Sensor cleaning device and method

Abstract

Disclosed are a sensor cleaning device and a control method thereof. A sensor cleaning device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a compressor that compresses air; a tank part that is connected to the compressor and stores compressed air compressed in the compressor and a washer liquid; air spray nozzles that are connected to one side of the tank part and discharge the compressed air; washer liquid spray nozzles that are connected to the other side of the tank part and discharges the washer liquid; and a control unit that controls the operation of the compressor, wherein the washer liquid is sprayed through the washer liquid spray nozzles due to the pressure of the compressed air inside the tank part.

Description

Sensor cleaning device and method

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor cleaning device and method, and more particularly, to a sensor cleaning device and method for spraying washer fluid without using a pump.

[0002] In devices that use sensors, securing sensor performance is required.

[0003] It is common to perform sensor cleaning because the performance of the sensor deteriorates when foreign substances are absorbed into the sensor.

[0004] Depending on the type of foreign matter adsorbed on the sensor, sensor cleaning is broadly divided into sensor cleaning that sprays air to remove rainwater and dust, and sensor cleaning that sprays washer fluid to remove solid contaminants.

[0005] Conventional sensor cleaning devices use a compressor to inject air and a pump to inject washer fluid. Furthermore, separate air and washer fluid injectors exist for this purpose.

[0006] At this time, in order to simultaneously remove rainwater and dust from the sensor surface and solid contaminants, each device must be used in duplicate.

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an integrated sensor cleaning device capable of spraying both air and washer fluid.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor cleaning device and method capable of spraying air and washer fluid without using a pump.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor cleaning device and method having a simplified structure, reduced volume, and reduced cost compared to existing sensor cleaning devices and methods.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor cleaning device and method that can reduce costs by simplifying the structure compared to existing sensor cleaning devices and methods.

[0011] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a sensor cleaning device is provided, comprising: a compressor for compressing air; a tank portion connected to the compressor and storing compressed air and washer fluid compressed by the compressor; an air spray nozzle connected to one side of the tank portion and discharging the compressed air; a washer fluid spray nozzle connected to the other side of the tank portion and discharging the washer fluid; and a control portion for controlling the operation of the compressor, wherein the washer fluid is sprayed through the washer fluid spray nozzle by the pressure of the compressed air inside the tank portion.

[0013] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, a sensor cleaning device is provided, comprising: a compressor for compressing air; a tank portion connected to the compressor and storing compressed air and washer fluid compressed by the compressor; a spray nozzle connected to one side of the tank portion and discharging the compressed air and the washer fluid; and a control portion for controlling the operation of the compressor, wherein the washer fluid is sprayed through the washer fluid spray nozzle by the pressure of the compressed air inside the tank portion.

[0014] At this time, the tank part may be formed as one tank, the compressed air may be positioned at the upper part inside the one tank, and the washer fluid may be positioned at the lower part inside the one tank.

[0015] Additionally, the tank section may include an air storage tank that stores only the compressed air and a washer fluid storage tank that stores the washer fluid.

[0016] At this time, a pressure reducing module may be installed in a pipe connecting the air storage tank and the washer fluid storage tank to control the movement of the compressed air stored in the air storage tank to the washer fluid storage tank.

[0017] In addition, the air spray nozzle and the washer fluid spray nozzle may be formed in one or more, and each of the one or more air spray nozzles and the one or more washer fluid spray nozzles may be provided with a valve for controlling the spray amount of the compressed air or the washer fluid.

[0018] At this time, the spray nozzle is formed in one or more, and the one or more spray nozzles may be provided with a valve for controlling the spray amount of the compressed air and the washer fluid.

[0019] Additionally, the valve may be a three-way valve.

[0020] At this time, the control unit can control the valve to selectively control the spraying of the compressed air and the washer fluid.

[0021] Additionally, the valve and the nozzle can be integrated.

[0022] At this time, a plurality of pressure regulators for controlling the discharge pressure of the compressed air are included, and the control unit can control the operation of each of the pressure regulators.

[0023] Additionally, the tank may include one or more pressure sensors installed therein to measure the pressure value of the compressed air inside the tank.

[0024] At this time, a level sensor installed in the tank may be included to measure the height value of the washer fluid inside the tank.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a sensor cleaning device is provided, comprising: (a) a step in which a control unit determines whether or not cleaning of an object to be cleaned using a washer fluid is required; (b) a step in which, when the control unit determines that cleaning of the object to be cleaned using the washer fluid is required, the control unit operates a compressor that compresses air; (c) a step in which compressed air compressed by the compressor moves to a tank connected to the compressor and in which the washer fluid is stored; and (d) a step in which the washer fluid inside the tank is sprayed onto the object to be cleaned by the pressure of the compressed air inside the tank.

