Sensor for vehicle, sensing method thereof and vehicle system

According to one embodiment, there is provided a sensor for a vehicle, which includes: a vehicle glass; a substrate disposed on the vehicle glass; a transparent sensing electrode disposed on the substrate; and a wire electrode connected to the sensing electrode, wherein the sensing electrode comprises a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode spaced apart from the first sensing electrode.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT Application No. PCT/KR2015/010139, filed Sep. 24, 2015, which claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0018547, filed Feb. 6, 2015, whose entire disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiment relates to a sensor for a vehicle, a sensing method thereof and a vehicle system.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, the technical trend of automobile industry has been focused on developments of digitalizing each system for the purpose of driver's convenience over the previous mechanical aspect such as an engine

In detail, as one example of digitalizing an automobile, there is a technique on a vehicle rain sensor for automatically controlling a vehicle wiper according to an amount of rainfall. Even though a driver does not manually operate a wiper during raining, such a rain sensor senses an amount of rainfall to automatically control the operation of the wiper, so that the driver's convenience may be improved.

As one example of the vehicle rain sensor, there is an optical rain sensor in which a light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are installed at an inside of the front glass of a vehicle and an amount of rainfall is determined by using an variation of intensity of light received by the light receiving unit due to the variation of a light refractive index by rain drops. However, according to the optical rain sensor of the related art, since the structure and the installation are complex and the components are expensive, the producing cost is increased. In addition, the measuring area is small and influenced by various kinds of contaminants, so that the accuracy may be degraded.

In addition, as another example, there is a vehicle rain sensor of determining whether it is raining and an amount of rain drops by measuring the wire impedance varied with the raindrop on a wire disposed inside the windshield glass of a vehicle. However, in case of the vehicle rain sensor, the wire is viewed so that the driver's sight may be disturbed, so that the size and position may be limited.

Meanwhile, since a mist on a vehicle windshield glass is an interrupting element of driving, a driver must operate an air conditioner or a hot-wire during driving to remove the mist from the surface of a vehicle windshield glass, so that the driver's concentration on driving may be disturbed.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

The embodiment is to provide a sensor for a vehicle, which is capable of exactly measuring a raindrop or a mist on a vehicle window, a sensing method thereof, a vehicle system including the same and a control method thereof.

Technical Solution

According to one embodiment, there is provided a sensor for a vehicle, which includes: a vehicle glass; a substrate disposed on the vehicle glass; a transparent sensing electrode disposed on the substrate; and a wire electrode connected to the sensing electrode, wherein the sensing electrode comprises a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode spaced apart from the first sensing electrode.

The first sensing electrode may extend in a first direction, and the second sensing electrode extends in a second direction, and the sensor may further include an insulating material interposed between the first and second sensing electrodes.

In addition, each of the first and second sensing electrodes may include a plurality of electrode patterns, and the electrode patterns of the first sensing electrode are spaced apart from the electrode patterns of the second sensing electrode.

In addition, the glass of the vehicle may include at least one of a front glass of the vehicle, a side glass of the vehicle, a rear glass of the vehicle and a side mirror.

In addition, the glass of the vehicle may include an outer glass and an inner glass disposed on the outer glass, and the transparent substrate is interposed between the outer and inner glasses.

In addition, the transparent substrate may make direct contact with top and bottom surfaces of the glass of the vehicle.

In addition, the sensor may further include a control unit including a driving unit and a sensing unit, wherein the driving unit of the control unit applies a driving signal to the second sensing electrode, and the sensing unit of the control unit receives a variation of capacitance through the first sensing electrode.

In addition, the sensing electrode may sense a raindrop provided on the top surface of the glass of the vehicle based on a variation of capacitance.

In addition, the sensing electrode may sense dew provided on a bottom surface of the glass of the vehicle based on a variation of capacitance.

In addition, the sensing electrode may serve as a hot-wire electrode.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a sensing method of a sensor of a vehicle which includes first and second sensing electrode and is disposed on a vehicle glass to sense a raindrop. The sensing method includes setting a capacitance reference value; comparing a capacitance value sensed by the sensing electrode with the capacitance reference value; determining that the raindrop is formed on the vehicle glass when a difference between the capacitance reference value and the sensed capacitance value exceeds a preset first reference variation value; and measuring an amount of rainfall based on the capacitance variation.

