completely received by the photodiode (PD). When there is rain, water droplets disrupt the total internal reflection condition, and some of the infrared light is refracted and absorbed, resulting in a decrease in the intensity of the light signal received by the PD. The sensor calculates the amount of rainfall by analyzing the degree of attenuation and the frequency of change of the light signal.

[0042] The following embodiments of this application provide a multifunctional rainfall detection device that solves the problems of unreasonable layout, high cost, and insufficient sensitivity and accuracy of existing rainfall detection, sunlight detection, and ambient light detection devices. Specifically, this application, while ensuring the independent and stable operation of the rainfall detection module, sunlight detection module, and ambient light detection module, avoids space waste through a compact structural layout, making it compatible with more vehicle models; simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes and reduces production costs through an integrated molding design; improves detection sensitivity by reserving more space for lens and receiving element installation; improves detection accuracy by reducing interference between different optical paths through a light shielding component; supports switching between different receiving elements, offering greater flexibility and adaptability to different scenarios; and further improves detection accuracy and flexibility by using a unique baffle opening design to adjust the angle range of light collection.

[0043] This embodiment provides a multifunctional rainfall detection device, including: a rainfall detection module, a sunlight detection module, and an ambient light detection module. The rainfall detection module and the sunlight detection module adopt an integrated molding design. The rainfall detection module includes two sets of transmitting end components and one set of receiving end components. The two sets of transmitting end components and one set of receiving end components are arranged in a triangle, and the sunlight detection module is located inside the triangle.

[0044] It should be noted that the above-mentioned sunlight detection module being located inside the triangle can mean that the sunlight detection module is located within the bounding box of the triangle, or it can mean that the sunlight detection module is located on the edge of the triangle. The specific location can be determined based on the optical path layout design of the rainfall detection module and the sunlight detection module, etc., and this application does not limit it here.

[0045] It should be noted that the aforementioned rain detection module is used to detect the distribution and amount of raindrops on the surface of the vehicle's windshield; the aforementioned sunlight detection module is used to detect the intensity, angle, and distribution of external sunlight; and the aforementioned ambient light detection module is used to comprehensively collect the ambient light intensity around the vehicle. The transmitting component in the aforementioned rain detection module is used to emit rain detection light of a specific wavelength, and after collimation processing through an optical structure, the detection light is stably guided into the windshield to ensure the consistency and coverage of the light propagation path. The receiving component in the aforementioned rain detection module is used to efficiently receive the detection light reflected by the windshield and quickly convert the optical signal into a recognizable electrical signal, which serves as the basis for subsequent signal processing and system control.

[0046] In this embodiment, firstly, the rainfall detection module and the sunlight detection module adopt an integrated molding design, which greatly simplifies the mold development and product assembly process, avoids the positioning error caused by the split design, and significantly improves the structural stability and assembly accuracy; secondly, it avoids the two modules occupying additional vehicle space by being laid out separately, making the overall size of the device more compact, adapting to the installation requirements of different vehicle models, and reducing the production cost and the difficulty of mass production.

[0047] Secondly, the two sets of transmitting components and one set of receiving components are arranged in a triangle. Utilizing the symmetry and spatial coverage advantage of the triangular layout, the detection light emitted by the transmitting components forms a uniform, blind-spot-free coverage area on the windshield, effectively expanding the effective area for rainfall detection. At the same time, it ensures a balanced light propagation path, reducing situations where the light is too strong or too weak in some areas, and significantly improving the sensitivity and accuracy of detection data for weak and localized rainfall. The compact layout of two transmitters and one receiver provides more space for lens installation, significantly expanding the effective detection area and improving signal acquisition efficiency and detection sensitivity.