[0026] At this time, after the step (c) and before the step (d), the step (e) may include a step of controlling a valve that is connected to the tank and controls ON / OFF or spray amount of the washer fluid.

[0027] In addition, after the step (c) and before the step (d), the method may include: (f) a step in which a pressure sensor connected to the tank measures a pressure value of the compressed air inside the tank; (g) a step in which the control unit receives the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor; and (h) a step in which the control unit determines whether the pressure value is sufficient for sensor cleaning.

[0028] At this time, after the step (h), if the control unit determines that the pressure value is sufficient, the step (d) can be performed.

[0029] Additionally, after the step (h), if the control unit determines that the pressure value is insufficient, it may be configured to return to the step (b).

[0030] According to the above configuration, the sensor cleaning device and method according to the embodiment of the present invention can provide an integrated sensor cleaning device capable of spraying both air and washer fluid.

[0031] In addition, the sensor cleaning device and method according to an embodiment of the present invention can spray air and washer fluid without using a pump.

[0032] In addition, the sensor cleaning device and method according to the embodiment of the present invention can reduce the volume of the entire sensor cleaning device and save costs by simplifying the structure compared to existing sensor cleaning devices and methods.

[0033] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the detailed description of the present invention or the composition of the invention described in the claims.

[0034] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of a sensor cleaning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of a sensor cleaning device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of a sensor cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 is a configuration diagram of a sensor cleaning device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5 is a configuration diagram of a three-way valve used in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5(a) is a schematic diagram showing the case where compressed air is injected through a three-way valve.

[0040] Figure 5(b) is a schematic diagram showing the case where washer fluid is sprayed through a three-way valve.

[0041] Figure 5(c) is a schematic diagram showing a case where neither compressed air nor washer fluid is sprayed through the three-way valve.

[0042] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a sensor cleaning device control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention. The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. To clearly explain the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted in the drawings, and the same reference numerals designate identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0044] The words and terms used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a way that is consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principles by which the inventor can define terms and concepts in order to best explain his or her invention.

[0045] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings correspond to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, so there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace the configuration at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0046] In the following description, descriptions of some components may be omitted to clarify the features of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of a sensor cleaning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] A sensor cleaning device is a device that performs sensor cleaning (not shown) because the performance of a sensor deteriorates when foreign substances such as rainwater, dust, and solidified contaminants are absorbed by the sensor.

[0049] At this time, the sensor that is the target of cleaning of the sensor cleaning device according to the embodiment of the present invention is a sensor for an autonomous vehicle, but there may be no limitation on its type.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 1, a sensor cleaning device (100) according to a first embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit (10), a compressor (20), a tank (50), an air pipe (62), a washer fluid pipe (64), an air spray nozzle (72), a washer fluid spray nozzle (74), and a valve (80).

[0051] At this time, the control unit (10) is configured to control the pressure of compressed air (30) inside the tank (50) by controlling the operation of the compressor (20) that compresses air, the valve (80), etc.

[0052] The control unit (10) may include any configuration capable of controlling input, calculation, output of information, operation of the compressor (20), valve (80), etc. In one embodiment, the control unit (10) may include a means for calculation such as a CPU, a microprocessor, etc., and a means for inputting information such as a touch screen, a touch panel, a button, etc.

[0053] In addition, the control unit (10) may be configured to include a means for outputting information, such as a screen or speaker. Furthermore, the control unit (10) may be connected to the compressor (20) in a wired manner, such as through a wire member, or in a wireless manner, such as through Wi-Fi.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, configurations that are connected to each other in a wired or wireless manner are expressed as dotted lines.

[0055] At this time, the compressor (20) is controlled by the control unit (10) to compress external air and generate compressed air (30).

[0056] Additionally, the tank (50) is connected to the compressor (20) and stores compressed air (30) generated by the compressor (20).

[0057] At this time, in this embodiment, the control unit (10) can control the pressure of the compressed air (30) located inside the tank (50) by controlling the operation of the compressor (20).

[0058] Referring to FIG. 1, compressed air (30) may be positioned at the upper part of the tank (50), and washer fluid (40) may be positioned at the lower part.

[0059] At this time, an air pipe (62) through which compressed air (30) passes may be installed on the upper side of the tank (50).

[0060] Additionally, when the upper part of the tank (50) is located at one end of the air pipe (62), an air injection nozzle (72) through which compressed air (30) is discharged to the outside may be installed at the other end of the air pipe (62).

[0061] At this time, compressed air (30) from the air injection nozzle (72) is discharged to the outside due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the tank (50).

[0062] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 1, one air pipe (62) is installed in one tank (50) of the sensor cleaning device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a plurality of branch pipes are formed in one air pipe (62).

