Vehicle sensor assembly and unmanned vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of unmanned vehicles, and provides a vehicle sensor assembly and an unmanned vehicle. A first cavity and a second cavity are formed in the shell, the first cavity communicates with the second cavity through a first airflow channel formed in the top, a first receding opening and an air inlet are formed in the bottom wall of the first cavity, and a first air outlet is formed in the second cavity; the first sensor is installed in the first cavity, and a part of the trunk of the first sensor extends out of the first cavity from the first avoiding opening. The first heat dissipation fan is installed in the second cavity, and the first heat dissipation fan can make airflow outside the shell sequentially flow through the air inlet, the first sensor, the first airflow channel and the second cavity and be exhausted out of the shell from the first air outlet. The shell can prevent the first sensor from being excessively exposed to an outdoor environment and being corroded in rain and / or solarization, the shell has a heat dissipation function, the first sensor is kept at a normal working temperature, and when airflow is introduced into the shell, the problem that the airflow entrains liquid to enter the shell due to too large suction force can also be avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of unmanned vehicles, and in particular to a vehicle sensor component and an unmanned vehicle. Background Art

[0002] As autonomous driving technology improves, the application scenarios for driverless vehicles are expanding. These vehicles typically rely on radar technology to acquire environmental signals surrounding the vehicle, enabling obstacle avoidance and route planning. To adapt to outdoor operating environments, radars are typically installed in relatively enclosed enclosures, protected from water and sunlight to prevent corrosion.

[0003] However, since the autonomous vehicle's radar must be constantly on to obtain real-time road conditions, it can easily overheat during continuous operation. The relatively sealed housing also hinders heat dissipation. Some existing solutions include ventilation holes in the housing along the vehicle's direction of travel to dissipate heat from the radar using the airflow generated by the vehicle's movement. However, in rainy weather, raindrops can enter the housing along with the airflow and, upon contact with the radar, can cause a short circuit.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a vehicle sensor assembly and an unmanned vehicle to solve the above technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a vehicle sensor assembly and an unmanned vehicle, which can provide waterproof protection for a first sensor and prevent airflow from carrying liquid into the housing when actively dissipating heat for the first sensor.

[0006] To achieve this purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] Automotive sensor components, including:

[0008] A housing, the housing comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, and a peripheral side wall connecting the top wall and the bottom wall; a first cavity and a second cavity are formed in the housing; the first cavity and the second cavity are connected via a first airflow channel formed at the top; a first avoidance opening and an air inlet are formed on the bottom wall of the first cavity; and a first air outlet is formed on the second cavity;

[0009] a first sensor, the first sensor being mounted in the first cavity, with a portion of the first sensor extending out of the first cavity from the first avoidance opening;

[0010] The first cooling fan is installed in the second cavity. The first cooling fan can make the airflow outside the shell flow through the air inlet, the first sensor, the first air flow channel, the second cavity in sequence and be discharged from the shell from the first air outlet.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned vehicle sensor assembly, the above-mentioned shell includes a first partition, which is fixed to the above-mentioned bottom wall and the above-mentioned peripheral side wall to form the above-mentioned first cavity and the above-mentioned second cavity, and the above-mentioned first partition is spaced apart from the above-mentioned top wall to form the above-mentioned first airflow channel.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution for the above-mentioned vehicle sensor assembly, the above-mentioned shell also includes a second partition, which is fixed to the above-mentioned first partition, the above-mentioned bottom wall and the above-mentioned peripheral side wall to form a third cavity, and a second air outlet is provided at the bottom of the above-mentioned third cavity. The above-mentioned third cavity is connected to the above-mentioned first cavity through a second air flow channel, and a second cooling fan is installed in the above-mentioned third cavity. The above-mentioned second cooling fan can make the airflow outside the above-mentioned shell flow through the above-mentioned air inlet, the above-mentioned first sensor, the above-mentioned second air flow channel, the above-mentioned third cavity in sequence and discharge the above-mentioned shell from the above-mentioned second air outlet.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned vehicle sensor assembly, it further includes a first bracket, the first bracket is detachably connected to the above-mentioned housing, and the above-mentioned first sensor is fixed to the above-mentioned first bracket.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned vehicle sensor assembly, a support member is protruding from the peripheral side wall of the above-mentioned first cavity, and the above-mentioned first bracket can be placed on the above-mentioned support member along the direction of gravity.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned vehicle sensor assembly, at least two sides of the above-mentioned first bracket are respectively provided with folded edges, and the folded edges are in contact with the side walls of the first cavity on the corresponding sides.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned vehicle sensor component, it also includes a second sensor, which is installed in the above-mentioned second cavity. The outer wall of the above-mentioned shell is provided with a second avoidance opening, and the above-mentioned second sensor can obtain image information outside the above-mentioned shell from the above-mentioned second avoidance opening.