[0048] Thirdly, the sunlight detection module is located in the middle of the triangle, making full use of the space gap of the rainfall detection module. There is no need to plan an independent installation position, maximizing the optimization of space utilization and further compressing the overall size of the device. At the same time, the sunlight detection module is in a relatively independent spatial environment, avoiding strong light direct interference from the transmitting components, reducing optical path crosstalk between multiple modules, ensuring the purity and stability of the sunlight detection signal, and improving the accuracy of sunlight intensity detection.

[0049] The following combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 Further explanation is provided for the rainfall detection module and the sunlight detection module.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the rainfall detection module includes two sets of transmitting end components and one set of receiving end components. Each transmitting end component includes a light-emitting element 11 (such as a light-emitting diode) and a set of transmitting end rain-measuring lenses. Each set of transmitting end rain-measuring lenses includes a first total internal reflection lens 12 and a collimating lens 13. The receiving end component includes a rainfall-receiving element 14 (such as a photodiode) and a set of receiving end rain-measuring lenses. This set of receiving end rain-measuring lenses includes a focusing lens 15 and a second total internal reflection lens 16. The sunlight detection module includes two sunlight lenses 21 and a sunlight-receiving element 22 (such as a photodiode). The sunlight lenses 21 are positioned between the collimating lens 13 and the focusing lens 15. The two sets of transmitting end rain-measuring lenses, the one set of receiving end rain-measuring lenses, and the two sunlight lenses are designed as a single integrated unit.

[0051] Among them, such as Figure 2 As shown, the light-emitting element 11 is used to emit rain detection light, the first total internal reflection lens 12 is used to guide the rain detection light from the side away from the rain receiving element 14 into the windshield after reflection and collimation, the collimating lens 13 is used to guide the rain detection light from the side close to the rain receiving element 14 into the windshield after collimation, the rain receiving element 14 is used to receive the rain detection light reflected by the windshield, the focusing lens 15 is used to guide the rain detection light reflected by the windshield from the side close to the light-emitting element 11 into the rain receiving element 14 after focusing, and the second total internal reflection lens 16 is used to guide the rain detection light reflected by the windshield from the side away from the light-emitting element 11 into the rain receiving element 14 after reflection and focusing.

[0052] Preferably, the first total internal reflection lens and the second total internal reflection lens are sawtooth-shaped reflective lenses, using one or more sawtooth lens combinations to improve the coverage of the lens when receiving light. For example, the first total internal reflection lens uses a combination of 6 sawtooth lenses, and the second total internal reflection lens uses a combination of 4 sawtooth lenses.

[0053] It should be noted that the sawtooth reflective lens, by setting multiple sawtooth protrusions (i.e., reflective teeth) with specific reflection angles on the lens surface, can directionally reflect and converge light from different incident directions, effectively capturing edge light and improving light utilization and coverage.

[0054] In this embodiment, the sunlight lens is located between the rain collimating lens at the transmitting end and the rain focusing lens at the receiving end. This fully utilizes the structural gaps within the rain lens to achieve efficient space utilization, eliminating the need to compress the effective optical area of ​​the rain lens. This provides a larger installation space for the rain lens, expanding the effective area for rain detection and further improving the acquisition efficiency and detection sensitivity of the rain signal. The sunlight lens is situated in the non-interference region of the main rain detection optical path, avoiding optical path overlap and interference with the propagation of the collimating and focusing rays, thus further ensuring the stability of the rain detection signal. Simultaneously, the sunlight lens, through the structure of the collimating and focusing lenses, forms a protective barrier, reducing interference from external stray light and rain detection rays on sunlight detection, further improving the purity of the sunlight detection signal.