[0063] However, unlike the sensor cleaning device (100) according to the first embodiment, a plurality of air pipes (62) may be installed in one tank (50), and branch pipes may not be formed in the plurality of air pipes (62), or a plurality of branch pipes may be formed.

[0064] If no branch pipes are formed in the air pipe (62), an air spray nozzle (72) may be installed in each of the plurality of air pipes (62), and if a plurality of branch pipes are formed in the air pipe (62), an air spray nozzle (72) may be installed in each of the plurality of branch pipes.

[0065] At this time, there may be no restrictions on the arrangement and number of air injection nozzles (72) as long as they can discharge compressed air (30) stored in the tank (50) to the outside.

[0066] In addition, referring to FIG. 1, a valve (80) for controlling ON / OFF or injection amount of compressed air (30) may be installed in the air pipe (62).

[0067] At this time, the valve (80) can be connected to the control unit (10) in a wired manner through a wire member or the like, or in a wireless manner through Wi-Fi or the like, and can be controlled by the control unit (10).

[0068] That is, the control unit (10) can control the injection amount and pressure of compressed air (30) discharged from the sensor cleaning device (100) through valve (80) control.

[0069] At this time, in the sensor cleaning device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, one valve (80) is installed in front of the branch pipe of the air pipe (62) in the direction of flow of compressed air (30) in the air pipe (62).

[0070] However, the arrangement and number of valves (80) may not be limited as long as the amount and pressure of compressed air (30) injected from the air injection nozzle (72) can be controlled.

[0071] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 1, a washer fluid pipe (64) through which washer fluid (40) passes may be installed on one side of the lower portion of the tank (50).

[0072] Additionally, when the lower part of the tank (50) is located at one end of the washer fluid pipe (64), a washer fluid spray nozzle (74) through which washer fluid (40) is discharged to the outside may be connected to the other end of the washer fluid pipe (64).

[0073] At this time, the washer fluid (40) located at the bottom of the tank (50) is discharged to the outside through the washer fluid pipe (64) and the washer fluid spray nozzle (74) by the pressure of the compressed air (30) located at the top of the tank (50).

[0074] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 1, one washer fluid pipe (64) is installed in one tank (50) of the sensor cleaning device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a plurality of branch pipes are formed in one washer fluid pipe (64).

[0075] However, unlike the sensor cleaning device (100) according to the first embodiment, a plurality of washer fluid pipes (64) may be installed in one tank (50), and branch pipes may not be formed in the plurality of washer fluid pipes (64), or a plurality of branch pipes may be formed.

[0076] If a branch pipe is not formed in the washer fluid pipe (64), a washer fluid spray nozzle (74) can be installed in each of the plurality of washer fluid pipes (64), and if a plurality of branch pipes are formed in the washer fluid pipe (64), a washer fluid spray nozzle (74) can be installed in each of the plurality of branch pipes.

[0077] At this time, there may be no restrictions on the arrangement and number of washer fluid spray nozzles (74) as long as they can discharge washer fluid (40) stored in the tank (50) to the outside.

[0078] In addition, in the sensor cleaning device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the arrangement and number of the air spray nozzle (72) and the washer fluid spray nozzle (74) correspond to each other, but this is not necessarily the case, and the arrangement and number of the air spray nozzle (72) and the washer fluid spray nozzle (74) may be different from each other.

[0079] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 1, a valve (80) for controlling ON / OFF or spray amount of (40) may be installed in the washer fluid pipe (64).

[0080] At this time, the valve (80) is connected to the control unit (10) by wire or wirelessly, and can be controlled by the control unit (10).

[0081] That is, the control unit (10) can control the spray amount of washer fluid (40) discharged from the sensor cleaning device (100) by controlling the valve (80).

[0082] At this time, in the sensor cleaning device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, one valve (80) may be installed in front of the branch pipe of the washer fluid pipe (64) in the direction of flow of the washer fluid (40) in the washer fluid pipe (64).

[0083] However, the arrangement and number of valves (80) may not be limited as long as the amount of washer fluid (40) sprayed from the washer fluid spray nozzle (74) can be controlled.

[0084] Additionally, unlike the sensor cleaning device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the air injection nozzle (72) and the valve (80) can be formed integrally.

[0085] At this time, the washer fluid injection nozzle (74) and the valve (80) may also be formed integrally, and whether they are formed integrally may or may not correspond to the air injection nozzle (72) and the washer fluid injection nozzle (74).

[0086] In the above case, the volume of the entire sensor cleaning device can be reduced and the cost of parts can be reduced.

[0087] When washer fluid (40) is sprayed in the sensor cleaning device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the pressure of the compressed air (30) must be sufficiently transmitted to the washer fluid (40) inside the tank (50), and to this end, the control unit (10) must lock the valve (80) installed in the air pipe (62) so that the compressed air (30) is not discharged to the outside through the air spray nozzle (72).

