Control arm sensor device

Abstract

A control arm sensor device includes a sensor module detachably coupled to a control arm installed on each wheel of a vehicle, wherein a plurality of sensors embedded in the sensor module can generate a sensing signal for determining whether the control arm has a failure. In the present invention, the sensor module is detachably coupled to the control arm which is a component of a suspension device so that whether the control arm has a failure is easily sensed to prevent the control arm from being operated in a malfunctioning state and thus prevent a safety accident.

Description

Control arm sensor unit

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor device, and more particularly, to a control arm sensor device that attaches and detaches a sensor module to a control arm installed for each wheel of a vehicle, and generates a sensing signal for determining whether a control arm is faulty from a plurality of sensors built into the sensor module.

[0002]

[0003] Vehicles are constantly exposed to vibrations and shocks from the road surface through their wheels while driving. To address this issue, suspension systems, which act as shock absorbers between the body and the axles, prevent shocks and vibrations from being directly transmitted to the vehicle body, enhancing ride comfort. They also suppress irregular wheel vibrations, enhancing driving stability.

[0004] Suspension is a device that connects the axle and the vehicle body to prevent the vibration or shock received by the axle from the road surface from being directly transmitted to the vehicle body when driving, thereby preventing damage to the vehicle body or cargo and improving ride comfort.

[0005] Fig. 1 is a drawing showing a suspension device combined with a vehicle according to the prior art, and Fig. 2 is a drawing showing an enlarged view of an example of a suspension device according to the prior art.

[0006] As shown in Fig. 1, the suspension device (20) of the conventional vehicle (10) is installed on each of the front and rear wheels to reduce vibration of the vehicle wheels and improve ride comfort.

[0007] As shown in Fig. 2, the suspension device (20) of the prior art is called a (Control Arm), which is a component of the suspension device that helps maintain the vertical center line of the wheel accurately and plays a role in controlling the up-and-down movement of the wheel.

[0008] Depending on the method of the suspension device (20), the control arm has an upper control arm (100) and a lower control arm (110) that are installed both above and below the suspension device (20), and there is also a type in which only the lower control arm (110) is installed at the bottom of the suspension device (20).

[0009] The suspension device (20) of the prior art is composed of an upper control arm (100), a lower control arm (110), a tie rod (23) that transmits the rotational motion of a steering wheel (not shown) to the wheel, and a shock absorber assembly (25) that supports the lower end of the lower control arm (110) and absorbs shock from the road surface to attenuate vibration.

[0010] The upper control arm (100) and the lower control arm (110) are connected to the upper and lower portions of the steering knuckle (21) and the subframe (26). The upper control arm (100) and the lower control arm (110) are connected to the upper and lower portions of the steering knuckle (21) by ball joints (22, 24), respectively.

[0011] Meanwhile, the shock absorber assembly (25) for damping vibration is composed of a shock absorber (25d), a coil spring (25b), and an upper spring sheet (25a) and a lower spring sheet (25c) that fix the coil spring (25b) with a constant force.

[0012] When the control arm is broken, the vehicle will make a creaking noise when going over a bump, the vehicle will roll and pull while driving, and the tires will wear irregularly.

[0013] The control arm has a ball joint surrounded by a bushing, which contains grease.

[0014] If the control arm continues to be broken and the bushings are torn, the grease will leak out and not be able to lubricate the vehicle, causing friction every time the vehicle moves, which will cause the ball joints to wear out.

[0015] As the control arm bushings age, break, or become compressed, they fail to function properly. This increases the steering wheel's play, which not only causes noise but also causes wheel misalignment, resulting in vehicle pulling, swaying, and uneven tire wear. This increased steering wheel play leads to uneven tire wear, unstable handling, and increasingly misaligned wheels, making normal driving difficult.

[0016]

[0017] In order to solve such a problem, the present invention aims to provide a control arm sensor device that attaches and detaches a sensor module to a control arm installed for each wheel of a vehicle and generates a sensing signal for determining whether a control arm is faulty from a plurality of sensors built into the sensor module.

