WO2008096965A1

WO2008096965A1 - Rearward sensing apparatus for vehicle and control method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2008096965A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/000154
Authority: WO
Inventors: Heon Jeong
Original assignee: Sungbo Industries Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-02-05
Filing date: 2008-01-10
Publication date: 2008-08-14
Also published as: KR100824019B1; EP2152546A1

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle that can be useful as a vehicle backup aid by monitoring a rear area of the vehicle and a control method thereof. Unlike the traditional rearward sensing system to sense an object and display it inside the vehicle, the rearward sensing apparatus of the present invention is installed at a lateral face of a vehicle (including larger vehicles) in use of an object sensor, so the replacement of a trailer is facilitated and manufacturing costs can be reduced. In addition, since the apparatus is folded or unfolded in a lateral direction of the vehicle within a visible angle range of a side-view mirror installed at the vehicle, the driver can back up his (her) vehicle more safely and conveniently.

Description

REARWARD SENSING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates in general to a rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle and a control method thereof; and more particularly, to a rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle that can be useful as a vehicle backup aid by monitoring a rear area of the vehicle and a control method thereof.

[2]

Background Art

[3] In general, the driver of a vehicle perceives an object in the direction rearward of the vehicle through side-view mirrors found on the left-and right-hand sides proximate the front doors of the vehicle or through a room mirror installed inside the vehicle. If these mirrors are only means the driver has to see the area behind the vehicle, he (she) may be faced with difficulty in backing up because there is a blind spot he (she) cannot see through them.

[4] As an attempt to resolve such a problem, a method recently has been proposed to monitor the exterior scene rearward of the vehicle without worrying about blind zones by installing a sensor at a rear side of the vehicle and displaying a sensed value on a distance display apparatus in the vehicle through a cable.

[5] However, such a rearward sensor of the related art turned out to be effective mainly for small vehicles and was not so effective or causes many problems for larger vehicles. In case of larger vehicles, the distance from a driver to a rearward sensor ranges from several meters to several tens of meters, which means a very long cable is sometimes required to cover the distance between the sensor and a distance display apparatus for viewing by the driver. When a connection cable is long, a signal from the sensor is influenced more by noises and becomes weaker, leading to poorer performance of the rear sensor. Also, manufacturing cost of the rearward sensor is increased proportionally to the length of an extended cable.

[6] Unfortunately, the deficiencies of the related art become more serious when it comes to large trailer-trucks (including semi-trailer trucks) loaded with cargos because all connection cables installed from the sensor at the rear part of a trailer to the driver seat inside a truck should be replaced together with a trailer all the time, which is non- economic as well as inconvenient to use.

[7] Besides, since the driver has to check both the rear area of the vehicle and the distance display apparatus for backup, the related art system does not always guarantee a safe backup of the vehicle. [8]

Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[9] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a rearward sensing apparatus and a control method thereof, which enable a driver to see the area behind a vehicle through side-view mirrors in use of an indicator being folded down or unfolded in a lateral direction of a vehicle body according as whether the vehicle is in reverse gear or not for a safe backup.

[10] It is another object of the present invention to provide a rearward sensing apparatus and a control method thereof, which enable to facilitate changing a trailer with the help of an indicator installed at a trailer by being folded down or unfolded in a lateral direction of a vehicle body according as whether the vehicle is in reverse gear or not. Technical Solution

[11] It has been discovered that such rearward sensing apparatus is capable of sensing an object in the back of a vehicle accurately, providing a driver with information on the distance between the vehicle and the object in real time mode as it is folded down or unfolded in a lateral direction of the vehicle within a visible angle range of a side-view mirror installed at the vehicle, operating in response to a vehicle backup signal and converting an output signal thereof into a distance, selectively providing a flashing light signal corresponding to a separation distance between the vehicle and an object, and being automatically folded down or unfolded in a lateral direction of the vehicle.

Advantageous Effects

[12] With the rearward sensing apparatus of the present invention, the driver can back up his (her) vehicle more safely by seeing the area behind the vehicle through side- view mirrors in use of an indicator that is automatically folded down or unfolded in a lateral direction of the vehicle body according as whether the vehicle is in reverse gear or not for a safe backup. Further, such indicator provided to a trailer substantially reduces inconvenience of replacing connection cables every time a trailer is replaced. Moreover, a connection cable used for communication between such indicator and a control box mounted at the rear side of a vehicle is substantially shortened such that the price of a product is cut down considerably yet the performance of a product is greatly improved. In short, the rearward sensing apparatus according to the present invention provides improved convenience and economic effects.

