Pressure sensor, analysis unit, vehicle, and method for detecting a water level

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressure sensor, to an analysis unit, to a vehicle comprising such a pressure sensor and such an analysis unit, and to a method for detecting a rising water level. The detection is based on a pressure sensor which has at least one pressure sensor element and a hose element. The hose element is provided on a housing of the pressure sensor such that a fluidic connection is established between the pressure sensor element and the surroundings of the pressure sensor, in particular of the housing. Furthermore, the pressure sensor element is designed to generate a sensor variable, in particular a pressure sensor variable, on the basis of the rising water level in the hose element or detect a change in the sensor variable. In particular, the rising water closes the cross-section of the hose element such that the water level compresses the column of air which can be found above the water level, thus allowing the rise to be detected using the pressure signal.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Pressure sensor, evaluation unit and vehicle as well as method for detecting a water level

[0004] The invention relates to a pressure sensor and an evaluation unit for the pressure sensor for detecting the rise of a water level.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] If a vehicle goes off the road and falls into an adjacent body of water, it may happen that the vehicle occupants are not able to open the doors in time before the water pressure makes opening impossible. In this case, it is important to enable the occupants to escape the sinking vehicle, for example by opening the windows.

[0007] The same applies if a stationary or slow-moving vehicle on a road or in a garage is flooded by rapidly rising water masses.

[0008] For example, US Pat. No. 11,383,661 B2 describes a method and device that uses a sensor variable from a moisture sensor to detect whether a vehicle is about to fall into water. Based on this detection, a door or window, for example, is opened.

[0009] The present invention is intended to describe a further sensor by means of which a rising water level can be directly detected.

[0010] Disclosure of the invention For detecting a water rise, a pressure sensor, an evaluation unit, a vehicle with such a pressure sensor and such an evaluation unit and a method are described below.The detection is based on a pressure sensor which has at least one pressure sensor element and a hose element. The hose element is arranged on a housing of the pressure sensor in such a way that it creates a fluidic connection between the pressure sensor element and the environment of the pressure sensor, in particular the housing. In addition, the pressure sensor element is designed in such a way that it generates a sensor variable, in particular a pressure sensor variable, or detects a change in the sensor variable as a function of the water level or water level rising in the hose element. In particular, it is provided that the rising water closes the cross section of the hose element, so that the water level compresses the air column above it, so that the rise can be detected with the aid of the pressure signal.

[0011] The advantage of such a design is, among other things, that the hose element allows the water level detection location to be separated from the sensor size detection location. Furthermore, by converting a water level into a pressure value, contactless detection is enabled.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensor has a housing which consists of at least a first and a second housing element which are at least partially mechanically connected to one another. The first housing element is connected to the hose element, for example in one piece or via a connecting piece. The second housing element has an electrical interface via which the pressure sensor element can be controlled. The pressure sensor element is arranged between the first and second housing elements in such a way that it is enclosed by them. The fluidic connection between the pressure sensor element and the environment or the outside space is possible via the hose element, if necessary additionally via an opening and / or a connecting piece in the first housing element.The interface can optionally be provided for supplying power to the pressure sensor element and / or an integrated evaluation unit. Optionally, the pressure sensor can contain a transmitter module that can wirelessly transmit the sensor variables or a signal derived therefrom to a receiver. It is also possible for the sensor variables or signal to be transmitted via a method other than the interface. Alternatively, however, the interface can also be used for both power transmission and the transmission of the sensor variables or data derived therefrom, in particular via the same electrical connection elements.

[0013] Additionally, a fastening element can be provided on the housing of the pressure sensor, in particular on the first housing element, with which the hose element can be aligned and / or guided. Alternatively, the hose element itself can also have a fastening unit that enables alignment and / or guidance. In a further development of the invention, both fastening elements and fastening units can be provided.

[0014] In order to enable compensation of the sensor variables of the pressure sensor element, the pressure sensor can have a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the water in the hose element and / or the environment.

[0015] Furthermore, the invention claims an evaluation unit for the pressure sensor, wherein the evaluation unit can be integrated into the pressure sensor or arranged as a standalone module outside the pressure sensor. The evaluation unit records the sensor variables of the pressure sensor or the pressure sensor element and, as a function of these, generates at least one signal which represents a change in the water level in the hose element. This signal can be a measure of the rise or fall in the water level, for example by forming the difference between two sensor variables recorded at different times. However, the signal can also represent the water level in the hose element or the water depth in the form of a water level signal by taking into account the absolute pressure value applied to the pressure sensor element.In a further development of the invention, it can also be provided that the evaluation unit generates several signals, so that both the relative change and the absolute pressure are generated as separate information.

