Sensor assembly with cleaning system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a sensor assembly with a cleaning system. A sensor assembly includes: a cylindrical sensor window defining an axis; and an annular member coupled to the sensor window and rotatable about the axis. The annular member includes a nozzle, the nozzle is aligned with the sensor window and is oriented at an acute angle from a radial direction toward the axis in a plane orthogonal to the axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle sensors, and more particularly to vehicle sensor cleaning. Background Art

[0002] Autonomous vehicles include a variety of sensors. Some sensors detect the internal state of the vehicle, such as wheel speed, wheel orientation, and engine and transmission variables. Some sensors detect the position or orientation of the vehicle, such as: global positioning system (GPS) sensors; accelerometers, such as piezoelectric systems or microelectromechanical systems (MEMS); gyroscopes, such as rate gyroscopes, ring laser gyroscopes, or fiber optic gyroscopes; inertial measurement units (IMUs); and magnetometers. Some sensors detect the external world, such as: radar sensors; scanning laser rangefinders; light detection and ranging (LIDAR) devices; and image processing sensors, such as cameras. LIDAR devices detect the distance to an object by emitting laser pulses and measuring the flight time for the pulses to propagate to the object and back. Some sensors are communication devices, such as vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) devices. Summary of the invention

[0003] A sensor assembly includes: a cylindrical sensor window defining an axis; and an annular member coupled to the sensor window and rotatable about the axis. The annular member includes a nozzle aligned with the sensor window and oriented at an acute angle from a radial direction toward the axis in a plane orthogonal to the axis.

[0004] The nozzle may be a first nozzle, the acute angle may be a first acute angle, and the annular member may include a second nozzle aligned with the sensor window and oriented at a second acute angle from a radial direction toward the axis in a plane normal to the axis.

[0005] The sensor assembly may further include a base member fixed relative to the sensor window and around which the annular member extends. The annular member may include an annular member channel fluidly connected to the nozzle, and the base member may include a base member channel fluidly connected to the annular member channel. The base member channel may be fluidly connected to the annular member channel for a continuous 360° rotational position of the annular member relative to the base member.

[0006] The annular member channel may extend around the base member and be partially defined by the base member.The base member channel may be elongated to an opening connected to the annular member channel.

[0007] The nozzle may be a liquid nozzle, the base member channel may be a liquid base member channel, and the base member may include an air nozzle aligned with the sensor window and an air base member channel separate from the liquid base member channel. The sensor assembly may also include a pump fluidly connected to the nozzle, and the pump may be sized to generate sufficient pressure to cause the fluid leaving the nozzle to be sufficient to rotate the annular member.

[0008] The nozzle may be a liquid nozzle. The sensor assembly may further include a base member fixed relative to the sensor window, and the base member may include an air nozzle aligned with the sensor window. The base member may include a plurality of air nozzles including the air nozzle, and the air nozzles may be arranged circumferentially around the sensor window.

[0009] The sensor assembly may further include a mounting bracket attachable to the vehicle, and the sensor window may be fixed relative to the mounting bracket.

[0010] The sensor window may be a first sensor window, and the first sensor window may be disposed above the annular member. The sensor assembly may further include a second cylindrical sensor window, which is fixed relative to the first sensor window and disposed below the annular member. The nozzle may be a first nozzle, the acute angle may be a first acute angle, and the annular member may include a second nozzle, which is aligned with the second sensor window and oriented at a second acute angle from a radial direction toward the axis in a plane orthogonal to the axis. The first acute angle may be equal to the second acute angle. The first nozzle may be a first liquid nozzle, the second nozzle may be a second liquid nozzle, and the sensor assembly may further include a base member fixed relative to the first sensor window. The base member may include a first air nozzle aligned with the first sensor window and a second air nozzle aligned with the second sensor window.

[0011] The acute angle may be between 15° and 45°.

[0012] The annular member may be rotatably driven only by fluid exiting the nozzle.

[0013] A sensor assembly includes: a cylindrical sensor window defining an axis; an annular member coupled to the sensor window and rotatable about the axis; means for washing the sensor window; and means for rotating the annular member about the axis. The means for rotating the annular member about the axis is the same as the means for washing the sensor window.

