System of sensing spot

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foreign substance detection system, and more specifically, to a system for detecting the attachment of foreign substances to an environmental sensor of a vehicle. A foreign substance detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a detection loop configured to selectively allow current to flow, comprising: a controller configured to operate a sensor cleaning system for cleaning an environmental sensor of a vehicle, the detection loop comprising: a power supply unit configured to supply power to the controller at all times; and an environmental sensor comprising a detection device configured to open or close the detection loop based on whether fluid is attached.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a foreign substance detection system, and more specifically, to a system for detecting the attachment of foreign substances to an environmental sensor of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, vehicles are being equipped with driver assistance systems to support drivers in various driving situations, ensuring safe operation. Furthermore, going beyond these systems, active research and development is underway regarding autonomous vehicles capable of driving themselves without driver intervention.

[0003] For such driver assistance systems or autonomous vehicles, various types of environmental sensors capable of detecting the surrounding environment in diverse ways are required. Examples of environmental sensors mounted on vehicles include radar, LiDAR, and cameras.

[0004] Since these sensors are mounted on the exterior of the vehicle, the sensing parts can easily become dirty due to foreign substances such as dust, rain, or snow. To maintain sensor performance, these sensors must be kept clean above a certain level. Accordingly, vehicles are equipped with a contamination detection device that detects contamination of these sensors, and a sensor cleaning system that can clean the sensors when the sensing parts are contaminated based on the detection. Prior art literature

[0005] Published Patent Application No. 10-2015-0035204 (Date of publication: April 6, 2015) The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention has been devised to solve the aforementioned problems, and

[0007] We aim to provide a foreign substance detection system that can reduce the power consumption required to detect contamination in a vehicle's environmental sensor.

[0008] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned objectives will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains (hereinafter referred to as "person skilled in the art") from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0009] The features of the present invention for achieving the objectives of the present invention as described above and for performing the characteristic functions of the present invention described below are as follows.

[0010] A foreign substance detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a detection loop configured to selectively allow current to flow, comprising: a controller configured to operate a sensor cleaning system for cleaning an environmental sensor of a vehicle, the detection loop comprising: a power supply unit configured to supply power to the controller at all times; and an environmental sensor comprising a detection device configured to open and close the detection loop based on whether fluid is attached. Effects of the invention

[0011] According to the present invention, a foreign substance detection system is provided that can reduce the power consumption required to detect contamination of an environmental sensor of a vehicle.

[0012] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly recognized by a person skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0013] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a foreign substance detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2a to 2e illustrate covers of a sensing device according to various embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 3 illustrates a flow path of a sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 illustrates a sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a schematic operation flowchart of a foreign substance detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 illustrates a general detection loop of a foreign substance detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 illustrates a general detection loop of a foreign substance detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 illustrates an operation flowchart of a foreign substance detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0014] The specific structural or functional descriptions presented in the embodiments of the invention are merely illustrative for the purpose of explaining embodiments according to the concept of the invention, and embodiments according to the concept of the invention may be implemented in various forms. Furthermore, it should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments described herein, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0015] Meanwhile, in the present invention, terms such as "first" and / or "second" may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited to said terms. For the sole purpose of distinguishing one component from other components, for example, without departing from the scope of rights according to the concept of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0016] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. Conversely, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly in contact" with another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between. Other expressions used to describe the relationship between components, such as "between" and "exactly between," or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to," should be interpreted in the same way.

[0017] Throughout the specification, identical reference numbers denote identical components. Meanwhile, the terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. As used in this specification, "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, actions, and / or elements to the mentioned components, steps, actions, and / or elements.

[0019] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0020] As described above, autonomous vehicles, vehicles equipped with driver assistance systems, etc., are equipped with various types of environmental sensors for detecting the surrounding environment. As a non-limiting example, environmental sensors include lidar, radar, cameras, etc., and environmental sensors may be positioned on the front, rear, sides, roof, etc. of the vehicle.

[0021] Since vehicles are mostly outdoors and subjected to driving conditions, environmental sensors mounted on the exterior can become contaminated not only by rain but also by foreign substances such as dust and insects. Therefore, vehicles are equipped with a sensor cleaning system to clean these soiled environmental sensors. Cleaning of these sensors can be achieved using windshield washer fluid or by spraying high-pressure compressed air. Among these methods, sensor cleaning using compressed air is primarily used to wipe away washer fluid that has been used earlier during the foreign substance removal process, or to remove liquid contaminants such as raindrops.

[0022] Above all, for effective cleaning, a process of detecting whether foreign matter is attached to the environmental sensor must be performed first. For example, the detection of foreign matter attachment can be achieved through the vision of a camera. While this method is intuitive and reliable, it has the disadvantage of continuously consuming power because vision checks must be performed periodically.

