Vehicle having a sensor thawing device using heated air

A sensor thawing device, applied to a vehicle, discharges high-temperature air in a target direction, which is any one of left, right, down, and up directions, to an air discharge duct extended from a molding box coupled to a radiator grill, heats outside air introduced into a heat source line with a heat source including a heating wire to convert the outside air into high-temperature air, supplies the high-temperature air to an air distribution box, moves the air discharge duct in the target direction by forming the air pressure with a part of the high-temperature air by using an air pressure actuator, and supplies the air discharge duct with the remaining high-temperature air through a moving duct.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0012894, filed on Jan. 29, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a sensor thawing device, and particularly, to a vehicle having a sensor thawing device capable of thawing a sensor, without limitation to types of sensors, by using high-temperature air (hot air) discharged in a target direction, which is any one of left, right, up, and down directions. The sensor thawing device has an air discharge part that is exposed to the outside only when operating, thereby preventing a deterioration in external appearance of the vehicle.

Description of Related Art

In general, when various types of sensors installed in a vehicle have snow stuck to them or are frozen, it is difficult for the sensors to perform. In order to solve this situation, heating wires (hot wires) are provided and connected to the sensors.

An example of a sensor is a logo-integrated radar sensor. The logo-integrated radar sensor has a heating wire mounted on a logo part, and the heating wire applies heat and melts the snow or ice covering the logo part.

With the function of the heating wire, the performance of the logo-integrated radar sensor, which is implemented through the logo part, may be stably maintained even in the winter season.

However, in the case of the method of thawing the sensor with the heating wire, there is a limitation in that the radar cannot be operated when the heating wire is operated. Additionally, an external appearance of the logo part deteriorates due to the application of the heating wire.

Because the use of the method of thawing the sensor with the heating wire is limited to a structure such as the logo-integrated radar sensor to which the heating wire may be applied, the heating wire cannot be applied to a structure such as a single injection-molded product, other sensors, or a charging door, making it difficult to thaw these structures.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure considering the above point is to provide a vehicle having a sensor thawing device, which thaws a sensor by discharging high-temperature air (hot air) toward the sensor. The sensor thawing device may be positioned in any one of left, right, down, and up directions and corresponding to a target direction, such that a single injection-molded product, other sensors, or a charging door, to which a heating wire has been difficult to apply, may be easily thawed with high-temperature air from the sensor thawing device. Further, a rapid thawing operation may be performed by the sensor thawing device on a radar and a sensor without time delay by quick heat generation according to a principle of a hair dryer using a fan and a heating wire. Also, a deterioration in external appearance of a vehicle is prevented because the sensor thawing device is exposed to the outside only when the sensor thawing device operates and performs the thawing operation.

In one aspect, a sensor thawing device according to the present disclosure includes: a heat source line configured to heat outside air with heat generated by a heat source to change the outside air into high-temperature air (hot air); an air distribution box connected to the heat source line; a duct fixing cover module configured to form an air pressure with a part of the high-temperature air discharged from the air distribution box and form a flow of air with the remaining air; an air discharge duct moved in a target direction by the air pressure and configured to discharge the flow of the air to the outside in the target direction; and a molding box having a box space configured to receive the air distribution box, the duct fixing cover module, and the air discharge duct.

In an embodiment, the outside air may be introduced into the heat source line by suction force generated by a rotation of a fan, and the heat source may be provided in the heat source line.

In an embodiment, the air distribution box may supply the part of the air to the duct fixing cover module through a left connection port and a right connection port and supply the remaining air to the duct fixing cover module through an air discharge port.

In an embodiment, the duct fixing cover module may include: a moving duct connected to the air discharge port and configured to form the flow of the air; a left air pressure actuator connected to the left connection port and configured to form the air pressure; and a right air pressure actuator connected to the right connection port and configured to form the air pressure.

In an embodiment, the moving duct may include a plurality of ducts overlapping one another and may transmit the flow of the air to the air discharge duct.

In an embodiment, the left air pressure actuator may include a connection tube connected to the left connection port and a collapsible tube having an antenna pole structure connected to the connection tube and configured to form the air pressure. The collapsible tube may be extended by the air pressure to move the air discharge duct in the target direction.