[0018]

[0019] A control arm sensor device according to a feature of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a control arm that connects the vehicle body and the wheel as a component of a suspension device installed on a vehicle wheel, and a sensor module that is detachably coupled to the control arm and has a plurality of sensors, and generates a sensing signal for determining whether the control arm is faulty from the plurality of sensors.

[0020] In addition, the sensor module may further include a sensor unit having a cylindrical shape, including an acceleration sensor that detects an acceleration signal and converts the detected acceleration signal into vibration data, a temperature and humidity sensor that detects temperature and humidity, a sound sensor that detects a noise signal around the control arm, and an electric field sensor that detects the electric field strength of a signal received from the suspension device or the control arm.

[0021] At this time, the sensor module includes a disc-shaped sensor module body that is detachably coupled to the control arm, a coupling portion that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the sensor module body and to which the sensor unit is detachably coupled, a vertical bar that is formed on the lower surface of the sensor module body and protrudes downward from the lower surface of the sensor module body, and at least one convex portion that is formed by a horizontal bar that is bent 90 degrees from one end of the vertical bar, and mutually corresponding screw threads are formed on the outer surface of the coupling portion and the inner surface of the sensor unit so that rotational coupling between the sensor unit and the coupling portion can be achieved.

[0022] At this time, the control arm includes a concave groove dug to a certain depth on the upper surface, and the concave groove includes a vertical groove dug to a certain depth in the vertical direction so that the horizontal bar can be inserted in the vertical direction, and a horizontal groove horizontally connected from the vertical groove, and the horizontal bar can be inserted vertically upward into the vertical groove and then slide horizontally in the horizontal groove so that the sensor module and the control arm are coupled.

[0023] In addition, the sensor module includes a sensor module body in the shape of a disc with a hole formed in the center thereof, which is detachably coupled to the control arm, a coupling portion formed to protrude upward from the upper surface of the sensor module body and to which the sensor unit is detachably coupled, and a vertical column formed to protrude downward from the lower surface of the sensor module body and to which a hollow passage is formed inside to communicate with the hole, and a convex protrusion formed along the outer surface thereof, and corresponding screw threads are formed on the outer surface of the coupling portion and the inner surface of the sensor unit, so that rotational coupling between the sensor unit and the coupling portion can be achieved.

[0024] At this time, the control arm may include an insertion groove in the center of the upper surface into which the vertical column is inserted, and an opening formed on the inner surface of the insertion groove into which the protrusion formed on the vertical column is inserted.

[0025] In addition, the insertion groove includes an internal groove having a screw thread on the inner surface thereof and is connected to the lower portion of the opening, and when the vertical column is inserted into the insertion groove, the butterfly bolt can simultaneously pass through the hole of the sensor module body and the passage of the vertical column so that the screw thread formed on the outer surface of the butterfly bolt engages with the internal groove and can be rotated.

[0026] And the sensor module includes a disc-shaped sensor module body that is detachably coupled to the control arm, a coupling portion that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the sensor module body and to which the sensor unit is detachably coupled, and a screw hole that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the sensor module body and has screw threads formed along the outer circumference thereof, and corresponding screw threads are formed on the outer circumference of the coupling portion and the inner circumference of the sensor unit so that rotational coupling between the sensor unit and the coupling portion can be achieved.

[0027] At this time, the control arm may include a mounting groove formed inwardly on one side of the upper surface and a screw groove formed in the center of the mounting groove and having a screw thread along the inner surface so that the screw hole of the sensor module body is inserted and rotatably coupled.

[0028] In addition, the mounting groove forms a first slot and a second slot in a horizontal direction in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the upper surface of the inner surface toward the inside of the control arm, and the first slot is a first sliding cover having a constant length and shape in the horizontal direction that slides into the mounting groove, and the second slot is a second sliding cover having a constant length and shape in the horizontal direction that slides into the mounting groove, and the first sliding cover and the second sliding cover can cover an upper portion of the sensor module body when the screw hole of the sensor module body is engaged with the screw groove.

