AUTONOMOUS DRIVING SENSOR CLEANING DEVICE

Abstract

Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10), comprising: a housing assembly (100), a bracket (101) arranged within the housing assembly (100), connected to at least one section of the housing assembly (100) and comprising a camera seat section, a sensor assembly (200) mounted in the bracket (101), a cover (102) arranged separately from the sensor assembly (200) and connected to a section of the housing assembly (100), a wiper assembly (300) wherein at least one section of the wiper assembly (300) is in contact with the cover (102), a blower assembly (400) adjacent to the wiper assembly (300) and the sensor assembly (200) and comprising an outlet arranged adjacent to the cover (102), and a control device (500) configured to control the wiper assembly (300) and the To control the blower assembly (400).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION / DISCLOSURE Field of the present invention / disclosure

[0001] The present invention / disclosure relates to a sensor cleaning device for an autonomous vehicle or a vehicle having advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and a sensor cleaning device that can prevent contamination of an external sensor of a vehicle or effectively remove contamination by using a wiper assembly and a blower assembly. Description of the state of the art

[0002] Sensors used in autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) must be kept clean at all times to accurately detect and recognize road conditions. If the sensors become dirty, driving safety and the autonomous driving performance of the vehicles can be significantly impaired. For this reason, a sensor cleaning device plays a crucial role.

[0003] Conventional sensor cleaning devices primarily employ a method in which compressed air is sprayed (e.g., blown) onto a sensor surface by an air compressor, or a method in which dust or foreign matter is removed from the sensor surface using a wiper. These methods can remove contaminants from the sensor surface to a certain extent, but compressed air alone has limitations in removing contaminants mixed with moisture or oil, and the wiping method has the problem that it is difficult to prevent contamination before it reaches the sensor. Furthermore, the continuous use of compressed air can lead to high energy consumption and high maintenance costs for the air compressor.

[0004] To overcome these limitations of the state of the art, research has recently been actively conducted on a new cleaning method that combines a blower and a wiper assembly. This method aims to prevent sensor contamination by creating an air curtain. Air is drawn into the vehicle interior by a blower and blown onto a cover. Furthermore, the wiper assembly incorporates a washer fluid outlet in the wiper blade itself, adding a function to spray washer fluid in the direction of wiper movement, effectively removing contaminants adhering to the sensor surface. Research is being conducted to maintain sensor cleanliness and improve the safety and performance of autonomous vehicles and ADAS.

[0005] The information contained in this section concerning the background of the present invention / disclosure is provided solely for a better understanding of the general background of the present invention / disclosure and is not to be construed as an acknowledgment or any form of indication that this information represents the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. BRIEF INVENTION EXPLANATION

[0006] Several aspects of the present invention / disclosure are directed to provide a sensor cleaning device that can prevent contamination of a sensor by combining a blower and a wiper assembly and can effectively remove contaminants on a sensor surface by having a washing fluid outlet in a wiper blade to spray washing fluid in a direction in which a wiper moves.

[0007] The objectives of the present invention / disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other objectives of the present invention / disclosure that are not described will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art (hereinafter referred to as "ordinary experts") in the field to which the present invention / disclosure belongs from the following description.

[0008] An autonomous driving sensor cleaning device for achieving the objectives of the present invention / disclosure has the following configuration.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, the present invention / disclosure provides an autonomous driving sensor cleaning device comprising: a housing assembly, a holder arranged within the housing assembly, connected to at least one section of the housing assembly and comprising a camera seat section, a sensor assembly mounted in the holder, a cover arranged separately from the sensor assembly and connected to a section of the housing assembly, a wiper assembly wherein at least one section of the wiper assembly is in contact with the cover, a blower assembly adjacent to the wiper assembly and the sensor assembly and comprising an outlet arranged adjacent to the cover, and a control device configured to control the wiper assembly and the blower assembly.

[0010] Furthermore, the housing assembly may comprise: a frame to which the bracket is attached, a top cover surrounding an upper end section of the frame, a bottom cover attached to a lower end section of the frame, and a front cover arranged to surround the cover.

[0011] Furthermore, the sensor assembly may include: a light detection and distance measurement sensor (LiDAR sensor) attached to an upper surface of the mount, and a camera sensor inserted into the camera seat section.

[0012] Furthermore, the wiper assembly may comprise: a motor (e.g. an electric motor), a motor frame connected to the motor, a screw rotatably mounted on the motor frame, a wiper guide connected to the screw, a wiper arm connected to the wiper guide, and a wiper blade connected to the wiper arm to be in contact with the cover, with washer fluid outlets being arranged on both side surfaces of the wiper blade.

[0013] Furthermore, the wiper blade can be moved integrally with the wiper guide by the wiper arm and can be moved in a longitudinal direction of the screw by rotating the motor.

