Sensor device

Abstract

An apparatus includes a sensor window, a deflector fixedly positioned to deflect a first air stream traveling in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the sensor window to one or more directions tangential to the sensor window, and a nozzle fixedly positioned to direct a second air stream through the nozzle to a space between the sensor window and the deflector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor device. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles such as autonomous vehicles typically include various sensors. Some sensors detect the internal state of the vehicle, e.g., wheel speed, wheel direction, and engine and transmission variables. Some sensors detect the position and / or orientation of the vehicle, e.g., a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor; an accelerometer such as a piezoelectric or Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS); a gyroscope such as a rate gyroscope, a ring laser gyroscope, or an optical fiber gyroscope; an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU); and a magnetometer. Some sensors detect the external world, e.g., a radar sensor, a scanning laser rangefinder, a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) device, and an image processing sensor such as a camera. A LIDAR device detects the distance to an object by emitting laser pulses and measuring the time of flight of the pulses to the object and back. Some sensors are communication devices, e.g., a Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) or Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to the present invention, there is provided a device including:

[0004] A sensor window;

[0005] A deflector fixedly positioned to deflect a first air flow traveling in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the sensor window to one or more directions tangential to the sensor window; and

[0006] A nozzle fixedly positioned to direct a second air flow through the nozzle to the space between the sensor window and the deflector.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the deflector has an outer surface and an inner surface, and the outer surface is shaped to deflect the air flow from the opposite direction to one or more tangential directions.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle is positioned to direct the second air flow to the inner surface, and the inner surface is shaped to deflect the second air flow to the space between the sensor window and the deflector.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the deflector is positioned to direct the second air flow between the sensor window and the first air flow.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the deflector is wedge-shaped.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the deflector includes an edge and two sides extending laterally from the edge.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sides each have a triangular shape and are reflection symmetric about the edge.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor window is cylindrical and defines an axis, and the edge defines a line extending through the axis.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a filter fluidly connected to the nozzle and a compressor fluidly connected to the nozzle.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a computer in communication with the compressor, wherein the computer is programmed to instruct the compressor to generate a second air flow through the nozzle at an air flow velocity based on the velocity of the sensor window in the travel direction.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle is an air nozzle, and the device further includes a liquid nozzle fixed relative to the sensor window and positioned to inject liquid into the second air flow.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid nozzle is positioned to inject liquid into the space between the sensor window and the deflector.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a sensor attached to the sensor window, wherein the sensor has a field of view passing through the sensor window, and the deflector is positioned outside the field of view.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the deflector is a first deflector, and the device further includes a second deflector fixedly positioned to deflect a third air flow traveling in a direction opposite to the travel direction of the sensor window into one or more directions tangent to the sensor window, wherein the second deflector is positioned outside the field of view, and the field of view is located between the first deflector and the second deflector.

[0020] According to the present invention, there is provided a device including:

[0021] A sensor window defining a travel direction;

[0022] A wedge spaced apart from the sensor window and positioned in the travel direction of the sensor window and above or below the sensor window, the wedge including an outer surface facing the travel direction and an inner surface facing away from the travel direction; and

[0023] A nozzle pointing to the inner surface.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor window is cylindrical and defines an axis extending vertically.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a filter fluidly connected to the nozzle and a compressor fluidly connected to the nozzle.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a computer in communication with the compressor, wherein the computer is programmed to instruct the compressor to generate an air flow through the nozzle at an air flow velocity based on the velocity of the sensor window along the travel direction.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle is an air nozzle, and the device further includes a liquid nozzle pointing to the space between the wedge and the sensor window.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a sensor attached to the sensor window, wherein the sensor has a field of view passing through the sensor window, and the wedge is positioned outside the field of view. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle;

[0030] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary control system of the vehicle;

[0031] Figure 3 is a side view of an exemplary sensor assembly of the vehicle;

[0032] Figure 4 is a top view of the sensor assembly;

[0033] Figure 5 is along Figure 3 a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in

[0034] Figure 6 is a diagram of an exemplary cleaning system for the sensor assembly;

[0035] Figure 7 is a side view of another exemplary sensor assembly of the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] A device includes a sensor window, a deflector fixedly positioned to deflect a first air flow traveling in a direction opposite to the travel direction of the sensor window to one or more directions tangential to the sensor window, and a nozzle fixedly positioned to direct a second air flow through the nozzle to the space between the sensor window and the deflector.