[0023] Accordingly, the present invention aims to provide a detection device capable of detecting the attachment of foreign substances at the moment they adhere to an environmental sensor without continuous power consumption.

[0024] In particular, the present invention aims to provide a sensing device configured to send a signal by allowing electricity to flow the moment a foreign substance adheres to an environmental sensor, based on the capillary action of a liquid, even though electricity does not flow during normal operation.

[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cover (10). The cover (10) is positioned to protect an environment sensor (S). The cover (10) may be positioned to protect at least a sensing portion of the environment sensor (S). In one embodiment, the cover (10) may be included in the environment sensor (S) itself. In another embodiment, the cover (10) may be provided separately from the environment sensor (S).

[0026] The cover (10) is made of an insulator. As a non-limiting example, the cover (10) may be made of plastic, glass, etc. The material of the cover (10) is not limited to plastic or glass, and may be made of other materials as long as it is an insulator. In addition, it is preferable that the cover (10) be made of a transparent material.

[0027] At least one channel (20) is provided on the surface of the cover (10). The channel (20) may be formed by being recessed into the surface of the cover (10). The channel (20) is configured to extend across the cover (10) from a first contact portion (12a) on one side of the cover (10) to a second contact portion (12b) on the opposite side. The first contact portion (12a) on one side of the cover (10) may be, for example, approximately the left periphery with respect to the vertical centerline of the cover (10), and the second contact portion (12b) may be approximately the right periphery with respect to the vertical centerline.

[0028] Additionally, multiple channels (20) may be formed in the cover (10). That is, the channels (20) may be formed by branching into multiple directions to improve the ability to detect foreign substances. The multiple channels (20) may be configured to communicate with each other, or each channel (20) may be configured independently without communicating with each other. Furthermore, some of the multiple channels (20) may be configured to communicate with each other, while others may be configured independently without communicating with each other.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 2a to 2e, according to various embodiments of the present invention, the flow path (20) may take various shapes. The flow path (20) may be formed in various shapes as long as it extends from the first contact portion (12a) to the second contact portion (12b) of the cover (10). However, it is preferable that the flow path (20) be formed in a straight shape rather than a wavy shape.

[0030] Additionally, the channel (20) is formed as narrowly as possible. Since capillary action occurs more effectively when the channel (20) is narrow, the channel (20) is formed as narrowly as possible. However, the thickness of the channel (20) may be determined by considering the operating level of the sensor cleaning system (100). This is to take into account that if the channel (20) is too narrow, it is difficult to remove foreign substances within the channel (20) by the sensor cleaning system (100).

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, it is preferable that the corners of the Euro (20) be formed gently. For example, the corners of the Euro (20) may be filleted. This is, in particular, to minimize interference caused by shadows on the environment sensor (S).

[0032] Referring again to FIG. 1, a conductor (30) is coupled to the cover (10). The conductor (30) may be coupled to each side of the cover (10) so as to be in contact with the flow path (20). In one embodiment, the conductor (30) may be coupled to the first contact portion (12a) and the second contact portion (12b) of the cover (10), respectively.

[0033] The conductor (30), as can be seen from its name, is composed of a conductive material. That is, the conductor (30) can be composed of any material that can conduct electricity.

[0034] A conductor (30) is connected to a controller (40). Specifically, a cable (50) is connected to each conductor (30), and each cable (50) is configured to be connected to the controller (40). Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a connector (60) for connecting each cable (50) may be provided.

[0035] The cable (50) and the conductor (30) can be connected by various methods. As a non-limiting example, the cable (50) and the conductor (30) can be connected by bolting. As another non-limiting example, the cable (50) and the conductor (30) can be connected by soldering.

[0036] The sensing device according to the present invention may further include a casing (70). In one embodiment, the casing (70) includes an upper casing (70a) and a lower casing (70b). In one embodiment, the casing (70) may be formed integrally.

[0037] The casing (70) may be positioned to surround the perimeter of the cover (10). For example, the casing (70) may be annular. The cover (10) and the conductor (30) may be positioned inside the casing (70) to accommodate the cover (10) and the conductor (30). In one embodiment, a recess (170) is provided in the casing (70). The recess (170) may be formed by being recessed to a certain depth from the inner surface of the casing (70). In one embodiment, the recess (170) may be provided along the inner surface of the upper casing (70a) for at least a portion of the perimeter, and the recess (170) may be provided along the perimeter of the inner surface of the lower casing (70b) for at least a portion.

[0038] A conductor (30) may be seated across the recess (170) of the upper casing (70a) and the lower casing (70b), and a cover (10) may be placed inside the conductor (30). Additionally, a cable (50) may be accommodated in the recess (170) of the upper casing (70a) or the recess (170) of the lower casing (70b).