[0088] Accordingly, since the pressure of the washer fluid (40) being sprayed is proportional to the pressure of the compressed air (30) inside the tank (50) when the valve (80) installed in the air pipe (62) is closed, the control unit (10) can control the pressure of the compressed air (30) inside the tank (50) through the operation control of the compressor (20) and the control of the valve (80) installed in the air pipe (62), and can control the pressure of the washer fluid (40) sprayed through the washer fluid spray nozzle (74) through the control of the valve (80) installed in the washer fluid pipe (64).

[0089] In this way, in the sensor cleaning device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since the washer fluid (40) is discharged to the outside by the pressure of the compressed air (30) located at the top of the tank (50), unlike the conventional sensor cleaning device (100), a pump (not shown) may not be included.

[0090] Meanwhile, the sensor cleaning device (100) according to the present invention, unlike the conventional sensor cleaning device (100), does not include a pump (not shown), thereby reducing the volume of the sensor cleaning device (100) and reducing costs.

[0091] And through the above-described structure, a single integrated sensor cleaning device (100) that sprays both compressed air (30) and washer fluid (40) can be provided.

[0092] Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of a sensor cleaning device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] The second embodiment is a modified embodiment of the first embodiment. In the following, descriptions of the same configurations as the first embodiment among the configurations of the second embodiment will be omitted, and descriptions will be made focusing on configurations that are different from the first embodiment.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 2, a sensor cleaning device (100') according to a second embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit (10), a compressor (20), an air pipe (62), a washer fluid pipe (64), an air spray nozzle (72), a washer fluid spray nozzle (74), and a valve (80) like the sensor cleaning device (100) according to the first embodiment.

[0095] However, unlike the sensor cleaning device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention which includes one tank (50), the sensor cleaning device (100') according to the second embodiment includes an air storage tank (52) that stores only compressed air (30) and a washer fluid storage tank (54) that stores washer fluid (40).

[0096] At this time, a connecting pipe (66) may be formed on one side of the air storage tank (52) to connect the washer fluid storage tank (54) to allow compressed air (30) stored in the air storage tank (52) to move from the air storage tank (52) to the washer fluid storage tank (54).

[0097] Additionally, a pressure reducing module (90) may be installed in the connecting pipe (66) to control the movement of compressed air (30) from the air storage tank (52) to the washer fluid storage tank (54).

[0098] At this time, a device capable of controlling the movement of compressed air (30) stored in an air storage tank (52), such as a valve or orifice, may be used as a pressure reducing module (90).

[0099] In addition, the pressure reduction module (90) is connected to the control unit (10) by wire or wirelessly, and can be controlled by the control unit (10).

[0100] The movement of compressed air (30) from the air storage tank (52) to the washer fluid storage tank (54) is controlled by the control of the pressure reducing module (90) of the control unit (10), and the pressure of the compressed air (30) located in the washer fluid storage tank (54) is controlled.

[0101] Accordingly, the pressure of the compressed air (30) stored in the air storage tank (52) by the pressure reducing module (90) and the compressed air (30) located in the washer fluid storage tank (54) may be different.

[0102] Meanwhile, unlike the sensor cleaning device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in the sensor cleaning device (100') according to the second embodiment, an air pipe (62) for discharging compressed air (30) generated in the compressor (20) to the outside is connected to one side of the air storage tank (52), and the number of air pipes (62) and the presence or absence of branch pipes and the number thereof may not be limited as in the first embodiment.

[0103] In the sensor cleaning device (100') according to the second embodiment, the arrangement and number of air injection nozzles (72) connected to the other end of the air pipe (62) may not be limited as in the first embodiment, as long as the compressed air (30) stored in the air storage tank (52) can be discharged to the outside.

[0104] In addition, referring to FIG. 2, the washer fluid pipe (64) that discharges the washer fluid (40) to the outside is connected to the lower part of the washer fluid storage tank (54), and the number of washer fluid pipes (64) and the presence or absence of branch pipes and the number may not be limited as in the first embodiment.

[0105] In the sensor cleaning device (100') according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the washer fluid (40) is discharged to the outside through the washer fluid spray nozzle (74) by the pressure of compressed air (30) located in the washer fluid storage tank (54).

[0106] At this time, the pressure of the compressed air (30) located in the washer fluid storage tank (54) can be controlled through the control of the compressor (20) operation by the control unit (10) and the control of the pressure reduction module (90) as described above.

[0107] In addition, the pressure of the washer fluid (40) sprayed from the washer fluid spray nozzle (74) is proportional to the pressure of the compressed air (30) inside the washer fluid storage tank (54). Accordingly, the control unit (10) can also control the pressure of the washer fluid (40) discharged through the washer fluid spray nozzle (74).