In addition, the measuring step may measure the amount of rainfall based on areas of the first and second sensing electrodes.

In addition, when the difference between the capacitance reference value and the sensed capacitance value is less than the first reference variation value and exceeds a preset second reference variation value, the sensing method may further include a step of operating an operation as a case that dew is formed on the vehicle glass.

In addition, the sensing method may further include the step of removing the dew by generating heat by applying electric power to the first and second sensing electrodes.

According to still another embodiment, there is provided a vehicle system which includes: a sensor for a vehicle including a sensing electrode; a control unit to receive a raindrop or dew sensing signal from the sensor; and a wiper, a vehicle hot-wire or an air conditioner operated by an instruction of the control unit, wherein the control unit receives a variation of capacitance from the sensing electrode through the raindrop or dew sensing signal and operates the wiper or the vehicle hot-wire according to the sensing signal.

Advantageous Effects

According to the embodiment, the sensor for a vehicle may exactly sense dew or a raindrop on a vehicle glass based on the variation of capacitance.

In addition, the sensor for a vehicle according to the embodiment is transparent, so that the driver's sight is not disturbed wherever the sensor is installed in the vehicle.

In addition, the sensor for a vehicle has a single-layered structure, so that the sensor may be formed to have a thin thickness. When the sensor for a vehicle is embedded in a vehicle glass, a raindrop and dew may be sensed at the same time.

In addition, the sensor for a vehicle may measure an amount of rainfall based on an area in which capacitance is varied.

In addition, the sensor for a vehicle may measure a degree of turbidity of a vehicle glass due to moisture based on a value of varied capacitance. In this case, the control unit may more exactly measure the degree of turbidity of a vehicle glass due to moisture based on a gradient of the variation of capacitance.

In addition, the sensor for a vehicle may remove dew by using the sensing electrode as a hot-wire.

In addition, the sensor for a vehicle may exactly measure an amount of dew generated due to moisture through the sensing electrode and remove the dew by using the sensing electrode as a hot-wire.

In addition, according to the vehicle system of an embodiment, the transparent sensor is suitably disposed at a position required by a vehicle, so that the vehicle system may exactly measure information required to secure driver's sight. In addition, driver's convenience may be improved by suitably controlling a wiper or hot-wire based on the information collected by the sensor for a vehicle.

MODE FOR INVENTION

In the following description, when a part is connected to the other part, the parts are not only directly connected to each other, but also indirectly connected to each other while interposing another part therebetween. In addition, when a predetermined part “includes” a predetermined component, the predetermined part does not exclude other components, but may further include other components unless otherwise indicated.

The thickness and size of each layer (film), region, pattern, or structure shown in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted or schematically drawn for the purpose of convenience or clarity. In addition, the size of each layer (film), region, pattern, or structure does not utterly reflect an actual size.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to accompanying drawings.

A vehicle may include an automobile, a ship, an airplane, a motorcycle and a train. Although the following embodiments will be described based on an automobile for the purpose of convenience, the embodiments may be applied to all vehicles.

FIG. 1is a plan view showing a sensor for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 1, a sensor100for a vehicle according to an embodiment may include a substrate200, a sensing electrode300and a wire electrode400. The sensing electrode300may include first and second sensing electrode310and320.

The substrate200may be rigid or flexible.

The substrate200may be rigid or flexible. For example, the protective substrate100may include glass or plastic. In detail, the substrate200may include chemically tempered/half-tempered glass such as soda lime glass or aluminosilicate glass, reinforced or flexible plastic such as polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), propylene glycol (PPG), or polycarbonate (PC), or sapphire. The sapphire has superior electric characteristics, such as permittivity, so that the sapphire has the advantages of a superior response speed to a raindrop and superior surface strength.