[0039] Referring again to FIG. 1, the controller (40) may be a controller that operates the sensor cleaning system (100) of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the controller (40) may be a separate controller configured to communicate with the sensor cleaning system (100) of the vehicle.

[0040] The controller (40) is connected to the power supply unit (80). The controller (40) is configured to receive power from the power supply unit (80) at all times. As a non-limiting example, the power supply unit (80) may be a battery typically included in a vehicle.

[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller (40) includes a measuring unit (42). The measuring unit (42) is configured to measure a current or voltage input to the controller (40). The controller (40) can determine the operation of the sensor cleaning system (100) based on the current or voltage measured by the measuring unit (42). For example, the controller (40) can adjust the operating time of the sensor cleaning system (100) based on the measured current or voltage.

[0042] The detection device according to the present invention can detect whether foreign substances are attached to a cover (10) for protecting an environment sensor (S) by functioning as a switch, as shown in FIG. 6. In particular, the present invention can detect the attachment of foreign substances by utilizing the capillary phenomenon of a liquid. The capillary phenomenon refers to the phenomenon in which the liquid level inside a capillary becomes higher or lower than the liquid level outside the capillary when a capillary is placed in a liquid. Alternatively, it may be described as a phenomenon in which the liquid filling the capillary rises or falls due to the attractive force between liquid molecules and the mutual attractive force acting between the liquid molecules and the wall of the capillary.

[0043] According to the present invention, when the cover (10) is not contaminated, that is, when foreign substances such as raindrops are not attached to the cover (10), the cover (10) is composed of an insulator, so no electricity flows on the detection loop (L), and the detection loop (L) is in an open circuit state. However, as shown in FIG. 7, the controller (40) and the power supply unit (80) are configured to form a closed circuit within the detection loop (L), so that power can be supplied to the controller (40) at all times. Then, when the cover (10) becomes contaminated by fluid, the flow path (20) is filled with fluid by capillary action due to the presence of the flow path (20). As the flow path (20) is filled with fluid, it is connected to the conductor (30), and electricity flows through the detection loop (L). That is, the detection loop (L) becomes a closed circuit.

[0044] When electricity flows through the detection loop (L), the controller (40) receives a power supply signal and recognizes this as an operation signal for the sensor cleaning system (100) to drive the sensor cleaning system (100).

[0045] Additionally, the controller (40) can determine the operating time of the sensor cleaning system (100) based on the measured current or voltage. A plurality of fluid passages (20) exist in the cover (10), and the number of connected fluid passages (20) varies depending on the amount of foreign matter adhering to the cover (10). That is, the fluid passages (20) function as variable resistors. Since the voltage or current detected by the controller (40) varies depending on the change in resistance, the controller (40) can increase the intensity of sensor cleaning in proportion to the detected voltage or current, and the intensity of sensor cleaning can be achieved by adjusting the operating time of the sensor cleaning system. Of course, the operating time for each current or voltage level can be pre-set through evaluation and testing.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 7, the operation flow of the sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

[0047] In step S10, the operation of the sensing device according to the present invention begins.

[0048] In step S12, if foreign substances such as raindrops are attached to the cover (10), the raindrops inside the flow path (20) connect the two conductors (30) according to capillary action and close the detection loop (L).

[0049] When the detection loop (L) forms a closed circuit, current or voltage is input to the controller (40) (S14). The controller (40) recognizes the input current or voltage as an operating signal for the sensor cleaning system (100) and drives the sensor cleaning system (100) to clean the environment sensor (S).

[0050] Meanwhile, at this time, the measuring unit (42) of the controller (40) measures the magnitude of the input current or voltage (S16). Depending on the amount of foreign matter attached to the cover (10), the number of connected passages (20) among the plurality of passages (20) changes, and as a result, the magnitude of the current or voltage input to the controller (40) changes. The controller (40) stores the operating time of the sensor cleaning system (100) that is pre-set according to the magnitude of the measured current or voltage, and the controller (40) determines the operating time of the sensor cleaning system (100) according to the stored information (S18).

[0051] When the operating time is determined, the controller (40) operates the sensor cleaning system (100) during the determined operating time to remove foreign matter on the cover (10) and ensure the performance of the environment sensor (S) (S20).

[0052] After the operation of the sensor cleaning system (100), the controller (40) controls the measuring unit (42) to measure the magnitude of the current or voltage again (S22). By re-checking the magnitude of the current or voltage, the controller (40) can determine whether foreign matter has been removed through the preceding cleaning. If the confirmed magnitude of the current or voltage is greater than 0, the controller (40) returns to step S16 and repeats the following process. Conversely, if the confirmed magnitude of the current or voltage is 0, the controller (40) terminates the operation process (S24).