[0108] However, at this time, when the washer fluid (40) is sprayed from the sensor cleaning device (100'), the pressure of the compressed air (30) must be sufficiently transmitted to the washer fluid (40) inside the washer fluid storage tank (54), and to this end, the control unit (10) can lock the valve (80) installed in the air pipe (62) so that the compressed air (30) can be sufficiently maintained inside the washer fluid storage tank (54).

[0109] Meanwhile, unlike the sensor cleaning device (100') according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the air injection nozzle (72) and the valve (80) can be formed integrally.

[0110] At this time, the washer fluid injection nozzle (74) and the valve (80) may also be formed integrally, and whether they are formed integrally may or may not correspond to the air injection nozzle (72) and the washer fluid injection nozzle (74).

[0111] In the above case, the volume of the entire sensor cleaning device can be reduced and the cost of parts can be reduced.

[0112] In this way, the sensor cleaning device (100') according to the second embodiment, unlike the sensor cleaning device (100) according to the first embodiment, separates the tank (50) into an air storage tank (52) and a washer fluid storage tank (54), and uses a pressure reducing module (90) to differently control the pressure of the compressed air (30) discharged through the air injection nozzle (72) and the pressure of the washer fluid (40) discharged through the washer fluid injection nozzle (74).

[0113] Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of a sensor cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] The third embodiment has additional configurations added to the second embodiment. In the following, descriptions of the configurations of the third embodiment that are identical to those of the second embodiment will be omitted, and descriptions will be focused on configurations that are different from those of the second embodiment.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 3, a sensor cleaning device (100'') according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit (10), a compressor (20), an air storage tank (52), a washer fluid storage tank (54), an air pipe (62), a washer fluid pipe (64), a connection pipe (66), an air spray nozzle (72), a washer fluid spray nozzle (74), a valve (80), and a pressure reducing module (90), similar to the sensor cleaning device (100') according to the second embodiment.

[0116] However, unlike the sensor cleaning device (100') according to the second embodiment, the sensor cleaning device (100') according to the third embodiment of the present invention may additionally include a first pressure sensor (53), a second pressure sensor (55), a level sensor (56), and a pressure regulator (92).

[0117] A first pressure sensor (53) can be installed in the air storage tank (52) to measure the pressure of compressed air (30) inside the air storage tank (52).

[0118] The first pressure sensor (53) measures the first pressure value of the compressed air (30) inside the air storage tank (52), and then transmits the measured first pressure value to the control unit (10) connected to the first pressure sensor (53) in a wired or wireless manner.

[0119] At this time, the control unit (10) controls the operation of the compressor (20) using the first pressure value received from the first pressure sensor (53), thereby enabling pressure control of the compressed air (30) inside the air storage tank (52) through feedback.

[0120] Additionally, a second pressure sensor (55) that measures the pressure of compressed air (30) inside the washer fluid storage tank (54) may be installed on the upper portion of the washer fluid storage tank (54).

[0121] The second pressure sensor (55) measures the second pressure value of the compressed air (30) inside the washer fluid storage tank (54), and then transmits the measured second pressure value to the control unit (10) connected to the second pressure sensor (55) in a wired or wireless manner.

[0122] At this time, the control unit (10) controls the operation of the compressor (20) and the pressure reducing module (90) using the second pressure value received from the second pressure sensor (55), thereby enabling pressure control of the compressed air (30) inside the washer fluid storage tank (54) through feedback.

[0123] Additionally, a level sensor (56) that measures the level of the washer fluid (40) stored inside the washer fluid storage tank (54) may be installed in the washer fluid storage tank (54).

[0124] At this time, the amount of washer fluid (40) stored inside the washer fluid storage tank (54) can be checked from the outside through the level sensor (56).

[0125] In addition, the level sensor (56) can be connected to the control unit (10) in a wired or wireless manner to transmit the measured height value of the washer fluid (40).

[0126] The control unit (10) can determine the need for replenishing the washer fluid (40) in the washer fluid storage tank (54) using the height value received from the level sensor (56).

[0127] Meanwhile, a pressure regulator (92) for controlling the pressure of compressed air (30) in the direction of the compressed air (30) flow may be installed in front of the valve (80) in the air pipe (62) connecting the air storage tank (52) and the air injection nozzle (72).

[0128] The pressure regulator (92) can additionally change the pressure of the compressed air (30) in order to control the pressure of the compressed air (30) in each air spray nozzle (72) according to the pressure of the compressed air (30) in the air spray nozzle (72) required for cleaning the sensor (not shown), which is the object to be cleaned.

[0129] At this time, the pressure regulators (92) do not necessarily need to be arranged in two parallel positions like the sensor cleaning device (100'') according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and there may be no limitation on the number and arrangement of the pressure regulators (92) as long as compressed air (30) of the required pressure can be injected from each air injection nozzle (72).

