Cover circulation type sensor protection unit and autonomous vehicle having the same

A sensor protection apparatus comprising:

• a first sensor cover movable between a sensor covering position and a first cover waiting position;
• a second sensor cover movable between the sensor covering position and a second cover waiting position, wherein each of the first and second sensor covers is located at the sensor covering position for protecting a surface of the sensor from being contaminated by foreign matter;
• and
• an actuator configured to move the first and second sensor covers such that the first sensor cover and the second sensor cover are alternately located at the sensor covering positions thereof,
• wherein the first cover waiting position of the first sensor cover is different from the second cover waiting position of the second sensor,
• wherein the first cover enters under the sensor by an exchange of the sensor covering position while the second cover enters above the sensor by the exchange of the sensor covering position,
• wherein each of the first and second sensor covers is provided with cover legs having a distance spaced apart from the sensor and wherein the cover legs are coupled to a rotary shaft, and
• wherein a width between the cover legs of the first cover is narrower than a width between the cover legs of the second cover so that the first cover and the second cover are assembled in a superposed state.