[0014] Furthermore, the autonomous driving sensor cleaning device may include: a bumper mounted on the engine frame, a guide shaft attached to the engine frame, a washer hose connected to the wiper blade, and a hose guide configured to guide the washer hose.

[0015] Furthermore, the blower assembly may include: a blower panel connected to the bracket, a blower connected to the blower panel, and an air duct fluid-connected to an outlet of the blower.

[0016] Furthermore, the control unit can measure a contamination state of the sensor assembly and, if a measured contamination level of the sensor assembly is greater than or equal to a first specified value, the control unit can further be configured to control the motor to move the wiper blade into a contamination position.

[0017] Furthermore, the control unit is configured to receive a current position of the wiper blade from a Hall sensor and to compare the current position of the wiper blade with the contamination position, and if the wiper blade is not moved to the contamination position, the control unit can also be configured to control the motor to move the wiper blade to the contamination position.

[0018] Furthermore, the control unit is configured to receive the current position of the wiper blade from the Hall sensor and compares the current position of the wiper blade with the contamination position, and if the wiper blade is moved into the contamination position, the control unit can further be configured to control the motor to move the wiper blade in the opposite direction.

[0019] Furthermore, after the control unit controls the motor to move the wiper blade in the reverse direction, the control unit can remeasure the contamination state of the sensor assembly, and if the sensor contamination level is greater than or equal to a second specified value, the control unit can further be configured to control the motor to move the wiper blade into the contamination position.

[0020] After the control unit controls the motor to move the wiper blade in the reverse direction, the control unit can further measure the contamination state of the sensor assembly again, and if the sensor contamination level is less than the second specified value, the control unit can be configured to control the motor to move the wiper blade to a specified position.

[0021] Furthermore, the control unit can measure the contamination level of the sensor assembly, and if the measured sensor contamination level is less than a first predetermined value, the control unit can supply power to the blower.

[0022] After the control unit has supplied power to the blower, the control unit is further configured to determine an operating state of the wiper assembly, and if the wiper assembly is in operation, the control unit can stop supplying power to the blower.

[0023] Furthermore, if the control unit stops supplying power to the blower, the control unit can re-measure the operating status of the wiper assembly, and if the wiper assembly is not in operation, the control unit can re-supply power to the blower.

[0024] A fluid can be sprayed through the washer fluid outlets in the direction in which the wiper blade is moving.

[0025] Further aspects and exemplary embodiments of the present invention / disclosure are discussed below.

[0026] It is noted that the term "vehicle" or other similar terms as used herein include motor vehicles in general, such as passenger cars including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft, and the like, and further include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen vehicles, and other vehicles powered by alternative fuels (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum). As used herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that has two or more sources of propulsion, for example, both fuel-powered and electric vehicles.

[0027] The methods and devices of the present invention / disclosure have further features and advantages which are evident from the accompanying drawings included herein and the following detailed description, which together are intended to explain certain principles of the present invention / disclosure, or which are described in more detail therein.

[0028] The above and further features of the present invention / disclosure are discussed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view showing by way of example an autonomous driving sensor cleaning device as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, Fig. 2 an exploded view showing by way of example the autonomous driving sensor cleaning device as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, Fig. 3 a diagram showing a state in which a sensor assembly, a wiper assembly and a cover are connected to a holder as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, Fig. 4 a side sectional view showing by way of example a section of the autonomous driving sensor cleaning device as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, Fig. 5A an exploded view showing by way of example the wiper assembly and a blower assembly as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, and Fig. 5B a diagram showing an airflow through a blower as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention / disclosure.

[0030] It is understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and represent a somewhat simplified depiction of various preferred features that illustrate the basic principles of the present invention / disclosure. The specific design features of the present invention / disclosure, as contained herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, are partly determined by the intended application and the respective operating environment.

[0031] In the figures, the reference numerals refer to identical or equivalent parts of the present invention / disclosure in the different figures of the drawing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following section refers in detail to various embodiments of the present invention / disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the invention / disclosure is described in connection with exemplary embodiments of the present invention / disclosure, it should be noted that this description is not intended to limit the invention / disclosure to these exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the invention / disclosure is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may be included in the concept and scope of the invention / disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0033] The following are several exemplary embodiments of the present invention / disclosure described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These exemplary embodiments of the present invention / disclosure may be modified in various ways, and the scope of the present invention / disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the following embodiments. The embodiments serve to describe the present invention / disclosure more completely to those skilled in the field.

[0034] Furthermore, terms such as “-part”, “-unit” or the like, as used here, denote a unit for processing at least two functions or operations, and the unit in question may be implemented by hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms used here serve only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention / disclosure. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the singular form also includes the plural form.

[0036] Furthermore, in the present description, when a part is described as having a component, it means that it may contain other components without excluding other components, unless expressly stated otherwise, and furthermore, terms such as Control Unit 500 and the like as described herein refer to a unit that processes at least two functions or operations.