[0055] The following combination Figure 3 Further explanation of the ambient light detection module.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, the ambient light detection module includes a head-up display (HUD) lens 31, a forward-facing lens 32, an upward-facing lens 33, a first ambient light receiving element 34 (such as a photodiode), a second ambient light receiving element 35 (such as a photodiode), and a third ambient light receiving element 36 (such as a photodiode). The HUD lens 31, forward-facing lens 32, and upward-facing lens 33 are designed as a single integrated lens. The HUD lens 31 is used to collect ambient light in the HUD projection area, the forward-facing lens 32 is used to collect the overall ambient light in front of the vehicle, and the upward-facing lens 33 is used to collect the light intensity above the vehicle. Correspondingly, the first ambient light receiving element 34 receives the ambient light in the HUD projection area collected by the HUD lens 31, the second ambient light receiving element 35 receives the overall ambient light in front of the vehicle collected by the forward-facing lens 32, and the third ambient light receiving element 36 receives the light above the vehicle collected by the upward-facing lens 33.

[0057] It should be noted that the HUD is the core interactive component of the car's intelligent cockpit. It uses the principles of optical projection and reflection to convert key information such as vehicle speed, navigation instructions, and driving assistance prompts into virtual images and project them onto a specific physical area of ​​the windshield (i.e., the HUD projection area), so that the driver can obtain information by looking straight ahead without having to look down at the instrument panel or the central control screen.

[0058] In this embodiment, the ambient light detection module, through its integrated lens design, not only reduces mold development costs and assembly processes, improving production efficiency and further lowering production costs, but also ensures the positional accuracy between lenses, avoiding errors caused by separate assembly, and further enhancing detection stability. Each lens in the ambient light detection module specifically collects light from the HUD projection area, the area in front of the vehicle, and above it, forming a multi-dimensional light collection layout that improves the overall sensitivity of ambient light perception. The first, second, and third ambient light receiving elements correspond one-to-one with each lens to receive light, enabling independent signal processing in different zones, further improving detection accuracy.

[0059] For example, the aforementioned sunlight lens material, the rain lens material of the transmitter and receiver, and the ambient light lens material can be one or more of the following materials: optical grade polycarbonate (PC), optical grade polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), optical grade cycloolefin polymer (COP), optical grade nylon (such as polydodecanoic acid), or optical grade polyethersulfone (PES). In this application, optical grade PC material is preferred to balance optical performance, adaptability to integral molding process, and production cost advantages.

[0060] To further reduce light interference between the rain gauge light source, sunlight, and ambient light, this multi-functional rain gauge also includes a light shielding component. For example, such as... Figure 4 As shown, a first shielding structure 41 is respectively provided around the two sunlight lenses 21 of the sunlight detection module. The first shielding structure 41 is used to shield non-target light from the sunlight lenses 21, reducing interference from rain detection light and ambient light on the sunlight detection module. A specific second shielding structure 42 is provided between the HUD lens 31 and the forward light lens 32 of the ambient light detection module. The second shielding structure 42 is used to shield non-target light from the ambient light lenses (including the HUD lens, the forward light lens, and the overhead light lens), reducing interference from rain detection light and sunlight on the ambient light detection module, and simultaneously reducing mutual interference between ambient light in the HUD projection area and light from above and in front of the vehicle. By way of example and not limitation, the above-described light shielding assembly includes at least one of the first shielding structure 41 and the second shielding structure 42.

[0061] In this embodiment, the light shielding component can effectively block non-target light, ensuring the independence and purity of the optical path, and further improving the accuracy and stability of detection.

[0062] It should be noted that the ambient light detection module adopts an integrated lens design, which provides more installation space for the ambient light receiving element. Therefore, a switching component for the receiving element can be further set in this multi-functional rainfall detection device. This switching component is used to flexibly switch between ambient light receiving elements of different sizes according to actual needs, so as to adapt to more application scenarios.

[0063] Next, combine Figures 4 to 7 Taking the HUD lens 31 and the first ambient light receiving element 34 in the ambient light detection module as an example, this paper provides an exemplary description of how to switch between different sizes of the first ambient light receiving element.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, the switching assembly includes a baffle 5 and a slot structure for the baffle 5. The switching assembly is located inside the multi-functional rain detection device. The baffle 5 is made of an opaque material. The baffle 5 is used to constrain the light-transmitting aperture of the first ambient light receiving element of different sizes. The slot structure is used to install the baffle 5. The baffle 5 is installed between the first ambient light receiving element and the HUD lens.

