Vehicle-mounted intelligent driving module OTA system upgrading test device and method

Abstract

The invention discloses a vehicle-mounted intelligent driving module OTA system upgrading test device and method. The equipment comprises a test cabinet and at least one detachably mounted test fixture. The test cabinet is integrated with a control host, an electronic freezing dryer and a function test module; the test fixture is provided with a product positioning detection assembly, a plugging test assembly and an air cooling side pushing assembly. And the function test module is electrically connected with the test fixture through the test cabinet and is in signal communication with the plugging test assembly so as to perform data interaction with the vehicle-mounted intelligent driving module during test. According to the invention, the integrated test platform is constructed, a stepped one-to-four parallel test architecture is adopted, and a profiling test head with a two-stage floating structure and an active air-cooling heat dissipation simulation system are utilized, so that the efficient, accurate and real automatic test of the OTA upgrading process of the vehicle-mounted intelligent driving module is realized, the test efficiency and reliability are remarkably improved, and the test cost is reduced. And the method has good equipment universality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive electronics testing technology, and in particular to a test device and method for OTA system upgrades of in-vehicle intelligent driving modules. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development and innovation of "intelligentization" and "connectivity" in automobiles, the introduction of intelligent driving systems has given cars a significant competitive advantage in terms of user experience and driving safety. The intelligent driving module is a key component of the intelligent driving system, and the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of its functions are crucial guarantees for the safe and stable operation of the vehicle system.

[0003] Currently, OTA system upgrade testing of intelligent driving modules largely relies on manual operation or semi-automated single-station testing equipment. These existing technologies suffer from low testing efficiency, incomplete coverage of testing scenarios, and the instability of test results due to errors introduced by manual operation. Furthermore, there is a lack of effective simulation of the thermal conditions of intelligent driving modules under high loads, and the testing equipment is often vehicle-specific, lacking versatility and incurring high replacement costs.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an automated testing solution that can achieve efficient parallel testing, accurately simulate the real vehicle environment, have good versatility, and ensure test stability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a testing device and method for OTA system upgrades of in-vehicle intelligent driving modules, in order to solve the technical problems of low efficiency, poor authenticity, and insufficient versatility of existing testing technologies.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: The first aspect of the present invention provides an OTA system upgrade testing device for an in-vehicle intelligent driving module, comprising: The test cabinet integrates a control host, power supply module, control components, electronic refrigerated dryer, and at least one functional test module. At least one test fixture is detachably mounted on the test cabinet for loading and testing the vehicle-mounted intelligent driving module; the test fixture includes: a product positioning detection component for detecting the in-situ status and placement posture of the vehicle-mounted intelligent driving module; a plug-in / plug-out test component for physically connecting with the electrical connector of the vehicle-mounted intelligent driving module to establish a test signal path; and an air-cooled side-push component for blocking the fluid port of the vehicle-mounted intelligent driving module during testing and introducing the cooling medium generated by the electronic refrigerated dryer into the internal flow channel of the vehicle-mounted intelligent driving module. The functional test module is electrically connected to the test fixture through the test cabinet and is signal-connected to the plug-in test component to interact with the vehicle intelligent driving module during testing.

[0007] Preferably, the test cabinet includes a double-layer stepped installation platform, with each layer used to install at least two of the test fixtures to enable parallel testing of multiple vehicle-mounted intelligent driving modules.

[0008] Preferably, the test cabinet also integrates an in-vehicle central control screen component, which is electrically connected to the in-vehicle intelligent driving module through the plug-in test component of the test fixture to simulate the human-machine interaction environment of a real vehicle.

[0009] Preferably, the functional test module includes at least one of a CAN box for vehicle bus communication testing and an Ethernet box for Ethernet communication testing.

[0010] Preferably, the insertion and removal test assembly includes a contour test head driven by a cylinder and having a floating structure, used to automatically insert and disconnect with the electrical connector of the vehicle intelligent driving module.

[0011] Preferably, the floating structure of the contour test head is a two-stage floating structure, including a first floating unit for compensating for radial deviation and a second floating unit for compensating for axial deviation.

[0012] Preferably, the test fixture further includes a pressure claw cylinder assembly for pressing the vehicle-mounted intelligent driving module during the test.