[0016] To account for the influence of temperature on the air column above the water level in the hose element, a temperature sensor can be provided inside and / or outside the pressure sensor. This temperature sensor, if appropriately positioned, can measure the water temperature, the temperature of the air column, and / or the ambient temperature, allowing the evaluation unit to compensate the sensor value accordingly based on the temperature value measured in this way.

[0017] Furthermore, it is provided that the evaluation unit generates a first warning signal when the water level signal exceeds a first threshold value. Accordingly, it can be provided that the evaluation unit generates a second warning signal when a rise signal, which represents the increase in the water level in the hose element, exceeds a second threshold value.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that if a threshold value is exceeded by the generated signal, at least one component of a vehicle in which the pressure sensor is arranged is activated. This can be a component that allows the driver or other occupants to leave the vehicle. Furthermore, an automatic driving mode can also be activated in which the vehicle is driven at least partially out of the area surrounding the rising water. Accordingly, in response to a detected rise in water, a brake, a seatbelt, an electric window regulator, a door lock, a door actuator, a seat adjustment, an airbag, a drive unit, a steering system, a transmitting unit and / or a communication system can be activated by the signal. Advantageously, several threshold values ​​can be provided, each assigned to a different component.This allows for a gradual escalation of measures in the vehicle depending on the level exceeded. The pressure sensor for detecting a water rise can be mounted at various locations in a vehicle. It is particularly advantageous if the hose element is mounted essentially perpendicular to the road surface. This allows rising water to most quickly close the cross-section of the hose element and form an air column between the water level and the pressure sensor element. Mounting the pressure sensor or hose element in the engine compartment, on the vehicle underbody, near the doors, or on one of the bumpers is particularly preferred.

[0019] Further advantages emerge from the following description of embodiments and from the dependent patent claims.

[0020] Short description of the drawings

[0021] Figure 1 shows the pressure sensor in exploded view. The block diagram in Figure 2 illustrates the functionality of the evaluation unit. A possible method implemented in the evaluation unit for detecting water level rise is described using the flow chart in Figure 3.

[0022] Embodiments of the invention

[0023] The invention for detecting water levels is described below primarily using the example of a vehicle. However, it should be clarified that the pressure sensor according to the invention and the evaluation unit described therefor can also be used for other applications, for example, on ships, but also for detecting water levels in basements and garages.

[0024] A possible design of the pressure sensor according to the invention is described below with reference to Figure 1. The pressure sensor 100 has a first housing element 110 and a second housing element 150. Between these two housing elements 110 and 150, a cavity is provided in which the pressure sensor element 140 is housed. The pressure sensor element can be inserted and fixed in a receptacle in at least one of the two housing elements. The second housing element 150 has an electrical interface by means of which the pressure sensor element 140 is contacted via internal wiring. Optionally, an evaluation unit can also be housed in the housing. The electrical interface can enable both the electrical power supply and the data transmission from the sensor element and / or the evaluation unit.The first housing element 110 has a hose element 120, by means of which a fluidic connection from the outside world to the pressure sensor element 140 can be established. The hose element 120 can be connected integrally to the first housing element 110 or via an attachment onto which the hose element 120 is pushed. The fluidic connection is established through an opening in the first housing element 110, for example, in the attachment, which leads into the interior of the assembled housing and to the pressure sensor element 140.

[0025] To secure the pressure sensor 100, at least one fastening element 130 is provided on at least one of the two housing elements. Using this fastening element 130, the pressure sensor 100 can be positioned such that the hose element 120 can be aligned or guided to detect a water level. Ideally, the corresponding positioning will be such that the opening of the hose element points downward, so that a rising water level or a water level quickly closes the opening completely. As the water level continues to rise, the water level in the hose element 120 also rises, whereby the air above it and the air inside the housing is increasingly compressed. This compression can then be detected by the pressure sensor element 140 as a rise in the water level using a suitable sensor size.

[0026] In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, two fastening elements 130 are provided on the first housing element 110. With the help of these two fastening elements 130, the pressure sensor 100 can be fastened in a rotationally secure manner. Alternatively or additionally, the hose element can also be provided with fastening units by means of which the hose can be separately fixed or guided. For example, it is conceivable to deflect the hose element 120 for at least a partial section, for example if the pressure sensor must be fastened laterally and the hose must be guided downwards by 90°. Such a fastening unit can be arranged directly on the hose element 120. However, it is also possible to place a fastening clamp over the hose.