[0014] The sensor assembly may also include means for drying the sensor window. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a side view of an example vehicle including an example sensor assembly.

[0016] Figure 2 A front view of a vehicle including a sensor assembly.

[0017] Figure 3 A perspective view of the sensor assembly.

[0018] Figure 4 A top view of the sensor assembly.

[0019] Figure 5 A cross-sectional side view of the sensor assembly.

[0020] Figure 6 Another cross-sectional side view of the sensor assembly.

[0021] Figure 7 A cross-sectional top view of the sensor assembly.

[0022] Figure 8 Another cross-sectional top view of the sensor assembly.

[0023] Fig. 9 A diagram of a cleaning system for a sensor assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] like Figure 3 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the sensor assembly 30 includes a cylindrical first sensor window 32 defining an axis A, and an annular member 34 coupled to the first sensor window 32 and rotatable about the axis A. The annular member 34 includes a first liquid nozzle 36 that is aligned with the first sensor window 32 and is oriented at a first acute angle θ from a radial direction R toward the axis A in a plane P orthogonal to the axis A (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 4 ). (The adjectives "first" and "second" are used as identifiers throughout this document and are not intended to indicate importance or order).

[0025] Compared to systems using fixed nozzles, the sensor assembly 30 can provide more complete coverage when cleaning the first sensor window 32. At the same time, the sensor assembly 30 can use fewer first liquid nozzles 36 than systems using fixed nozzles, which can reduce the necessary pressure of the fluid leaving the first liquid nozzles 36, reduce fluid consumption, and reduce the power required by the pump 86 to supply the first liquid nozzles 36. The sensor assembly 30 can rotate the annular member 34 without using a motor, etc., thereby reducing the complexity and cost of the sensor assembly 30.

[0026] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the sensor assembly 30 is included on a vehicle 38. The vehicle 38 may be an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. A computer (not shown) may be configured to operate the vehicle 38 completely or to a lesser extent independently of human driver intervention. The computer may be programmed to operate one or more of a propulsion system, a braking system, a steering system, and / or other vehicle systems. If the computer operates each (i.e., all) of the propulsion system, the braking system, and the steering system, the vehicle 38 is considered to be fully autonomous.

[0027] refer to Figure 3 , the sensor assembly 30 may include a mounting bracket 40 that may be attached to a vehicle 38. For example, the mounting bracket 40 may be attached to a housing 42 that supports and houses a plurality of sensors 44, 46, 47, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The mounting bracket 40 may extend vertically relative to the vehicle 38. The mounting bracket 40 may be a rigid structure that supports the remainder of the sensor assembly 30 at a height from the remainder of the vehicle 38. The mounting bracket 40 may be integral with (i.e., a single piece with) the housing 42, or the mounting bracket 40 may be a separate piece that is fixedly attached to the housing 42, for example, via conventional attachment means (such as adhesives, fasteners, snaps, etc.).

[0028] The sensor assembly 30 includes sensors 44, 46, 47. The sensors 44, 46, 47 may provide data regarding the operation of the vehicle 38, such as wheel speed, wheel orientation, and engine and transmission data (e.g., temperature, fuel consumption, etc.). The sensors 44, 46, 47 may detect the position and / or orientation of the vehicle 38. For example, the sensors 44, 46, 47 may include: a global positioning system (GPS) sensor; an accelerometer, such as a piezoelectric system or a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS); a gyroscope, such as a rate gyroscope, a ring laser gyroscope, or a fiber optic gyroscope; an inertial measurement unit (IMU); and a magnetometer. The sensors 44, 46, 47 may detect objects and / or characteristics of the outside world, such as the surrounding environment of the vehicle 38, such as other vehicles, road lane markings, traffic lights and / or traffic signs, pedestrians, etc. For example, the sensors 44, 46, 47 may include radar sensors, scanning laser range finders, light detection and ranging (LIDAR) devices, and image processing sensors, such as cameras.