[0013] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for testing over-the-air (OTA) system upgrades of an in-vehicle intelligent driving module using the aforementioned testing equipment, comprising the following steps: The vehicle intelligent driving module to be tested is mounted on the test fixture, and its proper placement is confirmed by the product positioning detection component. The movement of the plug-in test component is controlled to establish a physical connection with the electrical connector of the vehicle intelligent driving module, while the air-cooled side push component is controlled to block the fluid port of the vehicle intelligent driving module and introduce cooling medium. Through the established physical connection, the control function test module interacts with the in-vehicle intelligent driving module to perform at least one test, including OTA upgrade, software installation, version check, or network communication. After the test, control all components to reset and remove the in-vehicle intelligent driving module.

[0014] Preferably, the testing method supports both manual testing mode and automatic testing mode; In the manual testing mode, the tester performs the steps of loading and unloading the vehicle intelligent driving module, and the test process is automatically triggered after the module is placed in place. In the automatic testing mode, the robotic arm performs the steps of loading and unloading the vehicle intelligent driving module, and automatically triggers the testing process after it is placed in place.

[0015] Preferably, the process of introducing the cooling medium includes: Compressed air is controlled to pass sequentially through a pressure regulating valve, the electronic refrigerated dryer, and a solenoid valve to form refrigerated dry air. The cooled, dry air is controlled to flow in from the water inlet of the vehicle intelligent driving module, flow through the internal flow channel of the vehicle intelligent driving module, and then be discharged to the outside from the water outlet of the vehicle intelligent driving module.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: (1) High testing efficiency: The double-layer ladder-style one-to-four design supports parallel testing of four intelligent driving modules, which greatly shortens the testing cycle and reduces manpower input.

[0017] (2) Strong test authenticity and reliability: It integrates the original vehicle central control screen, CAN / Ethernet bus simulation module and active air cooling system, accurately replicates the electrical environment and thermal conditions of the real vehicle, ensures accurate and reliable test results, and effectively reduces the problem outflow rate.

[0018] (3) Good equipment versatility and flexibility: The test cabinet adopts a universal platform design, which can be adapted to the intelligent driving module of different car models by only changing the special test fixture. The line change is quick and reduces the cost of repeated equipment investment. At the same time, it supports both manual and automatic testing modes to adapt to different production cycle requirements.

[0019] (4) Stable operation and strong protection: The insertion and removal test component adopts a contour test head with a two-stage floating structure, which can automatically compensate for the docking tolerance, achieve accurate insertion without damage, and improve the service life and test stability of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an OTA system upgrade testing device for an in-vehicle intelligent driving module provided in the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Internal structure diagram; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the test fixture in the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the test fixture in the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the product positioning detection component in the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the left-side insertion / removal test component in the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the front insertion / removal test assembly in the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air-cooled side-push assembly in the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 The flowchart illustrates a method for testing an OTA system upgrade of an in-vehicle intelligent driving module, as provided in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] In the accompanying drawings, the reference numerals indicate: 100. Test cabinet; 101. Sheet metal frame main body; 102. Control host; 102a. Computer; 102b. Monitor; 103. Functional test module; 103a. CAN box; 103b. Ethernet box; 104. Electronic refrigerated dryer; 105. Vehicle central control screen assembly; 106. Safety light curtain; 107. Control components; 108. Power supply module; 200. Test fixture; 201. Fixture base plate assembly; 202. Product positioning detection assembly; 202a. In-situ detection sensor; 202b. Leveling detection sensor; 202c. Positioning pin; 203. Left side insertion / removal test assembly; 204. Front insertion / removal test assembly; 203a. Left side contouring test head; 204a. Front contouring test head; 205. Claw cylinder assembly; 206. Air-cooled side push assembly; 206a. Sealing head; 207. Function button assembly; 300. In-vehicle intelligent driving module. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this invention more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0023] The core of this invention lies in providing a highly integrated, realistic, and efficient parallel testing device and fixture for OTA system upgrades of in-vehicle intelligent driving modules. The central idea is to construct a hardware platform consisting of a universal test cabinet and modular test fixtures, integrating vehicle electrical network simulation (CAN / Ethernet), a realistic human-machine interface (in-vehicle central control screen), and an active air-cooling simulation system. This allows for the accurate replication of the OTA upgrade conditions and environmental stresses of the intelligent driving module in a real vehicle under laboratory conditions.

[0024] This equipment pioneered a "one-to-four" tiered parallel testing architecture. Simultaneously, it incorporates a floating plug-in mechanism with multi-dimensional deviation compensation capabilities and a quick-change design, aiming to address multiple challenges in testing efficiency, testing realism, equipment versatility, and operational automation in one go, ensuring the reliability and stability of the intelligent driving module's software quality before vehicle installation.

[0025] The technical solution will be described in detail below from two aspects: the composition and connection relationship of the equipment (first embodiment) and the working process and testing method of the equipment (second embodiment).