[0029]

[0030] By the above-described configuration, the present invention can easily detect whether the control arm is broken by attaching or detaching a sensor module to the control arm, which is a component of the suspension system, and can prevent operation with the control arm broken, thereby having the effect of preventing safety accidents.

[0031]

[0032] Figure 1 is a drawing showing a suspension device combined with a conventional vehicle.

[0033] Figure 2 is a drawing showing an enlarged view of an example of a suspension device according to the prior art.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the configuration of a sensor module coupled to a control arm according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the combination of a sensor module and a control arm according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a sensor module and a control arm according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a state in which a convex portion of a sensor module body according to a first embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a concave groove of a control arm.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the configuration of a sensor module coupled to a control arm according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the combination of a sensor module and a control arm according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional drawing of a sensor module and a control arm according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor module and a control arm according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing the internal configuration of a sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] <Explanation of symbols>

[0044] 100: Control arm

[0045] 200: Sensor module

[0046] 201: Sensor module body

[0047] 205: Acceleration sensor

[0048] 206: Temperature and humidity sensor

[0049] 207: Sound sensor

[0050] 208: Electric field sensor

[0051] 209: Control Unit

[0052] 209a: Communications Department

[0053]

[0054] Throughout the specification, whenever a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise stated.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the configuration of a sensor module coupled to a control arm according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the coupling of a sensor module and a control arm according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a side cross-sectional view of a sensor module and a control arm according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the convex portion of a sensor module body according to the first embodiment of the present invention coupled to a concave groove of a control arm.

[0056] The sensor module (200) can be attached and detached to each control arm (100) installed for each vehicle wheel.

[0057] The sensor module (200) can be attached to any position of the upper control arm and / or the lower control arm. For convenience of explanation, the sensor module (200) of the present invention is illustrated as being detachably attached to the upper control arm (100).

[0058] The sensor module (200) is attached to the control arm (100), has a plurality of sensors, and generates a sensing signal from the plurality of sensors to determine whether the control arm (100) is faulty.

[0059] At this time, the plurality of sensors may include an acceleration sensor (205) that detects an acceleration signal and converts the detected acceleration signal into vibration data, a temperature and humidity sensor (206) that detects temperature and humidity, a sound sensor (207) that detects a noise signal around the control arm (100), and an electric field sensor (208) that detects the electric field strength of a signal received from the suspension device (20) or the control arm (100), and the acceleration sensor (205), the temperature and humidity sensor (206), the sound sensor (207), and the electric field sensor (208) may be all provided in one cylindrical body to perform their respective roles, thereby configuring a sensor unit (230).

[0060] That is, the sensor module (200) may include a cylindrical sensor unit (230) that can be equipped with an acceleration sensor (205) that detects an acceleration signal and converts the detected acceleration signal into vibration data, a temperature and humidity sensor (206) that detects temperature and humidity, a sound sensor (207) that detects a noise signal around the control arm (100), and an electric field sensor (208) that detects the electric field strength of a signal received from the suspension device (20) or the control arm (100).

[0061] In addition, the sensor module (200) may include at least one convex portion (210, 220) formed by a disc-shaped sensor module body (201) that can be detachably coupled to one side of the control arm (100), a coupling portion (240) that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the sensor module body (201) and to which the sensor unit can be detachably coupled, a vertical bar (211, 221) that is formed on the lower surface of the sensor module body (201) and protrudes downward from the lower surface of the sensor module body (201), and a horizontal bar (212, 222) that is formed by being bent 90 degrees from one end of the vertical bar (211, 221).

[0062] In addition, corresponding screw threads are formed on the outer surface of the coupling portion (240) and the inner surface of the sensor unit (230), so that the sensor unit (230) can be rotationally coupled to the coupling portion (240), thereby enabling easy attachment and detachment.

[0063] At this time, the upper surface of the control arm (100) may include a concave groove (120, 130) dug to a certain depth that matches and corresponds to the convex portion (210, 220), and when the lower surface of the sensor module body (201) is placed on the upper surface of the control arm (100), the convex portion (210, 220) of the sensor module body (201) may be inserted into and coupled to the concave groove (120, 130) of the control arm (201).