[0037] Furthermore, a control unit 500 can be implemented as a memory that stores an algorithm for controlling operations of various components arranged in the vehicle, or data relating to a program that reproduces the algorithm, and a processor for executing the operations described above using the data stored in the memory. In this case, the memory and the processor can be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and the processor can be implemented as a single chip. For example, the control unit 500 can include: at least two of an electronic control unit (ECU), a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), an application processor (AP), and any type of processor well known in the field.

[0038] Furthermore, the control device 500 can be formed from a combination of software and hardware configured to perform an operation on at least two applications or programs for executing methods according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention / disclosure.

[0039] Furthermore, in the following, a front side refers to the direction in which a camera lens is facing, based on the position where an autonomous driving sensor device is attached to a vehicle body. Additionally, an upper end section denotes an upward-facing position based on the position where a sensor device is attached to the vehicle body, and a lower end section denotes a downward-facing position based on the base position.

[0040] Since the following description determines the degree of contamination of the sensor based on the contamination of a surface of a cover 102, the wiper assembly 300 and a blower assembly 400 remove contaminants from the surface of the cover 102 and prevent contamination.

[0041] The following are various exemplary embodiments described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, whereby identical or corresponding components are provided with the same reference numerals in the description with reference to the attached drawings and duplicate descriptions are avoided.

[0042] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an autonomous driving sensor cleaning device 10, and Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded view showing, by way of example, the autonomous driving sensor cleaning device 10 as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention / disclosure.

[0043] As an exemplary embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, the autonomous driving sensor cleaning device 10 comprises a housing assembly 100 for protecting internal components from an external environment, a sensor assembly 200 for collecting environmental information during driving, and a wiper assembly 300 and a blower assembly 400 that remove contaminants from the surface of the cover 102.

[0044] Furthermore, the autonomous driving sensor cleaning device 10 includes: the cover 102 to protect the sensor assembly 200 from contamination, a support 101 to support the sensor assembly 200, the wiper assembly 300 and the blower assembly 400, and a control unit 500 to control the wiper assembly 300 and the blower assembly 400.

[0045] The housing assembly 100 is configured to protect the internal components of the autonomous driving sensor cleaning device 10. The housing assembly 100 comprises a frame 110, a top cover 120, a bottom cover 130, and a front cover 140.

[0046] Frame 110 supports housing assembly 100, secures bracket 101, and provides a structure to which other components are connected. Frame 110 secures sensor assembly 200 and wiper assembly 300 and can be made of a durable material such as an aluminum alloy or a high-strength plastic to protect these components.

[0047] Furthermore, the upper cover 120 is connected to an upper end section of the frame 110 to surround an upper section of the frame 110, and the lower cover 130 is connected to a lower section of the frame 110 to surround a lower section of the frame 110, and thus the frame 110 can be sealed by the upper cover 120 and the lower cover 130.

[0048] The upper cover 120, which surrounds an upper surface of the frame 110, can be formed from a flat upper surface and curved side surfaces. When the autonomous driving sensor cleaning device 10 is connected to the vehicle body, one end section of the upper surface of the upper cover 120 can be positioned relatively higher than the other end section relative to the vehicle body, and the other end section of the upper cover 120 can be positioned relatively lower. Furthermore, both side surfaces of the upper cover 120 are curved to minimize air resistance.

[0049] Furthermore, an end section of the lower cover 130, which is arranged on a lower end section of the frame 110, is connected to the other end section of the upper surface of the upper cover 120, and both end sections of the lower cover 130 are connected to lower sections of both side surfaces of the upper cover 120, thereby sealing the frame 110 together with the upper cover 120.

[0050] The cover 102 sits on a mounting section formed on an end section of the frame 110, faces the sensor assembly 200, and is connected to the frame 110, maintaining a constant gap between them. To ensure a clear view of the sensor assembly 200, the cover 102 can be made of a material whose transparency is greater than or equal to a specified transparency and whose durability is greater than or equal to a predetermined durability to correspond with the vehicle's driving environment. As an exemplary embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, the cover 102 can be made of a material such as polycarbonate, acrylic, or tempered glass, and the surface of the cover 102 can be treated with a water-repellent coating or a fluorinated coating to prevent contaminants from readily adhering to the surface.

[0051] Furthermore, the front cover 140 is arranged to surround the frame 110 and the cover 102 between the upper cover 120 and the lower cover 130. The front cover 140 is configured as external protection for the device, may have a surface which, according to the design of the vehicle, is shaped as a curved or flat surface to harmonize with the design of the vehicle, and may have an opening in the center.

[0052] The bracket 101 is connected to an inner upper end section of the frame 110 and supports the sensor assembly 200 and the blower assembly 400. The bracket 101 can be connected to the sensor assembly 200 via various fastening devices and can be connected to the blower assembly 400 via a mounting plate 103, which is arranged parallel to an upper surface of the bracket 101 and is located below the bracket 101.