[0027] When used in a vehicle, the pressure sensor can be mounted in the engine compartment, on the vehicle underbody, or on a bumper. It can also be mounted near the bottom of the door to detect impending water ingress into the vehicle interior. By designing the hose element sufficiently long, the hose end can easily be routed near the roadway, where the water is suspected to be rising. In this case, the associated pressure sensor can be mounted in a more protected location.

[0028] The principle of evaluating the pressure sensor's sensor variables and thus detecting a water rise is described below with reference to Figure 2. For this purpose, an evaluation unit 200 is provided, which has a memory 210. The evaluation unit 200 records sensor variables of the pressure sensor or of the pressure sensor element 220 located therein via a suitable connection. Based on these sensor variables, the evaluation unit 200 can detect, by knowing the installation location of the pressure sensor 100 and / or the end of the hose element 120, whether a water level has reached a predetermined height. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 220 can also detect, based on the change in the sensor variables, that a rising water level has closed the hose end, resulting in a compression of the trapped air and thus a change in the previously constant sensor variable.From the knowledge of the change in the sensor variable, the evaluation unit can infer the rate of rise and / or fall of the water level in the hose element 120 and thus also outside the pressure sensor 100. The water depth can also be derived from the absolute pressure value determined, particularly knowing the pressure value before the hose is closed by water.

[0029] To compensate for any temperature influences, the pressure sensor 100 can additionally have at least one temperature sensor 230. To detect the temperature of the enclosed air or the penetrating water, the temperature sensor 230 is mounted inside the housing or near the hose element 120. Alternatively or additionally, the ambient temperature can also be detected using a temperature sensor. For this purpose, the temperature sensor can advantageously be mounted on the outer wall of the housing. The detected temperature can then be read in by the evaluation unit 200 and taken into account when deriving the water level rise or water depth. In addition, further information and / or sensor data can be read in by means of suitable devices 240, which confirm and / or supplement the detection of the rising water level.It is conceivable that information from a camera could be used to analyze the environment. Furthermore, location information from a GPS system and corresponding map data could be used to determine whether a vehicle, in which the pressure sensor for detecting water levels is installed, is near a watercourse. Retrieving weather data is also conceivable. The recorded temperature or other information or sensor data could also be used for plausibility purposes, for example, to determine whether the hose element is blocked by a foreign object.

[0030] Based on the recorded and evaluated sensor variables, the evaluation unit 200 can thus detect whether water levels are rising. For example, to minimize the risk of vehicle occupants being unable to exit the vehicle if water levels rise around the vehicle, the evaluation unit 200 can, based on a detected water level rise, cause a window 250 to be lowered. Unlocking or opening a door is also possible to allow the occupants to exit the vehicle. The same applies to opening a sunroof, a seatbelt, or adjusting the steering wheel. Furthermore, an airbag system can be deactivated to prevent uncontrolled inflation of the gas bag and thus obstruction when exiting the vehicle.It is also conceivable that when a critical water level rise is detected, the vehicle's battery is put into a safe state so that neither passengers nor rescue workers can receive an electric shock.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation unit can also send an emergency call 260, for example, to a control center and / or to emergency services. Furthermore, in the case of an at least partially autonomously driving car, a corresponding system 270 can be activated to drive the vehicle out of the danger zone.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the evaluation unit compares the sensor variables and / or the at least one signal derived therefrom, which represents a change in the water level, with threshold values ​​stored in the memory. In this case, measures are only initiated or vehicle components activated when a water depth that exceeds a first threshold value is derived from the sensor variable. Alternatively or additionally, the rate of rise can be monitored using a second threshold value. If the water level rises faster than the second threshold value, this can be interpreted as a danger to the vehicle and / or the occupants, so that measures are initiated or components are activated once this threshold value is exceeded.Optionally, it is also conceivable to use multiple thresholds, allowing for escalation of measures, both for different and identical components. The thresholds can also be changed or set depending on the driving situation. Thus, by recording the vehicle's corresponding operating and / or environmental variables, the evaluation unit can determine whether the vehicle has impacted water, driven through a body of water, or whether there is splash water from the road.