[13] These and other objects, advantages, and features of this invention will become apparent by review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings.

[14] Brief Description of the Drawings

[15] Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining installed positions of a rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle and an operation thereof, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [16] Fig. 2 is an exemplary view of an indicator according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[17] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a base frame shown in Fig. 2;

[18] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an indicator actuation frame shown in Fig. 2;

[19] Fig. 5 is an operation explanatory view for the indicator according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [20] Fig. 6 is an exemplary view of an indicator according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [21] Fig. 7 is an exemplary view of an indicator according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [22] Fig. 8 is an exemplary view of an indicator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [23] Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram for explaining an operation control method of a rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle according to the present invention; [24] Fig. 10 is a diagram provided as a reference to illustrate diverse ways of expressing sensed information on the rear area of a vehicle being displayed on a display section

30a, in which expression patterns vary depending on separation distances between a vehicle and an object to be measured; [25] Fig. 11 is a flow chart for explaining an operation control method of a rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle according to the present invention; and [26] Fig. 12 is a diagram provided as a reference to explain operating effects of a rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle according to the present invention. [27]

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [28] A rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle, comprising:

[29] an object sensor for sensing an object in a rear area of the vehicle;

[30] an indicator folded or unfolded outwardly in a lateral direction of the vehicle within a visible angle range of a side-view mirror installed at the vehicle, so as to display a distance between the vehicle and the object; and [31] a control box, which drives the object sensor in response to a backup signal indicative of a reverse drive mode of the vehicle to convert an output signal from the object sensor into a distance, which provides the indicator with a flashing light signal corresponding to a separation distance between the vehicle and the object, and which automatically unfolds the indicator outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle; and

[32] a cable for electrically connecting the object sensor to the control box.

Mode for the Invention

[33] The other objectives and advantages of the invention will be understood by the following description and will also be appreciated by the embodiments of the invention more clearly. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be set forth in detail with reference to Fig. 1 through Fig. 12 so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the invention.

[34] An aspect of the present invention provides a rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle, comprising: an object sensor to sense an object in a rear area of the vehicle; an indicator folded or unfolded outwardly in a lateral direction of the vehicle within a visible angle range of a side-view mirror installed at the vehicle, so as to display a distance between the vehicle and the object; and a control box, which drives the object sensor in response to a backup signal indicative of a reverse drive mode of the vehicle to convert an output signal from the object sensor into a distance, which provides the indicator with a flashing light signal corresponding to a separation distance between the vehicle and the object, and which automatically unfolds the indicator outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle; and a cable to electrically connect the object sensor to the control box.

[35] In an exemplary embodiment, the indicator is installed between the side-view mirror and the control box, and includes: a base frame fixed to a lateral face of the vehicle and having a motor therein; a motor fixing frame to fix the motor to the base frame; an indicator actuation frame with one end being fixed to a rotary rod of the motor, being rotatable outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle; and a motor drive section to drive the motor.

[36] In another exemplary embodiment, the indicator includes: an indicator actuation frame rotating outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle through a piston rod connected to a central axis thereof; an air cylinder to advance or retreat the piston rod by compressed air supplied or discharged; and an air cylinder drive section to drive the air cylinder.

[37] In still another exemplary embodiment, the indicator includes: an indicator actuation frame being protruded outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle; a linear motor built in the indicator actuation frame to advance or retreat the indicator actuation frame along a guard rail; a slide installed at a lower portion of the indicator actuation frame and making a contact with the guard rail; and a motor drive section to drive the linear motor.

[38] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the indicator includes: a base frame fixed to a lateral face of the vehicle and having a motor therein; a link section to extend or contract by rotational power from the motor; an indicator actuation frame to rotate outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle by an extension/contraction motion of the link section; and a motor drive section to drive the motor.

[39] The indicator actuation frame includes a display section to display different flashing light signal depending on a converted distance provided from the control box, and wherein the display section is implemented by including LED (light emitting diode) modules or seven-segment LED modules.

[40] The LED modules emit different colors from each other, depending on a separation distance between the vehicle and an object in a rear area of the vehicle.

[41] The object sensor is implemented by including an ultrasonic sensor.

[42] If the backup signal is not inputted any more, the object sensor stops a sensing operation thereof and the indicator is folded inwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle.

[43] The cable is preferably water-proof and dust-proof in a joint portion thereof.