[0053] Furthermore, a light detection and distance measurement sensor (LiDAR sensor) 210 can be attached to the upper surface of the bracket 101 by means of a bolt or screw fastening, and a camera sensor 220 can be inserted into and attached to a camera seat section of the bracket 101.

[0054] The LiDAR sensor 210 is attached to the upper surface of the bracket 101 by a bolt or screw fastening method, and a position of the sensor can be adjusted by means of a slotted hole or a screw threaded hole formed in the bracket 101.

[0055] The camera sensor 220 is inserted into and attached to the camera seat section formed in the bracket 101, and is positioned to face the front of the autonomous driving sensor cleaning device. Furthermore, a camera lens of the camera sensor 220 is mounted in a form protruding from the seat section and can detect and record the front environment in real time while driving.

[0056] Furthermore, the wiper assembly 300 is configured to remove contaminants that occur on the cover 102. For this purpose, the wiper assembly 300 can include a motor (e.g., electric motor) 310, a motor frame 320, a screw 330, a wiper guide 340, a wiper arm 350, and a wiper blade 360.

[0057] First, the wiper blade 360 ​​comes into surface contact with the cover 102 and removes contaminants such as dust or water droplets adhering to the surface of the cover 102. Furthermore, the wiper blade 360 ​​is supported by the wiper arm 350 and moves integrally with it. Additionally, one end section of the wiper arm 350 is connected to the wiper blade 360, and the other end section is connected to the wiper guide 340. That is, the wiper blade 360 ​​moves integrally with the movement of the wiper guide 340.

[0058] Furthermore, the motor 310 is connected to the screw 330, and the screw 330 is connected to the wiper guide 340. If contamination of the cover 102 is measured as greater than or equal to a set value, the motor 310 can exert a driving force on the screw 330 to move the wiper guide 340 in a longitudinal direction and remove the contamination through the wiper blade 360, which is in contact with the cover 102.

[0059] Furthermore, washer fluid outlets 352 can be arranged on both side surfaces of the wiper blade 360 ​​and at regular intervals along the length of the wiper blade 360. The washer fluid outlet 352 is also connected to a wash tank via a wash hose 351. Accordingly, a washer fluid can be pressurized by a washer fluid pump located adjacent to the wash tank and discharged from the wash tank to the washer fluid outlet 352 by flowing through the wash hose.

[0060] The blower assembly 400 is connected to the bracket 101 and arranged within the frame 110. When the wiper assembly 300 is not in operation, the blower assembly 400 is powered by receiving power from the control unit 500. When power is supplied to the blower assembly 400 by the control unit 500, which is connected to a power source, the blower assembly 400 is controlled so that air can flow within the frame 110 through an air duct 430 to be discharged onto the cover 102.

[0061] Furthermore, the blower assembly 400 comprises: a blower panel 410, which is connected to the bracket 101 and configured to fix the blower assembly 400; a blower 420, which is configured to draw air into the frame 110; and the air duct 430, in which the drawn-in air flows.

[0062] The blower assembly 400 continuously forms an air curtain along an outer surface of the cover 102 by drawing air into the frame 110 and discharging the air to the cover 102. Here, the air curtain refers to an air barrier used to separate two spaces or to distinguish the outside from the inside by forming a high-velocity airflow.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 500 receives contamination status information from the contamination detection sensor and is configured to control the wiper assembly 300 to remove contaminants in response to the contamination status. When the wiper assembly 300 is operating, the control unit 500 uses a Hall sensor to check the position of the wiper blade 360 ​​in real time and, if necessary, additionally controls the motor 310 to move the wiper blade 360 ​​into a contamination-sensitive position. A rain sensor can also be used as the contamination detection sensor, and a perception sensor such as a camera or LiDAR can function similarly as a contamination detection sensor.

[0064] When the control unit 500 determines that the contamination has been removed, the control unit 500 stops the operation of the wiper assembly 300, and when the operation of the wiper assembly 300 has stopped, the control unit 500 is configured to execute a mechanism to control the blower assembly 400 to allow the air from the frame 110 to be discharged to the cover 102.

[0065] The autonomous driving sensor cleaning device 10 operates in the present manner by combining and locking together the housing assembly 100, the bracket 101, the sensor assembly 200, the cover 102, the wiper assembly 300, the blower assembly 400 and the control unit 500.

[0066] Fig. Figure 3 shows a state in which the sensor assembly 200, the wiper assembly 300 and the cover 102 are connected to the bracket 101.

[0067] As an exemplary embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, the LiDAR sensor 210 and the camera sensor 220 are components for collecting environmental information during the journey of the autonomous vehicle and can be arranged at different heights in the mount 101.

[0068] The LiDAR sensor 210 is attached to the central section of the upper surface of the bracket 101 and is positioned relatively higher than that of the camera sensor 220, based on the vehicle body. In this way, the LiDAR sensor 210 provides a field of view capable of capturing a wide range of three-dimensional spatial information.