In an embodiment, the right air pressure actuator may include a connection tube connected to the right connection port and a collapsible tube having an antenna pole structure connected to the connection tube and configured to form the air pressure. The collapsible tube may be extended by the air pressure to move the air discharge duct in the target direction.

In an embodiment, the collapsible tube may have a tube stopper, and the tube stopper may restrict insertion of the collapsible tube into the connection tube.

In an embodiment, the duct fixing cover module may include a left guide rail and a right guide rail. The left guide rail may guide the movement of the air discharge duct at a left side of the moving duct and the right guide rail may guide the movement of the air discharge duct in the target direction at a right side of the moving duct.

In an embodiment, the duct fixing cover module may include a left spring and a right spring. The left spring may be stretched at a left side of the moving duct by the movement of the air discharge duct in the target direction and the right spring may be stretched at a right side of the moving duct by the movement of the air discharge duct in the target direction.

In an embodiment, the air distribution box may have a replaceable filter, and the replaceable filter may remove foreign substances from the high-temperature air.

In an embodiment, the air discharge duct may have a foreign substance screen provided in an air discharge port through which the flow of the air is discharged to the outside in the target direction. The foreign substance screen may remove foreign substances from the flow of the air.

In another embodiment, a vehicle according to the present disclosure includes: a logo sensor positioned above a radiator grill; and a sensor thawing device. The sensor thawing device is configured to discharge high-temperature air to the logo sensor through an air discharge duct extended from a molding box coupled to the radiator grill, to heat outside air introduced into a heat source line with heat generated by a heat source to convert the outside air into the high-temperature air, to supply the high-temperature air to an air distribution box, to move the air discharge duct upward by forming an air pressure with a part of the high-temperature air by using an air pressure actuator, and to supply the air discharge duct with the remaining high-temperature air through a moving duct.

In an embodiment, the outside air may be introduced into the heat source line by suction force generated by a rotation of a fan, or the outside air may be introduced into the heat source line by vehicle-induced wind introduced through a towing cap from the radiator grill.

In an embodiment, a discharge direction of the high-temperature air may be any one of a left thawing direction, a right thawing direction, a downward thawing direction, and a dual upward thawing direction in the molding box with the structure in which the moving duct, the air pressure actuator, and the air discharge duct are arranged.

In an embodiment, the high-temperature air may be supplied to a battery charging port in the left thawing direction, and the high-temperature air may be supplied to a refueling port in the right thawing direction.

In an embodiment, the heat source may be any one of a heating wire, a heat core, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater, and a Peltier element which are operated by power from a battery which is supplied under control of a controller. The controller may supply the power of the battery to the heating wire in a situation in which a radar positioned inside the logo sensor cannot go to the outside through a logo.

In an embodiment, the molding box may define a drain path by an interval or space from the radiator grill, and the drain path may define a passageway through which water melted from the logo sensor by the high-temperature air is drained to a bumper positioned below the radiator grill.

In an embodiment, a license plate or a number plate may be attached to a front surface of the molding box.

The sensor thawing device applied to the vehicle according to the present disclosure implements at least the following operations and effects by utilizing heated air.

First, since high-temperature air (hot air) is used to thaw the sensor, the limitation to the type of sensor that may be thawed, the limitation present when a heating wire is directly positioned to thaw the sensor, is eliminated. Second, the sensor thawing device is easily applied to a structure for thawing single injection-molded products, other sensors, a charging door, and the like. Third, since the vehicle license plate or a number plate is used to allow the sensor thawing device to be exposed to the outside only when the sensor thawing device operates, the thawing operation is quickly performed on the logo-integrated radar sensor. Also, an external appearance of the vehicle is good, i.e., not deteriorated or negatively affected, because the sensor thawing device is hidden by the license plate or the number plate when the sensor thawing device does not operate. Fourth, the radar cover thawing function of the logo-integrated radar sensor is activated to enable the rapid thawing operation without time delay according to immediate heat generation using a principle of a hair dryer, such that the radar may quickly and normally operate. Fifth, the direction of the path of the high-temperature air (hot air) is changed by the duct. Thus, the sensor positioned in any one of the left, right, down, and up directions is determined as the target direction, such that it is possible to quickly melt ice around main sensors which are positioned on a bumper and required to activate essential functions of an autonomous vehicle when the thawing function is activated.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are only examples and may be implemented in various different forms by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

FIGS.1-3illustrate a configuration of an air-heating sensor thawing device10, i.e., a sensor thawing device10.