[44] To achieve the above objects and advantages, another aspect of the present inventio n provides a control method of a rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle, in which the method includes the steps of: driving an object sensor in response to a backup signal indicative of a reverse drive mode of the vehicle to convert an output signal from the object sensor into a distance; and providing the indicator with a flashing light signal corresponding to a separation distance between the vehicle and an object in a rear area of the vehicle, so as to unfold the indicator outwardly in a lateral direction of the vehicle within a visible angle range of a side-view mirror installed at the vehicle.

[45] Referring now specifically to the drawings, and the illustrative embodiments depicted therein will be described in detail below.

[46] Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining installed positions of a rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle and an operation thereof, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle includes an object sensor 10 to sense an object in the back of a vehicle, an indicator 30 being folded or unfolded in a lateral direction of the vehicle within a visible angle range of a side-view mirror 40 installed at the vehicle, and a control box 20 which operates the object sensor 10 in response to a backup signal indicative of the vehicle status in reverse gear, converts an output signal of the object sensor 10 into a distance, provides the indicator 30 with a flashing light signal corresponding to a separation distance between the vehicle and an object, and unfolds the indicator 30 in a lateral direction of the vehicle.

[47] The object sensor 10 includes a plurality of ultrasonic sensors arranged at the rear side of a vehicle. Each of the ultrasonic sensors oscillates and amplifies an ultrasonic signal in response to a control signal from the control box 20 whenever the vehicle is in reverse gear, and shoots the signal to a target object periodically. And the ultrasonic sensor receives an ultrasonic signal that is reflected and feedbacked from the target object.

[48] The control box 20 is also positioned in the vicinity of the object sensors 10 at the rear side of the vehicle, being driven by a backlight power supply of the vehicle. The control box 20 is electrically connected to the object sensors 10 through a cable to control the sensing operation of each of the object sensors 10 according to a backup signal given, and converts a separation distance to the target object in use of transmitted/received ultrasonic signals generated by the object sensors 10. Moreover, the control box 20 controls display attributes of the indicator 30 differently on the basis of information on a calculated distance.

[49] The indicator 30 is folded down or unfolded in a lateral direction of a vehicle body

50 according as whether the vehicle is in reverse gear or not, and distinguishably outputs sensed information on the rear area (hereinafter, referred to as rearward-sensed information) of the vehicle according to a separation distance between the vehicle and the target object at the time of backup. As will be set forth in detail below, the indicator 30 includes a fixed section that is formed at an inner side of a rear portion of the vehicle body, and a display section that sticks outwardly from the fixed section in response to a backup signal so as to display rearward- sensed information. If no backup signal is transmitted, the display section is folded down inwardly from the vehicle body 50 as shown in Fig l[a]. Meanwhile, if a backup signal of the vehicle is inputted, the display section is protruded outwardly width wise in a lateral direction of the vehicle body 50 as shown in Fig. l[b]. The display section of this protruded indicator 30 expresses, under the control of the control box 20, rearward-sensed information in a distinguishable manner according to a distance between the vehicle and the target object. To this end, the indicator 30 is connected to the control box 20 via a cable (not shown). Preferably, a water-proof and dust-proof cable is employed between the indicator 30 and the control box 20 to protect a product from water or heavy dust. Meanwhile, although not shown, a clearance light (or sidelight) may be installed at a rear face (which is the opposite side of the display section) and lateral faces of the indicator 30. The clearance light serves to provide wheel distance information to other vehicles in the forward or rearward of the vehicle during night drives. In particular, the clearance light according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it flashes when the display section is extended out to aid the backup at night, thereby letting others know that the vehicle is about to back up.

[50] Such indicator 30 may be designed in diverse ways, e.g., a motor-driven folding type, an air cylinder-driven folding type, and a motor-driven protruding type. More details on this will be provided below with reference to Figs. 2 through 8.

[51] Fig.2 through Fig. 5 respectively illustrates an indicator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from the drawings, the first embodiment of the indicator illustrates a folding type indicator 130 driven by a motor.

[52] Referring to Fig. 2, the motor-driven folding type indicator 130 includes a base frame 132 fixed to a lateral face of a vehicle body, a motor fixing frame 134 to fix a motor (not shown) to the base frame 132, and an indicator actuation frame 136 with one side being connected to a rotary rod 134a of the motor built in the base frame 132 so as to be rotatable outwardly in a lateral direction of the vehicle body.