[0037] The deflector can have an outer surface and an inner surface, and the outer surface can be shaped to deflect the airflow from opposite directions to one or more tangential directions. The nozzle can be positioned to direct a second airflow to the inner surface, and the inner surface can be shaped to deflect the second airflow into the space between the sensor window and the deflector. The deflector can be positioned to direct the second airflow between the sensor window and the first airflow.

[0038] The deflector can be wedge-shaped.

[0039] The deflector can include an edge and two sides that extend laterally from the edge with respect to each other. The sides can each have a triangular shape and can be mirror-symmetric with respect to the edge. The sensor window can be cylindrical and can define an axis, and the edge can define a line that extends through the axis.

[0040] The device can include a filter fluidly connected to the nozzle, and a compressor fluidly connected to the nozzle. The device can include a computer in communication with the compressor, and the computer can be programmed to instruct the compressor to generate a second airflow through the nozzle at an airflow velocity based on the velocity of the sensor window in the travel direction.

[0041] The nozzle can be an air nozzle, and the device can include a liquid nozzle that is fixed relative to the sensor window and positioned to inject liquid into the second airflow. The liquid nozzle can be positioned to inject liquid into the space between the sensor window and the deflector.

[0042] The device can include a sensor attached to the sensor window, and the sensor can have a field of view that passes through the sensor window, and the deflector can be positioned outside the field of view. The deflector can be a first deflector, and the device can include a second deflector that is fixedly positioned to deflect a third airflow traveling in a direction opposite to the travel direction of the sensor window to one or more directions tangential to the sensor window, and the second deflector can be positioned outside the field of view, and the field of view can be located between the first deflector and the second deflector.

[0043] A device includes a sensor window that defines a travel direction; a wedge that is spaced apart from the sensor window and positioned in the travel direction of the sensor window and above or below the sensor window, the wedge including an outer surface facing the travel direction and an inner surface facing away from the travel direction; and a nozzle that points to the inner surface.

[0044] The sensor window can be cylindrical and define an axis that extends vertically.

[0045] The device may include a filter fluidly connected to the nozzle, and a compressor fluidly connected to the nozzle. The device may include a computer in communication with the compressor, and the computer may be programmed to direct the compressor to generate an airflow through the nozzle at an airflow velocity based on the velocity of the sensor window along the travel direction.

[0046] The nozzle may be an air nozzle, and the device may include a liquid nozzle pointing at the space between the wedge and the sensor window.

[0047] The device may include a sensor attached to the sensor window, wherein the sensor may have a field of view passing through the sensor window, and the wedge may be positioned outside the field of view.

[0048] The cleaning system described herein cleans the sensor window of the sensor assembly and can thus allow the sensor to continue to provide useful data and / or more accurately detect the external environment through which the vehicle moves after being completely or partially soiled or covered by dirt, water, ice, condensate, etc. The cleaning system is positioned relative to the rest of the vehicle such that the cleaning system will not block the field of view of the sensor nor the field of view of the human driver of the vehicle looking through the windshield or window. Since the cleaning system utilizes the airflow generated by the vehicle's travel, the cleaning system is efficient, which reduces the need to use liquid and / or compressed gas to clean the sensor window.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 , vehicle 30 may be an autonomous, semi-autonomous or non-autonomous vehicle. Computer 32 may be configured to operate vehicle 30 either fully or to a lesser extent independently of human driver intervention. Computer 32 may be programmed to operate the propulsion device, braking system, steering device, and / or other vehicle systems. For the purposes of the present invention, autonomous operation means that computer 32 controls the propulsion device, braking system, and steering device; semi-autonomous operation means that computer 32 controls one or two of the propulsion device, braking system, and steering device, and the human driver controls the remainder; non-autonomous operation means that the human driver controls the propulsion device, braking system, and steering device.