Referring toFIG.1, a vehicle1includes the sensor thawing device10. In particular, the sensor thawing device10heats low-temperature outside air (cold air) with a heat source line30to make high-temperature air (hot air). Snow or ice covering a logo sensor3or on a sensor is thereby melted. The logo sensor3or other sensor is positioned in any one of left, right, down, and up directions of the vehicle1and corresponding to a target direction of the sensor thawing device10. As a result, the sensor thawing device10is characterized herein as an air-heating sensor thawing device.

The sensor thawing device10melts ice existing at the periphery of a main sensing functioning part of a sensor around a bumper by using air passing through a heater tube heated by electric power. The sensor thawing device10may be widely used to thaw not only a radar cover, but also other sensors and a charging door existing or attached at the periphery of the bumper. In particular, the sensor thawing device10may advantageously thaw parts around main sensors, which are positioned on the bumper and required to activate essential functions of an autonomous vehicle, without damaging the functions of the sensors while the thawing function thereof is activated.

In one embodiment, the sensor thawing device10is covered by a license plate (or a number plate)9, mounted at a side of a radiator grill4, and positioned between the logo sensor3and a bumper5. The sensor thawing device10includes a fan20, the heat source line30, an air distribution box40, a duct fixing cover module50, an air discharge duct80, a molding box90, a battery100, and a controller200.

For example, the logo sensor3has a part where a radar3-2emits beams behind a logo3-1that symbolizes a vehicle manufacturer. The radiator grill4introduces outside air into an engine compartment. The bumper5is positioned below the radiator grill4. The license plate9contains a vehicle number thereon.

For example, the fan20is supplied with power from the battery100and draws the outside air under control of the controller200. The heat source line30heats the outside air introduced by the fan20to make high-temperature air (hot air).

In one embodiment, the heat source line30includes a fan connecting tube31, a duct connecting tube32, and a heat source for generating heat. The fan connecting tube31is connected to the fan20and supplied with the outside air introduced by the fan20. The duct connecting tube32extends from the fan connecting tube31and is connected to the air distribution box40. The heat source is provided in the duct connecting tube32and heats the low-temperature air (cold air) passing through the duct connecting tube32to make the high-temperature air (hot air). To this end, the heat source in one embodiment has a coil shape using a nichrome wire and is supplied with power from the battery100under control of the controller200.

Hereinafter, the heat source is described as a heating wire35, for example, but the heat source is not limited to the heating wire35. For example, a heat core, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater, or a Peltier element may be applied as the heat source.

For example, the air distribution box40transmits the high-temperature air (hot air) to the duct fixing cover module50, moves the air discharge duct80, and transmits the high-temperature air (hot air) discharged from the air discharge duct80to the logo sensor3.

For example, the duct fixing cover module50moves the air discharge duct80upward using an air pressure of the high-temperature air (hot air) transmitted from the air distribution box40, thereby defining a route along which the high-temperature air (hot air) is transmitted to the air discharge duct80. The air discharge duct80protrudes upward from the molding box90to discharge the high-temperature air (hot air) to the logo sensor3which is the target to be finally thawed.

For example, the molding box90has a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a box space90-1and has a front surface to which the license plate9is attached. The duct fixing cover module50and the air discharge duct80are embedded in the box space90-1. Therefore, the molding box90serves to prevent a deterioration in an aesthetic appearance of the radiator grill4when the sensor thawing device10does not operate.

For example, the battery100supplies power to the fan20and the heating wire35. The controller200checks a temperature of the outside air to determine whether it is necessary to thaw the logo sensor. In order to thaw the logo sensor, the controller200controls the operation of the fan20on the basis of a fan ON/OFF signal (a) and controls the operation of the heating wire35on the basis of a heater ON/OFF signal (b).

Referring toFIG.2illustrating a cross section taken along line A-A inFIG.1and toFIG.3illustrating a cross section taken along line B-B inFIG.1, the fan20is fixed in an inner space of the radiator grill4by an engine room bracket5-1by bolting, screwing, or welding. In the heat source line30, the duct connecting tube32bent from the fan connecting tube31is connected to the molding box90positioned in front of the radiator grill4. The molding box90is positioned in front of the radiator grill4.