[0064] These convex portions (210, 220) may form a first convex portion (210) of a certain shape, and may be formed of a second convex portion (220) spaced apart from the first convex portion (210) by a certain distance and having a different size from the first convex portion (210).

[0065] The first convex portion (210) may include a first vertical bar (211) protruding vertically from the lower surface of the sensor module body (201), and a first horizontal bar (212) formed with a first length by being bent 90 degrees from one end of the first vertical bar (211).

[0066] In addition, the first horizontal bar (212) can form a first protrusion (213) that protrudes convexly on one side of the upper surface and a second protrusion (214) that protrudes convexly on one side of the lower surface.

[0067] And the second convex portion (220) may include a second vertical bar (221) protruding vertically from the lower surface of the sensor module body (201), and a second horizontal bar (222) formed into a second length by being bent 90 degrees from one end of the second vertical bar (221).

[0068] Additionally, the second horizontal bar (222) can form a third protrusion (223) that protrudes convexly on one side of the upper surface and a fourth protrusion (224) that protrudes convexly on one side of the lower surface.

[0069] At this time, it is preferable that the second length of the second horizontal bar (222) be formed to be longer than the first length of the first horizontal bar (212), and the length of the second vertical bar (221) may be formed to be longer than the length of the first vertical bar (211).

[0070] In this way, the first convex portion (210) and the second convex portion (220) may be formed of members having different heights and lengths.

[0071] The above concave grooves (120, 130) can form a first concave groove (120) in which a first convex portion (210) is inserted at a position matching the first convex portion (210), and a second concave groove (130) in which a second convex portion (220) is inserted at a position matching the second convex portion (220).

[0072] At this time, the first concave groove (120) is formed in a roughly 'L' shape, like the first convex portion (210), and may include a first vertical groove (121) that is larger than the first horizontal bar (212) of the first convex portion (210) so that the first convex portion (210) can be inserted, and is dug to a certain depth in the vertical direction, and a first horizontal groove (122) that is connected in the horizontal direction from the first vertical groove (121).

[0073] Additionally, a first elastic material (121a) of a certain shape made of a rubber-like material may be combined on the inner wall surface of the first vertical groove (121).

[0074] At this time, the first horizontal groove (122) may form a first projection groove (123) in which a first projection (213) is inserted at a position corresponding to the first projection (213) of the first horizontal bar (212), and a second projection groove (124) in which a second projection (214) is inserted at a position corresponding to the second projection (214) of the first horizontal bar (212).

[0075] When the first convex portion (210) is inserted vertically upward into the first vertical groove (121) and then slid horizontally into the first horizontal groove (122), the first protrusion (213) can be inserted into the first protrusion groove (123) and the second protrusion (214) can be inserted into the second protrusion groove (124) to be combined.

[0076] In addition, the first elastic material (121a) can be pressed and deformed when the first convex portion (210) is inserted vertically upward into the first vertical groove (121), and then return to its original shape by elastic force to perform the function of filling a certain portion of the first vertical groove (121).

[0077] In addition, the second concave groove (130) is formed in a roughly 'L' shape, like the second convex portion (220), and is larger than the second horizontal bar (222) of the second convex portion (220) so that the second convex portion (220) can be inserted, and may include a second vertical groove (131) dug to a certain depth in the vertical direction, and a second horizontal groove (132) connected horizontally from the second vertical groove (131).

[0078] At this time, a second elastic material (131a) of a certain shape made of a rubber-like material can be combined on the inner wall surface of the second vertical groove (131).

[0079] In addition, the second horizontal groove (132) may form a third projection groove (133) in which a third projection (223) is inserted at a position corresponding to the third projection (223) of the second horizontal bar (222), and a fourth projection groove (134) in which a fourth projection (224) is inserted at a position corresponding to the fourth projection (224) of the second horizontal bar (222).

[0080] When the second convex portion (220) is inserted vertically upward into the second vertical groove (131) and then slid horizontally into the second horizontal groove (132), the third protrusion (223) can be inserted into the third protrusion groove (133) and the fourth protrusion (224) can be inserted into the fourth protrusion groove (134) to be combined.