[0017] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned vehicle sensor assembly, it further includes a second bracket, the above-mentioned second sensor is fixed to the above-mentioned second bracket, and the above-mentioned second bracket is detachably connected to the above-mentioned housing.

[0018] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned vehicle sensor assembly, the bottom wall of the above-mentioned second cavity is provided with a mounting hole for fixing to the vehicle body via fasteners.

[0019] An unmanned vehicle is also provided, comprising a vehicle body and the above-mentioned vehicle sensor assembly, wherein the above-mentioned vehicle sensor assembly is installed on the top peripheral side of the above-mentioned vehicle body.

[0020] Beneficial effects of the utility model:

[0021] The utility model provides a vehicle sensor assembly and an unmanned vehicle, the vehicle sensor assembly comprising a housing, a first sensor, and a first cooling fan. The top and bottom walls of the housing are vertically spaced apart, and the circumferential side walls are connected to the bottom and top walls. A first cavity and a second cavity are formed within the housing. The first cavity is used to install the first sensor, and the second cavity is used to install the first cooling fan. The air inlet and the first air outlet are both provided on the bottom wall of the housing. This prevents liquid from entering the housing through the air inlet and the first air outlet, causing a short circuit in the internal electrical components. The first sensor can provide the vehicle with environmental information about its surroundings, and the first cooling fan is used to dissipate heat for the first sensor. After the first cooling fan is started, a negative pressure environment is formed in the shell, and the gas outside the shell is pressed into the shell to form an airflow. The first cavity and the second cavity are connected through the first airflow channel. The first airflow channel is arranged at the top of the shell, so that the airflow entering from the air inlet at the bottom must pass through the first sensor, exchange heat with the first sensor, and dissipate heat for it. Then, after entering the second cavity, it is discharged from the first exhaust port. Since the first cooling fan is arranged in the second cavity, its suction force on the gas outside the shell is not strong, which avoids the airflow carrying droplets into the shell due to excessive suction.

[0022] In this way, the shell has good sealing properties, which can prevent the first sensor from being overly exposed to the outdoor environment and corroded by rain and / or sunlight, and has a heat dissipation function to keep the first sensor at a normal operating temperature. When airflow is introduced into the shell, it can also avoid the problem of liquid being carried into the shell by the airflow due to excessive suction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the contents of the embodiments of the present invention and these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a vehicle sensor assembly provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of the vehicle sensor assembly provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the housing (excluding the top wall) provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a first bracket provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of a second bracket provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of the vehicle sensor assembly (excluding the top wall) provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0030] In the picture:

[0031] 100, housing; 110, top wall; 120, bottom wall; 130, peripheral side wall; 140, first cavity; 141, first avoidance port; 142, air inlet; 143, support member; 150, second cavity; 151, first air outlet; 152, second avoidance port; 153, mounting hole; 160, first partition; 170, second partition; 180, third cavity; 181, second air outlet;

[0032] 200, first bracket; 210, folding edge;

[0033] 300. Second bracket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are intended only to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings only illustrate portions relevant to the present invention, not all of its components.

[0035] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0037] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," and other orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely for ease of description and simplified operation. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used solely for descriptive purposes and have no special meaning.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the present invention provides a vehicle sensor assembly, including a housing 100, a first sensor, and a first cooling fan. The housing 100 includes a top wall 110, a bottom wall 120, and a peripheral side wall 130 connecting the top wall 110 and the bottom wall 120. A first cavity 140 and a second cavity 150 are formed in the housing 100. The first cavity 140 and the second cavity 150 are connected by a first airflow channel formed at the top. The bottom wall 120 of the first cavity 140 is provided with a first avoidance opening 141 and an air inlet 142, and the second cavity 150 is provided with a first air outlet 151. The first sensor is mounted in the first cavity 140, and a portion of the first sensor extends out of the first cavity 140 from the first avoidance opening 141. The first cooling fan is mounted in the second cavity 150. The first cooling fan can allow air outside the housing 100 to flow through the air inlet 142, the first sensor, the first airflow channel, the second cavity 150, and out of the housing 100 through the first air outlet 151.

[0039] Exemplarily, the top wall 110 and bottom wall 120 of the housing 100 are spaced apart in the vertical direction, and the peripheral sidewall 130 is connected to the bottom wall 120 and the top wall 110. A first cavity 140 and a second cavity 150 are formed within the housing 100. The first cavity 140 is used to install the first sensor, and the second cavity 150 is used to install the first cooling fan. The air inlet 142 and the first air outlet 151 are both provided on the bottom wall 120 of the housing 100. This prevents liquid from entering the housing 100 through the air inlet 142 and the first air outlet 151, causing a short circuit in the internal electrical components. The first sensor can provide the vehicle with environmental information about its surroundings, and the first cooling fan is used to dissipate heat for the first sensor. After the first cooling fan is started, a negative pressure environment is formed in the shell 100, and the gas outside the shell 100 is pressed into the shell 100 to form an airflow. The first cavity 140 and the second cavity 150 are connected through the first airflow channel. The first airflow channel is arranged at the top of the shell 100, so that the airflow entering from the air inlet 142 at the bottom must pass through the first sensor, exchange heat with the first sensor, and dissipate heat for it. Then, after entering the second cavity 150, it is discharged from the first air outlet 151. Since the first cooling fan is arranged in the second cavity 150, its suction force on the gas outside the shell 100 is not strong, which prevents the airflow from carrying droplets into the shell 100 due to excessive suction.