[53] Referring to Fig. 3, the base frame 132 includes a plurality of fixed holes 132c to fix the base frame 132 to a lateral face of the vehicle body, one or more fixed hole 132b to fix the motor fixing frame 134 to the base frame 132, and a protruded hole 132a to protrude the rotary rod 134a of the motor.

[54] The motor (not shown) that starts rotating at the time of backup is built in the motor fixing frame 132. The rotary rod 134a which rotated cooperatingly with the motor is connected to one side of the motor fixing frame 132. The motor is actuated by a motor drive section (not shown).

[55] Referring to Fig. 4, the indicator actuation frame 136 includes a groove 136a to receive the rotary rod 134a of the motor, and a display section 136a that is unfolded outwardly, facing the side-view mirror, whenever the indicator rotates outwardly in a lateral direction of the vehicle body cooperatingly with the rotation of the rotary rod 134a. The display section 136b can be implemented by using LED modules, seven- segment display modules, etc.

[56] The following will now describe an operation of the motor-driven folding type indicator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[57] Referring to Fig. 5 [a], when a backup signal is inputted, a relay in the motor drive section is turned on by power being supplied from a backlight power supply, and the motor starts rotating in the forward direction. The rotary rod 134a also starts rotating in the forward direction cooperatingly with the motor, and the indicator actuation frame 136 connected to the rotary rod 134a is extended or spread outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle body. As such, to make the indicator actuation frame 136 spread out in the lateral direction of the vehicle body in result of the rotation of the motor, two gears are provided between the motor and the rotary rod 134a: a gear with a smaller shaft rotating at a relatively high speed and a gear with a larger shaft rotating at a relatively low speed. When the indicator actuation frame 136 reaches a (+)90-degree position with respect to the lateral side of the vehicle body, the motor drive section cuts off the power supply to the motor by turning off a first switch inside.

[58] Referring next to Fig. 5[b], when a backup signal is not inputted any more, the relay in the motor drive section is turned off by power being supplied from the backlight power supply, and the motor starts rotating in the backward direction. The rotary rod 134a also starts rotating in the backward direction cooperatingly with the motor, and the indicator actuation frame 136, which has been spread by the rotation of the rotary rod 134a, is now folded down inwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle body. When the indicator actuation frame 136 is completely folded and reaches a 0-degree position in parallel to the lateral side of the vehicle body, the motor drive section cuts off the power supply to the motor by turning off a second switch inside.

[59] Fig. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of the indicator of the present invention, in which an air cylinder-driven folding type indicator 230 is implemented. As can be seen from Fig. 6, the air cylinder-driven folding type indicator 230 includes an indicator actuation frame 232 that can rotate outwardly in a lateral direction of a vehicle body 50 through a piston rod 236 connected to a central axis 234 at the time of backup, an air cylinder 238 to advance or retreat the piston rod 236 by compressed air being supplied or discharged, and an air cylinder drive section 240 to drive the air cylinder 238.

[60] The indicator actuation frame 232 has one end being fixed to a lateral face of the vehicle body through a fixed hinge 242, so that it may rotate outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle body 50 cooperatingly with the advance/retreat motion of the piston rod 236 connected to the central axis 234 functioning as an actuating hinge. The indicator actuation frame 232 includes a display section 232a that sticks out to be faced with the side-view mirror whenever the indicator rotates outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle body, cooperatingly with the advance/retreat motion of the piston rod 236. The display section 232a can be implemented by using LED modules, seven-segment display modules, etc.

[61] The air cylinder 238 can be implemented by using a tube with at least two ports to supply or discharge the compressed air, and the piston rod 236 can be installed at one of those two ports. Any of related art air cylinders with a single acting system or a double acting system may also be used as the air cylinder 238 of the present invention.

[62] The air cylinder drive section 240 drives the air cylinder to supply or discharge compressed air through a rod cover (not shown) at the side of the piston rod such that the advance/retreat motion of the piston rod 236 is controlled according as whether the vehicle is in reverse gear or not.

[63] The following will now describe an operation of the air cylinder-driven folding type indicator according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[64] Referring to Fig. 6 [a], when a backup signal is inputted, a relay in the air cylinder drive section 240 is turned on by power being supplied from a backlight power supply. Then compressed air is supplied via a head side port, while the compressed air having flown into the tube is discharged via a rod side port. In result, the piston rod 236 advances to unfold the indicator actuation frame 232 outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle body. When the indicator actuation frame 232 reaches a (+)90-degree position with respect to the lateral side of the vehicle body, the air cylinder drive section 240 cuts off the supply of compressed air via the head side port by turning off a first switch inside.