[0050] Reference Figure 1, the vehicle body 34 of the vehicle 30 may include an A-pillar 36, a B-pillar 38, a C-pillar 40, and a roof rail 42. The A-pillar 36 may extend between the windshield 44 and the window 46 and extend from a first end 48 at the bottom of the windshield 44 to a second end 50 at the top of the windshield 44. The B-pillar 38 may extend between the windows 46 adjacent to the door 52. The C-pillar 40 may extend between the window 46 and the rear window glass 54. If the vehicle 30 is, for example, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), a crossover vehicle, a minivan, or a station wagon, the vehicle body 34 may further include a D-pillar (not shown). In this case, the C-pillar 40 extends between the window 46 of the rear door 52 and the left and right rear windows 46, and the D-pillar extends between the left and right rear windows 46 and the rear window glass 54. The roof rail 42 extends along the window 46 from the A-pillar 36 to the B-pillar 38 until the C-pillar 40.

[0051] The windshield 44 and the window 46 may be formed of any suitable durable transparent material, which includes glass such as laminated tempered glass or plastics such as plexiglass or polycarbonate. The windshield 44 is located near the A-pillar 36.

[0052] Continuing to refer Figure 1 , the vehicle 30 may include a side mirror 56. The side mirror 56 may be located on the front door 52 or on the vehicle body 34 near the bottom of the windshield 44. The side mirror 56 may be visible to a human driver through the window 46 and provide a reflected view of the vehicle in the rearward direction to the driver.

[0053] Refer Figure 1 and Figure 4 , a sensor arm 58 extends from one of the pillars 36, 38, 40 of the vehicle 30 (e.g., the A-pillar 36) to a sensor assembly 60. The sensor arm 58 may be located between the ends 48, 50 of the A-pillar 36, that is, spaced from the bottom and the top of the windshield 44, that is, spaced from the first end 48 and the second end 50. The sensor arm 58 may be attached to a mount 62 of the sensor assembly 60 that supports the sensor 64. The sensor arm 58 may have a tubular or other hollow shape, that is, a cavity may extend through the sensor arm 58. The cavity may allow wiring, tubes, etc. to pass through the sensor arm 58 while being shielded from the external environment.

[0054] Refer Figure 1-4, the sensor assembly 60 is supported by the sensor arm 58. The sensor assembly 60 can have a cylindrical shape with a top surface 66 and a side surface 68. The top surface 66 faces upward, i.e., in the upward direction of the vehicle (i.e., toward the roof or top of the vehicle 30). The side mirror 56 can be located below the sensor assembly 60, i.e., from the sensor assembly 60 downward toward the vehicle (i.e., toward the floor or bottom of the vehicle 30). The cylindrical shape of the sensor assembly 60 defines an axis A that passes through the center of the sensor assembly 60. The axis A is oriented perpendicular to the vehicle 30.

[0055] Reference Figure 2-4 , the sensor 64 of the sensor assembly 60 can be disposed within the remainder of the sensor assembly 60. The sensor 64 can be designed to detect features of the outside world; for example, the sensor 64 can be a radar sensor, a scanning lidar, a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device, or an image processing sensor such as a camera. In particular, the sensor 64 can be a LIDAR device. The LIDAR device detects the distance to an object by emitting laser pulses and measuring the time of flight of the pulses to the object and back.

[0056] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the mount 62 can be positioned below the sensor 64 and can support the sensor 64 and the remainder of the sensor assembly 60. The mount 62 can be below the side surface 68 and extend forward from the side surface 68. The mount 62 can be hollow to allow wiring, tubing, etc. to pass through the mount 62 while being shielded from the external environment.

[0057] Reference Figure 3 , the side surface 68 can include a sensor window 70. The sensor window 70 can also define the axis A. The sensor window 70 extends circumferentially around the axis A. The sensor window 70 can extend completely (i.e., 360°) around the axis A or partially around the axis A. The sensor window 70 extends along the axis A from a bottom edge 72 to a top edge 74. The bottom edge 72 can be at the mount 62 or can be spaced from the mount 62 along the side surface 68. The top edge 74 can be at the top surface 66 or can be spaced from the top surface 66 along the side surface 68. The sensor window 70 is indirectly attached to the sensor 64 via the mount 62 and / or the side surface 68.