[0065] It should be noted that, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the above-mentioned light aperture constraint refers to constraining the size of the receiving beam corresponding to the first ambient light receiving element 34 by using parameters such as the position, size, and shape of the preset opening (i.e., light aperture 51) on the baffle, thereby controlling the light collection direction and light collection angle range of the first ambient light receiving element 34.

[0066] Specifically, a pre-set opening is incorporated into the baffle. The size, position, and shape of this opening can be adjusted according to the light acquisition angle range and direction requirements of the first ambient light receiving element. For example, the size of the opening can be adapted to the designed light acquisition angle range of the first ambient light receiving element. By adjusting the shape (e.g., circular, square, fan-shaped) and size of the opening, the light acquisition angle range can be limited to meet design requirements. The opening position can be determined based on the light acquisition direction and the relative positions of the first ambient light receiving element and the HUD lens to ensure that the effective light collected by the HUD lens can accurately enter the photosensitive area of ​​the first ambient light receiving element, avoiding detection errors caused by light deviation. The unopened area of ​​the baffle serves as an opaque shielding zone to block non-target light. This design improves the flexibility of light acquisition and can adapt to more application scenarios.

[0067] It should be noted that, as Figure 7As shown, in actual use, since the photosensitive area of ​​the small-sized first ambient light receiving element 34 is small and its own range of receiving stray light is limited, and the optical path design of the HUD lens 31 can accurately cover its photosensitive area, the baffle 5 can be omitted to reduce light transmission loss and ensure signal strength and response speed in conventional detection scenarios.

[0068] It should be understood that small-sized receiving elements have a smaller light-sensing area and stronger resistance to stray light interference. They can achieve precise control of effective light directly through the lens optical path design without additional light-shielding structures. On the other hand, large-sized receiving elements have a larger light-sensing area, and the lens optical path cannot completely avoid stray light from entering the target. Therefore, they can achieve precise light control through preset openings on the baffle, allowing only effective light that meets the detection requirements to enter the receiving element through the openings, while other stray light is blocked by the opaque area of ​​the baffle, ensuring signal purity.

[0069] It should also be understood that the opening of the baffle is used to limit the incident direction and angle range of light. The specific size and position of the opening are not set arbitrarily, but are related to the preset light incident angle requirements and the relative installation position of the receiving element and the lens, to ensure that the opening can accurately match the effective light path, so that the light focused by the lens can be efficiently incident on the photosensitive area of ​​the receiving element.

[0070] It should be noted that, since the multi-functional rainfall detection device in this application has reserved a larger installation space, the above-mentioned structural design for switching the first ambient light receiving element is also applicable to other receiving elements of the multi-functional rainfall detection device in this application, such as rainfall receiving element, sunlight receiving element, second ambient light receiving element and third ambient light receiving element.

[0071] In this embodiment, there is no need to develop separate molds for receiving elements of different sizes, which enables flexible switching between receiving elements of different sizes, reducing production costs; it also adapts to the replacement or upgrade needs of different receiving elements, improving the product's scalability and flexibility, and extending the product life cycle.