[0130] That is, unlike the sensor cleaning devices (100, 100') of the first and second embodiments, the sensor cleaning device (100'') according to the third embodiment of the present invention enables pressure feedback of compressed air (30) through the first pressure sensor (53) and the second pressure sensor (55), and enables the pressure of compressed air (30) in a plurality of air injection nozzles (72) to be controlled in more detail through the pressure regulator (92).

[0131] Fig. 4 is a configuration diagram of a sensor cleaning device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram of a three-way valve used in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] The fourth embodiment is a configuration in which some of the configurations are changed or added from the second embodiment. Therefore, the description of the configurations of the fourth embodiment that are identical to those of the second embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the configurations that are different from the second embodiment.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 4, a sensor cleaning device (100''') according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit (10), a compressor (20), an air storage tank (52), a washer fluid storage tank (54), an air pipe (62), a washer fluid pipe (64), a connection pipe (66), and a pressure reducing module (90), similar to the sensor cleaning device (100') according to the second embodiment.

[0134] However, unlike the sensor cleaning device (100') according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the sensor cleaning device (100''') according to the fourth embodiment may include a nozzle (70) and a three-way valve (80').

[0135] Unlike the sensor cleaning device (100') according to the second embodiment of the present invention which includes an air spray nozzle (72) and a washer fluid spray nozzle (74), the sensor cleaning device (100''') according to the fourth embodiment may include a nozzle (70) through which both compressed air (30) and washer fluid (40) are sprayed.

[0136] In this way, when the air injection nozzle (72) and the washer fluid injection nozzle (74) are integrated into one nozzle (70), the volume of the entire sensor cleaning device (100''') can be reduced and the cost of parts can be reduced.

[0137] In addition, a three-way valve (80') for controlling the spraying of compressed air (30) and washer fluid (40) may be installed forward of the compressed air (30) flow direction and the washer fluid (40) flow direction on the air pipe (62) connecting the air storage tank (52) and the nozzle (70) and on the washer fluid pipe (64) connecting the washer fluid storage tank (54) and the nozzle (70).

[0138] Referring to Fig. 4, the three-way valve (80') can be connected to the control unit (10) in a wired or wireless manner and controlled by the control unit (10).

[0139] The control unit (10) can control the three-way valve (80') to control the spraying of compressed air (30) and washer fluid (40).

[0140] Referring to Fig. 5, the operating principle of the three-way valve (80') can be confirmed.

[0141] Fig. 5(a) is a schematic diagram showing a case where compressed air (30) is sprayed through a three-way valve (80'), Fig. 5(b) is a schematic diagram showing a case where washer fluid (40) is sprayed through a three-way valve (80'), and Fig. 5(c) is a schematic diagram showing a case where neither compressed air (30) nor washer fluid (40) is sprayed through a three-way valve (80').

[0142] Referring to Fig. 5, the three-way valve (80') has inlets and outlets formed in three directions at 90-degree intervals, and the type of fluid sprayed from the three-way valve (80') and whether or not to spray can be controlled through the movement of a pipe formed at a right angle inside the three-way valve (80').

[0143] Referring to Fig. 5(a), when a tube formed at a right angle inside a three-way valve (80') is positioned so that it communicates with the outside through an air pipe (62) through which compressed air (30) passes, compressed air (30) can be sprayed to the outside through a nozzle (70).

[0144] Also, referring to FIG. 5(b), when a pipe formed at a right angle inside a three-way valve (80') is positioned so that it communicates with the outside of the washer fluid pipe (64) through which the washer fluid (40) passes, the washer fluid (40) can be sprayed to the outside through the nozzle (70).

[0145] Also, referring to Fig. 5(c), when the tube formed at a right angle inside the three-way valve (80') is positioned so as to be connected upwardly with the air pipe (62) through which compressed air (30) passes, based on Fig. 5(c), or when it is positioned so as to be connected upwardly with the washer fluid pipe (64) through which washer fluid (40) passes, both the compressed air (30) and the washer fluid (40) may not be discharged through the nozzle (70).

[0146] Compared to the sensor cleaning device (100') according to the second embodiment of the present invention in which a valve (80) is installed in the air pipe (62) and the washer fluid pipe (64), when a three-way valve (80') is used like the sensor cleaning device (100''') according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the overall volume of the sensor cleaning device (100''') can be reduced and the cost of parts can be reduced.

[0147] Additionally, unlike the sensor cleaning device (100''') according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle (70) and the three-way valve (80') may be formed integrally. In such a case, the overall volume of the sensor cleaning device can be reduced and the cost of components can be reduced.