In particular, the air distribution box40, the duct fixing cover module50, and the air discharge duct80are positioned inside the box space90-1of the molding box90. For example, the air distribution box40is connected to the duct connecting tube32at a lowermost position inside the box space90-1of the molding box90to transmit the high-temperature air (hot air). The duct fixing cover module50is connected to the air distribution box40inside the box space90-1of the molding box90to receive the high-temperature air (hot air). The air discharge duct80is connected to the duct fixing cover module50inside the box space90-1of the molding box90to discharge the high-temperature air (hot air) to the outside from an uppermost position.

Therefore, the sensor thawing device10has an interval, gap, or space between the box space90-1of the molding box90and a front portion of the radiator grill4, thereby defining a drain path7.

When the snow or ice existing on the logo sensor3is melted by the high-temperature air (hot air) discharged from an air discharge port81of the air discharge duct80protruding from the molding box90, the water drips or flows downward from the logo sensor3through the drain path7to the front portion of the radiator grill4. The water flows downward via the box space90-1of the molding box90. The water flowing out of the box space90-1of the molding box90flows along the bumper5and then is discharged to the outside.

Meanwhile,FIGS.4-6illustrate detailed configurations and partially modified structures of the fan, the heat source line, and the air distribution box which are the components of the sensor thawing device10.

Referring toFIG.4, the fan connecting tube31of the heat source line30is connected to a lower side of the fan20and the duct connecting tube32is connected to a lateral side of the air distribution box40. Thus, the low-temperature outside air (cold air), which is drawn by the fan20operated by power supplied from the battery100, is introduced into the fan connecting tube31and transmitted to the duct connecting tube32.

Then, the heating wire35of the duct connecting tube32of the heat source line30generates heat with power supplied from the battery100. Thus, the low-temperature air (cold air) is converted into the high-temperature air (hot air) and the high-temperature air is transmitted to the air distribution box40connected to the duct connecting tube32.

In particular, the air distribution box40transmits the high-temperature air (hot air) in three directions, such that the air distribution box40applies the air pressure to the duct fixing cover module50in the two directions, among the three directions. A height of the duct fixing cover module50is thereby increased, and simultaneously, the high-temperature air (hot air) is transmitted to the air discharge duct80in one of the three directions.

To this end, the air distribution box40has an air discharge port41and a pair of left and right connection ports42and43formed in a box body having a rectangular parallelepiped shape and having an internal space.

For example, the air discharge port41is disposed in a central region of the air distribution box40and has a rectangular opening channel shape. The air discharge port41transmits the high-temperature air (hot air) to the duct fixing cover module50so that the high-temperature air (hot air) is discharged from the air discharge duct80via the duct fixing cover module50.

The left and right connection ports42and43include the left connection port42protruding from a left portion of the air discharge port41and the right connection port43protruding from a right portion of the air discharge port41. The left and right connection ports42and43transmit the high-temperature air (hot air) to left and right air pressure actuators70A and70B (seeFIG.7) of the duct fixing cover module50and form air pressure for moving the duct fixing cover module50upward by using closed structures of the left and right air pressure actuators70A and70B.

FIG.5illustrates a modified example in which the sensor thawing device10supplies the low-temperature outside air (cold air) to the heat source line30without using the fan20.

For example, a towing cap20-1is provided at a side of the radiator grill4and a tube inlet30-1is provided on the fan connecting tube31of the heat source line30. In this case, the towing cap20-1has a structure that may be opened or closed by manipulating a switch. In addition, the tube inlet30-1has a funnel shape that facilitates the inflow of the low-temperature outside air (cold air).

Therefore, the sensor thawing device10may thaw the logo sensor3while the vehicle travels.

In other words, when a signal from the radar3-2cannot be recognized due to ice on the logo sensor3while the vehicle travels, the towing cap20-1is opened and the vehicle-induced wind is introduced into the inner space of the radiator grill4through the towing cap20-1. The tube inlet30-1of the heat source line30transmits the low-temperature outside air (cold air) to the fan connecting tube31and allows the low-temperature outside air (cold air) to flow to the duct connecting tube32. Then, the low-temperature air (cold air) is converted into the high-temperature air (hot air) by the operation of the heating wire35in the duct connecting tube32.

Thereafter, the sensor thawing device10is operated in the same manner as in a way described with reference toFIGS.1-4.