[0058] The sensor window 70 has a diameter. The diameter (if any) of the sensor window 70 can be the same as the remainder of the side surface 68; in other words, the sensor window 70 can be flush or substantially flush with the side surface 68. "Substantially flush" means that the seam between the sensor window 70 and the remainder of the side surface 68 does not cause turbulence in the air flowing along the side surface 68.

[0059] At least some of the sensor window 70 is transparent with respect to any phenomena that the sensor 64 can detect. For example, if the sensor 64 is a LIDAR device, the sensor window 70 is transparent with respect to the wavelength of visible light emitted by the laser of the LIDAR device.

[0060] Continuing to refer Figure 3 , the sensor 64 has a field of view passing through the sensor window 70. The sensor window 70 has an occluded portion and a visible portion. The occluded portion faces the vehicle 30, and the visible portion faces away from the vehicle 30. In other words, the occluded portion is the area of the sensor window 70 where the sensor 64 is blocked by the vehicle 30 from detecting the external environment. The visible portion is the area of the sensor window 70 where the sensor 64 can detect the external environment unobstructed by the vehicle 30. If the sensor arm 58 extends between the ends 48, 50 of the A-pillar 36 (as Figure 1 shown), the visible portion can be approximately equal to or greater than 270°. The visible portion includes the forward direction, i.e., the travel direction D of the vehicle 30. The sensor window 70 is positioned within the sensor assembly 60 or relative to the sensor 64, which defines the travel direction D.

[0061] Refer Figure 1 and Figure 3-5 , the deflector 76 is positioned outside the field of view. The deflector 76 can be supported by the mount 62. The deflector 76 can be spaced apart from the side surface 68 and the sensor window 70. The deflector 76 can be positioned along the travel direction D of the sensor window 70, and the deflector 76 can be positioned below the sensor window 70, i.e., downward from the sensor window 70 towards the vehicle.

[0062] Refer Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the deflector 76 can point forward, i.e., along the travel direction D. The deflector 76 can be wedge-shaped, i.e., it can be a wedge; for the purposes of the present invention, a "wedge" is defined as an element that tapers from a thicker end to a thin edge. The deflector 76 can thus be angled downward along the travel direction D.

[0063] The deflector 76 includes an outer surface 78 facing the travel direction D. The outer surface 78 of the deflector 76 can include an edge 80 running through the middle of the deflector 76. The edge 80 can define a line extending through the axis A. Alternatively, the edge 80 can define a concave-upward curve, and the curve and the axis A can be in the same plane. The edge 80 can point downward and forward along the travel direction D. The deflector 76 can have two side surfaces 82 separated by the edge 80. The side surfaces 82 can be reflection-symmetric about the edge 80. The side surfaces 82 can each have a triangular shape. The side surfaces 82 can be planar or curved.

[0064] The deflector 76 is fixedly positioned on the mounting 62 to deflect a first air stream F1 traveling in a direction opposite to the travel direction D of the sensor window 70 to one or more directions tangential to the sensor window 70. (The adjectives "first" and "second" used throughout this document are used as identifiers and are not intended to denote importance or order). In particular, the outer surface 78 of the deflector 76 is shaped to deflect the first air stream F1 to one or more tangential directions. The first air stream F1 is the ambient air stream relative to the deflector 76. As used herein, "ambient" means that the first air stream F1 originates from outside the vehicle 30. For example, if the vehicle 30 is traveling at 60 miles per hour into a 10 mile per hour headwind, the first air stream F1 reaches the deflector 76 at 70 miles per hour. The deflector 76 (e.g., the side 82 and edge 80 of the deflector 76) is angled downward in the travel direction D, thus pushing the first air stream F1 upward when the first air stream F1 reaches the sensor window 70. The outer surface 78 of the deflector 76 is also shaped to push the first air stream F1 laterally along the sensor window 70.

[0065] Reference Figure 3 and 5 , the deflector 76 has an inner surface 84. The inner surface 84 faces in a direction opposite to the travel direction D. The inner surface 84 can be substantially parallel to the outer surface 78. The inner surface 84 can be angled upward and backward opposite to the travel direction D, i.e., forward and downward in the travel direction D.