[0029] The base member 48 is fixed relative to the mounting bracket 40. The base member 48 can be directly or indirectly attached to the mounting bracket 40. The base member 48 can have a cylindrical shape. The base member 48 can have a disc-like shape, whose diameter is longer than the axial height. The base member 48 can have a groove 104 on the outer periphery of the base member 48.

[0030] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the sensors 44, 46, 47 may include a first sensor 44 and a second sensor 46. The first sensor 44 and the second sensor 46 may be LIDAR devices. LIDAR devices detect the distance to an object by emitting laser pulses of a specific wavelength and measuring the flight time of the pulses propagating to the object and returning. The first sensor 44 and the second sensor 46 are fixed relative to the mounting bracket 40 and may be attached to the mounting bracket 40 directly or via another component. The first sensor 44 and the second sensor 46 may be positioned along the axis A. The first sensor 44 may be positioned above the second sensor 46. The first sensor 44 may be positioned above the base member 48, and the second sensor 46 may be positioned below the base member 48.

[0031] The first housing 50 may enclose the first sensor 44, and the second housing 52 may enclose the second sensor 46. The housings 50, 52 may each have a cylindrical shape having a top cover 54, a bottom cover 56, and a sensor window 32, 58. The top cover 54 is above the sensor window 32, 58 (i.e., in the upward direction of the vehicle), and the bottom cover 56 is below the sensor window 32, 58 (i.e., in the downward direction of the vehicle). The bottom cover 56 of the first housing 50 and the top cover 54 of the second housing 52 may be attached to the base member 48, and the mounting bracket 40 may support the housings 50, 52 via the base member 48. Each housing 50, 52 has a side surface 60, which includes the outer side of the sensor window 32, 58 and the circumferentially extending sides of the top cover 54 and the bottom cover 56. The cylindrical shape of the housings 50, 52 defines an axis A that passes through the center of the housings 50, 52. The axis A is oriented vertically relative to the vehicle 38.

[0032] The sensor windows 32, 58 include a first sensor window 32 in the first housing 50 and a second sensor window 58 in the second housing 52. The sensor windows 32, 58 are fixed relative to the mounting bracket 40, such as by the base member 48 and the housings 50, 52. The sensor windows 32, 58 are cylindrical and may also define an axis A. The sensor windows 32, 58 extend around the axis A. The sensor windows 32, 58 may extend completely around the axis A (i.e., 360°), or partially around the axis A. The sensor windows 32, 58 extend along the axis A from a respective bottom edge 62 to a respective top edge 64. The sensor windows 32, 58 have diameters that may be equal. The diameter of each sensor window 32, 58 may be the same as the rest of the side surface 60 of the respective housing (if any); in other words, the sensor windows 32, 58 may be flush or substantially flush with the side surface 60. By "substantially flush" it is meant that the seam between the sensor window 32, 58 and the rest of the side surface 60 does not cause turbulence in the air flowing along the side surface 60. At least some of each sensor window 32, 58 is transparent to any medium that the first sensor 44 and the second sensor 46 are able to detect. For example, if the first sensor 44 and the second sensor 46 are LIDAR devices, the sensor windows 32, 58 are transparent to light of the wavelengths generated by the lasers of the first sensor 44 and the second sensor 46.

[0033] The annular member 34 extends circumferentially around the base member 48 relative to the axis A. The annular member 34 is annular. The first housing 50 and the first sensor window 32 are disposed above the annular member 34, and the second housing 52 and the second sensor window 58 are disposed below the annular member 34. The annular member 34 has an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The inner diameter may be greater than the diameter of the first housing 50 and greater than the diameter of the second housing 52.

[0034] The annular member 34 is rotatable about the axis A. The annular member 34 may be rotatably coupled to the base member 48, for example, via a bearing (not shown) or the like. Thus, the annular member 34 is rotatably coupled to the sensor windows 32, 58. The annular member 34 may have a protruding surface 106 on the inner periphery of the annular member 34. The protruding surface 106 may engage with the groove 104 of the base member 48. The annular member 34 and the base member 48 may be rotatably engaged via the groove 104 and the protruding surface 106. The groove 104 and the protruding surface 106 may help the annular member 34 and the base member 48 to align with each other. The annular member 34 may be able to rotate relative to the rest of the vehicle 38 while the mounting bracket 40, the base member 48, and the housings 50, 52 remain stationary relative to the rest of the vehicle 38.