FIG.6illustrates a modified configuration in which a replaceable filter45of the air distribution box40may remove foreign substances from the high-temperature air (hot air) in the air distribution box40.

For example, the replaceable filter45is embedded in the air distribution box40. The replaceable filter45includes a filter46provided to divide an internal space of the air distribution box40into front and rear spaces and includes a closure47detachably coupled to the box body of the air distribution box40and configured to support the filter46. In this case, the detachable structure of the closure47may be a screw-type structure or an elastically deformable structure made of rubber.

The sensor thawing device10purifies, using the filter46, the high-temperature air (hot air) introduced into the air distribution box40so as to thaw the logo sensor3. Thus, only the high-temperature air (hot air) from which foreign substances are removed may be discharged from the air discharge duct80via the duct fixing cover module50.

The filter46may be easily replaced by separating the closure47of the replaceable filter45from the box body of the air distribution box40.

Meanwhile,FIGS.7-9andFIG.11illustrate a detailed configuration of the duct fixing cover module50of the air-heating sensor thawing device10and a partially modified structure of the air discharge duct80.

Referring toFIG.7, the duct fixing cover module50includes a moving duct60and the air pressure actuators70.

Specifically, the moving duct60includes a collapsible duct61and left and right guide rails69A and69B.

For example, the collapsible duct61adjusts a position of the air discharge duct80protruding from the box space90-1of the molding box90and defines a flow path through which the high-temperature air (hot air) is transmitted to the air discharge duct80. The left and right guide rails69A and69B include the left guide rail69A coupled to a left side of the air discharge duct80and the right guide rail69B coupled to the right side of the air discharge duct80inside the box space90-1of the molding box90. Thus, upward and downward position movements of the air discharge duct80(or the movement of the air discharge duct80toward the target and the movement of the air discharge duct80away from the target) may be stably guided.

In particular, the collapsible duct61includes first, second, third, and fourth ducts62,63,64, and65so as to operate in conjunction with the upward and downward position movements of the air discharge duct80. Among the first, second, third, and fourth ducts62,63,64, and65, the first duct62is connected to the air discharge port41of the air distribution box40, the second duct63is fitted with the first duct62, the third duct64is fitted with the second duct63, and the fourth duct65is fitted with the third duct64. In this case, the number of ducts including the first, second, third, and fourth ducts62,63,64, and65is four, but three or five ducts may be provided, and the number of ducts may vary depending on a size of the molding box90.

Therefore, the second duct63is extended from the first duct62when the air discharge duct80moves upward. On the contrary, the second duct63is retracted into the first duct62when the air discharge duct80moves downward. The third duct64is extended from or retracted into the second duct63, and the fourth duct65is extended from or retracted into the third duct64. As a result, the first, second, third, and fourth ducts62,63,64, and65operate in conjunction with the upward and downward position movements of the air discharge duct80.

Specifically, when the air pressure of the high-temperature air (hot air) transmitted from the air distribution box40is formed, the air pressure actuator70is stretched to move the air discharge duct80upward. On the contrary, when the air pressure is eliminated, the air pressure actuator70is compressed to move the air discharge duct80downward.

To this end, the air pressure actuator70includes a connection tube71, a collapsible tube73, and a tube stopper75.

For example, the connection tube71defines an inlet into which the high-temperature air (hot air) is introduced from the air distribution box40. The collapsible tube73has a collapsible or telescoping antenna type structure in which a plurality of tubes having different diameters and including one tube having a closed end connected to the connection tube71overlaps one another. The collapsible tube73is stretched, like an extended telescoping antenna, when the air pressure of the high-temperature air (hot air) is applied. The tube stopper75is provided below the collapsible tube73and prevents a lowermost tube of the collapsible tube73from entering the connection tube71.

In particular, the air pressure actuators70include the pair of left and right air pressure actuators70A and70B each having the connection tube71, the collapsible tube73, and the tube stopper75.

Therefore, the left air pressure actuator70A is connected to the left connection port42of the air distribution box40and the right air pressure actuator70B is connected to the right connection port43of the air distribution box40.

The air pressure actuators70include a pair of left and right springs79A and79B. In this case, each of the left and right springs79A and79B is configured as a coil spring.