[0066] Reference Figure 7 , the sensor assembly 60 can include a second deflector 86 that is fixedly positioned to deflect a third air stream F3 traveling in a direction opposite to the travel direction D of the vehicle 30 to one or more directions tangential to the sensor window 70. The second deflector 86 can be positioned outside the field of view, and the field of view can be between the deflector 76 and the second deflector 86. The second deflector 86 can be shaped corresponding to the deflector 76. The second deflector 86 can be reflection symmetric with the deflector 76 about a plane perpendicular to the axis A. Alternatively, instead of including the second deflector 86, the deflector 76 can be positioned in the position of the second deflector 86 in the Figure 7 above the sensor assembly 60.

[0067] Reference Figure 6 , the air system 88 of the vehicle 30 includes a compressor 90, a filter 92, an air supply line 94, and an air nozzle 96. The compressor 90, the filter 92, and the air nozzle 96 are fluidly connected to each other in sequence through the air supply line 94 (i.e., fluid can flow from one to another).

[0068] Compressor 90 increases the pressure of a gas by reducing the gas volume or by forcing additional gas into a constant volume. Compressor 90 can be any suitable type of compressor, e.g., a positive displacement compressor such as a reciprocating, ionic liquid piston, rotary screw, rotary vane, rolling piston, scroll, or diaphragm compressor; a dynamic compressor such as a bubble, centrifugal, diagonal, mixed flow, or axial flow compressor; or any other suitable type.

[0069] Filter 92 removes solid particles such as dust, pollen, mold, dirt, and bacteria from the air flowing through filter 92. Filter 92 can be any suitable type of filter (e.g., paper, foam, cotton, stainless steel, oil bath, etc.).

[0070] Continuing to refer Figure 6 , air supply line 94 extends from compressor 90 to filter 92 and from filter 92 to air nozzle 96. Air supply line 94 can be, for example, a flexible tube.

[0071] Refer Figure 3-6 , sensor assembly 60 includes one or more air nozzles 96. Air nozzle 96 is fixedly positioned to direct a second air flow F2 through air nozzle 96 to the space between sensor window 70 and deflector 76. Air nozzle 96 can be supported by mount 62 and projects from mount 62. Air nozzle 96 points to the inner surface 84 of deflector 76. Inner surface 84 is shaped to deflect the second air flow F2 into the space between sensor window 70 and deflector 76. Deflector 76 is thus positioned to direct the second air flow F2 between sensor window 70 and the first air flow F1. The second air flow F2 forms a boundary layer between the first air flow F1 and sensor window 70, thereby preventing debris carried in the first air flow F1 from impinging on sensor window 70.

[0072] Refer Figure 6 , the liquid system 98 of vehicle 30 includes a reservoir 100, a pump 102, a liquid supply line 104, and a liquid nozzle 106. Liquid system 98 distributes a cleaning fluid stored in reservoir 100 to liquid nozzle 106. "Cleaning fluid" refers to any liquid stored in reservoir 100 for cleaning purposes. The cleaning fluid can include solvents, detergents, diluents such as water, etc.

[0073] Reservoir 100 can be a tank that can be filled with liquid, e.g., a cleaning fluid for window cleaning. Reservoir 100 can be provided in front of vehicle 30, particularly in the engine compartment in front of the passenger compartment. Reservoir 100 can store cleaning fluid for supplying only sensor assembly 60 or also for other purposes (such as supplying to windshield 44).

[0074] Continuing to referFigure 6 ,The pump 102 can force the cleaning fluid through the liquid supply line 104 to the liquid nozzle 106 with sufficient pressure to eject the cleaning fluid from the liquid nozzle 106. The pump 102 is fluidly connected to the reservoir 100. The pump 102 can be attached to or disposed within the reservoir 100.

[0075] Reference Figure 3-6 ,The sensor assembly 60 includes one or more liquid nozzles 106. The liquid nozzle 106 is fixedly positioned to eject liquid into the space between the sensor window 70 and the deflector 76, which can be achieved by ejecting the liquid into the second air stream F2. The liquid nozzle 106 can be supported by the mount 62 and protrude from the mount 62. The liquid nozzle 106 can be directed at the space between the deflector 76 and the sensor window 70. The second air stream F2 can suck in the cleaning fluid ejected from the liquid nozzle and distribute the cleaning fluid onto the sensor window 70. When the liquid nozzle 106 no longer ejects the cleaning fluid, the second air stream F2 can dry the cleaning fluid remaining on the sensor window 70.