[0033] The evaluation unit 200 can be arranged directly in the pressure sensor 100. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the evaluation unit is part of another control unit and only records the sensor variables of the pressure sensor in order to detect the rise in water. Figure 3 outlines an example of a method that can run in the evaluation unit for the pressure sensor in order to detect a rise in water. In a first step 300, sensor variables of the pressure sensor are recorded. Optionally, in a further step 320, temperature variables and / or other information or sensor values ​​that could be relevant for detecting the rise in water or initiating measures can also be recorded. In step 340, a rise in the water level and / or the water depth is determined based on the sensor variables.If it is detected that the rise has exceeded a predetermined level, for example that the water level has reached a predetermined first threshold or the rise is faster than a second threshold, a measure is initiated in step 360. If the rise in water is below the corresponding threshold, the method can be ended or repeated with step 300. The measures in step 360 can range from a simple warning to the driver, a control center or rescue services to the activation of components in the vehicle. In addition to lowering windows, the battery can also be protected against the rising water. Optionally, a further subsequent step 380 can control systems that allow the vehicle to move autonomously.By means of such control, the vehicle can be driven at least partially out of the area of ​​the rising water.

Claims

1 . Pressure sensor (100) for detecting a water rise, with a pressure sensor element (140, 220) and a hose element (120), wherein • the hose element (120) establishes a fluidic connection between the pressure sensor element (140, 220) and the environment, and • the pressure sensor element (140, 220) generates at least one sensor variable representing the changed water level in the hose element (120) when the water level in the hose element (120) rises.

2. Pressure sensor (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure sensor (100) generates a rate of change of the water level, in particular a rate of increase and / or a rate of decrease.

3. Pressure sensor (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressure sensor (100) • a first housing element (110) which is connected to the hose element (120) and • a second housing element (150) mechanically connected to the first housing element (110) and having an electrical interface (150), wherein • the pressure sensor element (140, 220) is mounted between the first and second housing elements in such a way that a fluidic connection between the pressure sensor element (140, 220) and the environment is only established through the hose element (120) and • the pressure sensor element (140, 220) is controlled by means of the electrical interface (150).

4. Pressure sensor (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first housing element (110) has at least one fastening element (130) by means of which the hose element (120) can be aligned and / or guided.

5. Pressure sensor (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure sensor (100) has a temperature sensor for temperature compensation of the sensor variables, which detects the temperature of the environment of at least one housing element, wherein it is provided in particular that temperature-compensated sensor variables are generated.

6. Evaluation unit (200) for a pressure sensor (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the evaluation unit (200) detects sensor variables of the pressure sensor element (140, 220) and, depending on the sensor variables, generates at least one signal which represents a change in the water level, in particular a rate of change of the water level, wherein it is provided in particular that the evaluation unit (200) generates the signal depending on temperature-compensated sensor variables.

7. Evaluation unit (200) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the evaluation unit (200) generates a water level signal as a function of a sensor variable, which water level signal represents the water depth in which the pressure sensor is submerged, wherein it is provided in particular that the evaluation unit (200) generates a first warning signal when the water level signal exceeds a first threshold value.

8. Evaluation unit (200) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the evaluation unit generates a rise signal as a function of a pressure difference between two sensor variables, which rise signal represents the rise in the water level in the hose element, wherein it is provided in particular that the evaluation unit (200) generates a second warning signal when the water level signal exceeds a second threshold value.

9. Evaluation unit (200) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the first and / or second threshold value is changed or set as a function of a driving situation of a vehicle in which the pressure sensor according to one of claims 1 to 5 is arranged.

10. Evaluation unit (200) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the evaluation unit (200) controls at least one component (250) of a vehicle in which the pressure sensor (100) is arranged as a function of the generated signal exceeding a threshold value, wherein it is provided that a brake, a belt, an electric window lifter, a door lock, a door actuator, a seat adjustment, an airbag, a drive unit, a steering system, a transmitting unit and / or a communication system is controlled in response to a rise in water.

11. Evaluation unit (200) according to claim 10, characterized in that the evaluation unit (200) checks whether at least two threshold values ​​are exceeded by the generated signal, wherein the control of a different component is assigned to each threshold value.

12. Device with a pressure sensor (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5 and an evaluation unit (200) according to one of claims 6 to 11, wherein it is provided in particular that the evaluation unit (200) is arranged between the first and second housing element (110, 150).

13. Vehicle with a device according to claim 12, wherein the pressure sensor (100) is attached to the vehicle in such a way that the hose element (120) is aligned substantially perpendicular to the roadway, wherein it is provided in particular that the pressure sensor (100) is mounted in the engine compartment, on the vehicle underbody or on a bumper.

14. Method for execution in an evaluation unit (200) 6 to 11, wherein the method detects sensor variables of a pressure sensor (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4 and, depending on the sensor variables, generates at least one signal which indicates a change in the water level and in particular a rise in the water level in Hose element (120) or a water depth represents

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