[0053] Based on the fact that most contaminants that may adhere to environmental sensors, such as image sensors outside a vehicle, contain fluid, the present invention configures an electrical circuit to enable control of the flow of current through foreign substances, and when electricity flows, the controller recognizes the contamination. Since the level of sensor contamination is proportional to the amount of fluid inside the flow path (20) of the cover (10), the more severe the level of contamination, the greater the magnitude of the current or voltage flowing inside the detection loop (L). Accordingly, as the magnitude of the input current or voltage increases, the controller (40) increases the operating time of the sensor cleaning system.

[0054] According to the present invention, a sensor for detecting contamination of an environmental sensor is configured to operate when foreign substances containing fluid are applied, without the need for continuous operation, thereby reducing the power consumption of the vehicle. This is because the sensor contamination measurement method of existing systems involves a process of capturing and analyzing images, which is complex and requires continuous power consumption; however, according to the present invention, it can operate simply when current or voltage is generated.

[0055] The present invention described above is not limited by the aforementioned embodiments and attached drawings, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various substitutions, modifications, and changes are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0056] S: Environmental sensor L: Detection loop 10: Cover 12a: First contact part 12b: Second contact part 20: Euro 30: Conductor 40: Controller 42: Measuring part 50: Cable 60: Connector 70: Casing 70a: Upper casing 70b: Lower casing 80: Power supply unit 100: Sensor cleaning system 170: Recess

Claims

Claim 1 A foreign substance detection system comprising: a detection loop configured to selectively allow current to flow, a controller configured to operate a sensor cleaning system for cleaning an environmental sensor of a vehicle, a power supply unit configured to supply power to the controller at all times, and an environmental sensor including a detection device configured to open and close the detection loop based on whether fluid is attached; wherein the detection device includes a cover including at least one fluid passage formed as a recess on its surface, and conductors respectively disposed on both sides of the cover to contact the fluid passage of the cover, and the edges of the fluid passage are filleted. Claim 2 A foreign substance detection system according to claim 1, wherein the detection device is configured to close the detection loop when a fluid comes into contact with the environment sensor and to send a signal to the controller to operate the sensor cleaning system. Claim 3 A foreign substance detection system comprising: a detection loop configured to selectively allow current to flow, a controller configured to operate a sensor cleaning system for cleaning an environmental sensor of a vehicle, a power supply unit configured to supply power to the controller at all times, and an environmental sensor including a detection device configured to open and close the detection loop based on whether fluid is attached; wherein the detection device comprises a cover including at least one fluid passage formed as a recess on its surface; a conductor disposed on each side of the cover to contact the fluid passage of the cover; and a casing including a recess for accommodating the cover and the conductor. Claim 4 A foreign substance detection system according to claim 1, wherein the detection device is formed integrally with or separately from the environment sensor. Claim 5 A foreign substance detection system according to claim 3, wherein the corners of the Euro are filleted. Claim 6 A foreign substance detection system according to claim 1, wherein the detection device further comprises a casing including a recess for accommodating the cover and the conductor. Claim 7 A foreign substance detection system according to claim 2, wherein the signal is a current or voltage signal resulting from the closure of the detection loop. Claim 8 A foreign substance detection system comprising: a detection loop configured to selectively allow current to flow, a controller configured to operate a sensor cleaning system for cleaning an environmental sensor of a vehicle, a power supply unit configured to supply power to the controller at all times, and an environmental sensor including a detection device configured to open and close the detection loop based on whether a fluid is attached; wherein the detection device includes a cover including at least one fluid path formed as a recess on its surface, and conductors disposed on each side of the cover to contact the fluid path of the cover, and when the fluid is attached to the cover and the detection loop is closed, the controller receives a current or voltage and is configured to determine the operating time of the sensor cleaning system based on the magnitude of the input current or voltage. Claim 9 A foreign substance detection system according to claim 8, wherein the controller operates a sensor cleaning system during the determined operating time. Claim 10 A foreign substance detection system according to claim 8, wherein the magnitude of the input current or voltage increases in proportion to the number of fluid channels into which the fluid flows. Claim 11 A foreign substance detection system according to claim 9, wherein after operating the sensor cleaning system, the controller is configured to determine whether the current or voltage input to the controller is zero. Claim 12 A foreign substance detection system according to claim 11, wherein if the input current or voltage is not zero, the controller activates the sensor cleaning system again. Claim 13 A foreign substance detection system according to claim 11, wherein if the input current or voltage is not zero, the controller determines the operating time of the sensor cleaning system based on the magnitude of the input current or voltage.

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