[0069] Furthermore, the camera sensor 220 can be attached to the camera seat section by a screw-like mounting section or a clip-on connecting section to face the front of the autonomous driving sensor cleaning device. In this case, the camera sensor 220 can be positioned relatively lower than that of the LiDAR sensor 210, based on the vehicle body.

[0070] The wiper guide 340 can be arranged in a position lower than that of the camera sensor 220 at the lower end section of the bracket 101 based on the vehicle body, and perpendicular to the wiper blade 360, which is in surface contact with the cover 102.

[0071] In addition, the control unit 500 detects the contamination state of the sensor surface in real time using the contamination detection sensor mounted in the sensor assembly 200 and is configured to control the motor 310 to move the wiper blade 360 ​​in a longitudinal direction of the screw 330 to remove the contaminants.

[0072] The control unit 500 is configured to determine the contamination state of the sensor surface, which is received from the contamination detection sensor, and if a contamination level of the sensor exceeds a first setpoint value stored in the control unit 500, the control unit 500 supplies power to the motor 310.

[0073] Here, the first setting value represents a reference value for determining the contamination level of the sensor surface, and in the following description, a second setting value represents a reference value for determining the removal of contaminants. The second setting value can be set to a value indicating a lower degree of contamination than the first setting value.

[0074] In addition, the control device 500 rotates the motor 310 to move the wiper blade 360 ​​into the contamination position, and the wiper blade 360 ​​is moved along the surface of the cover 102 in the longitudinal direction of the screw 330.

[0075] While the wiper blade 360 ​​is being moved into the contamination position, the control unit 500 receives the wiper blade's position information in real time via the Hall sensor and is configured to determine whether the wiper blade 360 ​​has reached the contamination position. The contamination position refers to a specific area on the cover 102, centered on the contamination detected by the sensor, with a defined border.

[0076] The control unit 500 is configured to determine whether the wiper blade 360 ​​has reached the contamination position. If the wiper blade 360 ​​has not reached the contamination position, the control unit 500 is configured to control the motor 310 to move the wiper blade 360 ​​into the contamination position. In this case, the motor 310 rotates the screw 330 in a direction that moves the wiper blade 360 ​​closer to the contamination position.

[0077] However, when the wiper blade 360 ​​reaches the contamination position, the control unit 500 is configured to control the motor 310 to move the wiper blade 360 ​​in one direction away from the contamination position.

[0078] Furthermore, when the wiper blade 360 ​​is moved away from the contamination position, the control unit 500 again measures the contamination level of the cover surface 102 using the contamination detection sensor. In this case, the control unit 500 is configured to control the motor 310 to move the wiper blade 360 ​​back to the contamination position if the sensor's contamination level is greater than or equal to the second setting value defined in the control unit 500.

[0079] Otherwise, if the sensor's contamination level is less than the second setting stored in the control unit 500, the control unit 500 is configured to determine that the contamination removal is complete. In this case, the control unit 500 returns the wiper blade 360 ​​to an initial position and terminates the operation of the wiper assembly 300.

[0080] Such a sequence of processes controls each component of the autonomous driving sensor cleaning device 10 step by step to effectively manage the area of ​​the cover 102, enabling the sensor assembly 200 to accurately detect the external environment.

[0081] Fig. Figure 4 shows a section of a side sectional view of the autonomous driving sensor cleaning device 10.

[0082] As an exemplary embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, the blower assembly 400 is arranged between the bracket 101 and the wiper guide 340.

[0083] Furthermore, among the components of the blower assembly 400, the air duct 430 is arranged above the wiper guide 340, and an upper surface of the air duct 430 can be formed in a streamlined shape from an inlet to an outlet. The air duct 430 can also be designed in such a way that its cross-sectional area gradually decreases from the inlet to the outlet.

[0084] Furthermore, the outlet of the air duct 430 can be arranged to have a predetermined angle of 60° to 90° with respect to the cover 102, based on the vehicle's vertical orientation. The outlet of the air duct 430 can be arranged perpendicular to the cover 102 (90°) or can be arranged to face the cover 102 at an angle within the present range. In this way, the air drawn into the air duct 430 by the blower 420 is expelled from the air duct 430 to be sprayed (e.g., blown) in the direction of the cover 102.

[0085] Furthermore, the blower 420, which is fluid-connected to the air duct 430, is arranged adjacent to the inlet of the air duct 430 and can be connected to the blower panel 410, which is connected to a lower surface of the bracket 101, via a bolt or screw fastening. In this way, the air duct 430 can be attached to the frame 110.

[0086] Furthermore, an end section of the LiDAR sensor 210, which is arranged adjacent to an inner upper end section of the frame 110, can be designed to have a predetermined angle with respect to the cover 102 based on the vehicle's vertical direction. The camera lens of the camera sensor 220, which is inserted into the seat section of the frame 110, is attached to the mount 101 in a protruding form and can be arranged to face the cover 102.