In addition, the substrate200may include an optically isotropic film. For example, the substrate100may include cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), cyclic olefin polymer (COP), optically isotropic polycarbonate (PC), or optically isotropic polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

In addition, the substrate200may be bent to have a partial curved surface. That is, the substrate200may be bent to have a partial flat surface and a partial curved surface. In detail, an end of the substrate200may be bent to have a curved surface or may be bent or flexed to have a surface including a random curvature.

In addition, the substrate200may include a flexible substrate having a flexible property. The substrate200may include a curved or bended substrate200.

The sensing and wire electrodes300and400and a printed circuit board500may be disposed on the substrate200. That is, the substrate200may serve as a support substrate.

The substrate200may include a vehicle glass. For example, the substrate200may be a front glass, a side glass, a rear glass or a side mirror of a vehicle. That is, the sensing and wire electrodes300and400and the printed circuit board500may be supported by the vehicle glass.

Alternatively, an additional vehicle glass may be disposed on the substrate200. That is, the sensing and wire electrodes300and400and the printed circuit board500may be supported by the substrate200and combined with (adhere to) each other through an adhesive layer.

The substrate200may have a sensing area SA defined therein. The sensing area SA may sense a mist thereon.

In detail, the sensing electrode300may be disposed on the sensing area SA of the substrate200. The sensing electrode300may include first and second sensing electrodes310and320.

The first sensing electrode310may be disposed on the substrate200while extending in a first direction. In this case, the first sensing electrode310may make direct contact with the substrate200.

The second sensing electrode320may be disposed on the substrate200while extending in a second direction. In detail, the second sensing electrode320may extend in a direction different from the first direction and may make direct contact with the substrate200. That is, the first and second sensing electrodes310and320may make direct contact with the substrate and extend in mutually different directions on the same surface of the substrate200.

Thus, all sensing electrodes300according to the embodiment may have a single-layer structure formed on the same surface. When the sensor for a vehicle having the single-layer structure is disposed on the vehicle glass, the sensor may sense raindrops on upper and lower surfaces of the glass at the same time.

The first and second sensing electrodes310and320may be disposed on the substrate200while being insulated from each other.

In detail, a bridge electrode330may be disposed on one surface of the substrate200, on which the sensing electrode300is disposed. For example, the bridge electrode330may be disposed in a bar shape. In detail, the bridge electrodes330may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval on the active area AA, so that the bridge electrodes330are disposed in a bar shape.

An insulating material350may be disposed on the bridge electrode330. In detail, the insulating material350may be partially disposed on the bridge electrode330, and a part of the bridge electrode330may be covered by the insulating material350. For example, when the bridge electrode is formed in a bar shape, the insulating material350may be disposed on the area except for one end and the opposite end, that is, both ends of the bridge electrode330.

The first sensing electrodes310may be connected to each other and extend on the insulating material350. For example, the first sensing electrodes310extending in the first direction may be connected to each other on the insulating material350.

In addition, the second sensing electrode320may be connected to the bridge electrode330. In detail, the second sensing electrodes320spaced apart from each other may be connected to the bridge electrodes330, such that the second sensing electrodes320may extend in the second direction.

Thus, the first and second sensing electrodes310and320may be prevented from being short-circuited with each other by the bridge electrode330and may be electrically connected to each other, respectively.

The sensing electrode300may be connected to the wire electrode400. In detail, the wire electrode400may include a first wire electrode410connected to the first sensing electrode310and a second wire electrode420connected to the second sensing electrode320.

Meanwhile, the sensing electrode300may include a transparent conductive material that allows electricity to flow therethrough without interrupting transmission of light. For example, the sensing electrode may include metal oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, or titanium oxide.

Alternatively, the sensing electrode200may include a nanowire, a photosensitive nanowire film, a carbon nanotube (CNT), graphene, conductive polymer or a mixture thereof.

Alternatively, the sensing electrode300may include various metals. For example, the sensing electrode300may include at least one of Cr, Ni, Cu, Al, Ag, Mo, Au, Ti and the alloy thereof. In this case, the sensing electrode300(or the wire electrode400) may be formed in a mesh shape. In detail, the sensing electrode300may include a plurality of sub-electrodes which are disposed in a mesh shape while alternating with each other.