[65] Referring next to Fig. 6[b], when a backup signal is not inputted any more, the relay in the air cylinder drive section 240 is turned off by power being supplied from a backlight power supply. Then compressed air is supplied via the rod side port, while the compressed air having flown into the tube is discharged via the head side port. In result, the piston rod 236 retreats to fold the indicator actuation frame 232 inwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle body. When the indicator actuation frame 232 reaches is completely folded and reaches a 0-degree position in parallel to the lateral side of the vehicle body, the air cylinder drive section 240 cuts off the supply of compressed air via the rod side port by turning off a second switch inside.

[66] Fig. 7 illustrates a third embodiment of the indicator of the present invention, in which a motor-driven protruding type indicator 330 is implemented. As can be seen from Fig. 7, the motor-driven protruding type indicator 330 includes an indicator actuation frame 332 that protrudes outwardly in a lateral direction of a vehicle body 50 at the time of backup, a linear motor (not shown) built in the indicator actuation frame 332 to advance or retreat the indicator actuation frame 332 along a guard rail 336, and a motor drive section 338 to operate the linear motor.

[67] The indicator actuation frame 332 has a slider 334 formed at a lower end portion thereof to be in contact with the guard rail 336. The indicator actuation frame 332 includes a display section 332a that sticks out to be faced with the side-view mirror whenever the indicator rotates outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle body, cooperatingly with the advance motion of the slider 334 along the guard rail 336. The display section 332a can be implemented by using LED modules, seven-segment display modules, etc.

[68] Any of linear synchronous or non- synchronous motors in the related art can be implemented as the linear motor for the present invention.

[69] The motor drive section 338 operates the linear motor such that the slider 334 can advance or retreat along the guard rail 336 according as whether the vehicle is in reverse gear or not.

[70] The following will now describe an operation of the air cylinder-driven folding type indicator according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[71] Referring to Fig. 7 [a], when a backup signal is inputted, a relay in the motor drive section 338 is turned on by power being supplied from a backlight power supply, and the linear motor is driven in the forward direction. Then the slider 334 of the indicator actuation frame 332 is driven by the linear motor and advances outwardly in a lateral direction of the vehicle body along the guard rail 336, making the indicator actuation frame 332 protruded outwardly. When the indicator actuation frame 336 is fully protruded outwardly, the motor drive section 338 cuts off the power supply to the motor by turning off a first switch inside.

[72] Referring next to Fig. 7[b], when a backup signal is not inputted any more, a relay in the motor drive section 338 is turned off by power being supplied from a backlight power supply, and the linear motor is driven in the backward direction. Then the slider 334 of the indicator actuation frame 332 is driven by the linear motor and retreats inwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle body along the guard rail 336, making the indicator actuation frame 332 folded inwardly of the vehicle body. When the indicator actuation frame 336 is completely folded down inwardly, the motor drive section 338 cuts off the power supply to the motor by turning off a second switch inside.

[73] Fig. 8 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the indicator of the present invention, in which a motor-driven folding type indicator 430 is implemented. As can be seen from Fig. 8, the motor-driven folding type indicator 430 includes a base frame 431 fixed to a lateral face of a vehicle body 50, an indicator actuation frame 432 that can rotate outwardly in a lateral direction of the vehicle body 50 at the time of backup, a motor 440 built in the base frame 431 to generate a rotational power, a link section 436 expanded or contracted by the rotational power from the motor 440 to rotate the indicator actuation frame, and a motor drive section 442 to operate the motor 440.

[74] The indicator actuation frame 432 has one end being fixed to one side of the base frame 431 through a first fixed hinge 444a such that it can be rotated outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle body 50 by the extension/contraction motion of the link section 436 being connected to an actuating hinge 434. The indicator actuation frame 432 includes a display section 432a that sticks out to be faced with the side-view mirror whenever the indicator rotates outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle body, cooperatingly with the extension/contraction motion of the link section 436. The display section 432a can be implemented by using LED modules, seven-segment display modules, etc.

[75] The motor 440 is built in the base frame 431 to generate a rotational power, under the control of the motor drive section 442. Any of related art motors can be implemented as the motor 440 for the present invention.

[76] The motor drive section 442 operates the motor 440 such that the link section 436 can be extended or contracted according as whether the vehicle is in reverse gear or not.