[0087] Furthermore, as shown in the drawing, the components of the autonomous driving sensor cleaning device 10 are surrounded by the upper cover 120, the lower cover 130 and the front cover 140.

[0088] Furthermore, the upper cover 120 surrounds the upper section of the frame 110, and the lower cover 130 surrounds the lower section of the frame 110. The front cover 140 has a structure for surrounding a surface of the cover 102, so that the cover 102 can be protected and the components, such as the bracket 101 and the camera lens, can be securely protected from the outside. In addition, a projection extending towards the cover 102 can be included in the upper end section of the front cover 140.

[0089] In this way, the housing assembly 100, the frame 110, the blower assembly 400, the wiper assembly 300 and the cover 102 are combined and arranged together in the autonomous driving sensor cleaning device 10.

[0090] Fig. Figure 5A shows an exploded view of the wiper assembly 300 and the blower assembly 400 as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention / disclosure.

[0091] As an exemplary embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, the wiper assembly 300 comprises the wiper blade 360, the wiper arm 350, and the wiper guide 340. The wiper assembly 300 further comprises the screw 330 connected to the wiper guide 340, the motor 310 configured to rotate the screw 330 to move the wiper guide 340, and the motor frame 320 to which the motor 310 and the screw 330 are attached.

[0092] Furthermore, the wiper assembly 300 comprises: a bumper 370 configured to absorb vibration due to rotation of the motor 310, a guide shaft 380 configured to guide movement of the wiper guide 340, the washer fluid outlets 352, the washer hose 351 connected to the wiper arm 350 and configured to supply washer fluid through the washer fluid outlets 352 formed on the wiper blade 360, and a hose guide 390 configured to prevent twisting of the washer hose 351.

[0093] The motor 310 is arranged on a side surface of the motor frame 320 and is fixed by the motor frame 320. The motor 310 can be connected to the screw 330 by a coupling fastening method, a belt and pulley fastening method, or a gear and chain fastening method. Furthermore, the motor 310 rotates in a forward or reverse direction to rotate the screw 330, and the wiper guide 340 is moved along the longitudinal direction of the screw 330 in accordance with its rotation. The forward direction refers to a rotation of the screw 330 in which the wiper blade 360 ​​is moved closer to the contamination position, and the reverse direction refers to a rotation of the screw 330 in which the wiper blade 360 ​​is moved away from the contamination position.

[0094] Furthermore, the screw 330 is rotated by the motor 310 and can be arranged between the motor frames 320, which are located on the left and right side faces of the autonomous driving sensor cleaning device 10. In addition, the screw 330 can be configured as an endless screw 330. An endless screw 330 refers to a screw 330 whose two end sections are open and which has helical grooves that continue indefinitely. This design enables uninterrupted continuous operation, thereby reducing wear and improving efficiency.

[0095] Furthermore, the wiper guide 340 is provided with a spindle nut having a threaded connection, and the spindle nut can be connected to an external thread of the screw 330. In this way, the wiper guide 340 is connected to the screw 330 and is moved left and right along the longitudinal direction of the screw 330 in accordance with the forward or reverse rotation of the motor 310.

[0096] When the wiper guide 340 is moved, the wiper blade 360, which is connected to the wiper guide 340 via the wiper arm 350, can also be moved as a unit with the wiper guide 340 in the longitudinal direction of the screw 330 to the left and right.

[0097] The wiper arm 350 can provide a predetermined pressure by means of a spring mounted therein, enabling the wiper blade 360 ​​to be in surface contact with an outer surface of the cover 102. This mechanism allows the wiper blade 360 ​​to maintain constant pressure along the outer surface of the cover 102, even when moving along a curved or irregular surface of the cover 102.

[0098] The washer hose 351 can be connected to either side of the wiper blade 360. The washer hose 351 is fluid-connected to a washer tank and forms a passage through which the washer fluid flows from the tank.

[0099] The hose guide 390 is connected to an end section of the two motor frames 320, has an upper section of a flat surface and is configured to guide movement of the washer hose 351 without being obstructed when the wiper blade 360 ​​is moved along the screw 330.

[0100] Since the wiper blade 360 ​​only moves laterally, the hose guide 390 is designed to restrict movement in the horizontal and vertical directions and allow movement only along the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the hose guide 390 is divided into two parts, allowing the washer hose to move independently along the horizontal direction within each guide, thus preventing twisting or tangling of the hoses.

[0101] Furthermore, the guide shaft 380 can be arranged parallel to the screw 330 and guide the wiper guide 340 in the longitudinal direction of the guide shaft 380. At least two or more guide shafts 380 can be included, and if two or more guide shafts 380 are provided, the screw 330 can be arranged between the two guide shafts 380.