In detail, the sensing electrode300may include mesh lines formed by a plurality of sub-electrodes crossing each other in a mesh shape and mesh opening parts formed between the mesh lines. The mesh opening part may be formed in various shapes. For example, the mesh opening part may have various shapes such as a polygonal shape including a rectangular shape, a diamond shape, a pentagon shape or a hexagonal shape, or a circular shape. In addition, the mesh opening part may be formed in a regular or random shape.

Since the sensing electrode300has a mesh shape, even though the sensing electrode300is formed of metal, the pattern may be made not to be viewed. The sensing electrode300has low electric resistance so that it may be advantageous to the application of the sensing electrode300to a sensor for a large-area vehicle.

The first and second wire electrodes410and420may include a conductive material. For example, the wire electrode400may include a material the same as or similar to that of the sensing electrode300described above.

The wire electrode400may allow the sensing electrode300and the printed circuit board500to be electrically connected to each other.

The printed circuit board500may be configured to transmit the sensing signal of the sensing electrode300to a control unit. In detail, the sensing signal of the sensing electrode300may be transmitted to the printed circuit board500through the wire electrode400and the printed circuit board500may transmit the sensing signal to the control unit.

FIG. 2is a plan view showing a sensor for a vehicle according to another embodiment.

Hereinafter, a sensor for a vehicle according to another embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 2. In the following description, the description overlapping with that of the sensor for a vehicle according to the embodiment described above will be omitted. The same reference numerals will be assigned to the same or similar elements.

Referring toFIG. 2, a sensor for a vehicle according to another embodiment may include a substrate200, a sensing electrode300and a wire electrode400. The sensing electrode300may include first and second sensing electrode310and320.

The substrate200may include a sensing area SA.

The first and second sensing electrodes310and320may be disposed on the sensing area SA of the same surface of the substrate200while being spaced apart from each other.

For example, the first and second sensing electrode310and320may include a plurality of electrode patterns. The electrode patterns may be arranged in a matrix form.

In detail, the electrode patterns of the first sensing electrode310may be spaced apart from those of the second electrode320to form pairs of electrode patterns, so that the pairs of electrode patterns may be arranged in a matrix form. That is, all the sensing electrodes according to another embodiment may be disposed on the same surface to have a single-layer structure. When the sensor for a vehicle having the single-layer structure is disposed on a vehicle glass, the sensor has an advantage of sensing raindrops on upper and lower surfaces of the glass at the same time.

For example, the first and second sensing electrodes310and320may be disposed on the same surface of the substrate200while being spaced apart from each other, such that the first and second sensing electrodes310and320do not make contact with each other. As shown inFIG. 2, the plurality of first and second sensing electrodes310and320may be alternate with each other in a vertical direction. At least two rows, in which the first and second sensing electrodes310and320alternate with each other, may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval.

The sensing electrode300may have a regular shape such as a rectangular shape or a pentagon shape, or a random shape.

As shown inFIG. 2, each of the first and second sensing electrodes310and320may include a branch electrode. The branches of the first sensing electrode310may be engaged with those of the second electrode320. Thus, the lengths of sides of the first and second sensing electrodes310and320that face each other may be increased so that the sensibility may be improved.

The sensing electrodes300may be connected to the wire electrodes400, respectively. That is, the first sensing electrodes310may be connected to the first wire electrodes410, respectively. In addition, the second sensing electrodes320may be connected to the second wire electrodes420, respectively.

In addition, as shown in the drawings, according to the sensor for a vehicle, an external substrate, in which the first sensing electrode310having a first directional property is formed, may be spaced apart from an internal substrate in which the second sensing electrode320having a second directional property is formed.

Hereinafter, the structure, in which a sensor for a vehicle according to an embodiment is installed on a vehicle, will be described with reference toFIGS. 3 to 7.