For example, both ends of the left spring79A are fixed to the air discharge duct80and the box space90-1of the molding box90at the side of the left air pressure actuator70A. Thus, the left spring79A is stretched when the air discharge duct80moves upward and the left spring79A provides elastic restoring force when the air discharge duct80moves downward. Further, both ends of the right spring79B are fixed to the air discharge duct80and the box space90-1of the molding box90at the side of the right air pressure actuator70B. Thus, the right spring79B is stretched when the air discharge duct80moves upward and the right spring79B provides elastic restoring force when the air discharge duct80moves downward.

FIG.8illustrates a state in which the air discharge duct80discharges the high-temperature air in various target directions as the movement directions of the duct fixing cover module50with respect to the moving duct60are changed.

For example, when the target direction of the high-temperature air (hot air) is positioned at a left or right side of the molding box90, the duct fixing cover module50disposes the moving duct60and the air pressure actuator70at the left or right side of the box space90-1of the molding box90. Thus, the high-temperature air (hot air) discharged from the air discharge duct80may be discharged in a left thawing direction50A or a right thawing direction50B through the molding box90.

When the target direction of the high-temperature air (hot air) is positioned at a lower side of the molding box90, the duct fixing cover module50disposes the moving duct60and the air pressure actuator70at the lower side of the box space90-1of the molding box90. Thus, the high-temperature air (hot air) discharged from the air discharge duct80may be discharged in a downward thawing direction50C through the molding box90.

When the target direction of the high-temperature air (hot air) is positioned at an upper side of the molding box90, the duct fixing cover module50divides the air discharge duct80into two air discharge ducts80spaced apart from each other at an interval in a state in which the moving duct60and the air pressure actuator70are disposed at the upper side of the box space90-1of the molding box90. As a result, the high-temperature air (hot air) discharged from the two air discharge ducts80may be discharged in a dual upward thawing direction50D and50E such that a part of the high-temperature air (hot air) is discharged in the left upward thawing direction50D through the molding box90and the remaining high-temperature air (hot air) is discharged in the right upward thawing direction50E.

In particular, the high-temperature air in the duct movement direction50A may be connected to a hot air supply line in order to melt ice on a battery charging port of an electric vehicle. Also, the high-temperature air in the duct movement direction50B may be connected to a hot air supply line in order to melt ice on a refueling port of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine.

Therefore, the duct fixing cover module50is connected to the air distribution box40and may be applied or used in various ways regardless of types of vehicles such as vehicles having internal combustion engines, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles.

FIG.9illustrates a modified example in which a foreign substance screen83of the air discharge duct80may remove foreign substances from the high-temperature air (hot air) in the air distribution box40.

For example, the air discharge duct80has the foreign substance screen83coupled to the air discharge port81and the foreign substance screen83covers a space of the air discharge port81. Therefore, the high-temperature air (hot air) discharged to the air discharge port81is filtered by the foreign substance screen83of the air discharge duct80. Thus, only the high-temperature air (hot air) from which foreign substances are removed may be discharged to the logo sensor3.

Meanwhile,FIGS.10and11illustrate a state in which the air-heating sensor thawing device10operates in the vehicle according to the present disclosure.

First, referring toFIG.10illustrating a state before the sensor thawing device10operates, the controller200checks a frozen state of the logo sensor3on the basis of a temperature of outside air, or the controller200operates the radar3-2to check whether a radar projection area signal is generated through the logo3-1.

When the controller200determines that the temperature of the outside air is not a temperature at which the logo sensor3is frozen or when the radar projection area signal is generated through the logo3-1, the controller200does not operate the sensor thawing device10.

In contrast, when the controller200determines that the temperature of the outside air is a temperature at which the logo sensor3is frozen or when the radar projection area signal is not generated through the logo3-1, the controller200operates the sensor thawing device10.

However, the controller200may not apply the temperature of the outside air to an operational condition of the sensor thawing device10but may apply only whether the radar projection area signal is generated, which enables a normal state of the radar3-2to be recognized, to the operational condition of the sensor thawing device10.

Next, referring toFIG.10illustrating a state while the duct of the sensor thawing device10is deployed, the controller200generates the fan ON signal (a) and the heater ON signal (b) and supplies power of the battery100to the fan20and the heating wire35.

The fan20uses rotational force to draw the low-temperature outside air (cold air). The heat source line30heats the heating wire35to heat the low-temperature air (cold air) introduced into the duct connecting tube32via the fan connecting tube31to make the high-temperature air (hot air) and transmits the high-temperature air (hot air) to the air distribution box40. In this case, the flow of the low-temperature air (cold air) and the flow of the high-temperature air (hot air) are formed by suction force generated by the rotation of the fan20.