[0035] refer to Fig. 9, the air system 66 of the vehicle 38 includes a compressor 68, an air nonreturn valve 100, an air supply line 70, an air base member passage 72, and air nozzles 78, 80. The compressor 68 and the air nozzles 78, 80 are in turn fluidly connected to each other via the air supply line 70 and the air base member passage 72 (i.e., fluid can flow from one to the other).

[0036] Compressor 68 increases the pressure of the gas by reducing the volume of the gas or by forcing additional gas into a constant volume. Compressor 68 can be any suitable type of compressor, for example: a positive displacement compressor, such as a reciprocating compressor, an ionic liquid piston compressor, a rotary screw compressor, a rotary vane compressor, a rolling piston compressor, a scroll compressor, or a diaphragm compressor; a dynamic compressor, such as a bubble compressor, a centrifugal compressor, a diagonal flow compressor, a mixed flow compressor, or an axial flow compressor; or any other suitable type.

[0037] The air check valve 100 may be located between the compressor 68 and the air supply line 70 or in the middle of the air supply line 70 (i.e., spaced apart from the end of the air supply line 70). The air check valve 100 may be positioned to prevent air flow through the air supply line 70 away from the base member 48 toward the compressor 68 (i.e., to prevent backflow). The air check valve 100 may be any suitable type of check valve, such as a ball check valve, a diaphragm check valve, a swing check valve, a stop check valve, a lift check valve, a straight-through check valve, a duckbill valve, a pneumatic check valve, etc. The air check valve 100 may improve the response time of supplying air flow through the air nozzles 78, 80 by keeping pressurized air in the air supply line 70 and the air base member passage 72. The air check valve 100 may improve the modularity of the sensor assembly 30 by allowing the sensor assembly 30 to be detached from the vehicle 38 and reattached to the vehicle 30 at the air check valve 100.

[0038] An air supply line 70 extends from the compressor 68 to an air base member passage 72. The air supply line 70 may be, for example, a flexible tube.

[0039] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 8 The base member 48 includes an air base member passage 72. The air base member passage 72 is a pipe system including an air inlet pipe 74 that receives gas from the air supply line 70 and an air outlet pipe 76 that branches from the air inlet pipe 74 to the air nozzles 78, 80. The air outlet pipe 76 can extend horizontally, such as Figure 8 and then extends vertically (ie, up and down), as best shown in Figure 6The air base member passages 72 may be the material of the base member 48 that define spaces for air to flow.

[0040] The sensor assembly 30 includes a device for drying the sensor windows 32, 58. For example, the base member 48 includes a plurality of air nozzles 78, 80 as shown, which are aimed at one or both of the sensor windows 32, 58. The air nozzles 78, 80 may include one or more first air nozzles 78 aimed at the first sensor window 32 and one or more second air nozzles 80 aimed at the second sensor window 58. The air nozzles 78, 80 are arranged circumferentially around the sensor windows 32, 58. For example, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, four first air nozzles 78 are substantially equally spaced at a radius from the axis A and are aligned with the first sensor window 32, and four second air nozzles 80 are equally spaced at the radius from the axis A and are aligned with the second sensor window 58. For example, different numbers of air nozzles 78, 80 and different distances from the axis A may be used to ensure uniform air flow through all of the air nozzles 78, 80.

[0041] refer to Fig. 9 , the liquid system 82 of the vehicle 38 includes a reservoir 84, a pump 86, a liquid check valve 102, a liquid supply line 88, a liquid base member channel 90, an annular member channel 92, and liquid nozzles 36, 94. The reservoir 84, the pump 86, and the liquid nozzles 36, 94 are fluidly connected to each other via the liquid supply line 88, the liquid base member channel 90, and the annular member channel 92 in turn (i.e., the fluid can flow from one to another). The liquid system 82 distributes the washing liquid stored in the reservoir 84 to the liquid nozzles 36, 94. In this context, "washing liquid" refers to any liquid stored in the reservoir 84 for cleaning. The washing liquid may include solvents, detergents, diluents, such as water, etc.