FIG. 3is a view showing an area of a vehicle to which a sensor for a vehicle is installable.FIG. 4is a schematic sectional view showing a sensor for a vehicle installed to a vehicle according to one embodiment.FIG. 5is a schematic sectional view showing a sensor for a vehicle installed to a vehicle according to another embodiment.FIG. 6is a schematic sectional view showing a sensor for a vehicle installed to a vehicle according to still another embodiment.FIG. 7is a schematic sectional view showing a sensor for a vehicle installed to a vehicle according to still another embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 3, a vehicle may include a main body50, a front glass10, a side glass20, a rear glass30or a side mirror40thereof. In addition, at least one sensor for a vehicle may be installed in a local area of the vehicle. Hereinafter, the local area of a vehicle in which the sensor for a vehicle is installed will be defined as a sensing area.

As described above, since the sensing electrode300occupying most of the area of the sensor for a vehicle is transparent, even though the sensor is installed at any positions in the vehicle, the driver's vision may not be blocked.

Therefore, the sensor for a vehicle may be disposed on the front glass of a vehicle which corresponds to the first sensing area SA1. In detail, the first sensing area SA1may be disposed on the front glass10of a driver side. In this case, the first sensing area SA1may be disposed on an outer periphery of the front glass10in order to dispose the printed circuit board500inside the vehicle.

The sensor for a vehicle of the first sensing area SA1may exactly sense raindrops and/or moisture of the front glass in front of a driver, so the driver can take necessary steps, such as a wiper operation, based on the sensing result. In addition, since the sensor disposed in the first sensing area SA1is transparent, the driver's vision is not blocked.

Meanwhile, the sensor for a vehicle may be disposed on the side glass20of a vehicle which corresponds to the second sensing area SA2. In detail, the second sensing area SA2may be disposed on the side glass20of a vehicle, which is provided between a driver and the side mirror40.

Since, the sensor for a vehicle disposed in the second sensing area SA2is transparent and has a thin thickness, even though the sensor is disposed on the side glass20of a vehicle, the driver's vision may not be blocked and the movement of the side glass20may not be interrupted.

In addition, the sensor for a vehicle may be disposed on the rear glass of a vehicle which corresponds to the third sensing area SA3.

The sensor for a vehicle of the third sensing area SA3may exactly sense raindrops and/or moisture of the rear glass of the vehicle, so the driver can take necessary steps, such as a hot-wire operation, based on the sensing result. In addition, since the sensor disposed in the third sensing area SA3is transparent, the driver's vision is not blocked.

In addition, the sensor for a vehicle may be disposed on the side mirror40of a vehicle which corresponds to the fourth sensing area SA4. In detail, the sensor may be disposed on the top or bottom surface of a mirror included in the side mirror40.

The sensor for a vehicle of the fourth sensing area SA4may exactly sense moisture of the side mirror40, so the driver can take necessary steps, such as a hot-wire operation based on the sensing result. In addition, since the sensor disposed in the fourth sensing area SA4is transparent, the driver's vision is not blocked.

Lastly, the sensor for a vehicle may be disposed on the main body50of a vehicle which corresponds to the fifth sensing area SA5.

As described above, the sensor for a vehicle may be disposed on a vehicle glass. For the purpose of convenience of description, the following description will be focused on the case that the sensor for a vehicle is disposed on the front glass of a vehicle.

In detail, referring toFIG. 4, the vehicle glass10may include an outer glass11disposed toward the outside of a vehicle and an inner glass12disposed toward the inside of the vehicle. The sensor100for a vehicle may be interposed between the outer and inner glasses11and12.

In detail, the sensor100for a vehicle may be combined with the inner glass12with adhesive and the inner and outer glasses12and11may be combined with each other with adhesive, so that the sensor100may be embedded in the vehicle glass10.

As described above, the sensor100for a vehicle disposed in the vehicle glass10may sense a raindrop on the outer glass11.

Alternatively, the sensor100for a vehicle may sense the dew formed on the inner glass12due to moisture.

Alternatively, the sensor100for a vehicle may simultaneously sense the raindrop on the outer glass11and the dew on the inner glass12. In this case, the sensing electrode300of the sensor for a vehicle may be provided in a single layer.

Referring toFIG. 5, the sensor100for a vehicle may be disposed on the vehicle glass10. In detail, the sensor100for a vehicle may be disposed on the top surface of a vehicle glass10which is toward an outside of the vehicle. In more detail, the sensor100for a vehicle may make direct contact with the top surface of the vehicle glass10.