[0081] In addition, the second elastic material (131a) can be pressed and deformed when the second convex portion (220) is inserted vertically upward into the second vertical groove (131), and then return to its original shape by elastic force to perform the function of filling a certain portion of the second vertical groove (131).

[0082] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the configuration of a sensor module coupled to a control arm according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the coupling of a sensor module and a control arm according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a cross-section of a sensor module and a control arm according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] A sensor module (200) according to a second embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a sensor module body (201) in the shape of a disc with a hole (201c) formed in the center thereof and detachably coupled to a control arm (100), and a coupling portion (240) formed to protrude upward on the upper surface of the sensor module body (201) and to which the sensor unit (230) is detachably coupled.

[0084] In addition, the sensor module body (201) may be formed with a vertical column (202) of a certain length protruding downward on the lower surface, and may be structured with a first wing portion (201a) and a second wing portion (201b) protruding from each of both ends.

[0085] A first protrusion (201d) may be convexly formed on the outer surface of the first wing portion (201a), and a second protrusion (201e) may be convexly formed on the outer surface of the second wing portion (201b).

[0086] In addition, the vertical column (202) forms a passage (202a) with an empty interior, and the passage (202a) communicates with a hole (201c) of the sensor module body (201), and can form an upper protrusion (203a) and a lower protrusion (203b) that protrude convexly along the outer surface.

[0087] At this time, the upper surface of the control arm (100) may further include an insertion groove (101) formed in the center into which the vertical column (202) of the sensor module body (201) is inserted, and a first position fixing part (140) and a second position fixing part (150) that rotate the sensor module body (201) to fit and couple the first wing part (201a) and the second wing part (201b) of the sensor module body (201).

[0088] In addition, when inserting a vertical column (202), the insertion groove (101) can be formed by forming an upper opening (102) and a lower opening (103) into which an upper protrusion (203a) and a lower protrusion (203b) are inserted at positions corresponding to the upper protrusion (203a) and the lower protrusion (203b) of the vertical column (202).

[0089] At this time, the length of the vertical column (202) may be the length from the open end of the insertion groove (101) of the control arm (100) to the lower opening (103).

[0090] Additionally, the insertion groove (101) can be formed by forming an internal groove (104) that is connected to the lower portion of the lower opening (103) and has a screw thread (104a) formed on the inner surface.

[0091] At this time, the first position fixing part (140) and the second position fixing part (150) are formed on the upper surface of the control arm (100), and can be formed at a certain distance apart in both directions based on the insertion groove (101).

[0092] The above first position fixing part (140) is formed by a first opening (143) that is open on one side and closed on the other side, has a cross-sectional shape in the shape of an ‘ㄱ’, and can be formed by a first surface (141) extending vertically from the upper surface of the control arm (100) and a second surface (142) bent 90 degrees from the upper end of the first surface (141).

[0093] In addition, the second position fixing part (150) has a structure in which a second opening (153) is formed with one side open and the other side closed, has a cross-sectional shape in the shape of an 'ㄱ', and can be formed by a third surface (151) extending vertically from the upper surface of the control arm (100) and a fourth surface (152) bent 90 degrees from the upper end of the third surface (151).

[0094] In this case, the sensor module body (201) can be detachably coupled by inserting the vertical column (202) into the insertion groove (101) of the control arm (100) and settling it on the upper surface of the control arm (100), rotating the sensor module body (201) in one direction so that the first wing part (201a) of the sensor module body (201) is inserted into the first opening (143) of the first position fixing part (140), and the second wing part (201b) of the sensor module body (201) is inserted into the second opening (153) of the second position fixing part (150).

[0095] At this time, the first position fixing member (140) can form a first protrusion groove (144) in which the first protrusion (201d) of the first wing member (201a) is fitted in a concave-convex manner on the inner wall of the first surface (141).