[0040] In this way, the shell 100 has good sealing properties, which can prevent the first sensor from being overly exposed to the outdoor environment and corroded by rain and / or sunlight, and has a heat dissipation function to keep the first sensor at a normal operating temperature. When airflow is introduced into the shell 100, it can also avoid the problem of the airflow carrying liquid into the shell 100 due to excessive suction.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first sensor is a radar.

[0042] Optionally, the shell 100 includes a first partition 160, which is fixed to the bottom wall 120 and the peripheral side wall 130 to form a first cavity 140 and a second cavity 150. The first partition 160 is spaced apart from the top wall 110 to form a first airflow channel.

[0043] Illustratively, the peripheral side edges of the first partition 160 are respectively fixed to the bottom wall 120 and the peripheral side wall 130 of the shell 100, and the upper edge of the first partition 160 is at a distance h from the top wall 110 of the shell 100 in at least a part of the area, where h>0, and the gap between the first partition 160 and the top wall 110 forms a first airflow channel.

[0044] In other embodiments, the first air flow channel is opened on the first partition plate 160 .

[0045] Optionally, the shell 100 also includes a second partition 170, which is fixed to the first partition 160, the bottom wall 120 and the peripheral side wall 130 to form a third cavity 180. A second air outlet 181 is provided at the bottom of the third cavity 180. The third cavity 180 is connected to the first cavity 140 through a second air flow channel. A second cooling fan is installed in the third cavity 180. The second cooling fan can make the airflow outside the shell 100 flow through the air inlet 142, the first sensor, the second air flow channel, the third cavity 180 in sequence and be discharged from the shell 100 from the second air outlet 181. Such a configuration enables the sensor mounting structure to have at least two heat dissipation modes. When the temperature t of the first sensor satisfies t1<t<t2, the first heat dissipation mode is executed, and one of the first heat dissipation fan and the second heat dissipation fan is started until t≤t1; if, after the first heat dissipation mode is executed for a period of time T, the temperature of the first sensor is still t1<t<t2, or when the temperature t of the first sensor satisfies t2<t, the second heat dissipation mode is executed, and the first heat dissipation fan and the second heat dissipation fan are started at the same time to jointly dissipate heat for the first sensor.

[0046] Optionally, the vehicle sensor assembly further includes a first bracket 200, which is detachably connected to the housing 100, and the first sensor is fixed to the first bracket 200. In this manner, the first bracket 200 is detachably connected to the housing 100, and the housing 100 can be replaced with a first bracket 200 of a corresponding structure and shape, depending on the usage scenario, i.e., the model of the first sensor to be installed, the number of first sensors to be installed, the arrangement of the first sensors, etc., and the first sensor is fixed to the first bracket 200. During assembly, the first sensor can be first installed on the first bracket 200, and then the first bracket 200 and the first sensor can be installed together in the housing 100, facilitating operation.

[0047] Optionally, a support member 143 is protruding from the peripheral side wall of the first cavity 140 , and the first bracket 200 can be placed on the support member 143 along the direction of gravity.

[0048] Illustratively, two support members 143 parallel to the horizontal direction are protruding from the peripheral side walls of the first cavity 140, and the first bracket 200 is placed on the support members 143. The support members 143 not only support the first bracket 200 in the direction of gravity, but also limit the support members 143 so that the support members 143 and the shell 100 can be further fixed.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first bracket 200 is fixed to the peripheral sidewall of the first cavity 140 by threaded fasteners.

[0050] Preferably, a limiting groove is provided at the bottom of the first bracket 200 , and the support member 143 can be inserted into the limiting groove.

[0051] Optionally, at least two sides of the first bracket 200 are provided with folded edges 210, which are in contact with the sidewalls of the first cavity 140 on the corresponding side. In this way, the folded edges 210 are in contact with the sidewalls of the first cavity 140 to limit the position of the first bracket 200. The folded edges 210 can correct the position of the first bracket 200 in the first cavity 140, thereby preventing the first bracket 200 from being misplaced when installed in the first cavity 140.

[0052] It should be noted that the folded edges 210 are provided on both sides of the first bracket 200 , which may be two opposite sides of the first bracket 200 or two adjacent sides of the first bracket 200 .