[0102] The bumper 370 is attached to each motor frame 320 in a direction perpendicular to the motor 310 and is configured to absorb an impact when the wiper guide 340 reaches both end sections of the screw 330, thus preventing damage to the wiper assembly 300.

[0103] Fig. 5B is a diagram illustrating an airflow through the blower assembly 400.

[0104] As an exemplary embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, the blower 420 draws air into the holder 101, directs the drawn-in air into the air duct 430 and discharges the drawn-in air through the outlet of the air duct 430 into the cover 102.

[0105] Furthermore, the temperature of the air inside the mount 101 can rise due to the heat generated by the operation of the LiDAR sensor 210 and the camera sensor 220. The fan 420 draws in the rising air to cool the area around the LiDAR sensor 210 and the camera sensor 220, directs the rising air into the air duct 430, and sprays the air along the outer surface of the cover 102 through the outlet of the air duct 430.

[0106] This means that the air introduced into the inside of the holder 101 by the blower 420 flows along the air duct 430 and is discharged to the cover 102 to form an air curtain in the cover 102.

[0107] According to the present mechanism, the control unit 500 first measures the contamination level of the sensor assembly 200, and if the measured sensor contamination level is less than a first fixed value stored in the control unit 500, the control unit 500 supplies power to the blower 420 to allow the air to be delivered to the cover 102.

[0108] Furthermore, the control unit 500 supplies power to the blower 420 and then continuously determines the operating status of the wiper assembly 300. In this case, when the control unit 500 determines that the wiper assembly 300 is in operation, the control unit 500 sends an OFF signal to the blower assembly 400 to stop its operation. This serves to prevent interference between the wiper assembly 300 and the blower assembly 400.

[0109] Furthermore, after the control unit 500 has interrupted the power supply to the blower assembly 400, the control unit 500 re-evaluates the operating state of the wiper assembly 300, and if the power supply to the wiper assembly 300 is interrupted, the control unit 500 is configured to determine that the operating state of the wiper assembly 300 is an OFF state.

[0110] In the present case, when the operating state of the wiper assembly 300 is the OFF state, the control unit 500 supplies the blower 420 with power to operate the blower assembly 400.

[0111] Through these processes, the control unit 500 prevents interference between the operation of the wiper assembly 300 and the blower 420 and constantly operates the blower 420 to prevent foreign objects from accumulating on the cover 102.

[0112] In summary, the present invention / disclosure relates to an autonomous driving sensor cleaning device 10, and the autonomous driving sensor cleaning device 10 is configured to determine the degree of contamination of a sensor, and when it is determined that physical removal of contaminants is necessary, the autonomous driving sensor cleaning device 10 actuates the wiper assembly 300 to remove the contaminants. Furthermore, the present invention / disclosure has the technical feature that the blower assembly 400 is continuously operated even when the wiper assembly 300 is not in operation, in order to form an air curtain in the cover 102, thereby preventing contamination of the cover 102 in advance.

[0113] The present invention / disclosure can achieve the following effects according to a combination of the embodiments described above and a configuration described below, and a usage ratio.

[0114] First, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, an air curtain is formed by a blower assembly, thus preventing contamination of a sensor surface. In this way, the reliability and safety of an autonomous driving system can be improved.

[0115] Secondly, a wiper assembly 300 of the present invention / disclosure can effectively remove contaminants from the sensor surface by spraying a washing fluid. In this way, a clean condition of the sensor can be maintained and the performance of the sensor can be maximized.

[0116] Thirdly, a control unit of the present invention / disclosure can monitor the contamination status of the sensor in real time and automatically perform a cleaning process. In this way, the safety and efficiency of an autonomous vehicle can be improved.

[0117] For the sake of clarity and precise definition in the accompanying claims, the terms "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "upwards", "downwards", "front", "backwards", "inwards", "outwards", "inwards", "outwards", "internal", "external", "forwards", "backwards", etc., are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of such features as shown in the figures. It is further understood that the term "connect" or its derivatives denote both a direct and an indirect connection.