[77] The link section 436 includes a first link 436a connected between a third actuating hinge T3 and the actuating hinge 434 of the indicator actuation frame 432; a second link 436b connected between a second actuating hinge T2 and a first actuating hinge Tl on the first link 436a; a third link 436c connected between the second actuating hinge T2 and a second fixed hinge 444b; a fourth link 436d connected between a third actuation hinge T3 and a third fixed hinge 444c; a fifth link 436e connected between the third fixed hinge 444c and a fourth actuating hinge T4; a sixth link 436f connected between the fourth actuating hinge T4 and a fifth actuating hinge T5; and a seventh link 436g connected between the fourth actuating hinge T4 and a sixth actuating hinge T6. Among them, the fifth and sixth actuating hinges T5 and T6 rotate respectively in an arrow direction within an operation radius (A) as shown by the rotational power from the motor 440. This link section 436 is either extended or contracted by the rotational power from the motor 440 to rotate the indicator actuation frame 432.

[78] The following will now describe an operation of the motor-driven folding type indicator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[79] Referring to Fig. 8 [a], when a backup signal is inputted, a relay in the motor drive section 442 is turned on by power being supplied from a backlight power supply, and the motor 440 is driven in the forward direction. Then the fifth and sixth actuating hinges T5 and T6 shift as shown in the drawing, cooperatingly with the forward rotation of the motor 440, so that the first through seventh links 436a-436g are extended with respect to the second and third fixed hinges 444b and 444c. As these links 436a-436g are extended, the indicator actuation frame 432 is unfolded outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle body with respect to the first fixed hinge 444a. When the indicator actuation frame 432 is fully unfolded outwardly, the motor drive section 442 cuts off the power supply to the motor by turning off a first switch inside.

[80] Referring next to Fig. 8[b], when a backup signal is not inputted any more, the relay in the motor drive section 442 is turned off by power being supplied from a backlight power supply, and the motor 440 is driven in the backward direction. Then the fifth and sixth actuating hinges T5 and T6 shift as shown in the drawing, cooperatingly with the backward rotation of the motor 440, so that the first through seventh links 436a-436g are contracted with respect to the second and third fixed hinges 444b and 444c. As these links 436a-436g are contracted, the indicator actuation frame 432 is folded down outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle body with respect to the first fixed hinge 444a. When the indicator actuation frame 432 is completely folded down inwardly, the motor drive section 442 cuts off the power supply to the motor by turning off a second switch inside.

[81] Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram for explaining an operation control method of a rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle according to the present invention.

[82] Referring to Fig. 9, the rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle of the present invention includes a power supply 60 to supply the driving power to a control box 20 and an indicator 30 in response to an input backup signal; an object sensor 10 to generate an ultrasonic signal towards an object in a rear area at the time of backup; a control box 20 to convert a feedbacked sensed signal into a distance between a vehicle and a target object in the area behind the vehicle; and an indicator 30, which is folded down or unfolded outwardly in a lateral direction of the vehicle according as whether the vehicle is in reverse gear or not and which displays the converted distance provided from the control box 20 at the time of backup.

[83] The power supply 60 supplies the driving power to the control box 20 and the indicator 30, in response to an input backup signal. To this end, the power supply 60 generates, synchronously as a transmission of the vehicle is in reverse mode, a driving power by using the power that is supplied to a back light lamp.

[84] The object sensor 10 is constituted of a plurality of ultrasonic sensors arranged at the rear side of the vehicle, as described earlier. Each of the ultrasonic sensors includes a transmission side to shoot or send an ultrasonic signal to a target object, and a receiving side to receive a feedbacked signal from the target object. The transmission side of the ultrasonic sensor oscillates and amplifies an ultrasonic signal in response to a control signal from the control box 20 at the time of backup of the vehicle, and shoots the signal to the target object periodically. The receiving side of the ultrasonic sensor receives an ultrasonic signal that is reflected and feedbacked from the target object.

[85] The control box 20 is also positioned in the vicinity of the object sensors 10 at the rear side of the vehicle, being driven by the backlight power supply of the vehicle. Being connected to the object sensors 10, the control box 20 controls a sensing operation of each of the object sensors 10 according as whether or not a backup signal is inputted, and converts a separation distance between the vehicle and the target object in use of a transmitted/received ultrasonic signal generated by the object sensor 10. In detail, the control box 20 amplifies and compares the time when the object sensors 10 shoot an ultrasonic signal to the target object and the time when the object sensors 10 receive a reflected and feedbacked signal from the target object, and analyzes the time corresponding to a path difference thereof to calculate the distance between the vehicle and the target object. Furthermore, the control box 20 uses this distance information to control display attributes of the indicator 30 distinguishably from each other.