A protective cover may be disposed on the sensor100for a vehicle. For example, an optical isotropic film may cover the top and side surfaces of the sensor100for a vehicle.

As described above, the sensor100for a vehicle disposed on the top surface of the vehicle glass10may sense a raindrop on the outer glass11.

Referring toFIG. 6, the sensor100for a vehicle may be disposed on the vehicle glass10. In detail, the sensor100for a vehicle may be disposed on the bottom surface of the vehicle glass10which is toward the inside of the vehicle. In more detail, the sensor100for a vehicle may make direct contact with the bottom surface of the vehicle glass10.

The protective cover may be disposed on the sensor100for a vehicle. In detail, the protective cover may cover the sensor100for a vehicle. For example, an optical isotropic film may be used as the protective cover.

As described above, the sensor100for a vehicle disposed on the bottom surface of the vehicle glass10may sense dew on the bottom surface of the vehicle glass10.

Referring toFIG. 7, the sensor100for a vehicle may include an outer vehicle sensor101disposed on the top surface of the vehicle glass10and an inner vehicle sensor102disposed on the bottom surface of the vehicle glass10. In this case, the outer and inner vehicle sensors101and102may share a printed circuit board500and/or a control unit.

As described above, the outer vehicle sensor101disposed on the top surface of the vehicle glass10may sense a raindrop on the outer glass11. The inner vehicle sensor102disposed on the bottom surface of the vehicle glass10may sense dew on the bottom surface of the vehicle glass10.

Hereinafter, a principle and a process of sensing a raindrop by the sensor100for a vehicle will be described with reference toFIGS. 8 to 10.

FIGS. 8 and 9are views illustrating a principle of sensing a raindrop by the sensor100for a vehicle according to an embodiment.FIG. 10is a flowchart illustrating a method of sensing a raindrop by the sensor100for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

First, one of the first and second sensing electrodes310and320may serve as a driving electrode to which a driving signal is applied. One of the first and second sensing electrodes310and320may serve as a sensing electrode from which transmits a sensing signal to the control unit.

For example, the control unit may include a driving unit which applies a driving signal to the second sensing electrode320serving as the driving electrode.

When the driving signal is applied to the second sensing electrode320, the first and second sensing electrodes310and320may be capacitively coupled to each other, so that mutual capacitance may be formed.

When a raindrop W is provided on the sensing electrode300as shown inFIG. 8, a portion of the mutual capacitance passes through the raindrop W to be coupled, so that the capacitance may vary between the sensing electrodes300on which the raindrop W is provided as shown inFIG. 9.

The control unit may receive a signal corresponding to the capacitance variation from the first or second sensing electrode310or320. For example, the control unit may include a sensing unit which receives the signal corresponding to the varied capacitance from the first sensing electrode310serving as a sensing electrode.

The control unit may sense a raindrop W through the signal corresponding to the varied capacitance.

The sensor100for a vehicle may not only sense a raindrop W, but also measure rainfall. In detail, when rainfall is heavy, a great amount of raindrops may be provided on the sensing electrode300of the sensor100for a vehicle, so that the capacitance of the sensing electrode300disposed at the front of the sensor100for a vehicle may vary. That is, since the capacitance variation area is proportional to an amount of rainfall, the control unit may measure the rainfall by analyzing the capacitance variation.

In more detail, referring toFIG. 10, when driving is started, the control unit may drive the sensor100for a vehicle in step S101. In this case, the control unit may set a capacitance value transmitted from the sensor100for a vehicle as a capacitance reference value. Alternatively, the capacitance reference value of the sensor100for a vehicle may be set as a default value.

In step S103, the control unit may continuously receive the capacitance value from the sensor100for a vehicle, and compare the capacitance value with the capacitance reference value when the capacitance value is changed.

In steps S105and S107, when a difference between capacitance values exceeds a preset amount of a capacitance variation, the control unit may operate as a case that a raindrop is provided on the vehicle glass10.