[0042] The reservoir 84 may be a tank that can be filled with a liquid (e.g., washer fluid for window cleaning). The reservoir 84 may be disposed at the front of the vehicle 38, specifically, in the engine compartment in front of the passenger compartment. The reservoir 84 may store washer fluid for supplying only the sensor assembly 30 or also for other purposes (such as supplying to the windshield).

[0043] The pump 86 can force the washing liquid through the liquid supply line 88 to the liquid base member passage 90 at a pressure sufficient to cause the washing liquid to be ejected from the liquid nozzles 36, 94. The pump 86 is fluidly connected to the reservoir 84. The pump 86 can be attached to or disposed in the reservoir 84. The pump 86 is sized to generate sufficient pressure to cause the fluid exiting the liquid nozzles 36, 94 to be sufficient to rotate the annular member 34, as described below.

[0044] The liquid check valve 102 may be located between the pump 86 and the air supply line 88 or in the middle of the liquid supply line 88 (i.e., spaced apart from the end of the liquid supply line 88). The liquid check valve 102 may be positioned to prevent fluid flow through the liquid supply line 88 away from the annular member 34 toward the pump 86 (i.e., to prevent backflow). The liquid check valve 102 may be any suitable type of check valve, such as a ball check valve, a diaphragm check valve, a swing check valve, a stop check valve, a lift check valve, a straight-through check valve, a duckbill valve, a pneumatic check valve, etc. The liquid check valve 102 may improve the response time of supplying fluid through the liquid nozzles 36, 94 by keeping the fluid in the liquid supply line 88, the liquid base member passage 90, and the annular member passage 92. The liquid check valve 102 may improve the modularity of the sensor assembly 30 by allowing the sensor assembly 30 to be detached from the vehicle 38 and reattached to the vehicle 30 at the liquid check valve 102 .

[0045] A liquid supply line 88 extends from the pump 86 to the liquid base member passage 90. The liquid supply line 88 may be, for example, a flexible tube.

[0046] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 , the base member 48 includes a liquid base member channel 90. The liquid base member channel 90 is a tube system that includes a liquid inlet tube 96 that receives fluid from the liquid supply line 88 and a liquid outlet tube 98 that branches from the liquid inlet tube 96 to the annular member channel 92. The liquid base member channel 90 can be the material of the base member 48, which defines a space for the fluid to flow. The liquid base member channel 90 is separated from the air base member channel 72; in other words, the liquid base member channel 90 and the air base member channel 72 are not fluidly connected (i.e., the material of the base member 48 separates the liquid base member channel 90 from the air base member channel 72).

[0047] The annular member 34 includes an annular member channel 92. The annular member channel 92 is fluidly connected to the liquid base member channel 90 and the liquid nozzles 36, 94. For a continuous 360° rotational position of the annular member 34 relative to the base member 48, the liquid base member channel 90 is fluidly connected to the annular member channel 92; in other words, as the annular member 34 rotates around the axis A, the liquid base member channel 90 is fluidly connected to the annular member channel 92 at any position of the annular member 34. The annular member channel 92 extends around the base member 48 and is partially defined by it. The annular member channel 92 can be the material of the annular member 34 and the base member 48, which defines a space for fluid flow.

[0048] The sensor assembly 30 includes means for washing the sensor windows 32 , 58 and means for rotating the annular member 34 about the axis A. The means for rotating the annular member 34 about the axis A are the same as the means for washing the sensor windows 32 , 58 .

[0049] For example, the annular member 34 includes a plurality of liquid nozzles 36, 94 that are aligned with one or both of the sensor windows 32, 58. The liquid nozzles 36, 94 are arranged circumferentially around the sensor windows 32, 58. Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, two liquid nozzles 36, 94 are equally spaced apart at a radius from the axis A and are aimed at the first sensor window 32, and two liquid nozzles 36, 94 are equally spaced apart at the radius from the axis A and are aimed at the second sensor window 58. Different numbers of liquid nozzles 36, 94 and different distances from the axis A may be used; for example, a single liquid nozzle 36 may be aimed at the first sensor window 32, and a single liquid nozzle 36 may be aimed at the second sensor window 58.