[86] The indicator 30, as explained in the first through third embodiments, is folded down or unfolded in the lateral direction of the vehicle according as whether the vehicle is in reverse gear, and when unfolded, it displays rearward-sensed information according to a separation distance between the vehicle and the target object at the time of backup. To this end, the indicator 30 includes a display section 30a that is folded down or unfolded outwardly of the vehicle body in response to a backup signal to display rearward- sensed information; a motor or an air cylinder 30b to rotate the display section 30a; and a motor/air cylinder drive section 30c. If there is no backup signal, the motor or air cylinder drive section 30c drives the display section 30a such that it is folded down inwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle body. On the other hand, if a backup signal of the vehicle is inputted, the motor or air cylinder drive section 30c drives the display section 30a such that it is unfolded outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle body. Then, under the control of the control box 20, the display section 30a of the indicator 30 distinguishably displays rearward-sensed information according to a separation distance between the vehicle and the target object. To this end, the indicator 30 is connected to the control box 20 via a cable 70. A description on how the rearward- sensed information is distinguishably expressed in the display section 30a depending on a separation distance between the vehicle and the target object will now be provided below with reference to Fig. 10.

[87] Fig. 10 illustrates diverse ways of expressing the rearward-sensed information on the display section 30a, depending on separation distances between the vehicle and the target object. In the interest of convenience, an LED module was implemented as the display section 30a. The display section 30a includes a blue, a yellow and a red LED module for indicating a safe distance, a warning distance, and a dangerous distance, respectively.

[88] For instance, if the calculated separation distance between the vehicle and the target object is above a first reference value, the control box 20 judges it as a safe distance so it generates a first control signal to turn on blue LEDs among the LED modules of the display section 30a. The first control signal is then sent to the indicator 30 via the cable 70 to be used to turn on blue LEDs among the LED modules of the display section 30a as shown in Fig. 10[a]. Therefore, the driver can make a safe backup by looking at the area behind the vehicle through the side-view mirror and at the same time watching the blue rearward-sensed signal shown on the display section 30a.

[89] If the calculated separation distance between the vehicle and the target object is below the first reference value and above a second reference value, the control box 20 judges it as a warning distance so it generates a second control signal to turn on yellow LEDs among the LED modules of the display section 30a. The second control signal is then sent to the indicator 30 via the cable 70 to be used to turn on yellow LEDs among the LED modules of the display section 30a as shown in Fig. 10[b]. Therefore, the driver can make a safe backup by looking at the area behind the vehicle through the side-view mirror and at the same time watching the yellow rearward-sensed signal shown on the display section 30a. [90] Lastly, if the calculated separation distance between the vehicle and the target object is below the second reference value, the control box 20 judges it as a dangerous distance so it generates a third control signal to turn on red LEDs among the LED modules of the display section 30a. The third control signal is then sent to the indicator 30 via the cable 70 to be used to turn on blue LEDs among the LED modules of the display section 30a as shown in Fig. 10[c]. Although not shown in the drawing, the control box 20 can generate a plurality of the third control signals in response to a plurality of the second reference values that are divided correspondingly to separation distances between the vehicle and the target object, so as to turn on red LEDs stepwisely according to a given distance. Therefore, the driver can make a safe backup by looking at the area behind the vehicle through the side-view mirror and at the same time watching the red rearward-sensed signal shown on the display section 30a.

[91] Fig. 11 is a flow chart for explaining an operation control method of the rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle according to the present invention.

[92] Referring to Fig. 1, the rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle of the present invention first decides whether a transmission of the vehicle is in reverse drive mode (SlO). If the vehicle is in reverse gear, it causes the display section to be unfolded outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle body by applying power available in the backlight lamp thereto, and at the same time it drives the sensors to detect a separation distance between the vehicle and an object in the back of the vehicle (S20). Based on the separation distance between the vehicle and the target object, the display section being unfolded outwardly displays an image of different color to inform the driver about the sensing result on the object in the back of the vehicle (S30). Such sensing and display operations continue until a backup signal is not inputted any more. When no further backup signal is inputted (S40), the rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle causes the display section to be folded down inwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle body and stops the operation of the sensors at the same time (S50).

[93] Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram of operating effects of the rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle according to the present invention.