[0148] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a sensor cleaning device control method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] Referring to Fig. 6, the control of the sensor cleaning device (100, 100', 100'', 100''') according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention starts when the control unit (10) determines whether cleaning of the sensor (not shown), which is an object to be cleaned, using washer fluid (40) is required, and when the control unit (10) determines that cleaning of the sensor (not shown), which is an object to be cleaned, using washer fluid (40) is required. (S01)

[0150] If the control unit (10) determines that cleaning of the sensor (not shown), which is the object to be cleaned using washer fluid (40), is not necessary, cleaning of the sensor using washer fluid (40) is not performed.

[0151] When the control unit (10) determines that the sensor (not shown), which is the object to be cleaned, needs to be cleaned using washer fluid (40), it operates the compressor (20) that compresses air. (S02)

[0152] Then, the compressed air (30) compressed through the compressor (20) is moved to the tank (50) or the washer fluid storage tank (54) connected to the compressor (20) where the washer fluid (40) is stored. (S03)

[0153] The control unit (10) can increase the pressure of the compressed air (30) inside the tank (50) or the washer fluid storage tank (54) by controlling the operation of the compressor (20), etc.

[0154] Through this process, the washer fluid (40) inside the tank (50) or washer fluid storage tank (54) can be sprayed onto the sensor (not shown), which is the object to be washed, by the high pressure of the compressed air (30). (S08)

[0155] At this time, the sensor (not shown), which is the object to be cleaned, is cleaned by the sprayed washer fluid (40) and the pressure of the washer fluid (40).

[0156] Meanwhile, in the case where the sensor cleaning device (100'') according to the third embodiment of the present invention has a pressure sensor (55), the control unit (10) can more specifically control the pressure of the compressed air (30) inside the tank (50) or the washer fluid storage tank (54).

[0157] After step S03, the pressure value of the compressed air (30) inside the tank (50) or washer fluid storage tank (54) is measured by the pressure sensor (55), and the pressure sensor (55) transmits the measured pressure value to the control unit (10). (S04, S05)

[0158] The control unit (10) determines whether the pressure value received from the pressure sensor (55) is sufficient for cleaning the sensor (not shown), which is the object to be cleaned, using the washer fluid (40). (S06)

[0159] If the pressure value is not sufficient, the control unit (10) operates the compressor (20) again (S02) and repeats a series of processes (S03, S04, S05, S06) until the pressure value is sufficient.

[0160] When the pressure value is sufficient, the control unit (10) sprays the washer fluid (40) to the sensor (not shown), which is the object to be washed, by the pressure of the compressed air (30) inside the tank (50) or the washer fluid storage tank (54). (S08)

[0161] At this time, the sensor (not shown), which is the object to be cleaned, can be cleaned by the sprayed washer fluid (40) and the pressure of the washer fluid (40).

[0162] In addition, when the sensor cleaning device, such as the sensor cleaning device (100, 100', 100'', 100''') according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, has a valve (80) that can control the spray amount of the washer fluid (40), the control unit (10) can control the valve (80) that controls the ON / OFF or spray amount of the washer fluid (40). (S07)

[0163] In this way, if the sensor cleaning device is equipped with a valve (80) that can control the spray amount of washer fluid (40), the washer fluid (40) inside the tank (50) or washer fluid storage tank (54) can be sprayed onto the sensor (not shown), which is the object to be cleaned, by the pressure of compressed air (30) through step S07 just before step S08.

[0164] Through this series of processes, a sensor cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be controlled.

[0165] In this way, according to the sensor cleaning device and method according to the embodiment of the present invention, a single integrated sensor cleaning device capable of spraying both air and washer fluid can be obtained.

[0166] In addition, according to the sensor cleaning device and method according to the embodiment of the present invention, unlike the conventional sensor cleaning device and method, both air and washer fluid can be sprayed without using a pump.

[0167] In addition, unlike conventional sensor cleaning devices and methods, the sensor cleaning device and method according to the present invention do not use a pump, thereby reducing the volume of the entire device and simplifying the structure, thereby reducing costs.

[0168] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented in this specification, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention will be able to easily propose other embodiments by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components within the scope of the same spirit, but this will also be considered to fall within the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A compressor that compresses air; A tank section connected to the compressor and storing compressed air and washer fluid compressed by the compressor; An air injection nozzle connected to one side of the above tank section and through which the compressed air is discharged; A washer fluid spray nozzle connected to the other side of the tank and through which the washer fluid is discharged; and A control unit for controlling the operation of the above compressor; A sensor cleaning device including a washer fluid spray nozzle, wherein the washer fluid is sprayed by the pressure of compressed air inside the tank.