[0050] refer to Figure 4 Each liquid nozzle 36, 94 is aligned with one of the sensor windows 32, 58 and is oriented at an acute angle from a radial direction R toward the axis A in a plane P orthogonal to the axis A. For the purposes of this disclosure, the radial direction toward the axis refers to the direction of the shortest distance from the axis. For example, Figure 4 As shown, the first liquid nozzle 36 can be aligned with the first sensor window 32 and oriented at an angle θ from the radial direction R, and the second liquid nozzle 94 can be aligned with the first sensor window 32 and oriented at an angle θ from the radial direction R. Orientation. The first liquid nozzle 36 and the second liquid nozzle 94 can also be oriented upward or downward from a plane P that is orthogonal to the axis A. Angle θ, are acute angles and can be equal. Angle θ, The pressure of the fluid exiting the liquid nozzle 36 , 94 may be caused to rotate the annular member 34 at between 15° and 45°, and the fluid exiting the liquid nozzle 36 , 94 may fall onto the sensor window 32 , 58 .

[0051] In operation, the annular member 34 is rotationally driven by fluid exiting the liquid nozzles 36, 94. The pump 86 draws fluid from the reservoir 84 and delivers the fluid through the liquid supply line 88, the liquid base member passage 90, and the annular member passage 92. The force of the fluid exiting the liquid nozzles 36, 94 causes the annular member 34 to rotate in a circumferential direction opposite to the circumferential direction in which the liquid nozzles 36, 94 are aligned (in other words, in a direction such as Figure 4 As the annular member 34 rotates a full circle, the fluid leaving the liquid nozzles 36, 94 falls on 360° of the sensor windows 32, 58. The annular member 34 can be rotatably driven only by the fluid leaving the liquid nozzles 36, 94; in other words, there is no motor or the like to assist the fluid leaving the liquid nozzles 36, 94 to rotate the annular member 34.

[0052] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it will be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be words of description rather than limitation in nature. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the present disclosure may be practiced in other ways than specifically described.

[0053] According to the present invention, a sensor assembly is provided, which has: a cylindrical sensor window, which defines an axis; and an annular member, which is connected to the sensor window and can rotate about the axis, the annular member including a nozzle, which is aligned with the sensor window and oriented at an acute angle from a radial direction toward the axis in a plane orthogonal to the axis.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the nozzle is a first nozzle, the acute angle is a first acute angle, and the annular member includes a second nozzle aligned with the sensor window and oriented at a second acute angle from a radial direction toward the axis in a plane normal to the axis.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the invention is also characterized by a base member that is fixed relative to the sensor window and an annular member extends around the base member, wherein the annular member includes an annular member channel fluidly connected to the nozzle, and the base member includes a base member channel fluidly connected to the annular member channel.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the base member channel is fluidly connected to the ring member channel for a continuous 360° rotational position of the ring member relative to the base member.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the annular member channel extends around and is partially defined by the base member.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the base member channel is elongated to an opening connected to the annular member channel.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the nozzle is a liquid nozzle, the base member channel is a liquid base member channel, and the base member includes an air nozzle aligned with the sensor window and an air base member channel separate from the liquid base member channel.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the above invention also features a pump and a compressor, wherein the liquid base member channel is fluidly connected to the pump and the air base member channel is fluidly connected to the compressor.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the above invention further features a pump fluidly connected to the nozzle, wherein the pump is sized to generate sufficient pressure to cause fluid exiting the nozzle to rotate the annular member.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the nozzle is a liquid nozzle, and the sensor assembly further comprises a base member fixed relative to the sensor window, wherein the base member comprises an air nozzle aligned with the sensor window.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the base member comprises a plurality of air nozzles including the air nozzle, said air nozzles being arranged circumferentially around the sensor window.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a mounting bracket attachable to a vehicle, wherein the sensor window is fixed relative to the mounting bracket.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the sensor window is a first sensor window, and the first sensor window is disposed above the annular member, and the sensor assembly further comprises a second cylindrical sensor window, which is fixed relative to the first sensor window and disposed below the annular member.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the nozzle is a first nozzle, the acute angle is a first acute angle, and the annular member includes a second nozzle aligned with the second sensor window and oriented at a second acute angle from a radial direction toward the axis in a plane normal to the axis.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the first acute angle is equal to the second acute angle.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the first nozzle is a first liquid nozzle, the second nozzle is a second liquid nozzle, and the sensor assembly also includes a base component fixed relative to the first sensor window, wherein the base component includes a first air nozzle aligned with the first sensor window and a second air nozzle aligned with the second sensor window.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the acute angle is between 15° and 45°.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the annular member is rotatably driven only by the fluid exiting the nozzle.