[0096] In addition, the second position fixing member (150) can form a second protrusion groove (154) into which the second protrusion (201e) of the second wing member (201b) is fitted in a concave-convex manner on the inner wall of the third surface (151).

[0097] When the vertical column (202) is inserted into the insertion groove (101), a butterfly bolt (30) of a certain length penetrates the hole (201c) of the sensor module body (201) and the passage (202a) of the vertical column (202), and the threads (104a) formed on the outer surface of the butterfly bolt (30) are engaged with the inner groove (104) to form a rotational connection. As a result, the sensor module (200) and the control arm (100) are firmly connected to each other.

[0098] The above butterfly bolt (30) is not limited to this and various other parts such as bolts are also possible.

[0099] At this time, it is natural that a through hole through which the butterfly bolt (30) can pass can be formed in the sensor unit (230) and the coupling part (240).

[0100] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor module and a control arm according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] A sensor module (200) according to a third embodiment of the present invention can form a screw hole (204) having screw threads along the outer circumference on one side of the lower surface of a sensor module body (201) formed in a circular shape.

[0102] At this time, it should be noted that the sensor module body (201) according to the third embodiment can be formed so that the coupling portion (240) that allows the sensor unit (230) to be rotatably coupled protrudes upward from the upper surface, as shown in the first and second embodiments.

[0103] In addition, the control arm (100) can form a coupling structure (140) that couples and fixes the sensor module body (201) to one side of the upper surface.

[0104] The above-mentioned coupling structure (140) forms a mounting groove (141) dug to a certain depth from one side of the upper surface of the control arm (100), and forms a screw groove (142) dug to a certain depth in the center of the mounting groove (141) so as to insert a screw hole (204) of the sensor module body (201). The screw groove (142) can form a screw thread (142a) along the inner surface.

[0105] The above-mentioned settling groove (141) can form a first slot (143) and a second slot (144) in the longitudinal direction in the inner side of the control arm (100) on both sides of the upper surface of the inner surface in a horizontal direction, and the first slot (143) and the second slot (144) represent grooves that are formed to be thin and long.

[0106] A first sliding cover (145a) having a constant length and shape in the horizontal direction can be slidably moved into a mounting groove (141) inside a first slot (143), and a second sliding cover (146a) having a constant length and shape in the horizontal direction can be slidably moved into a mounting groove (141) inside a second slot (144).

[0107] The first sliding cover (145a) is formed to a constant length and forms a first pressure member (145b) that protrudes to a constant size on one side of the lower surface.

[0108] Additionally, the first sliding cover (145a) forms a first catch member (147) at the rear portion, not the front portion that is detached from the fixing groove (141).

[0109] The second sliding cover (146a) is formed to a constant length and forms a second pressure member (146b) that protrudes to a constant size on one side of the lower surface.

[0110] Additionally, the second sliding cover (146a) forms a second catch member (148) at the rear portion, not the front portion that is detached from the fixing groove (141).

[0111] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first stopper (147a) is coupled to one side of the bottom surface of the first slot (143), and the first stopper (147a) can prevent the first sliding cover (145a) from being detached from the mounting groove (141) by the first catching member (147) of the first sliding cover (145a) being caught by the first stopper (147a).

[0112] In addition, a second stopper (148a) is coupled to one side of the bottom surface of the second slot (144), and the second stopper (148a) can prevent the second sliding cover (146a) from being detached from the mounting groove (141) by the second catch member (148) of the second sliding cover (146a) being caught by the second stopper (148a).

[0113] Additionally, the joint structure (140) may be formed by including a screw groove (142), a first sliding cover (145a), and a second sliding cover (146a).

[0114] In this sensor module (200), when the screw hole (204) of the sensor module body (201) is inserted into the screw groove (142) and the screw is rotated and coupled, and the first sliding cover (145a) and the second sliding cover (146a) are slid toward the mounting groove (141), the first pressing member (145b) and the second pressing member (146b) pressurize while covering a portion of the upper surface of the sensor module body (201). As a result, the sensor module (200) can be prevented from being detached from the mounting groove (141).