2. A compressor that compresses air; A tank section connected to the compressor and storing compressed air and washer fluid compressed by the compressor; A spray nozzle connected to one side of the tank and through which the compressed air and the washer fluid are discharged; and A control unit for controlling the operation of the above compressor; A sensor cleaning device including a washer fluid spray nozzle, wherein the washer fluid is sprayed by the pressure of compressed air inside the tank.

3. In paragraph 1, The above tank section is formed as one tank, The compressed air is positioned at the upper part of the inside of the above one tank, A sensor cleaning device in which the washer fluid is positioned at the lower part inside the above one tank.

4. In paragraph 2, The above tank section is formed as one tank, The compressed air is positioned at the upper part of the inside of the above one tank, A sensor cleaning device in which the washer fluid is positioned at the lower part inside the above one tank.

5. In paragraph 1, A sensor cleaning device, wherein the tank section includes an air storage tank that stores only the compressed air and a washer fluid storage tank that stores the washer fluid.

6. In paragraph 2, A sensor cleaning device, wherein the tank section includes an air storage tank that stores only the compressed air and a washer fluid storage tank that stores the washer fluid.

7. In paragraph 5, A sensor cleaning device including a pressure reducing module installed in a pipe connecting the air storage tank and the washer fluid storage tank to control the movement of the compressed air stored in the air storage tank to the washer fluid storage tank.

8. In paragraph 6, A sensor cleaning device including a pressure reducing module installed in a pipe connecting the air storage tank and the washer fluid storage tank to control the movement of the compressed air stored in the air storage tank to the washer fluid storage tank.

9. In paragraph 1, The above air injection nozzle and the above washer fluid injection nozzle are formed as one or more, A sensor cleaning device, wherein each of the one or more air spray nozzles and the one or more washer fluid spray nozzles is provided with a valve for controlling the spray amount of the compressed air or the washer fluid.

10. In paragraph 2, The above injection nozzle is formed as one or more, A sensor cleaning device, wherein one or more of the spray nozzles are provided with a valve for controlling the spray amount of the compressed air and the washer fluid.

11. In paragraph 9, The above valve is a sensor cleaning device that is a three-way valve.

12. In paragraph 10, The above valve is a sensor cleaning device that is a three-way valve.

13. In paragraph 9, A sensor cleaning device which controls the valve to selectively control the spraying of the compressed air and the washer fluid.

14. In paragraph 10, The above control unit is a sensor cleaning device that controls the valve to selectively control the spraying of the compressed air and the washer fluid.

15. In paragraph 9, The above valve and nozzle are an integrated sensor cleaning device.

16. In paragraph 10, The above valve and nozzle are an integrated sensor cleaning device.

17. In paragraph 1, comprising a plurality of pressure regulators for regulating the discharge pressure of the compressed air; The above control unit is a sensor cleaning device that controls the operation of each pressure regulator.

18. In paragraph 2, comprising a plurality of pressure regulators for regulating the discharge pressure of the compressed air; The above control unit is a sensor cleaning device that controls the operation of each pressure regulator.

19. In paragraph 1, A sensor cleaning device comprising one or more pressure sensors installed in the tank and measuring the pressure value of the compressed air inside the tank.

20. In paragraph 2, A sensor cleaning device comprising one or more pressure sensors installed in the tank and measuring the pressure value of the compressed air inside the tank.

21. In paragraph 1, A sensor cleaning device including a level sensor installed in the tank to measure the height value of the washer fluid inside the tank.

22. In paragraph 2, A sensor cleaning device including a level sensor installed in the tank to measure the height value of the washer fluid inside the tank. 23.(a) A step in which the control unit determines whether washing of the object to be washed using washer fluid is necessary; (b) a step of the control unit operating a compressor that compresses air when the control unit determines that it is necessary to wash the object to be washed using the washer fluid; (c) a step of moving compressed air compressed in the compressor to a tank connected to the compressor and storing the washer fluid; and (d) a step in which the washer fluid inside the tank is sprayed onto the object to be washed by the pressure of the compressed air inside the tank; A method for controlling a sensor cleaning device including a .

24. In paragraph 23, After step (c) above and before step (d) above, (e) a step for controlling a valve connected to the tank to control the amount of washer fluid sprayed; A method for controlling a sensor cleaning device including a .

25. In paragraph 23, After step (c) above and before step (d) above (f) a step of measuring the pressure value of the compressed air inside the tank by a pressure sensor connected to the tank; (g) a step in which the control unit receives the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor; and (h) a step in which the control unit determines whether the pressure value is sufficient for sensor cleaning; A method for controlling a sensor cleaning device including a .

26. In paragraph 25, A sensor cleaning device control method for performing step (d) when the control unit determines that the pressure value is sufficient after the step (h) above.

27. In paragraph 25, A sensor cleaning device control method configured to return to step (b) if, after the step (h) above, the control unit determines that the pressure value is insufficient.

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