[0026] First embodiment: like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a vehicle-mounted intelligent driving module OTA system upgrade testing device provided in the first embodiment of the present invention includes: a test cabinet 100 and at least one test fixture 200.

[0027] The test cabinet 100 constitutes the basic support and core control platform of the equipment. (See attached...) Figure 2 As shown, its sheet metal frame body 101 constitutes a double-layer stepped installation platform. This design allows the upper platform of the cabinet to install two test fixtures 200 (in other embodiments, it can also be configured to install three or more fixtures), and the lower platform can also install two test fixtures 200, thereby achieving a "one-to-four" parallel testing capability and greatly improving testing efficiency. The interior of the test cabinet 100 integrates the "brain" and "heart" of the equipment operation, specifically including the following components: The control host 102, consisting of a computer 102a and a monitor 102b, serves as the core for control and computation. The computer 102a runs test control software, responsible for scheduling the entire test process, data interaction, and result analysis, while the monitor 102b displays the interface.

[0028] The functional test module 103 includes a CAN box 103a for simulating vehicle bus communication and an Ethernet box 103b for conducting high-speed data communication tests. It is understood that this functional test module 103 is key hardware for performing specific OTA upgrades, software installations, network diagnostics, and other test functions to achieve functional simulation.

[0029] The electronic refrigerated air dryer 104 is used to process compressed air into dry, cold air, providing a cooling medium for the in-vehicle intelligent driving module during testing. It can be understood that the electronic refrigerated air dryer 104 serves as a heat dissipation simulation source to simulate the heat dissipation of the in-vehicle intelligent driving module.

[0030] The vehicle central control screen component 105 directly adopts the original vehicle component (i.e., the vehicle central control screen component corresponding to the vehicle intelligent driving module being tested) to conduct real human-computer interaction with the vehicle intelligent driving module during testing, so as to realize the simulation test in a real environment.

[0031] Safety light curtain 106 is used to delineate safety areas and ensure the safety of test operations.

[0032] The control component 107 (which includes a PLC, PCB control board, etc.) works in conjunction with the power supply module 108 to provide stable and reliable control signals and power supply to all actuators (such as cylinders and solenoid valves) and the module under test.

[0033] The test fixture 200 is the execution terminal for physical docking and functional testing with a specific model of the in-vehicle intelligent driving module 300. (See attached...) Figure 3-8 As shown, each test fixture 200 is an independent functional unit, mainly including: The fixture base plate assembly 201 serves as the mounting base for securing the entire test fixture to the mounting platform of the test cabinet 100.

[0034] The product positioning detection component 202, as a positioning and sensing unit, performs coarse positioning through the positioning pin 202c, and accurately detects whether the vehicle intelligent driving module 300 is correctly placed by using the in-situ detection sensor 202a and the flatness detection sensor 202b, providing a logical judgment basis for automated testing.

[0035] The left-side insertion / removal test assembly 203 and the front-side insertion / removal test assembly 204, as electrical connection units, are driven by a cylinder at their core and equipped with a left-side contouring test head 203a and a front-side contouring test head 204a with a two-stage floating structure (e.g., ...). Figure 6 and Figure 7(As shown). This two-stage floating structure is specifically manifested as follows: The first-stage floating (achieved through a first floating unit, such as a spherical hinge, cross slide, or parallel leaf spring structure) allows the contouring head to make slight translations or yaws in a plane perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction (XY direction) to compensate for port position deviations. The second-stage floating (achieved through a second floating unit, such as a spring or elastic plunger structure) allows the contouring head to elastically extend and retract along the insertion / removal direction (Z direction) to absorb docking impacts and provide constant contact force. In this embodiment, this two-stage floating design ensures non-destructive, high-precision mating with the electrical connector (not shown) of the vehicle intelligent driving module 300.

[0036] The pressure claw cylinder assembly 205, usually set to three (not limited to a specific number, can be adaptively adjusted as needed), is used to press down on the vehicle intelligent driving module 300 during testing to prevent module displacement, thereby improving the stability of the vehicle intelligent driving module 300.

[0037] The air-cooled side-push assembly 206 has a sealing head 206a at its front end (e.g., Figure 8 As shown, the system automatically blocks the inlet and outlet of the vehicle intelligent driving module 300 during testing, and introduces the cold and dry air from the electronic refrigerated dryer 104 into the internal liquid cooling channel of the vehicle intelligent driving module 300 through the internal flow channel of the air-cooled side push assembly 206 to simulate real heat dissipation conditions.