[0076] Reference Figure 2 ,The computer 32 is a microprocessor-based computer. The computer 32 includes a processor, a memory, etc. The memory of the computer 32 includes a memory for storing instructions executable by the processor and for electronically storing data and / or databases. The computer 32 can be a single computer or can be multiple computers communicating with each other.

[0077] The computer 32 can transmit signals through a communication network 108 such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, Ethernet, wireless network (WiFi), Local Interconnect Network (LIN), On-Board Diagnostic connector (OBD-II), and / or through other wired or wireless communication networks. The computer 32 can communicate with the sensor 64, the compressor 90, and the pump 102 via the communication network 108.

[0078] The computer 32 can be programmed to instruct the compressor 90 to generate the second air stream F2 through the air nozzle 96 when the vehicle 30 is running. The computer 32 can be programmed to instruct the compressor 90 to generate the second air stream F2 at an air flow rate. The air flow rate can be based on the speed of the sensor window 70 along the travel direction D, i.e., the speed of the vehicle 30. The memory of the computer 32 can store a table associating multiple speeds of the vehicle 30 with multiple air flow rates. The air flow rate can be determined, for example, through wind tunnel testing to determine the air flow rate that generates a boundary layer and minimizes the separation of the boundary layer from the sensor window 70 for a given speed of the vehicle 30.

[0079] The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology used is intended to be illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention can be practiced in ways other than as specifically described.

Claims

1. An apparatus for a vehicle, comprising: Sensor window; A deflector, the deflector being fixedly positioned to deflect a first air flow traveling in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the sensor window to one or more directions tangent to the sensor window, wherein the deflector has an outer surface, and the outer surface is shaped to deflect the air flow from the opposite direction to one or more tangential directions, wherein the outer surface includes an edge and two side surfaces extending laterally from the edge, the side surfaces each having a triangular shape and being reflection-symmetric about the edge, and the two side surfaces extend in two directions away from each other from the edge; And A nozzle, the nozzle being fixedly positioned to direct a second air flow through the nozzle to the space between the sensor window and the deflector.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the deflector further has an inner surface.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the nozzle is positioned to direct the second air stream to the inner surface, and the inner surface is shaped to deflect the second air stream into the space between the sensor window and the deflector.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the deflector is positioned to direct the second air stream between the sensor window and the first air stream.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the deflector is wedge-shaped.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor window is cylindrical and defines an axis, and the edge defines a line extending through the axis.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a filter fluidly connected to the nozzle, and a compressor fluidly connected to the nozzle.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a computer in communication with the compressor, wherein the computer is programmed to instruct the compressor to generate the second air stream passing through the nozzle at an air flow rate based on the speed of the sensor window along the travel direction.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor attached to the sensor window, wherein the sensor has a field of view passing through the sensor window, and the deflector is positioned outside the field of view.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the deflector is a first deflector, and the apparatus further comprises a second deflector fixedly positioned to deflect a third air stream traveling in a direction opposite to the travel direction of the sensor window into one or more directions tangential to the sensor window, wherein the second deflector is positioned outside the field of view, and the field of view is located between the first deflector and the second deflector.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the nozzle is an air nozzle, and the apparatus further comprises a liquid nozzle fixed relative to the sensor window and positioned to inject liquid into the second air stream.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the liquid nozzle is positioned to inject liquid into the space between the sensor window and the deflector.

13. An apparatus for a vehicle, comprising: A sensor window defining a traveling direction; A wedge, the wedge being spaced apart from the sensor window and positioned in the traveling direction of the sensor window and above or below the sensor window, the wedge including an outer surface facing the traveling direction and an inner surface facing away from the traveling direction, the outer surface being shaped to deflect a first air flow from an opposite direction facing away from the traveling direction to one or more tangential directions tangent to the sensor window, wherein the outer surface includes an edge and two side surfaces extending laterally from the edge, the side surfaces each having a triangular shape and being reflection-symmetric about the edge, and the two side surfaces extend in two directions away from each other from the edge; And A nozzle, the nozzle pointing to the inner surface to direct a second air flow through the nozzle to the space between the sensor window and the wedge.

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