[0072] It should be noted that the rainfall sensing area is directly related to the total area of ​​the corresponding rain lens: the larger the overall area of ​​the lens, the wider the effective sensing area it can cover. Existing integrated solutions are limited by the layout design of the light-emitting and receiving elements. Rain lenses often adopt small-sized structures, resulting in low light collection efficiency, which is difficult to meet the needs of large-area rainfall detection. Moreover, increasing the effective sensing area is usually achieved by adding more light-emitting elements, which is too costly. This application adopts a compact layout design of two emitters and one receiver, using two light-emitting elements in conjunction with two sets of large-sized rain lenses. This breaks the limitation of the installation distance between the light-emitting elements and the rain receiving elements in the traditional layout, thus fully expanding the overall volume and effective light-collecting area of ​​the lens group. The two sets of large-sized lenses have a wider light collection area, which can significantly improve the light collection efficiency, and there is no need to increase the number of light-emitting elements. While effectively controlling hardware costs, it can significantly expand the actual coverage area of ​​rainfall detection. Furthermore, this application directly integrates the sunlight lens into the structure of the rain lens, without occupying additional installation space. This ensures the functional integration of rain detection and sunlight detection, while avoiding the space waste caused by multi-module separate layout. Ultimately, it achieves the technical effect of significantly improving the rain sensing area without increasing additional hardware costs or occupying extra installation space.

[0073] Figure 8 This illustration shows one possible specific structure of the multifunctional rainfall detection device of this application. The multifunctional rainfall detection device includes a lens 61, a printed circuit board (PCB) 62, a housing 63, a back cover 64, a fixing component 65, and a flexible component 66.

[0074] Lens 61 includes a rain-sensor integrated lens 611 and an ambient light integrated lens 612. It should be understood that the rain-sensor integrated lens 611 includes the aforementioned rain-sensor lens group (collimating lens, first total internal reflection lens, focusing lens, second total internal reflection lens) and the aforementioned sunlight lens, and the ambient light integrated lens 612 includes the aforementioned HUD lens, forward-facing lens, and upward-facing lens.

[0075] The PCB board 62 is equipped with various components required for the operation of the multi-functional rainfall detection device, including but not limited to the light-emitting element, rainfall receiving element, sunlight receiving element, first ambient light receiving element, second ambient light receiving element and third ambient light receiving element in the above embodiments.

[0076] Optionally, the PCB is also equipped with temperature and humidity sensors to collect temperature and humidity parameters inside or outside the vehicle in real time. In other words, the multifunctional rainfall detection device of this application, in addition to accurately detecting rainfall, sunlight, and ambient light, also includes a temperature detection module and a humidity detection module, providing accurate and comprehensive environmental data support for the vehicle's intelligent system, and further improving the device's detection stability and data reliability under complex climatic conditions.

[0077] The housing 63 is provided with mounting slots for the light-shielding components and baffles described in the above embodiments. The housing 63 is used to fix the lens 61 and the PCB board 62. The integrated rain and sunlight lens 611 and the integrated ambient light lens 612 are assembled into a single unit via the housing 63. The light-shielding components on the housing 63 achieve a shielding effect that prevents interference between their different functions. Furthermore, the housing 63 is also provided with connecting pins for communication between the PCB board and external devices. Preferably, the housing is made of opaque PC material.

[0078] The rear cover 64 is used to fix and seal the lens 61 and PCB board 62 in conjunction with the outer shell 63. The rear cover 64 is provided with the mounting structure of the fixing component 65.

[0079] A fixing component 65 (e.g., a spring clip) is mounted on the aforementioned housing 63 and rear cover 64 for mounting the entire multi-functional rain detection device onto the base of the vehicle's windshield.

[0080] The flexible component 66 is used to achieve flexible contact between the multi-functional rain detection device and the vehicle windshield, and is made of flexible materials with high elasticity and sealing properties such as silicone and foam.

[0081] This application also provides a vehicle that includes the multifunctional rainfall detection device described in any of the above embodiments.

[0082] In summary, this application provides a multifunctional rainfall detection device and vehicle, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0083] 1. The rain and sunlight lenses and ambient light lenses in this application adopt an integrated molding design, which simplifies the mold, reduces assembly processes, ensures the manufacturing precision of the optical lenses, improves structural stability, and reduces production costs.