[0038] Function button component 207 is used to allow operators to start the test process in manual test mode.

[0039] In this embodiment, the cooperative relationship between the components is as follows: (1) Signal and power connection The functional test modules 103 (CAN box 103a, Ethernet box 103b), vehicle central control screen components 105, etc., inside the test cabinet 100 are all connected to the standardized electrical interfaces located on the installation platform through the pre-set wiring harness inside the test cabinet.

[0040] Once the test fixture 200 is installed, the corresponding interface on its base plate assembly 201 connects with the standardized electrical interface, allowing signals and power to be transmitted via the internal wiring of the test fixture to the profiling test head of the plug-in test assembly (203, 204). When the profiling test head is plugged into the vehicle intelligent driving module 300, a complete closed-loop test path is formed: "functional test module / central control screen → internal wiring harness of test cabinet → internal wiring harness of test fixture → vehicle intelligent driving module," which is then used to execute subsequent test procedures.

[0041] (2) Air path and cooling connection The outlet of the electronic refrigerated dryer 104 inside the test cabinet 100 is connected to a quick-connect air supply on the mounting platform via piping. The air inlet of the air-cooled side-push assembly 206 of the test fixture 200 is connected to this quick-connect air supply via piping on the test fixture, thereby obtaining cooling airflow.

[0042] After the test fixture 200 is installed in place, the air-cooled side-push assembly 206 blocks the water inlet and outlet of the vehicle intelligent driving module 300. Then, the cooling airflow (i.e., cold dry air) is introduced into the internal flow channel of the vehicle intelligent driving module 300 from the water inlet. After the cold dry air undergoes heat exchange inside the vehicle intelligent driving module 300, it is discharged from the water outlet of the vehicle intelligent driving module 300 and discharged to the outside atmosphere through the air-cooled side-push assembly 206, completing one heat exchange process.

[0043] It is understood that, in this embodiment of the invention, the overall design makes the test cabinet 100 a universal platform. When it is necessary to test the vehicle intelligent driving module 300 of different models, it is only necessary to replace the test fixture 200 specially designed for that module model (mainly adjusting the specific shape of the positioning component 202 and the contour test head) to quickly complete the line change, thus realizing the universality and efficiency of the equipment.

[0044] Second embodiment: Based on the first embodiment described above, the second embodiment of the present invention provides a method for testing the OTA system upgrade of an in-vehicle intelligent driving module using the above-mentioned testing equipment. The workflow of this testing method supports both manual and automatic modes, and the core steps are the same, with the main difference being in the loading and unloading process.

[0045] The following example uses the automatic testing mode, combined with the attached... Figure 9 The workflow is explained in detail: S1: Automatic feeding and positioning.

[0046] Specifically, a robotic arm (not shown in the figure) picks up the vehicle intelligent driving module 300 to be tested and places it in the designated area of ​​the test fixture 200. The sensors (202a, 202b) of the product positioning detection component 202 detect in real time to confirm that the vehicle intelligent driving module 300 is "in place" and "laid flat".

[0047] S2: Automatic binding and startup.

[0048] The vehicle-mounted intelligent driving module 300 is scanned using a vision system or barcode scanner to bind the product serial number to the testing station. Correspondingly, upon receiving the positioning and successful scanning signals, the control system automatically initiates the testing program.

[0049] S3: Actuator actions and connections.

[0050] First, the pressure claw cylinder assembly 205 is pressed down to firmly fix the vehicle intelligent driving module 300.

[0051] Secondly, the cylinders of the left and front plug-in test components (203, 204) are controlled to push the contour test head with a two-stage floating structure forward, thereby accurately and smoothly connecting with the electrical connector of the vehicle intelligent driving module 300 and establishing an electrical test path.

[0052] Finally, the cylinder of the air-cooled side-push assembly 206 is synchronously controlled to move its sealing head forward and block the inlet and outlet of the vehicle intelligent driving module 300.

[0053] S4: Simulated heat dissipation and functional testing.

[0054] Specifically, when the electronic refrigerated dryer 104 and its corresponding solenoid valve are turned on, the cooling airflow follows this path: factory air source → pressure regulating valve → electronic refrigerated dryer 104 → solenoid valve → air-cooled side-push assembly 206 → inlet of the vehicle intelligent driving module 300 → internal flow channel of the module → outlet of the vehicle intelligent driving module 300 → the other side of the air-cooled side-push assembly 206 → muffler (not shown in the figure) → outside atmosphere. This process effectively dissipates heat from the high-power intelligent driving module chip.