[0071] According to the present invention, a sensor assembly is provided, which has: a cylindrical sensor window, which defines a shaft axis; an annular member, which is connected to the sensor window and can rotate around the axis; a device for washing the sensor window; and a device for rotating the annular member around the axis, wherein the device for rotating the annular member around the axis is the same as the device for washing the sensor window.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the above invention also features means for drying the sensor window.

Claims

1. A sensor assembly, comprising: a cylindrical sensor window defining an axis; as well as An annular member is coupled to the cylindrical sensor window and rotatable about the axis, the annular member including a nozzle aligned with the cylindrical sensor window and oriented at an acute angle from a radial direction toward the axis in a plane normal to the axis.

2. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the nozzle is a first nozzle, the acute angle is a first acute angle, and the annular member includes a second nozzle, the second nozzle is aligned with the cylindrical sensor window and is oriented at a second acute angle from a radial direction toward the axis in a plane orthogonal to the axis.

3. The sensor assembly of claim 1 further comprising a base member fixed relative to the cylindrical sensor window and the annular member extending around the base member, wherein the annular member includes an annular member channel fluidly connected to the nozzle, and the base member includes a base member channel fluidly connected to the annular member channel.

4. The sensor assembly of claim 3, wherein the base member passage is fluidly connected to the annular member passage for a continuous 360° rotational position of the annular member relative to the base member.

5. The sensor assembly of claim 3, wherein the annular member channel extends around and is partially defined by the base member.

6. The sensor assembly of claim 3, wherein the nozzle is a liquid nozzle, the base member channel is a liquid base member channel, and the base member includes an air nozzle aligned with the cylindrical sensor window and an air base member channel separate from the liquid base member channel.

7. The sensor assembly of claim 1 further comprising a pump fluidly connected to the nozzle, wherein the pump is sized to generate sufficient pressure to cause fluid exiting the nozzle to rotate the annular member.

8. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the nozzle is a liquid nozzle, the sensor assembly further comprising a base member fixed relative to the cylindrical sensor window, wherein the base member includes an air nozzle aligned with the cylindrical sensor window.

9. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical sensor window is a first sensor window, and the first sensor window is disposed above the annular member, and the sensor assembly further comprises a second cylindrical sensor window, which is fixed relative to the first sensor window and disposed below the annular member.

10. The sensor assembly of claim 9, wherein the nozzle is a first nozzle, the acute angle is a first acute angle, and the annular member includes a second nozzle, the second nozzle is aligned with the second cylindrical sensor window and is oriented at a second acute angle from a radial direction toward the axis in a plane orthogonal to the axis.

11. The sensor assembly of claim 10, wherein the first acute angle is equal to the second acute angle.

12. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the acute angle is between 15° and 45°.

13. The sensor assembly of one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the annular member is rotatably driven only by fluid exiting the nozzle.

14. A sensor assembly, comprising: a cylindrical sensor window defining an axis; an annular member coupled to the cylindrical sensor window and rotatable about the axis; means for washing said cylindrical sensor window; as well as means for rotating the annular member about the axis, wherein the means for rotating the annular member about the axis is the same as the means for washing the cylindrical sensor window.

15. The sensor assembly of claim 14, further comprising means for drying the cylindrical sensor window.

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