[0084] 2. This application adopts a compact structural layout, embedding the sunlight lens in the gap of the rain lens and integrating the ambient light lens into one unit. The overall size is small and can be adapted to more vehicle models. More internal space is reserved to install larger optical lenses (including rain detection lenses, sunlight lenses, and ambient light lenses), increasing the optical lens area and improving the sensitivity and accuracy of light detection. It supports flexible switching of receiving elements of different sizes, which can adapt to more application scenarios.

[0085] 3. This application reduces interference between different optical paths by using a light shielding component, thereby further improving the stability and accuracy of detection.

[0086] 4. This application utilizes a unique baffle opening design to adjust the angle range of light collection for rainfall, sunlight, and ambient light, further improving the accuracy and flexibility of the detection.

[0087] The descriptions of the processes or structures corresponding to the above figures each have their own emphasis. For parts of a process or structure that are not described in detail, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other processes or structures.

[0088] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this application should still be covered by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A multifunctional rainfall detection device, characterized in that, The device includes a rainfall detection module, a sunlight detection module, and an ambient light detection module. The rainfall detection module and the sunlight detection module are designed as a single unit. The rainfall detection module includes two sets of transmitting end components and one set of receiving end components. The transmitting end components are used to send rainfall detection light to the vehicle windshield, and the receiving end components are used to receive the rainfall detection light reflected from the vehicle windshield. The two sets of transmitting end components and the one set of receiving end components are arranged in a triangle, and the sunlight detection module is located inside the triangle.

2. The multifunctional rainfall detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each set of transmitting components includes a light-emitting element, a collimating lens, and a first total internal reflection lens; the receiving component includes a rain receiving element, a focusing lens, and a second total internal reflection lens. The light-emitting element emits rain detection light; the collimating lens collimates the rain detection light closest to the rain receiving element and guides it into the windshield; the first total internal reflection lens reflects and collimates the rain detection light furthest from the rain receiving element and guides it into the windshield; the rain receiving element receives the rain detection light reflected by the windshield; the focusing lens focuses the rain detection light reflected by the windshield closest to the light-emitting element and guides it into the rain receiving element; and the second total internal reflection lens reflects and focuses the rain detection light reflected by the windshield furthest from the light-emitting element and guides it into the rain receiving element.

3. The multifunctional rainfall detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sunlight detection module includes a sunlight lens and a sunlight receiving element, with the sunlight lens located between the collimating lens and the focusing lens.

4. The multifunctional rainfall detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first total internal reflection lens and the second total internal reflection lens are sawtooth-shaped reflective lenses.

5. The multifunctional rainfall detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ambient light detection module includes a head-up display lens, a forward-facing lens, an upward-facing lens, a first ambient light receiving element, a second ambient light receiving element, and a third ambient light receiving element. The first ambient light receiving element receives ambient light from the projection area of ​​the head-up display, collected by the head-up display lens. The second ambient light receiving element receives overall ambient light from the front of the vehicle, collected by the forward-facing lens. The third ambient light receiving element receives light from above the vehicle, collected by the upward-facing lens. The head-up display lens, the forward-facing lens, and the upward-facing lens are designed as a single integrated unit.

6. The multifunctional rainfall detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes a light shielding component, which includes a first shielding structure and / or a second shielding structure. The first shielding structure is used to shield non-target light rays from the sunlight lens in the sunlight detection module, and the second shielding structure is used to shield non-target light rays from the ambient light lens in the ambient light detection module.

7. The multifunctional rainfall detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes a switching assembly for receiving elements, which is used to switch between receiving elements of different sizes, including rain receiving elements, sunlight receiving elements, and ambient light receiving elements.

8. The multifunctional rainfall detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The switching component includes a baffle and a slot structure. The baffle is used to constrain the light-transmitting aperture of the receiving elements of different sizes, and the slot structure is used to install the baffle.

9. The multifunctional rainfall detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The baffle is made of opaque material and has pre-set openings. The size, position, and shape of the openings are adapted to the effective photosensitive area of ​​the receiving element and the preset light collection angle.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the multifunctional rainfall detection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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