[0055] At the same time, the test control software controls the CAN box 103a, Ethernet box 103b and other simulated vehicle network environments through the established electrical path, sends OTA upgrade packages to the vehicle intelligent driving module 300, performs software installation, verifies system version, executes diagnostic commands, and monitors its response and status in real time.

[0056] S5: Test complete and reset.

[0057] Once all tests are completed, the test results are automatically uploaded to the cloud server for backup. The control system instructs each actuator to reset in sequence: the air-cooled side push assembly 206 retracts → the insertion / removal test assembly (203, 204) retracts → the pressure claw cylinder assembly 205 lifts.

[0058] S6: Automatic feeding.

[0059] Specifically, the tested vehicle intelligent driving module 300 is removed by a robotic arm, marking the end of a complete testing cycle, ready for the next test.

[0060] It should be understood that the manual testing mode is similar to the above process, except that the operator manually completes the loading and unloading in steps S1 and S6, and starts the testing process by pressing the function button component 207 on the test fixture in step S2, so as to increase the flexibility of operation.

[0061] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples.

[0062] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0063] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted intelligent driving module OTA system upgrade testing device, characterized in that, include: The test cabinet integrates a control host, power supply module, control components, electronic refrigerated dryer, and at least one functional test module. At least one test fixture is detachably mounted on the test cabinet for loading and testing the vehicle-mounted intelligent driving module; the test fixture includes: a product positioning detection component for detecting the in-situ status and placement posture of the vehicle-mounted intelligent driving module; a plug-in / plug-out test component for physically connecting with the electrical connector of the vehicle-mounted intelligent driving module to establish a test signal path; and an air-cooled side-push component for blocking the fluid port of the vehicle-mounted intelligent driving module during testing and introducing the cooling medium generated by the electronic refrigerated dryer into the internal flow channel of the vehicle-mounted intelligent driving module. The functional test module is electrically connected to the test fixture through the test cabinet and is signal-connected to the plug-in test component to interact with the vehicle intelligent driving module during testing.

2. The testing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The test cabinet includes a double-layer stepped installation platform, with each layer used to install at least two of the test fixtures to enable parallel testing of multiple vehicle-mounted intelligent driving modules.

3. The testing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The test cabinet also integrates an in-vehicle central control screen component. The in-vehicle central control screen component is electrically connected to the in-vehicle intelligent driving module through the plug-in test component of the test fixture to simulate the human-machine interaction environment of a real vehicle.

4. The testing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The functional test module includes at least one of a CAN box for vehicle bus communication testing and an Ethernet box for Ethernet communication testing.

5. The testing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The insertion and removal test assembly includes a contour test head driven by a cylinder and having a floating structure, used to automatically insert and disconnect with the electrical connector of the vehicle intelligent driving module.

6. The testing equipment as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The floating structure of the contour test head is a two-stage floating structure, including a first floating unit for compensating for radial deviation and a second floating unit for compensating for axial deviation.

7. The testing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The test fixture also includes a pressure claw cylinder assembly for pressing the vehicle-mounted intelligent driving module during the test.

8. A method for testing over-the-air (OTA) system upgrades of an in-vehicle intelligent driving module using the testing equipment described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The vehicle intelligent driving module to be tested is mounted on the test fixture, and its proper placement is confirmed by the product positioning detection component. The movement of the plug-in test component is controlled to establish a physical connection with the electrical connector of the vehicle intelligent driving module, while the air-cooled side push component is controlled to block the fluid port of the vehicle intelligent driving module and introduce cooling medium. Through the established physical connection, the control function test module interacts with the in-vehicle intelligent driving module to perform at least one test, including OTA upgrade, software installation, version check, or network communication. After the test, control all components to reset and remove the in-vehicle intelligent driving module.

9. The test method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The testing method supports both manual and automatic testing modes. In the manual testing mode, the tester performs the steps of loading and unloading the vehicle intelligent driving module, and the test process is automatically triggered after the module is placed in place. In the automatic testing mode, the robotic arm performs the steps of loading and unloading the vehicle intelligent driving module, and automatically triggers the testing process after it is placed in place.

10. The test method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The process of introducing the cooling medium includes: Compressed air is controlled to pass sequentially through a pressure regulating valve, the electronic refrigerated dryer, and a solenoid valve to form refrigerated dry air. The cooled, dry air is controlled to flow in from the water inlet of the vehicle intelligent driving module, flow through the internal flow channel of the vehicle intelligent driving module, and then be discharged to the outside from the water outlet of the vehicle intelligent driving module.

Images