[94] As can be seen from Fig. 12[a], the indicator 30 of the rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle sticks out in the lateral direction of the vehicle body at the time of backup and displays rearward-sensed information depending on a separation distance between the vehicle and a target object. In this manner, a driver 1 can make a safe backup by looking at the area behind the vehicle through a side-view mirror 40 and at the same time watching a rearward-sensed signal shown on the indicator 30. Therefore, by installing the indicator 30 at a predetermined distance away at the outside of the vehicle, not close to a driver's seat inside the vehicle, a much shorter connection cable compared to that of the related art can be used. A shorter connection cable contributes to a lower manufacturing cost of the rearward sensing apparatus and reduced influence of noise upon a control signal, thereby enhancing the performance of the rearward sensing apparatus. In addition, the rearward sensing apparatus of the present invention can be installed even at a trailer of a larger trailer-truck such as a semi-trailer truck. This resolves deficiencies and inconvenience of the related art rearward sensing apparatuss where the connection cable reaching the driver's seat has to be replaced as well whenever a trailer is replaced. As mentioned earlier, the display section of the indicator 30 is protruded outwardly in the lateral direction of a vehicle body 50 to be faced with the side-view mirror 40 of the vehicle, so that the driver can easily see the area behind the vehicle as well as the rearward-sensed information through the side- view mirror 40.

[95] Referring lastly to Fig. 12[b], when the vehicle stops its backup, the indicator 30 of the rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle of the present invention is folded inwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle body, returning its original position.

Claims

[1] A rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle, comprising: an object sensor for sensing an object in a rear area of the vehicle; an indicator folded or unfolded outwardly in a lateral direction of the vehicle within a visible angle range of a side-view mirror installed at the vehicle, so as to display a distance between the vehicle and the object; and a control box, which drives the object sensor in response to a backup signal indicative of a reverse drive mode of the vehicle to convert an output signal from the object sensor into a distance, which provides the indicator with a flashing light signal corresponding to a separation distance between the vehicle and the object, and which automatically unfolds the indicator outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle; and a cable for electrically connecting the object sensor to the control box.

[2] The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the indicator is installed between the side-view mirror and the control box.

[3] The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the indicator includes: a base frame fixed to a lateral face of the vehicle and having a motor therein; a motor fixing frame for fixing the motor to the base frame; an indicator actuation frame with one end being fixed to a rotary rod of the motor, being rotatable outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle; and a motor drive section for driving the motor.

[4] The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the indicator includes: an indicator actuation frame rotating outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle through a piston rod connected to a central axis thereof; an air cylinder for advancing or retreating the piston rod by compressed air supplied or discharged; and an air cylinder drive section driving the air cylinder.

[5] The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the indicator includes: an indicator actuation frame being protruded outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle; a linear motor built in the indicator actuation frame to advance or retreat the indicator actuation frame along a guard rail; a slide installed at a lower portion of the indicator actuation frame and making a contact with the guard rail; and a motor drive section for driving the linear motor.

[6] The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the indicator includes: a base frame fixed to a lateral face of the vehicle and having a motor therein; a link section extending or contracting by rotational power from the motor; an indicator actuation frame rotating outwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle by an extension/contraction motion of the link section; and a motor drive section for driving the motor.

[7] The apparatus according to one of claims 3 through 6, wherein the indicator actuation frame includes a display section to display different flashing light signal depending on a converted distance provided from the control box, and wherein the display section is implemented by including LED (light emitting diode) modules or seven-segment LED modules.

[8] The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein LED modules emit different colors from each other, depending on a separation distance between the vehicle and an object in a rear area of the vehicle.

[9] The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the object sensor is implemented by including an ultrasonic sensor.

[10] The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, if the backup signal is not inputted any more, the object sensor stops a sensing operation thereof and the indicator is folded inwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle.

[11] The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cable is water-proof and dust- proof in a joint portion thereof.

[12] A control method of a rearward sensing apparatus for a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: driving an object sensor in response to a backup signal indicative of a reverse drive mode of the vehicle to convert an output signal from the object sensor into a distance; and providing the indicator with a flashing light signal corresponding to a separation distance between the vehicle and an object in a rear area of the vehicle, so as to unfold the indicator outwardly in a lateral direction of the vehicle within a visible angle range of a side-view mirror installed at the vehicle.

[13] The method according to claim 12, wherein the indicator emits flashing lights of different colors, depending on a separation distance between the vehicle and the object.

[14] The method according to claim 12, wherein, if the backup signal is not inputted any more, the object sensor is controlled to stop a sensing operation thereof and the indicator is controlled to fold inwardly in the lateral direction of the vehicle.