In step S109, the control unit may measure an amount of rainfall based on an area of the sensing electrode300exceeding the amount of the capacitance variation.

Then, if the raindrop is removed from the vehicle glass10through an operation such as a wiper operation according to the amount of rainfall, the control unit may continuously measure the amount of rainfall while resetting the capacitance reference value.

Hereinafter, a principle and a process of sensing moisture by the sensor100for a vehicle will be described with reference toFIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 11is a graph showing a result of measuring a variation of mutual capacitance after disposing the sensor100for a vehicle according to an embodiment in a high-temperature, high-humidity chamber.FIG. 12is a flowchart illustrating a method of sensing moisture by the sensor for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 11, as moisture starts to be condensed on the sensor100for a vehicle in the high-temperature, high-humidity chamber, it may be confirmed that the capacitance is changed.

Similarly to a raindrop, a portion of mutual capacitance passes through the dew formed by the moisture on the sensor100for a vehicle to be coupled, so that the capacitance may be varied.

The control unit may measure the moisture generated on the vehicle glass10by measuring the capacitance variation.

In more detail, referring toFIG. 12, when driving is started, the control unit may drive the sensor100for a vehicle in step S301. In this case, the control unit may set a capacitance value transmitted from the sensor100for a vehicle as a capacitance reference value. Alternatively, the capacitance reference value of the sensor100for a vehicle may be set as a default value.

In step S303, the control unit may continuously receive the capacitance value from the sensor100for a vehicle, and compare the capacitance value with the capacitance reference value when the capacitance value is changed.

In steps S305and307, when a difference between capacitance values exceeds a preset amount of capacitance variation, the control unit may operate as a case that dew is generated on the vehicle glass10.

In step S309, the control unit may measure an amount of dew based on the varied capacitance value. That is, a degree of turbidity of the vehicle glass10due to the moisture may be measured based on an amount of dew. In this case, the control unit may more exactly measure the degree of turbidity of the vehicle glass10due to the moisture by adding a gradient of the capacitance variation as a parameter. In detail, when the degree of turbidity due to moisture is abruptly varied, the control unit may determine that the amount of dew misted by moisture is increased.

Then, in step S311, the control unit may remove the dew from the vehicle glass10by using the sensing electrode300as a hot-wire. In detail, the control unit may remove the dew from the vehicle glass10by using at least one of the first and second sensing electrodes310and320as a hot-wire through the driving unit.

For example, the control unit may use the first sensing electrode310which is a sensing electrode as a hot-wire through the driving unit. In this case, the first sensing electrode310may be formed of a metal having a mesh shape.

That is, the control unit may exactly measure an amount of dew due to moisture through the sensing electrode300and remove the dew by using the sensing electrode300as a hot-wire, so that the driver's convenience may be achieved.

FIG. 13is a flowchart illustrating a hybrid sensing method by the sensor100for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 13, the sensor100for a vehicle according to an embodiment may simultaneously sense the raindrop on the outer glass11and the dew on the inner glass12. In this case, the sensor100for a vehicle may be embedded in the vehicle glass10.

In detail, when driving is started, the control unit may drive the sensor100for a vehicle in step S501. In this case, the control unit may set a capacitance value transmitted from the sensor100for a vehicle as a capacitance reference value. Alternatively, the capacitance reference value of the sensor100for a vehicle may be set as a default value.

In step S503, the control unit may continuously receive the capacitance value from the sensor100for a vehicle, and compare the capacitance value with the capacitance reference value when the capacitance value is changed.

In steps S505, when a difference between the capacitance reference value and the received capacitance value exceeds a preset first amount of capacitance variation, the control unit may operate as a case that dew is formed on the vehicle glass10.

In this case, the control unit may more exactly sense the generation of dew through a gradient of the variation of capacitance. That is, when the capacitance variation value is slowly changed to exceed the first amount of capacitance variation, the control unit may operate as a case that dew is formed on the vehicle glass10.

In addition, the control unit may measure an amount of dew based on the varied capacitance value in step S509. That is, the control unit may measure a degree of turbidity of the vehicle glass due10due to moisture based on the amount of dew. In this case, the control unit may more exactly measure the degree of turbidity of the vehicle glass10due to the moisture by adding a gradient of the capacitance variation as a parameter.