[0115] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing the internal configuration of a sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] The sensor module (200) according to the embodiment of the present invention may include an acceleration sensor (205), a temperature and humidity sensor (206), a sound sensor (207), an electric field sensor (208), a control unit (209), and a communication unit (209a), as described above.

[0117] The above acceleration sensor (205) can detect an acceleration signal, convert the detected acceleration signal into vibration data, and transmit the data to the control unit (209).

[0118] Additionally, the acceleration sensor (205) is used to measure valid data on the deformation of the control arm (100) and can detect vibration data and transmit it to the control unit (209).

[0119] The above temperature and humidity sensor (206) is a sensor that detects the temperature and humidity of a measurement target. This temperature and humidity sensor may include a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the measurement target, a humidity sensor that measures the humidity of the measurement target, and an analog / digital converter that converts analog measurement values ​​measured by the sensors into digital measurement values, and may sense temperature and humidity values ​​and transmit them to a control unit (209).

[0120] Additionally, the temperature and humidity sensor (206) can evaluate the influence of internal heat generation on other sensors and periodically monitor temperature and humidity changes in the control arm (100).

[0121] For example, if the temperature value is above 40 degrees, other sensors may malfunction, so temperature changes can be monitored.

[0122] The above sound sensor (207) is used to detect noise signals around the control arm (100) and to interpret vibration data of the acceleration sensor or to predict failure symptoms of the control arm by combining it with vibration data of the acceleration sensor.

[0123] These sound sensors (207) can detect noise signals around the control arm (100) and transmit them to the control unit (209).

[0124] The above electric field sensor (208) is a sensor for detecting minute changes and state changes of the suspension device (20), and can detect the electric field strength (RSSI) of a signal received from the suspension device (20) or control arm (100), and transmit the detected electric field strength value to the control unit (209).

[0125] The control unit (209) according to the present invention periodically receives vibration data detected by an acceleration sensor (205), temperature and humidity values ​​detected by a temperature and humidity sensor (206), noise signals detected by a sound sensor (207), and electric field strength values ​​detected by an electric field sensor (208).

[0126] At this time, the control unit (209) may have preset reference threshold values ​​set for each of vibration data, temperature value, humidity value, noise signal, and electric field intensity value.

[0127] In addition, the control unit (209) can transmit sensing signals of vibration data, temperature values, humidity values, noise signals, and electric field strength values ​​to the outside through the communication unit (209a) in order to determine whether the control arm (100) is faulty.

[0128] The operations according to the embodiments of this specification can be implemented as computer-readable programs or codes on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording devices that store data that can be read by a computer system. Furthermore, computer-readable recording media can be distributed across network-connected computer systems, allowing computer-readable programs or codes to be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0129] When the embodiment is implemented in software, the above-described technique can be implemented as a module (process, function, etc.) that performs the above-described function. The module can be stored in memory and executed by the processor. The memory can be internal or external to the processor and connected to the processor by various well-known means.

[0130] Additionally, the computer-readable recording medium may include hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc. The program instructions may include not only machine language codes produced by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0131] While some aspects of the present invention have been described in the context of a device, they may also represent a description of a corresponding method, wherein a block or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method may also be described as a corresponding block or item or a feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware device, such as, for example, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, one or more of the most significant method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0132] In embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field programmable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of the functions of the methods described herein. In embodiments, the field programmable gate array may operate in conjunction with a microprocessor to perform one of the methods described herein. In general, the methods are preferably performed by some hardware device.

[0133] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

[0134]

[0135] According to the present invention, by attaching and detaching a sensor module to a control arm, which is a component of a suspension system, it is possible to easily detect whether the control arm is broken, thereby preventing operation with a broken control arm and thus preventing safety accidents, which can be more effective in the field of automobile suspension systems.