[0053] Optionally, the vehicle sensor assembly also includes a second sensor, which is installed in the second cavity 150. A second escape opening 152 is defined in the outer wall of the housing 100. The second sensor can obtain image information from outside the housing 100 through the second escape opening 152. In this way, the second sensor and the first sensor can jointly obtain environmental information about the vehicle's surroundings, thereby improving the accuracy of the information. Installing the second sensor in the second cavity 150, separate from the first sensor, prevents heat generated by the first sensor from affecting its operation.

[0054] In this embodiment, the second sensor is a visual image sensor.

[0055] Optionally, the vehicle sensor assembly further includes a second bracket 300, to which the second sensor is fixed, and the second bracket 300 is detachably connected to the housing 100. In this manner, the second bracket 300 is detachably connected to the housing 100, and the housing 100 can be replaced with a second bracket 300 of a corresponding structure and shape, depending on the usage scenario, i.e., the model, number, and arrangement of the second sensors to be installed. The second sensor can then be fixed to the second bracket 300. During assembly, the second sensor can be first installed on the second bracket 300, and then the second bracket 300 and the second sensor can be installed together in the housing 100, facilitating operation.

[0056] Optionally, the bottom wall of the second cavity 150 is provided with a mounting hole 153 for fastening to the vehicle body via fasteners. In this way, the fasteners for connecting the vehicle sensor assembly to the vehicle body are located inside the housing 100, reducing exposure to the outdoor environment and reducing the risk of fastener corrosion.

[0057] An unmanned vehicle is also provided, comprising a vehicle body and the above-mentioned vehicle sensor assembly, wherein the vehicle sensor assembly is mounted on the top circumference of the vehicle body.

[0058] Furthermore, the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and that various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions are readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, while the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle sensor assembly, characterized in that: include: A shell (100), the shell (100) comprising a top wall (110), a bottom wall (120), and a peripheral side wall (130) connecting the top wall (110) and the bottom wall (120); a first cavity (140) and a second cavity (150) are formed in the shell (100); the first cavity (140) and the second cavity (150) are connected via a first air flow channel formed at the top; the bottom wall (120) of the first cavity (140) is provided with a first avoidance opening (141) and an air inlet (142); and the second cavity (150) is provided with a first air outlet (151); a first sensor, the first sensor being installed in the first cavity (140), and a portion of the first sensor extending out of the first cavity (140) from the first avoidance opening (141); A first heat dissipation fan is installed in the second cavity (150), and the first heat dissipation fan can make the airflow outside the shell (100) flow through the air inlet (142), the first sensor, the first air flow channel, the second cavity (150) in sequence and be discharged from the shell (100) through the first air outlet (151).

2. The vehicle sensor assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shell (100) includes a first partition (160), the first partition (160) is fixed to the bottom wall (120) and the peripheral side wall (130) to form the first cavity (140) and the second cavity (150), and the first partition (160) is spaced apart from the top wall (110) to form the first airflow channel.

3. The vehicle sensor assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The shell (100) further includes a second partition (170), which is fixed to the first partition (160), the bottom wall (120) and the peripheral side wall (130) to form a third cavity (180), and a second air outlet (181) is provided at the bottom of the third cavity (180). The third cavity (180) is connected to the first cavity (140) through a second air flow channel, and a second heat dissipation fan is installed in the third cavity (180). The second heat dissipation fan can make the airflow outside the shell (100) flow through the air inlet (142), the first sensor, the second air flow channel, the third cavity (180) in sequence and be discharged from the shell (100) from the second air outlet (181).

4. The vehicle sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a first bracket (200), wherein the first bracket (200) is detachably connected to the housing (100), and the first sensor is fixed to the first bracket (200).

5. The vehicle sensor assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: A support member (143) is protrudingly provided on the peripheral side wall of the first cavity (140), and the first bracket (200) can be placed on the support member (143) along the direction of gravity.

6. The vehicle sensor assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: At least two sides of the first bracket (200) are respectively provided with folded edges (210), and the folded edges (210) are in contact with the side walls of the first cavity (140) on the corresponding sides.

7. The vehicle sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The invention also includes a second sensor, which is installed in the second cavity (150). The outer wall of the shell (100) is provided with a second avoidance opening (152). The second sensor can obtain image information outside the shell (100) through the second avoidance opening (152).

8. The vehicle sensor assembly according to claim 7, wherein: It also includes a second bracket (300), the second sensor is fixed to the second bracket (300), and the second bracket (300) is detachably connected to the housing (100).

9. The vehicle sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The bottom wall of the second cavity (150) is provided with a mounting hole (153) for fixing to the vehicle body via fasteners.

10. Unmanned vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle sensor assembly comprises a vehicle body and the vehicle sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the vehicle sensor assembly is installed on the top peripheral side of the vehicle body.

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