Then, in step S511, the control unit may remove the dew from the vehicle glass10by using the sensing electrode300as a hot-wire. In detail, the control unit may remove the dew from the vehicle glass10by using at least one of the first and second sensing electrodes310and320as a hot-wire through the driving unit.

Meanwhile, in steps S513and515, when the difference between the capacitance reference value and the received capacitance value exceeds a preset second amount of capacitance variation, the control unit may operate as a case that a raindrop is formed on the vehicle glass10.

The second amount of capacitance variation may be greater than the first amount of capacitance variation because the value of capacitance variation varied with the raindrop is great.

The control unit may more exactly sense the generation of the raindrop based on the gradient of the capacitance variation. That is, when the value of capacitance variation is abruptly varied to exceed the first amount of capacitance variation, the control unit may operate as a case that a raindrop is formed on the vehicle glass10.

In addition, in step S517, the control unit may measure an amount of rainfall based on an area of the sensing electrode300exceeding the amount of the capacitance variation. Then, if the raindrop is removed from the vehicle glass10through an operation such as a wiper operation according to the amount of rainfall, the control unit may continuously measure the amount of rainfall while resetting the capacitance reference value.

Hereinafter, a vehicle system to which the sensor100for a vehicle according to the embodiment described above is applied will be described.

FIG. 14is a block diagram showing a vehicle system according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 14, a vehicle system according to an embodiment includes a sensor100for a vehicle, a wiper1200, an air conditioner1300, a rear glass hot-wire1400, a side mirror hot-wire1500and a control unit1100.

First, at least one sensor100for a vehicle may be included therein.

In detail, a first vehicle sensor110may be disposed on the vehicle front glass10to sense moisture, a mist and a raindrop on the vehicle front glass10. In addition, a second vehicle sensor120may be disposed on the vehicle rear glass30to sense moisture and a mist on the vehicle rear glass30. Further, a third vehicle sensor130may be disposed on the side mirror40to sense moisture and a mist on the side mirror40.

As described above, the sensing signal of the sensor100for a vehicle may be transmitted to the control unit1100.

The control unit1100may automatically operate at least one of the wiper1200, the air conditioner1300and the hot-wire.

In detail, when the control unit1100receives the sensing signal corresponding to the raindrop and rainfall through the first vehicle sensor110, the control unit1100may automatically operate the wiper1200according to the sensing signal. In this case, the speed of the wiper1200may be proportional to the amount of rainfall.

In addition, when the control unit1100receives the sensing signal corresponding to the moisture and the amount of dew through the first vehicle sensor110, the control unit1100may operate the air conditioner1300according to the sensing signal. For example, the control unit1100may allow cool air to be blown to the vehicle front glass10by using the air conditioner1300, so that dew may be prevented from being generated or the generated dew may be removed.

In addition, when the control unit1100receives the sensing signal corresponding to the moisture and the amount of dew through the second vehicle sensor120, the control unit1100may operate the rear glass hot-wire1400according to the sensing signal, so that the dew may be removed. In this case, the rear glass hot-wire1400may be the sensing electrode300of the sensor100for a vehicle, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

In addition, when the control unit1100receives the sensing signal corresponding to the moisture and the amount of dew through the third vehicle sensor130, the control unit1100may operate the side mirror hot-wire1500according to the sensing signal, so that the dew may be removed. In this case, the side mirror hot-wire1500may be the sensing electrode300of the sensor100for a vehicle, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

That is, according to the vehicle system of an embodiment, the transparent sensor100for a vehicle is suitably disposed at a position required by a vehicle, so that the vehicle system may exactly measure information required to secure driver's sight. In addition, driver's convenience may be improved by suitably controlling a wiper or hot-wire based on the information collected by the sensor100for a vehicle.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The sensor for a vehicle according to an embodiment may be installed to an internal combustion engine vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, a motorcycle, a ship, an airplane and a train including an engine as a power source to exactly sense dew or raindrops, so that the sensor is industrially applicable.