Claims

1. A control arm, a component of a suspension system installed on a vehicle wheel, that connects the vehicle body and the wheel; and A sensor module that is detachably coupled to the control arm and has a plurality of sensors, and generates a sensing signal for determining whether the control arm is faulty from the plurality of sensors; A control arm sensor device including:

2. In paragraph 1, The above sensor module, A sensor unit having a cylindrical shape, including an acceleration sensor that detects an acceleration signal and converts the detected acceleration signal into vibration data, a temperature and humidity sensor that detects temperature and humidity, a sound sensor that detects a noise signal around the control arm, and an electric field sensor that detects the electric field strength of a signal received from the suspension device or the control arm; A control arm sensor device further comprising:

3. In paragraph 2, The above sensor module, A disc-shaped sensor module body that is detachably connected to the above control arm; A connecting portion formed by protruding upward from the upper surface of the sensor module body so that the sensor unit can be detachably connected; and At least one convex portion formed on the lower surface of the sensor module body, the convex portion comprising a vertical bar protruding downward from the lower surface of the sensor module body, and a horizontal bar formed by bending 90 degrees from one end of the vertical bar; Including, A control arm sensor device in which corresponding screw threads are formed on the outer surface of the above-mentioned joint and the inner surface of the above-mentioned sensor unit, thereby forming a rotational connection between the sensor unit and the above-mentioned joint.

4. In paragraph 3, The above control arm, A concave groove dug to a certain depth on the upper surface; Including, The above concave groove is, A vertical groove dug to a certain depth in the vertical direction so that the above horizontal bar can be inserted in the vertical direction; and A horizontal groove connected horizontally from the above vertical groove; Including, A control arm sensor device in which the horizontal bar is inserted vertically upward into the vertical groove and then slides horizontally into the horizontal groove so that the sensor module and the control arm are coupled.

5. In paragraph 2, The above sensor module, A sensor module body in the shape of a disc, detachably coupled to the control arm, with a hole formed in the center; A connecting portion formed by protruding upward from the upper surface of the sensor module body so that the sensor unit can be detachably connected; and A vertical column that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the sensor module body, has a hollow passage formed inside to communicate with the hole, and has a convex protrusion formed along the outer surface; Including, A control arm sensor device in which corresponding screw threads are formed on the outer surface of the above-mentioned joint and the inner surface of the above-mentioned sensor unit, thereby forming a rotational connection between the sensor unit and the above-mentioned joint.

6. In paragraph 5, The above control arm, An insertion groove into which the vertical column is inserted in the center of the upper surface; and An opening formed on the inner surface of the insertion groove and into which the protrusion formed on the vertical column is inserted; A control arm sensor device comprising:

7. In paragraph 6, The above insertion groove is, An internal groove having screw threads on the inner surface and communicating with the lower portion of the above opening; Including, A control arm sensor device in which the vertical column is inserted into the insertion groove, the butterfly bolt simultaneously passes through the hole of the sensor module body and the passage of the vertical column, and the screw threads formed on the outer surface of the butterfly bolt engage with the inner groove to rotate.

8. In paragraph 2, The above sensor module, A disc-shaped sensor module body that is detachably connected to the above control arm; A connecting portion formed by protruding upward from the upper surface of the sensor module body so that the sensor unit can be detachably connected; and A screw hole protruding downward from the lower surface of the sensor module body and having screw threads formed along the outer surface; Including, A control arm sensor device in which corresponding screw threads are formed on the outer surface of the above-mentioned joint and the inner surface of the above-mentioned sensor unit, thereby forming a rotational connection between the sensor unit and the above-mentioned joint.

9. In paragraph 8, The above control arm, A fixing groove formed inwardly on one side of the upper surface; and A screw groove formed at the center of the above-mentioned mounting groove and having screw threads along the inner surface so that the screw hole of the sensor module body can be inserted and rotated; A control arm sensor device including:

10. In paragraph 9, The above anchoring home is, On the inner side of the control arm, a first slot and a second slot are formed horizontally in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the upper side, The first slot above is, A first sliding cover having a constant length and shape in the horizontal direction slides into the mounting groove, The second slot above is, A second sliding cover having a constant length and shape in the horizontal direction slides into the mounting groove, The above first sliding cover and the above second sliding cover, A control arm sensor device that covers an upper portion of the sensor module body when the screw hole of the sensor module body is engaged with the screw groove.

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