Then, the air distribution box40transmits the high-temperature air (hot air) to the air discharge port41and the left and right connection ports42and43. The moving duct60of the duct fixing cover module50receives the high-temperature air (hot air) discharged from the air discharge port41. Also, the air pressure actuators70, i.e., the left and right air pressure actuators70A and70B, receive the high-temperature air (hot air) discharged from the left and right connection ports42and43.

Accordingly, the collapsible tube73of each of the left and right air pressure actuators70A and70B, which is connected to the connection tube71and has the closed end, is filled with the high-temperature air (hot air) to form an air pressure and the collapsible tube73is moved upward, like an antenna, by the air pressure. Thus, the air discharge duct80is moved upward and the upward movement of the air discharge duct80pulls the moving duct60.

In this case, each of the left and right guide rails69A and69B supports the upward movement of the air discharge duct80to ensure movement stability when the air discharge duct80moves upward. Each of the left and right springs79A and79B is stretched by the upward movement of the air discharge duct80and provides elastic restoring force when the air discharge duct80moves downward.

Finally, referring toFIG.10illustrating a state while the sensor thawing device10is operating, when the fan20is continuously operated by the controller200, the high-temperature air (hot air) is discharged from the air distribution box40to the air discharge port81of the air discharge duct80via the collapsible duct61of the moving duct60. Snow or ice is thereby removed from the logo3-1of the logo sensor3. In this case, the drain path7, which is formed by the interval or space between the radiator grill4and the box space90-1of the molding box90, discharges the water, which is melted from the logo sensor3and flows downward, to the outside along the bumper5via the radiator grill4.

As described above, it can be seen that the high-temperature air (hot air) is discharged upward in the target direction toward the logo3-1of the logo sensor3. However, it is apparent that when the target direction is the left/right direction or the up/down direction as illustrated inFIG.8, the high-temperature air (hot air) may be discharged in any one of the left, right, down, and up directions.

Thereafter, the controller200checks the generation of the radar projection area signal that enables the normal state of the radar3-2to be ascertained. Then the controller200stops the operation of the fan20and the operation of the heating wire35.

Then, each of the left and right air pressure actuators70A and70B switches to an air pressure release state. The compressive force (i.e., elastic restoring force) of the left and right springs79A and79B pulls the air discharge duct80downward to move the air discharge duct80downward, such that the unfolded states of the collapsible tube73and the moving duct60return back to the folded states.

As a result, the air discharge duct80is retracted into the box space90-1of the molding box90and not exposed to the outside.

Meanwhile, referring toFIG.11, when the high-temperature air (hot air) is discharged to the air discharge duct80, each of the first, second, third, and fourth ducts62,63,64, and65of the collapsible duct61are extended and stretched like an antenna, and the collapsible tubes73of the left and right air pressure actuators70A and70B are also extended and stretched like an antenna.

Therefore, each of the first, second, third, and fourth ducts62,63,64, and65allows the amount of high-temperature air (hot air) to be smoothly transmitted to the air discharge duct80. Also, the collapsible tube73maintains the upward movement position of the air discharge duct80with the air pressure of the high-temperature air (hot air).

As described above, the sensor thawing device10applied to the vehicle1according to the present embodiment discharges high-temperature air (hot air) in the target direction, which is any one of the left, right, down, and up directions, to the air discharge duct80extended from the molding box90coupled to the radiator grill4. Further, the sensor thawing device10heats the outside air introduced into the heat source line30with the heat source including the heating wire35to convert the outside air into the high-temperature air (hot air). The sensor thawing device10also supplies the high-temperature air (hot air) to the air distribution box40, moves the air discharge duct80in the target direction by forming the air pressure with a part of the high-temperature air by using the air pressure actuator70, and supplies the air discharge duct80with the remaining high-temperature air through the moving duct60. As described, rapid thawing operation is performed without time delay according to the principle of a hair dryer using the fan20and the heating wire35. This enables the normal operation of the radar3-2and prevents or inhibits deterioration in the external appearance of the vehicle is because the air-heating sensor thawing device10is not exposed to the outside when the air-heating sensor thawing device10is not operated.