[0118] The foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention / disclosure serve only for clarification and explanation. They do not claim to be exhaustive and do not limit the present invention / disclosure to the forms exactly disclosed, and it is obvious that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments have been selected and described to illustrate certain principles of the invention and their practical application, so that other persons skilled in the art may produce and use various exemplary embodiments of the present invention / disclosure, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended that the scope of the present invention / disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10), comprising: a housing assembly (100), a holder (101) which is arranged within the housing assembly (100), is connected to at least one section of the housing assembly (100) and has a camera seat section, a sensor assembly (200) mounted in the holder (101), a cover (102) which is arranged separately from the sensor assembly (200) and is connected to a section of the housing assembly (100), a wiper assembly (300) wherein at least one section of the wiper assembly (300) is in contact with the cover (102), a blower assembly (400) adjacent to the wiper assembly (300) and the sensor assembly (200) and having an outlet located adjacent to the cover (102), and a control unit (500) configured to control the wiper assembly (300) and the blower assembly (400). [2] Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the housing assembly (100) comprises: a frame (110) to which the bracket (101) is attached, an upper cover (120) that surrounds an upper end section of the frame (110), a lower cover (130) which is attached to a lower end section of the frame (110), and a front cover (140) arranged to surround the cover (102). [3] Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor assembly (200) comprises: a light detection and distance measurement sensor (LiDAR sensor) (210) attached to an upper surface of the mount (101), and a camera sensor (220) which is inserted into the camera seat section. [4] Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wiper assembly (300) comprises: an engine (310), an engine frame (320) connected to the engine (310), a screw (330) connected to the motor (310) and rotatably mounted on the motor frame (320), a wiper guide (340) connected to the screw (330), a wiper blade (360) that contacts the cover (102) and has washer fluid outlets (352) arranged on at least one of a first and a second side surface of the wiper blade (360), and a wiper arm (350) which pivotably connects the wiper blade (360) to the wiper guide (340). [5] Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the wiper blade (360) and the wiper guide (340) are elastically connected. [6] Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the wiper blade (360) is moved integrally with the wiper guide (340) by the wiper arm (350) and is moved by rotating the motor (310) in a longitudinal direction of the screw (330). [7] Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10) according to one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising: a guide shaft (380) attached to the motor frame (320), which is slidably connected to the wiper guide (340). [8] Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising: a bumper (370) mounted on the engine frame (320), a washer hose (351) connected to the wiper blade (360), and a hose guide (390) configured to guide the wash hose (351). [9] Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the blower assembly (400) comprises: a blower panel (410) connected to the bracket (101), a blower (420) connected to the blower panel (410), and an air duct (430) which fluidly connects the outlet of the blower assembly (400) to an outlet of the blower (420), wherein one end of the air duct (430) faces the cover (102). [10] Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control device (500) is configured to operate either a blower (420) of the blower assembly (400) or a motor (310) of the wiper assembly (300) according to a contamination state of the sensor assembly (200). [11] Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 4-7 or according to any one of claims 8-10 if in combination with claim 4, wherein the control device (500) is further configured to measure a contamination state of the sensor assembly (200), and based on the fact that a measured contamination level of the sensor assembly (200) is greater than or equal to a first specified value, the control device (500) is further configured to control the motor (310) to move the wiper blade (360) into a contamination position. [12] Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10) according to claim 11, wherein the control unit (500) is further configured to receive an actual position of the wiper blade (360) from a Hall sensor and to compare the actual position of the wiper blade (360) with the contamination position, and based on the fact that the wiper blade (360) is not moved into the contamination position, the control unit (500) is further configured to control the motor (310) to move the wiper blade (360) into the contamination position. [13] Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the control unit (500) is further configured to receive an actual position of the wiper blade (360) from a Hall sensor and to compare the actual position of the wiper blade (360) with the contamination position, and based on the fact that the wiper blade (360) is moved into the contamination position, the control unit (500) is further configured to control the motor (310) to move the wiper blade (360) in a reverse direction from it. [14] Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10) according to claim 13, wherein, after the control unit (500) has controlled the motor (310) to move the wiper blade (360) in the reverse direction, the control unit (500) remeasures the contamination state of the sensor assembly (200) and, based on the fact that the sensor contamination level is greater than or equal to a second specified value, the control unit (500) is further configured to control the motor (310) to move the wiper blade (360) into the contamination position. [15] Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, after the control unit (500) has controlled the motor (310) to move the wiper blade (360) in the reverse direction, the control unit (500) again measures the contamination state of the sensor assembly (200) and, based on the fact that the sensor contamination level is less than the second specified value, the control unit (500) is configured to control the motor (310) to move the wiper blade (360) to a specified position. [16] Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10) according to one of claims 11-15, wherein the control device (500) is further configured to measure the contamination state of the sensor assembly (200), and based on the fact that a measured sensor contamination level is less than the first specified value, the control device (500) is further configured to supply power to a blower (420) of the blower assembly (400). [17] Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10) according to claim 16, wherein the control device (500), after supplying power to the blower (420), is configured to determine an operating state of the wiper assembly (300), and based on the fact that the wiper assembly (300) is in operation, the control device (500) is configured to stop supplying power to the blower (420). [18] Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10) according to claim 17, wherein, after the control unit (500) has stopped supplying power to the blower (420), the control unit (500) is configured to re-measure the operating state of the wiper assembly (300), and based on the fact that the wiper assembly (300) is not in operation, the control unit (500) is configured to re-supply power to the blower (420). [19] Autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10) according to one of claims 4-7 or according to one of claims 8-18 if in combination with claim 4, wherein a fluid is sprayed through the washer fluid outlets (352) in a direction in which the wiper blade (360) is moved. [20] Vehicle comprising the autonomous driving sensor cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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